Wilderness Adventures in Ecuador & the Galápagos
Swim with reef sharks & penguins, dine in a lava tube restaurant & mix agave cocktails at the Equator
Package includes
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
About your trip
When Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835, he knew he’d found something special. Nearly two centuries later, this otherworldly archipelago remains a traveller’s dream.
Over nine days, you’ll kayak, bike and hike your way around these isolated Pacific isles, coming face to face with the famously fearless wildlife. Think staying on a giant tortoise reserve where you’ll dine in a lava tube restaurant. Or snorkelling with white-tipped reef sharks before climbing the crater of the mighty Sierra Negra volcano.
And let’s not forget your mainland base: Quito. Here, you’ll sample the world’s finest cocoa and stand with one foot in each hemisphere before bonding with your group over agave nectar cocktails.
This is what once-in-a-lifetime really looks like.
- Touch down in the capital Quito, surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take your to your hotel
- Head to a local restaurant in the picturesque old town and get to know your group over a traditional welcome feast
- Take a walking tour of the Unesco-listed city, with its steep cobbled streets, faded baroque monasteries and quaint colonial churches
- Visit a food market where you’ll take part in a cleansing with a local ‘curandero’ (healer), mix your own exotic fruit juice and sample some tasty artisanal chocolate
- Stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the equator line at Mitad Del Mundo before enjoying some agave cocktails with your group
- Catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands, and start your wildlife adventure by searching for sea lions and reef sharks on a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion
- Journey up into the beautiful highlands of Santa Cruz Island where you’ll be staying on a glampsite surrounded by giant tortoises – a truly unique experience
- Take fine dining to a whole new level as you enjoy dinner with your group in a unique lava tunnel restaurant, located 70 feet underground
- Hike up the largest volcanic crater on Santa Cruz for 360-degree island views; descend into the crater’s base to explore the unique flora and fauna inside
- Mountain bike down smooth tarmac to beautiful Garrapatero Beach where you’ll spend the afternoon snorkelling and relaxing on the white sand
- Join an expert naturalist guide and embark on a motor yacht excursion to some of the smaller, more remote islands; your crew will prepare a delicious lunch on board
- Search for iconic wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, nesting frigates and penguins, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, albatrosses and spinner dolphins too
- Travel by speedboat to Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos islands, with its skyline of rumbling volcanoes
- Snorkel with reef sharks in the crystalline water of the Tintoreras islets; don’t be surprised if some friendly penguins, turtles or inquisitive sea lions join you too
- Bike Isabela’s Wetlands Trail to experience different ecosystems; stop off at the historic Wall of Tears where World War II prisoners were held
- Hike up the mighty Sierra Negra volcano, 1,000 metres above sea level, to gaze out across the world’s second largest caldera
- Continue past lava fields and fumaroles to the rim of Volcán Chico where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of a ‘jaboncillo’ tree before some R&R on the beach
- Say goodbye to the enchanted Galápagos Islands catch a flight back to the mainland
- Gather with your group for for a farewell dinner of Ecuadorian fusion cuisine and celebrate the end of an extraordinary adventure
- After breakfast, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a taxi
- Arrive home feeling awed by your one-of-a-kind Ecuador adventure; you’ve witnessed some of the world’s most incredible wildlife alongside a whole new group of friends
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Casona de la Ronda, Quito
Experience a taste of historical Ecuador in this elegant Old Town hotel. The characterful 18th-century townhouse is full of period features, from thick stone walls and chunky beams to shuttered windows and an elegant plant-draped atrium, creating a sanctuary of inner-city calm.
Magic Galápagos, Santa Cruz
High up in the wilderness of Santa Cruz’s highlands, these raised safari tents and elevated tree houses have gorgeous ocean views. Waking up surrounded by nature, you’ll share your 40-hectare private reserve with hundreds of giant tortoises who call the island home.
Iguana Crossing, Isabela
In a dreamy location, between a pristine beach and a natural lagoon, this cutting-edge design hotel has an upscale Miami vibe. Appearing like a mirage out of Isabela’s volcanic landscape, there’s a huge rooftop terrace, sleek pool and hot tub – perfect for sunset cocktails.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We suggest that you arrive in Quito before 2 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you whenever you arrive.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from your final hotel.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which will cost 25-30 USD.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
- Drivers: 5 USD per day
- Naturalist guides on the Galápagos Islands: 10 USD per day
- Galápagos boat captain: 2 USD per day
Some Pack Leaders will collect a kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips. However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Are park entry fees included?
All non-resident foreign tourists to the Galápagos Islands pay 100 USD on arrival to help fund community and conservation work. This fee is included in the cost of your trip.
The Transit Control Card (TCT) is also included in the cost of your trip and will be bought by your Pack Leader upon arrival at Quito airport.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
Overall, this trip is moderately active with a 1.5-hour hike up the Sierra Negra volcano, as well as some shorter hikes, an easy downhill mountain bike ride and activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Good footwear, such as hiking boots or lightweight runners, is essential for the volcano hike as the terrain is rocky and uneven. We also recommend bringing waterproof sandals for wet landings on the islands.
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Do I need to be able to swim?
This trip involves several water-based activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you’re not comfortable with water, there’s no obligation to take part and you can relax on terra firma.
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Are there any luggage restrictions for the Galápagos flight?
Your luggage allowance for your the Galápagos islands is 23 kg in the hold and 8 kg hand luggage. This applies to both the flight and the internal boat transfers.
To protect the vulnerable and unique habitats and wildlife on the Galápagos Islands, visitors are not allowed to bring any plant materials or unprocessed food products. Small quantities of pre-wrapped items, such as chocolate bars, are fine.
Luggage is checked at the airport and you’ll be asked to fill out a form and given an approval label to attach to your bags.
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What is the accommodation like on the giant tortoise reserve?
This is a simple but comfortable safari-style lodge in a stunning rural setting. There are six twin tents and four treehouses, which can booked as a single supplement, if space allows. The lodge doesn’t offer private shower facilities and there is one shower for men and one shower for women.
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Will the Pack Leader be with us throughout the trip?
For this trip, you will have two different guides: one for Quito and one for the Galápagos Islands. This is because the Galápagos National Park has its own certified guides. Your Quito guide will drop your group at the airport and you will be met by your second guide on arrival at Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll do our best to ensure it has little impact on your adventure. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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