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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Survival of the Fittest: Hiking, Biking & Water Sports on the Galápagos Islands

Program No. 21577RJ
Learn the ever-evolving story of the Galápagos Islands as you join local experts to hike, bike, snorkel and swim your way through one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

Get up close to the amazing wildlife and surreal landscapes of the Galápagos Islands as you hike, snorkel, paddle and bike your way from one unforgettable natural scene to the next. Along the way, naturalists and local experts illuminate the unusual birds, sea life and terrestrial animals that have evolved in “nature’s laboratory.” This learning adventure is an opportunity to experience the islands’ unique environments in a way that most visitors to the Galápagos seldom do.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to 4-5 hours at a time over varied terrain. Trails are easy or moderately challenging; volcano hike is challenging. Island transfers can be in rough waters. Kayak and paddle board on calm bays. Biking on sandy coastal roads. Elevations of 5,600 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Come into contact with the rich wildlife of the Galápagos Islands while hiking, biking and kayaking.
  • Snorkel off remote beaches in search of marine life and hike up to the edge of the second largest caldera in the world.
  • Get fascinating insight from expert naturalists into the survival and adaptive techniques of the indigenous animals, including Blue-footed Boobies, Darwin's finches and giant tortoises.

General Notes

Participants on this program will be accommodated in different room types. Please see the hotel record for the room types and descriptions.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Fernando Icaza
Fernando Icaza was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port. He has spent more than 16 years educating visitors about Guayaquil and his lovely country. Fernando is particularly proud of his hometown's miraculous rebirth, transforming itself from a ragged port city to a cosmopolitan cultural center. In his free time, Fernando likes to practice yoga and psychophysical gymnastics, relax at the beach with his family, and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of nature.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Fernando Icaza
Fernando Icaza View biography
Fernando Icaza was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port. He has spent more than 16 years educating visitors about Guayaquil and his lovely country. Fernando is particularly proud of his hometown's miraculous rebirth, transforming itself from a ragged port city to a cosmopolitan cultural center. In his free time, Fernando likes to practice yoga and psychophysical gymnastics, relax at the beach with his family, and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of nature.
Profile Image of Juan Carlos Naranjo
Juan Carlos Naranjo View biography
Juan Carlos Naranjo became a naturalist expedition leader in the Galapagos Islands National Park in the late 1980s. He has worked on expedition vessels in the Galapagos Islands as a scuba diving leader as well as an onboard naturalist, and he has even been featured in a few internationally syndicated documentaries.
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