Podcast: Kit Parks Interviews Dave and Tina About their Galapagos Land and Sea Adventure
Kit Parks from Active Travel Adventures, Dave and Tina discuss their recent Galapagos Adventure. It's…
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of South America!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Even though the Galapagos Islands may be in one of the smallest countries in South America, they have a shockingly high diversity in landscapes, flora and fauna. Join a Galapagos Islands tour, and you'll explore from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the magical cloud forests of Santa Cruz Island. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano for jaw-dropping views of the coastline, visit the giant tortoise breeding centre at the Charles Darwin Research Station, snorkel with sea lions at Kicker Rock and wander the world heritage listed capital city of Quito. With highly trained Galapagos Islands National Park naturalist guides, your Galapagos Islands adventure will be one to remember.
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of South America!
We've found the best way to experience the incredibly abundant wildlife – in the ocean, on land and in the skies – is by spending plenty of time on the water (kayaking, snorkelling or diving) and by exploring the archipelago's many islands on foot and by bike. What our visitors don't expect is how much they'll enjoy staying ashore each night to get to know the other residents of Darwin's famous outpost, especially our guides, who are its passionate guardians and storytellers. Did we mention a mild spring-like climate year-round and incredibly welcoming locals?
The Galapagos Islands are a unique and remote set of islands located around 800 kilometres (500 miles) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The area was declared a Marine Reserve in 1986, as it is home to so many unique species. There are 7 major oceanic currents that assemble in the Galapagos marine ecosystem, making it a mecca for a mixture of wildlife - 17% of Galapagos fish species are endemic to the islands.
Unlike most other wildlife destinations, the animals in the Galapagos Islands can be seen year-round, with few migratory species and no need to wander off in search of waterholes or food. Therefore, there’s no “wrong” time to visit Galapagos, simply different times of the year have different things to see and do.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands depends on what you want to do and see. The wet season from January to June ranges between 79°F and 86°F (26°C and 30°C). The weather and water temperature is warmer, and the sea is calmer, making it a perfect time for snorkelling or diving. Many visitors also find the dry season more pleasant for land excursions with abundant wildlife and optimal conditions for sea lions, iguanas, sharks, and whales.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.