Tour: 7-Day Galapagos Bike Tour

Lunch and Dinner Provided.

This morning we’ll take a short flight to one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. We’ll land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a small town of around 6,000 people, which is the administrative capital of the Galapagos. After sampling some of the local cuisines we’ll get you paired up with one of our mountain bikes and head off on a bike ride to a beach called La Loberia, home to a large number of curious sea lions! You’ll have plenty of time to photograph them sun bathing on the beach and swimming in the water. After your sea lion encounter, we'll take you on a circuit around town to help you get your bearings. The ride will end with you visiting the Interpretation Center. You’ll learn about the interesting history of the archipelago – everything from mysterious deaths and penal colonies to the impact they had on Charles Darwin. As the sun sets, we’ll bike back to town and get ready for a welcome dinner at a small local restaurant.

Biking details: 15km. Easy, mostly level ground.

Breakfast and Lunch Provided.

Yesterday was the cycling warm-up for today’s challenge! You’ll cycle up into the rolling hills of San Cristobal Island, passing through town and across the island to Puerto Chino, perhaps the most beautiful beach in the archipelago. Along the way we may have time to stop to visit a coffee farm (Coffee is the largest export from the Galapagos Islands). Stopping at El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos, you’ll have reached an elevation of 600m. After a picnic lunch break and with the allure of soft, sandy beaches ahead your cycling journey presses on towards Puerto Chino. A break at Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado will signal that you're almost at your destination! This site is located only a few km from Puerto Chino and is home to giant tortoises and endemic plants of the Galapagos. Upon arrival at Puerto Chino, you’re free to relax on the beach or cool down and go swimming, before taking a relaxing truck ride back down to town. If interested, you have the option to cycle back to town at your own pace.

Biking details: 25-40km. Moderate-Difficult. Some lengthy uphill portions. Easier return to town.

Breakfast and Lunch Provided.

Today you’ll get a break from biking, as it’s a day of discovering the underwater wonders of the Galapagos Islands. First you’ll cruise along the coastline towards Frigatebird Hill, looking for sea birds including the Great Frigate and famous Blue-Footed Booby. Anchoring in some calm waters near the coast, you’ll get your fins wet in search of rays, damselfish, puffer fish, and, hopefully, curious sea lion pups. Marine iguanas are commonly seen here as well, sunning themselves on the lava rocks along the coast. From here, you continue to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) to explore the final remains of an impressive volcanic tuff cone that rises more than 143m out of the ocean! Along the edge and through a channel of this compacted ash formation, you’ll be on the lookout for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, perhaps a Galapagos Shark or two. Each trip to Kicker Rock is different; other rare encounters travelers have enjoyed seeing out here include dolphins, and hammerhead sharks!

The boat will then head over to Puerto Grande, where you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch meal on the boat (food is not allowed on shore). After eating, jump in the water for a swim or wander around the beautiful beach. Sometimes sea lions and marine iguanas are found along here, while other times an impromptu game of beach volleyball has been known to happen. Head back to town late afternoon. You have a free night for dinner tonight, we’ll be sure to offer you plenty of suggestions.

Diving: Occasionally, the option to dive is available. Please inquire in advance.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided.

This Morning we'll take an early flight in a small plane to Isabela island, the largest island in the Archipelago. After checking into our hotel we’ll gear up to explore a protected bay and search for the Galapagos Penguin – the only penguin found north of the Equator. We’ll hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras or Shark Alley, an isolated islet and popular Iguana-nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Afterwards, you can test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that’s home to a variety of colorful fish and winding, inundated lava tubes. Green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom often frequent this area.

After lunch we will grab a bike step back in time to visit the Wall of Tears. Built by convicts and still standing over 50 years later, this landmark is a remnant of Isabela’s penal colony past. Make sure you watch your step – this is also an area where juvenile giant tortoises have been reintroduced to the wild. It’s a lovely bike ride. There are stop offs along the way that look into the brackish lagoons like Poza de las Diablas and tucked away beaches like Playa del Amor.

Our final stop will be at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. The center has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own! 

Biking details: 14km. Easy-Moderate. Mainly flat, some sandy portions.

Breakfast and Lunch Provided

Today you’ll need hiking boots and biking shoes, as the second largest volcanic caldera in the world is waiting for you! A truck will take you and your bikes up to Sierra Negra Volcano, which last erupted in October 2005. From your starting point it is a decent hike to get to the immense crater. Hiking to the perimeter of the caldera, be on the lookout for birds only found in the highlands, including the Vermillion Flycatcher and the short-eared owl. You’ll notice a stark contrast in the vegetation up here compared to back in town. The cool, misty highlands are perfect for your bike journey back to town. On the way, you’ll explore the highlands and possibly make a stop for lunch at a remote farm or restaurant. Back in Puerto Villamil, the rest of the day is free for you to cycle around town, check out the mangrove wetlands and wildlife or enjoy some drinks at a beach bar. You’re on your own for dinner tonight, but we’re happy to give you suggestions of our favorite spots. 

Biking details: 20-30km. Easy-Moderate. Mostly downhill, some rough road patches.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided.

This morning we will take a boat to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival to Puerto Ayora, we’ll head up to the highlands for a scenic bike ride and a bit of immersion into the Galapagos rural way of living. Your final bike ride is done at a fairly leisurely pace and you’ll visit a giant lava tunnel as well as some points of interest off-the-beaten path. Keep your eyes peeled as you pedal, wild tortoises may be encountered on your ride! Enjoy some free time before dinner to shop for souvenirs or wander around Puerto Ayora.

Biking details: 25km. Easy-Moderate. Mostly downhill, some rough road patches.

Breakfast Provided.

Today is the lasgt day of your tour. We will transfer you to Baltra island where you will take a flight to the mainland. You will be arriving to Quito late afternoon.

If you are spending more time in Ecuador, you may want to book a day tour or excursion to see another part of the country.