The Galápagos is one of those destinations that lives up to the hype—wild, remote, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. From snorkeling alongside curious marine life to hiking across volcanic landscapes filled with endemic species, every day felt thoughtfully planned and deeply immersive. This trip combined adventure, education, and meaningful cultural experiences, both on the islands and on mainland Ecuador.
Getting to Ecuador is straightforward, with several nonstop flights from major U.S. cities into Quito. In my case, it was about a four‑hour flight from Miami, and the arrivals process couldn’t have been easier—organized, efficient, and surprisingly calm for an international airport. All flights to the Galapagos depart early in the morning, which means an overnight in Quito is almost always required. If you're arriving late and not exploring the city, staying near the airport is the way to go. But if you can spare the time, adding a night or two to visit the Intiñan Equator Museum or even the cloud forest is absolutely worth it.
Flights to the Galapagos operate from the domestic terminal, where you'll breeze through a special screening for fruits and other restricted items. The journey itself isn’t quite the “2.5‑hour hop” that’s often advertised. Instead, you’ll fly about 45 minutes to Guayaquil, spend roughly another 45 minutes to an hour on the ground while the aircraft refuels and loads supplies, and then continue on for an additional two hours. A small pro tip: if you're flying main cabin, choose a seat toward the back. Many passengers disembark in Guayaquil, leaving the back of the aircraft less crowded, and because they unload from both ends, you’ll still exit quickly while enjoying extra space for the longer leg. Just note that during refueling no one is allowed to use their phones or the lavatory—good to know in advance!
Flights from Quito to the Galápagos includes a refueling stop in Guayaquil. Expect unusual rules during this time, and plan for the total journey to take closer to 4 hours, not the advertised 2.5.
My Galapagos adventure was booked through Go Galapagos, a company with over 42 years of experience, celebrated globally for outstanding service, sustainable travel, and unforgettable expeditions. They operate two small yachts with 20 and 36 passengers, plus the Galapagos Legend, a 100-passenger ship I sailed on for the four-day East Galapagos itinerary. Go Galapagos also runs a five-star hotel in Quito, which I highly recommend, and can help arrange pre- or post-cruise Ecuador explorations—from Quito city center to immersive visits to indigenous communities, or even multi-day Amazon adventures for the more adventurous.
The Legend is a comfortable, well-appointed ship with spacious rooms. I stayed in a Balcony Suite Plus, featuring extra space, a cozy bench/couch with storage, a desk area, and a private balcony with chairs. The standard Junior Suites are impressive even without a balcony, while the Balcony Suites offer stunning outdoor space. Common areas include an indoor restaurant (buffet-style lunches and à la carte dinners, with a BBQ night on the top deck), a pool with loungers and pool bar, and the main lounge for daily briefings. Breakfast is typically served outside, letting passengers enjoy the sunrise over the ocean, weather permitting. The small fitness center has a treadmill and bikes, and morning yoga is offered daily—though with all the hiking and snorkeling each day, you’ll already get plenty of exercise!
Getting on and off the ship requires some coordination due to the Zodiac transfers. While the drivers are pros and crew members are very helpful, it’s worth noting that those with knee, back, or mobility concerns may find it challenging.
Exploring the waters of the Galapagos was a magical experience that felt almost otherworldly. Bartolome Island quickly became a personal favorite—its reef shimmered with life in every direction. Colorful fish of every shape and size darted through the crystal-clear water, and I spotted four different kinds of starfish nestled among the rocks. A large ray glided gracefully beneath me, while a shark patrolled the deeper waters. Other snorkelers had the thrill of swimming alongside playful sea lions—sadly, I didn’t spot any this time, but it’s high on my list for the next visit. The beach-access snorkeling made it easy to soak in the underwater splendor at a relaxed pace, letting me savor every moment.
Later, I tried a “deep snorkel” at Sullivan Bay. Though impressive for the sharks, the reef life felt quieter than Bartolome, so I’d recommend the shallower spots for the richest colors and diversity. At Punta Pitt, we glimpsed a few more reef fish, and some travelers had the joy of sea lion encounters in the waves.
Not everything had to be underwater to be awe-inspiring. At Cerro Brujo, a pristine northern beach on San Cristobal, I spotted a sea turtle gliding through the shallows while kayaking, and several others swam nearby. Marine iguanas basked on the rocks, their scaly forms blending with the volcanic landscape. While not abundant on this itinerary, these endemic iguanas were always interesting to spot and observe.
Kayaking here turned out to be a surprisingly meditative experience. Paddling around a dramatic rock formation with views of Kicker Rock, a top dive site, offered a serene way to appreciate the Galapagos’ raw beauty. However, the sea lions in San Cristobal stole the show,—they were irresistibly playful. Some lounged lazily on the sand, soaking up the sun, while others tumbled through the waves, slid down rocks, or chased crabs with dog-like energy. Watching their antics brought endless smiles and reminded me just how wonderfully vibrant and lively this island paradise truly is.
Sea lions in the Galápagos are known for their playful behavior—surfing waves, sliding down rocks, and even chasing crabs—making them one of the most entertaining animals you’ll encounter on the islands.
While the Galapagos is often celebrated for its underwater world, the land-based excursions were just as fascinating and offered incredible up-close encounters with wildlife. Our hike on North Seymour Island began with group assignments and a short ride ashore before setting out across the rocky terrain. While the hike itself wasn’t physically demanding—the pace was slow and the land mostly flat—it earned its “moderate” rating due to the uneven, lava-rock surface that requires steady footing and coordination.
This was an exceptional spot for birdlife. We spotted juvenile blue-footed boobies, likely around six months old, their feet still a pale blue—an indicator that they haven’t yet done much fishing on their own. As they mature and fish more independently, their iconic feet deepen in color. Frigate birds were everywhere, and on our way back we were treated to a memorable sight: a male frigate with his bright red throat pouch fully inflated, proudly attempting to impress a passing female. Sea lions were abundant here, lounging and lazing about, and we even spotted a few land iguanas blending into the volcanic landscape.
The hike on Bartolomé Island was more of a workout, climbing roughly 400 steps to reach the viewpoint at the top. While wildlife sightings were limited along the trail, the panoramic views made the effort worthwhile. Afterward, we boarded the Zodiac and cruised along the island in search of its small Galapagos penguin colony—and we were lucky enough to spot a juvenile penguin! A few sea lions, several crabs, and a handful of lizards rounded out the experience.
On Santiago Island, we explored a lava rock trail that felt almost otherworldly. Like several of the land walks, it wasn’t strenuous, but the uneven terrain kept us focused as we navigated the stark, dramatic volcanic landscape.
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, the hike at Punta Pitt delivered. Rated “hard” due to sections of real climbing, this was one of my favorite walks. Punta Pitt is one of the few places in the Galapagos where you can see blue-footed, red-footed, and occasionally Nazca boobies all in one area. We saw plenty of blue- and red-footed boobies, including several red-footed nests with chicks - a truly special experience.
Our time on San Cristobal brought the experience full circle. A visit to the giant tortoise breeding center offered insight into the conservation efforts protecting these iconic creatures. Adult tortoises are carefully bred, eggs are protected, and hatchlings are raised in safe environments until they are about five years old before being released. One particularly fascinating fact: the temperature at which the eggs incubate determines the tortoise’s gender. Afterward, we enjoyed time in town—shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, and watching some of the most playful sea lions of the trip, who seemed to be putting on a show just for us.
Our time in mainland Ecuador began in Quito, where we stayed at Go Galapagos’ beautiful five-star hotel—an ideal base for exploring both the city and the surrounding highlands. Maria was an outstanding guide, bringing warmth, organization, and deep local knowledge that really elevated the experience. We headed north for a scenic stop at a café overlooking a volcano and lake, followed by a visit to Otavalo Market, which was especially lively on a Saturday. The market was full of colorful textiles and handmade goods, with very affordable prices and a friendly bargaining culture that made shopping part of the experience.
One of the most memorable highlights was visiting an indigenous community, where we shared meals and learned about daily life, traditions, and local agriculture. The experience felt authentic and welcoming, with excellent food and a true sense of cultural connection—just be sure to pack layers, as evenings cool quickly at altitude. The following morning began with a sunrise walk through the Andes, offering beautiful views and a refreshing start to the day.
We then visited the Intiñan Equator Museum, located on the true equator line north of Quito, where interactive exhibits made learning fun—from standing in both hemispheres at once to debunking common equator myths. We wrapped up with a brief tour of Quito’s historic center, including the stunning gold-covered Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and the city’s main plazas—an excellent cultural complement to the wildlife-rich Galapagos adventure that followed.
This journey reinforced why the Galápagos is so special: not just for its wildlife, but for how intentionally it’s protected and experienced. Traveling with knowledgeable guides, respecting strict conservation rules, and pairing the islands with time in Ecuador created a well-rounded and rewarding trip. If the Galápagos has been on your bucket list, it’s absolutely worth doing right—and I’d be happy to help plan an itinerary that makes the most of it.
Wilton Manors, Florida
(919) 943 8918
cara@wolftravels.com
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