GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Galapagos Islands, Snorkel with sea lions, soak up the sun   with iguanas or marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds you – just a typical day on a Galápagos.

Far from a Traditional Tourism Trip

We want to create a hands-on learning experience. Through our interactions with Galápagos locals. Working on an established farm from a pioneering local family, we will learn about the human and natural history of the Islands. Through beautiful sightseeing, special places, and the good company of a naturalist guide and Nahual´s Galápagos specialist, we´ll understand  the intrinsic value and fragile balance of life in the Enchanted Galápagos and the many initiatives and systems in place to maintain this delicate ecosystem.

From Sustainable Farming in the Andes to Adventure in the Galapagos

On our Ecuador adventure we will have the chance  to visit 2 of its amazing regions. In the Andes we will visit Finca Palugo, which is the home base of Nahual Expediciones School. Here we will learn about sustainable farming and living practices and will have the chance to put our hands in the earth and help out on the farm. Then we will travel to the Galapagos and visit three of its inhabited  islands, where we will snorkel with playful sea lions, grazing sea turtles, majestic rays, and an abundance of tropical fish. We'll hike up an active volcano on Isabela Island and admire the second biggest caldera in the world, visit incredible lava formations and have fun surfing waves. 

About the Galapagos Islands

Dynamic Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos archipelago comprises 13 big islands, 6 medium islands, and many smaller isles. Its formation is entirely volcanic, the result of an active "hot spot" located under the easternmost islands. Galápagos is still being formed today; new eruptions happen frequently, showing us how life started on earth and evolution in action! This geological activity creates a constantly changing landscape, making the Galápagos a living laboratory for scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Remarkable Wildlife of the Galápagos

Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and the famous Darwin finches are a few examples of the special and rare species endemic to the Galápagos. The underwater world full of colorful fishes, marine turtles, sharks, and the odd Galápagos penguin swim fast like a torpedo! New species are still being discovered, as we learn more about the diversity of this amazing ecosystem. The unique adaptations of these species provide invaluable insights.

The Unique Galápagos Ecosystem

The Galápagos are completely oceanic; they were never in contact with the mainland, so all the wildlife arrived by their own means to the islands. All these species had to pass through a fascinating process of adaptation to this new and challenging environment. Because of their prolonged isolation on the archipelago, the Galápagos ecosystem is very special and unique. Many species of plants and animals are found exclusively here and nowhere else on Earth. This isolation has led to the evolution of distinctive and diverse species.

Activities

  • Learn from Nature & Local Farms

    We will learn about the natural and human history of the islands and have the chance to visit and help on some of the island farms and learn about the farming systems. This will provide a deeper understanding of how the islands' ecology influences local agriculture.

  • Explore Galapagos Culture & Community

    While in the Galápagos, we will support the local economy and interact with the people of each island by immersing ourselves in the culture of the Galapagueños.  Interesting talks about the islands and Palugo will be given while on the trip.

  • Discover the Beauty

    The Galápagos Islands are a unique and inspiring place; the archipelago was declared  a National Park in 1959 and 98% of the land is protected due to its incredible and unique ecology. You will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes, intense red-orange sunsets, and inspiring wildlife.

Discover the enchanting beauty of the Galapagos Islands – your ultimate adventure awaits!"

Biology

The Galápagos wildlife encounters and sightings are special, just like the marvelous volcanic setting in these remote Pacific Islands. Like all island ecosystems, Galápagos is very fragile. Traveling the islands requires great sensitivity and responsibility.