Galapagos tailor made vacation

Planet

This is a very special itinerary that enables you to make the most of the Galapagos Islands from the land, rather than from a boat, as most visitors do. It gives you the chance to enter into the world of the inhabitants that live their daily lives there. By staying at locally-owned hotels and taking locally run tours and transfers, you will be supporting an alternative livelihood for people who previously relied on illegal fishing practices for their income and have weakened the islands' marine ecosystem . In particular, fishermen removed so many large predatory fishes and lobsters from the sea that huge numbers of sea urchins were able to colonise the area. They then overgrazed the coral, damaging it further and preventing it re-establishing. As a result, 45 endemic species are now globally threatened.

Each day when you visit the National Park you will travel with an official guide who offers fascinating insights and explanations of the islands. All our inland excursions adhere to the park's strict guidelines to protect the environment and facilitate conservation efforts. You will receive daily talks giving you background on the islands as well as information on how you can minimise your environmental impact during your stay. On your return to the UK we can also suggest ways that you can stay in contact with and support conservation projects in the Galapagos Islands.

People

You will be staying in small, friendly, family-run hotels that have been chosen to enhance your insider perspective of Galapagos life. Our Ecuadorian partners have built special relationships with the owners of the hotels and you may well do so too! Most dinners are at local eateries which attract few visitors, who generally stay on the cruise ships, but which offer some exceptional food unique to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands. In addition, you will be accompanied by a guide who is native to the islands, which ensures a high quality experience and insight into life there.

This itinerary is designed to help support locally owned businesses and ensures the money spent on the islands, stays on the islands. This is important because it offers the communities in Galapagos an alternative form of income, reducing their reliance on unsustainable fishing practices and encouraging local conservation of the flora, fauna and natural environment.