Travelling to the Galápagos Islands

Genovesa is a paradise for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. The trails at Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps offer opportunities to spot a wide variety of species, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The surrounding waters are also ideal for snorkelling, with chances to encounter sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays.

North Seymour is an exceptional place to observe wildlife up close. On the island’s hiking trails, you can encounter land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Between arid landscapes and rugged coastline, the island is home to a remarkable concentration of emblematic Galapagos species.

Santa Fé stands out for its wildlife, vegetation, and rugged landscapes. The island is home to the impressive Santa Fé land iguana, which can be spotted while hiking through a forest of giant cacti. Galapagos hawks and lava lizards also inhabit the island. Snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters offers the chance to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, and rays.

Nestled at an altitude of 700 metres in the crater of an extinct volcano, El Junco Lagoon is one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galapagos Islands. A trail leads to this spectacular site, offering panoramic views over San Cristóbal. It is also a prime spot for watching frigatebirds bathe, along with several other bird species.

Genovesa is a paradise for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. The trails at Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps offer opportunities to spot a wide variety of species, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The surrounding waters are also ideal for snorkelling, with chances to encounter sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays.

North Seymour is an exceptional place to observe wildlife up close. On the island’s hiking trails, you can encounter land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Between arid landscapes and rugged coastline, the island is home to a remarkable concentration of emblematic Galapagos species.

Santa Fé stands out for its wildlife, vegetation, and rugged landscapes. The island is home to the impressive Santa Fé land iguana, which can be spotted while hiking through a forest of giant cacti. Galapagos hawks and lava lizards also inhabit the island. Snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters offers the chance to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, and rays.

Nestled at an altitude of 700 metres in the crater of an extinct volcano, El Junco Lagoon is one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galapagos Islands. A trail leads to this spectacular site, offering panoramic views over San Cristóbal. It is also a prime spot for watching frigatebirds bathe, along with several other bird species.

Encebollado is a warm fish soup made with albacore tuna, cassava, onion, and cilantro. Its fragrant, lightly spiced broth is topped with pickled onions and is typically enjoyed with chifles (thin slices of fried plantain). This hearty dish is enjoyed as early as breakfast.

Arroz marinero is a hearty seafood rice dish that is very popular in the Galapagos Islands. Made with shrimp, squid, mussels, and other seafood, it is seasoned with garlic, bell pepper, cilantro, and spices. Lightly spiced, it is typically served with patacones (fried plantains), avocado, lime, and pickled onions.

Bolón de verde is a traditional Ecuadorian dish made from green plantain, cooked and mashed before being shaped into a ball with fresh cheese, chicharrón (crispy pork), or a combination of both. Tender with a lightly crisp texture, it brings together rich flavours and satisfying contrasts. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast, it is often served with an egg and a cup of coffee.

Helado de paila is a traditional Ecuadorian ice cream made in a copper paila using fruit juice or pulp. Chilled over a bed of ice and salt, it develops a smooth yet slightly grainy texture. Available in fruity flavours such as blackberry, passion fruit, and mango, this refreshing treat is well worth trying in the Galapagos Islands.

Higos con queso is a traditional Ecuadorian dessert that pairs green figs preserved in a cinnamon-scented panela syrup with mildly salty fresh cheese. Tender, sweet, and delicately spiced, the figs create a delicious sweet-and-savoury contrast with the generous serving of cheese.

Encebollado is a warm fish soup made with albacore tuna, cassava, onion, and cilantro. Its fragrant, lightly spiced broth is topped with pickled onions and is typically enjoyed with chifles (thin slices of fried plantain). This hearty dish is enjoyed as early as breakfast.

Arroz marinero is a hearty seafood rice dish that is very popular in the Galapagos Islands. Made with shrimp, squid, mussels, and other seafood, it is seasoned with garlic, bell pepper, cilantro, and spices. Lightly spiced, it is typically served with patacones (fried plantains), avocado, lime, and pickled onions.

Bolón de verde is a traditional Ecuadorian dish made from green plantain, cooked and mashed before being shaped into a ball with fresh cheese, chicharrón (crispy pork), or a combination of both. Tender with a lightly crisp texture, it brings together rich flavours and satisfying contrasts. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast, it is often served with an egg and a cup of coffee.

Helado de paila is a traditional Ecuadorian ice cream made in a copper paila using fruit juice or pulp. Chilled over a bed of ice and salt, it develops a smooth yet slightly grainy texture. Available in fruity flavours such as blackberry, passion fruit, and mango, this refreshing treat is well worth trying in the Galapagos Islands.

Higos con queso is a traditional Ecuadorian dessert that pairs green figs preserved in a cinnamon-scented panela syrup with mildly salty fresh cheese. Tender, sweet, and delicately spiced, the figs create a delicious sweet-and-savoury contrast with the generous serving of cheese.