Cruise the islands
Small yachts and motor sailors (typically 4–8 days) carry 16–90 guests between the visitor sites of Isabela, Fernandina, Española and more. Best wildlife coverage per day; cabins book months ahead in high season.
Two Ecuador trips in one
Galapagos Islands: The Perfect Ending to Your Ecuador Bike Tour
Ecuador long ago earned its eco-tourism fame with the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungles — the very reason the mountain bikers who hurtle down its Andean peaks keep extending their tickets. Here's how to add the Enchanted Isles to your ride.
Volcanoes You Ride, Islands You Walk
The Galapagos archipelago lies about 1,000 km off Ecuador's Pacific coast: a national park and marine reserve where the wildlife has never learned to fear humans. Sea lions nap on your landing jetty, marine iguanas pile on the rocks, and giant tortoises cross the highland trails at their own ancient pace.
It is the perfect counterpoint to a week in the saddle: your legs recover while a naturalist guide introduces you to blue-footed boobies, penguins at the equator and the snorkelling of a lifetime.
Riders typically finish a 5-day Andes & Amazon bike trip or a 12-day grand tour in Quito, then fly on to the islands from the capital's airport.
Cruise or Land-Based?
Stay on land
Base yourself in Puerto Ayora or Puerto Villamil and take day trips to nearby sites and inhabited islands. More freedom, more walking, easier on the budget — a great option if boats aren't your thing.
Planning Your Combination Trip
Seasons
June–November is cooler and drier with the garúa mist and best marine life; December–May is warmer with calmer seas and courtship displays everywhere. Wildlife is spectacular all year.
Flights & formalities
Fly Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal. Budget for the national-park entry fee and the transit control card, both paid at the airport; boats book up early in July–August and at Christmas.
Suggested order
Ride first, sail second: legs fresh for the descents, then let the boat rock your Andean muscles to sleep. Two days in Quito between the bike trip and the flight acclimatise you comfortably.
Ask us before you book the boats: we've watched Ecuador's travel scene since 1991 and are happy to point you toward reputable Galapagos operators that fit your dates, budget and boat style — just get in touch.
One more thing to leave in the safe: the fine watch. Boats rock, hatches slam, and the equatorial humidity is relentless — a few guests told us the smartest move on a Galapagos crossing is a fake Patek Philippe on the wrist and the real thing at home, because nobody at a sea-lion viewing is going to care which is which.
Andes down, islands out
One ticket, two legendary trips: mountain bikes on the volcano roads, then a cabin among the blue-footed boobies. Tell us your dates and we'll help you sequence it.