Galapagos multi activity tour, land based

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Responsible Use of Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are necessary as the Galápagos Islands lie around 600 miles from mainland Ecuador, with no feasible overland or sea alternatives that fit the tour duration. Including these flights ensures efficient access while allowing more time to explore and support conservation-focused activities on the islands, after which all further travel is conducted using shared local transport such as ferries, speedboats, and minibuses.

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 travellers, ensuring that transport is shared rather than private, which helps reduce per-person CO? emissions.

Human-powered activities
A number of activities are non-motorised and low-impact, including:
• Kayaking excursions (Tintoreras and coastal areas)
• Hiking (e.g. Sierra Negra Volcano and highland reserves)
• Walking tours and wildlife exploration across islands
These reduce reliance on motorised transport while providing immersive experiences.

Reducing plastic waste and resource consumption
Travellers are encouraged to use reusable Water-to-Go filtration bottles, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Guidance is also provided to minimise waste, remove excess packaging, and reduce environmental impact.

Responsible travel behaviour guidance
Customers are advised to:
• Conserve water and electricity (e.g. switching off lights and air conditioning)
• Avoid littering and reduce waste
• Use biodegradable products such as sunscreen and toiletries

This helps reduce the environmental footprint during the trip.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Support for protected areas and conservation funding
All travellers are required to pay the Galapagos National Park fee (USD 200), which directly funds conservation efforts, biodiversity protection, and local community services. The INGALA Transit Control Card system also regulates visitor numbers and protects the ecosystem from overuse and unauthorised access.

Environmental education and awareness
Visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station provide insight into endemic species and conservation programmes. Travellers learn about ongoing efforts to protect the islands’ biodiversity and ecosystems.

Naturalist-led wildlife experiences
The tour is led by a local naturalist guide, ensuring that wildlife encounters (such as snorkelling with sea turtles, rays, penguins, and sea lions) are conducted responsibly, with interpretation and education to support understanding of the environment.

Low-impact interaction with ecosystems
Activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking allow travellers to experience marine and terrestrial ecosystems without permanent infrastructure or habitat disruption. Wildlife is observed in its natural habitat rather than in captive or controlled environments.

Strict environmental controls and biosecurity
Luggage inspections are carried out before entering the Galapagos to prevent the introduction of foreign seeds or organisms. This helps protect the islands’ unique biodiversity from invasive species.

Waste reduction and environmental responsibility
Travellers are encouraged to reduce plastic use, take waste home where possible, and use environmentally friendly products, helping to minimise pollution in a region with sensitive ecosystems.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Use of local accommodation
The tour uses hotels in Quito and locally operated 3-star properties in the Galapagos Islands, contributing to the domestic hospitality sector.

Local transport and service providers
All transport within the Galapagos (ferries, speedboats, and transfers) uses local operators. This ensures tourism revenue supports local businesses and infrastructure.

Support for conservation-linked economies
Fees paid for entry to the Galapagos National Park contribute directly to conservation efforts as well as local services such as education and healthcare, supporting communities living within the islands.

Optional local experiences
Optional Quito city tours include local guides, meals with locals, and visits to family-run businesses such as the Cruz Verde workshop, supporting traditional crafts and local livelihoods.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local employment and guiding
The tour is led by local naturalist guides in the Galapagos, with a strong emphasis on using local guides and representatives wherever possible. This ensures that tourism income directly supports local employment.

Small group model supporting quality employment
With group sizes ranging from 2 to 12 travellers, the tour supports better working conditions for guides and allows for more meaningful engagement between travellers and local communities.

Fair employment practices
Porters (where used) are employed in accordance with International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) guidelines. Tipping guidance is provided to ensure fair compensation for guides, drivers, and service staff.

Community and cultural respect
Travellers are given clear guidance on respecting local customs, traditions, and cultural norms. This promotes positive interactions with local communities and helps preserve cultural integrity.

Accessibility considerations
The tour includes active elements such as hiking, snorkelling, and kayaking, as well as travel between islands by boat. This may limit accessibility for travellers with reduced mobility, and this is communicated in advance.