In the early months of 2025, we made one of those decisions that come more from the heart than the head: traveling to the Galápagos Islands—one of the planet’s natural treasures and a source of pride for Ecuador. True to our usual travel style, we didn’t follow a strict plan or a detailed itinerary. The only thing we knew for sure was that we wanted to disconnect from our routine, dive into nature, and let ourselves be amazed. And we truly were.
Day 1: On the Way to Paradise
Our adventure began bright and early in Quito. We headed to the airport full of excitement, made a short stop in Guayaquil, and finally boarded our flight to the enchanted islands. Upon arrival, a friendly guide welcomed us and helped with the transfer: we took a bus, then crossed the Itabaca Channel on a small ferry, and arrived at Santa Cruz—one of the main islands.
Our first stop was Los Gemelos, two large volcanic sinkholes surrounded by a lush, humid forest. We then visited Hacienda Primicias, where we saw the iconic giant tortoises roaming almost freely. Seeing them up close filled us with awe and respect. We ended the day exploring the Lava Tunnels, underground passages formed by ancient eruptions.
📸 Giant Tortoises Photo
That night, tired but happy, we enjoyed our first dinner on the island: a delicious seafood dish at La Cevichería. (Check out our review here: TripAdvisor Review)
Day 2: Snorkeling with Colorful Fish
The second day felt like swimming in a postcard. We joined a tour to Pinzón and Daphne islands. Snorkeling in those crystal-clear waters was pure magic: schools of colorful fish, graceful manta rays gliding in slow motion, and a peaceful underwater world unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Swimming among so much biodiversity left us speechless—except for the huge smile that stayed on our faces all day.
Day 3: Exploring Santa Cruz Bay
On our third day, we explored the surroundings of Puerto Ayora with a bay tour. We visited iconic spots like the Canal del Amor—a narrow waterway surrounded by greenery and local legends; the Shark Channel, where we spotted sharks resting in the shadows; Playa de los Perros, with its curious marine iguanas; and Las Grietas, a rocky formation ideal for swimming in calm, transparent waters.
This tour showed us that Galápagos is not just about oceans and animals—it’s also about history, geology, and a deep connection to the land.
Day 4: Bartolomé and the Dolphins
On our second-to-last day, we headed to one of the most iconic places in the archipelago: Bartolomé Island. The boat ride itself was an experience—we were lucky to see dolphins playing and jumping alongside us.
Once on the island, we hiked up to the famous viewpoint to see Pinnacle Rock and take in the surreal contrast of volcanic landscapes against the turquoise sea. It felt like being on another planet.
Day 5: See You Soon, Galápagos
Our last day was quieter. Maybe from the fatigue, or maybe because that bittersweet feeling of goodbye had already set in. We took our flight back to the mainland with full hearts and minds overflowing with unforgettable memories.
This trip to Galápagos was different—not because of the lack of planning, but because of everything we gained by simply letting go. Each place spoke to us in its own language: the wind through the mangroves, the silence of the lava tunnels, the birds’ songs, the splash of dolphins.
If you ever wonder whether it’s worth visiting the Galápagos, the answer is a resounding yes. You don’t need to have everything planned out. All you need is a heart open to wonder.
We did, and we’d go back a thousand times more.
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