Hiking the Galapagos Islands

Hiking in the Galapagos Islands provides people with an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Formed around five million years ago, these pristine islands are the home of some of the most rare and unique wildlife species known to mankind. A wonderful place to see nature in action, the Galapagos Islands offer tourists some of the most fascinating sights and exotic locations to explore.

The result of a ‘hotspot’ in the earth’s crust, causing lava to arise with a huge eruption from beneath the ocean floor, the Galapagos Islands are an unusual combination of wildlife and volcanoes. A great place to trek and hike, these islands take tourists back in time to when the earth was still young. And while offering ample photo opportunities of some of the most fearless wildlife species known to man (mainly because of a lack of natural predators), the Galapagos is the prefect place to see the evolutionary process occurring right before our very eyes.

Trek along some of the most intriguing lava trails, hike to the summit of a dormant volcano, and walk along virgin white sand beaches and stunning lagoons to have the time of your life here. And though not all the Galapagos Islands are open to exploration, on the few which you can explore, come face to face with nature at its very best.

Remember to take a good pair of walking shoes and drink lots of water while hiking here, as one gets dehydrated rather quickly. Also do not wander off alone as getting lost here is rather easy if you stray off the trail. Often the trails can get rather rough and irregular, so carry a small backpack with essential supplies and some first aid.

It is highly recommended not to explore or hike the islands on your own, as you can miss out on a lot. Without the help of an experienced guide, you will not be able to spot out the various endemic flora and fauna species found here, thus taking away from the charm of these pristine islands. Since the Galapagos Islands is a national park of Ecuador, in most cases a qualified tour guide will accompany you on your trip. Do follow the rules laid down by the park as they are put in place to protect and preserve this sensitive habitat.

Some of the most interesting places to hike in the Galapagos include trails on the Isla San Cristobal and the Isla Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz highlands, the Volcan Sierra Negra and the Alcedo Volcano offer some excellent trekking opportunities. Be sure to visit the Isla Isabela as well, the largest of the Galapagos Islands. With five volcanoes, this island is a must see. Isla Santa Cruz is a wonderful place to hike as it is home to the Darwin Research Station with its tortoise breeding center and is a favorite haunt of many beautiful endemic and migratory birds, iguanas, lizards and seals.

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