Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos

This has been a desire of mine since first learning about the Galápagos in the early nineties, when I worked in the travel industry. To finally fulfil this dream had the potential to disappoint—after all, how could reality possibly live up to decades of anticipation? But the truth is, it was everything I had hoped for and so much more.

Wilson and Erikita brought this dream to life in the most wonderful way. Their passion, knowledge, and care made all the difference. They showed us the best and most unique aspects of these extraordinary islands, weaving in stories of the wildlife, the environment, and the people who call this place home. Meeting local families whose livelihoods depend on sustainable tourism added such richness to the journey.

They managed to give our entire group a deeply personal experience, recognising and honouring each person’s individuality. Nothing was ever too much trouble—they went above and beyond with grace, warmth, and professionalism, making every moment feel special and seamless.

This was not just a trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience made unforgettable by two exceptional guides. If the Galápagos is your dream too, this is the way to live it.

This was the best trip I have ever done and I'd recommend it to anyone. It was incredibly well organised and packed in so many activities. Our guides were extremely good - Wilson is a total legend, always happy to help and go the extra mile for us, even arranging activities for our last day in Quito when the official tour had ended. Erickita, who joined us as guide on the Galapagos knew the answer to every question we asked. It's like she knows EVERYTHING! I can't praise both Wilson and Erickita highly enough. My aim for the trip was to see wildlife I hadn't seen before, and take photographs, and I was able to do both of those things on every day. It surpassed my expectations in every way. If you're considering this trip, do it! You won't regret it.

I joined the 10 day tour from Quito in late March 25. The trip was amazing - the itinerary was packed full to enjoy every part of the Galapagos and the experiences provided by the tour were truly unforgettable. The accommodations were to a good standard (especially Santa Cruz) and food was amazing throughout the tour. It was brilliant to visit many locally owned businesses (restaurants, coffee farm, wood sculptors etc). The organisation and logistics were flawless, including transport between places, using hotel rooms in the afternoon (after check out) to shower after snorkelling and planning/timings for each day. The experience was made especially great by the excellent tour guides, Wilson as the tour leader and Ericka as the official Galapagos guide. Ericka and Wilson worked excellently together to ensure everything came together without issue, they also both provided an infectious energy and were very proud to show us their country and the Galapagos. This created the positive vibes for the whole trip.

This trip was magnificent! The itinerary was busy without being exhausting with lots of variety. It was a wonderful mix of adventure, nature and fun and literally ticked every box I had about Quito and the Galapagos and way more. The trip had so much to offer and kept on giving that it surpassed all my expectations. Our legend of a guide Wilson ensured that our experience and happiness was at the forefront of the trip and he went out of his way for all of us. His boundless energy, knowledge and passion for his country was infectious! Erickita joined Wilson as a guide in the Galapagos and what a gem she was - her limitless knowledge and fun equalled Wilson’s to make them a dynamite team. The logistics and organisation of the trip were seamless, the accommodation and food really good. If you want to see wildlife and nature in their home with us as the guests, this trip is not be missed and I would recommend it to everyone! And last shout out to our group who were all mega fun and helped make this an unforgettable trip 😁

Highly recommend this trip to anyone considering visiting the Galápagos Islands. It’s a jam-packed, carefully curated itinerary to ensure you experience the best the islands and Quito have to offer but always with utmost care and consideration to the needs of the group and partners whose services we were using. Our tour guides Wilson, Ericka and Edwin were all of the highest standard, becoming a part of our group and always poised to answer any questions or help with any personal query. I’ve tried a few organised tour companies (Intrepid/G adventures) and while they’re all good, MBA definitely go that extra mile to ensure each transition is seamless and you are well cared for and for good value too - for example the buses to collect us each day and the food was also excellent and well organised! Furthermore - we had such a fun time as a group, having lots of sociable evenings with a shared group chat for all our photos. We all got to know each other well and this was facilitated and driven by the guides. It’s an amazingly beautiful place with stunning nature and wildlife but actually the Ecuadorean people really stood out to me as incredibly friendly and fun-loving. It was a really enjoyable experience and I know I want to go again someday!

This trip was everything we could have hoped for and more. Amazing animal encounters, amazing culture from local people, great food and accommodation from friendly local businesses. As a veggie I ate better in Galápagos than I have anywhere else in South America (it was mainly vegan food) Our MBA guide Wilson and our local guide Erika were the absolute dream team. Unbelievably organised and knowledgeable as well as lots of fun. I could not recommend this trip more highly and only wish it had been longer as while it was totally action packed there was still so much else we could have done. The rating of “easy “ is fair as long as you have reasonable fitness and some confidence on a mountain bike. Thank you to Wilson, Erika and the whole team for one of the best trips of our life.

We have just returned to Quito having completed our MBA adventure and I’m so very sad that it’s over but so very glad I did it. Our guides Wilson and Erika couldn’t have done more for us, even after we left their formal care they continued to help us on our onward journeys. Wilson even arranged for a days more activities for us whilst waiting for flights. The Quito first day tour was very full and really interesting, much more than I expected. Every single transfer and meal was meticulously planned, drivers and vehicles were all absolutely superb. We packed in so much stuff in such a short space of time it was excellent, not much time for being idle. We were lucky and had a wonderful group of people with us, 14 is the max group size and it worked. Snorkelling, cycling and hiking were all brilliant and the islands themselves are utterly breathtaking. You literally see wildlife everywhere and it never gets boring, even to the guides who have a passion to share their knowledge and love for Ecuador and the islands. I have never done group trips before as typically we prefer our own company, but I can assure you this trip is worth every single penny.

A fantastic week led by Wilson and Erica. Both guides were superbly knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble. They both went above and beyond to ensure we had a magical trip.

From arrival to departure this was a perfect trip. Galapogos was always going to be good, but our guides Wilson and Ericka went above and beyond and were so helpful and knowledgable; they created a super family atmosphere. Accommodation was all super, meals and transfers good quality and smooth. Can honestly say (the whole group felt this way) the itinerary and execution was faultless. Highly highly recommend the guides and Alam the extra guide for snorkelling. Would do it all again in a heartbeat.

I’ve not been on an organised trip before but this trip had it all. The guides (Edwin, Erickita and Wilson) were all really passionate and knowledgeable about Equador and the Galapagos- it’s such a lovely place, I can see why! The days were full activities, the food was delicious and we had a great group. Would definitely recommend the trip!!

I don’t have the words to describe how wonderful this holiday to the Galapagos Islands was. Our tour guide, Wilson, is THE BEST! He is so attentive, kind, caring, fun, organized, and understanding. The accommodations were clean and cozy. Note the walls are thin everywhere in Ecuador. The activities were just right! You do need to be in shape to be able to participate - the biking riding was somewhat difficult for me. Everything about this holiday was incredible and I have memories that will last into the next lifetime!

Everything about this trip was phenomenal. Erickita and Wilson were enthusiastic, passionate tour guides who took care of all the complex logistics and even arranged a scuba dive for me. The group was also wonderful to travel with. I couldn't all for a better way to spend Christmas!

This was our first ever trip with Much Better Adventures and what an extraordinary adventure ! The Galapagos archipelago is truly a paradise and the amount of wildlife we’ve seen was extraordinary…. . surrounded by marine & land iguanas, sea lions, tortoises & sea turtles, penguins, hundreds of birds included the famous blue footed booby, sharks, all kinds of fish……number 1 trip for nature & photography lovers. We were a small group of 4 and all got on very well, in fact I really do miss our new friends ! We were looked after very well by our local guides Wilson, Edwin, Erickita and our drivers Eric & Panchito even before reaching Ecuador ! Wilson was always there to answer any of my questions months before travelling. There were different activities each day and I really love that MBA tries to work with locals, whether it is a visit to a local family or local restaurants ! Every single day was filled with new adventure and our guides were extremely passionate to share with us local culture and knowledge. Me and my partner stayed c8 days longer in the Galapagos and although we were no longer with MBA are local guides were always happy to give us hints and help us whenever we needed ! Thank you for making this extraordinary trip so special !

Had the most fantastic time in Quito & the Galapagos. We had wonderful tour guides Edwin & Wilson in Quito & Erickita ❤️ in the Galapagos. Everything was well organised, I felt safe as a solo traveller & the guides are genuinely lovely people who are proud of their respective parts of Ecuador - really knowledgeable & passionate about ensuring you have the best experience. We learned so much about Ecuador & the Galapagos & we saw so many wonderful animals. . sea turtles, about 100 sealions (!), penguins, sharks, iguanas ❤️ . I had issues with my luggage & a cancelled flight home ( to do with the airline not MBA) & Wilson/Edwin went out of their way to help me. Some things to note if you book. . . . bring sun block/clothes to cover as the sun is so strong even on cloudy days. I did nt want to cycle & Erickita was more than happy to organise bus/transport for me so I did nt miss out. I'm a vegetarian & there were options available. Such a wonderful experience - don't hesitate to book if you're considering it! Thanks all X x

What an incredible experience! We were able to snorkel with the sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. Our guides Erika, Wilson and Edwin were so welcoming and full of knowledge. Bring your appetite, because if you’re not off doing an activity, you’re eating something delicious

A memorable time in the Galapagos - swimming with sea lions and sharks, kayaking, biking, trekking, seeing the amazing giant tortoises and watching the marine iguanas. We saw and did so much and our guide Erickita was so much fun, knowledgable and a pleasure to be with each day.

What am amazing trip. The day in Quito was great and then off to the Galapagos. So many animals to see, Ericka was a brilliant guide, so positive and knowledgeable and really good fun to be around. This is a packed itinerary so is full on but we came away feeling that we had not missed out on anything. We saw all the animals we expected to. Would recommend this trip.

Amazing it’s beyond photos and any expectations you may have. The guides are extremely good too

I honestly think this is one of the best things I’ve ever done! The actual islands were spectacular and the wildlife spotting is a once in a lifetime experience. What really made the trip special were our local guides who were knowledgable, friendly, thoughtful, and really tried their best to make our trip as good as it possibly could be! In particular our Galapagos guide Ericka was thoroughly wonderful, full of knowledge, and helped create a fun environment throughout. This trip packs a lot - there is little down time, but you’ll get home feeling like you’ve made the most of every moment! The company had selected a great range of local restaurants and the food was overall great and really varied! I also want to emphasise that I felt really safe throughout the trip - both in Quito and on the islands, which was really important to me as a solo traveler. We had a great group dynamic and I really enjoyed getting to know my fellow travelers! Thank you to everyone who made this happen!!

I think I genuinely had some of the best moments of my life on this trip (e.g. swimming with sharks - not something I ever expected I'd do!?) We were lucky enough to see all the animals and wildlife/nature we could have hoped for, and learn lots too. It was a privilege to witness the respect and harmony in which animals and people are living together in the Galapagos. The guides (Wilson, Edwin, and especially Ericka on the islands) were fantastic: knowledgeable, organised, and fun!

The programme, organisation, and communication were great. It was such a luxury to just turn up and not have to do any of the planning, yet still get a once in a lifetime, incredible experience! It was a little fast-paced at times, but not too much and for me that was a good thing because it meant we got to fit loads in. The food was really good too; we went to some lovely restaurants in beautiful settings and vegetarian options were always available. I love that MBA creates autonomy and custom for local guides, businesses, and families, so you get an exclusive and authentic experience, while supporting local communities.

Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful and it just made the trip even more special. If you're into nature, wildlife, adventure, and generally just living your best life, I can't recommend the Galapagos trip highly enough. This was my first time doing a group tour and my advice to anyone thinking about it is: do it!

This trip was fantastic from start to finish - before departing, Wilson was available to answer any questions and put us in touch with each other. During the trip, Wilson, Edwin and Ericka couldn't have done more to make sure we got the best experience possible - from making sure all dietary requirements were met to managing to make sure the weather and animal spotting ticked every item on our bucket list! The programme was fantastic - there was so much to do every day and everything was perfectly organised. The food was brilliant and we ate really well, stayed in lovely accommodation and generally felt very welcome and well-looked after. I can't thank them enough for everything!

The trip to the Galápagos was incredible. It truly belongs to the animals and we were fortunate enough to share it with them for a short time.

Wilson and Edwin were fantastic and helpful in Quito and before the journey. Our guide in Galápagos was Ericka and she was knowledgeable, organised and added to the trip.

I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to go. I will never forget swimming with sharks or hanging out with tortoises. Trip of a lifetime.

If you have any hesitations in booking this trip, DO IT. You will not regret it.

Trip of a lifetime - as I had hoped it would be. Absolutely first rate from start (and before start) to finish. Just perfect!

The Galapagos Islands were just so stunningly beautiful, they stole your breadth away...

With famous endemic species in abundance wherever you looked it was an animal and nature lovers dream.

Nature or Pacha Mama as they call it there is more interwoven into peoples daily way of thinking on the Galapagos. It was an amazing thing to see and be a part of for a little bit.

The activities and guides were exceptional! Local native people who took great pride in sharing there passion and love of their country and Pacha Mama with guests. Their knowledge was extensive and they enjoyed answering my every question.

In the Galapagos, our guide was Karla. She was completely brilliant in every way and it was a pleasure swimming with sharks with her! Thank you Karla so much.

I then did the Amazon Rainforest add on with Kayaking and Rafting. This was truly awesome in every way imaginable again! So breathtakingly incredible - The Amazon Rainforest...

Kayaking and rafting were for me exhilaratingly adventurous and so much fun, I know I will be going back to do it again! The guide Bene was the most insanely good kayaker and the nicest guy in the world.

I defiantly recommend adding this on to your Galapagos trip if you can.

Then there was the Legend Guide Wilson who looked after me from start to end and looked after my every need with a big smile on his face. We spent many hours chatting and laughing and I would like to thank him for sharing and showing me his incredible country. I know I will be back soon...

The organization and guides were totally on point. Everything ran very smoothly. Heaps of enthusiasm and love for the special place was evident.

I am absolutely blown away by this adventure, it’s been a bucket list destination for years and this was the perfect way to do it. Our guide Zambo was fantastic, an absolute expert who did a great job making our trip memorable, sharing great knowledge and just being awesome. This was really great value for money, accommodation was good and the food was outstanding everyday and every meal. All the activities were great and there was more included than I had expected. The Galapagos is such a special place, I don’t think there is a better way to visit than this trip.

We knew this tour would be great, but WOW!! It exceeded our expectations.

Quito is a charming, relaxing city, and the equator tour was both informative and fun. Every day on the Galapagos Islands was packed with joy and pleasant surprises. We encountered many animals, learned fascinating facts from our guide, marveled at the stunning landscapes, and enjoyed delicious fresh meals.

The tour had a perfect pace, allowing us to experience a lot without ever feeling rushed. Special thanks to our wonderful guides, Edwin and Zambo. They were knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to every detail, making our trip truly unforgettable.

A well-organised and varied trip. Our guide, Daniela, was wonderful! Very knowledgeable, personable and caring to our needs. She made us feel welcome and made the trip an enjoyable experience. The trip exceeded our expectations in regards to the animals that we saw: giant tortoises, flamingoes, white tipped sharks, Eagle rays, marine iguanas, penguines, blue footed boobies and, my favourite, the sea lions! The food was excellent, and the options for vegetarians were varied. The hotels were comfortable and in good locations, too. Every detail was considered, from transfers to taxis, to snorkeling equipment etc.

Things to consider:

• buy powerful sea sickness tablets! They were only 70cents!
• the islands are VERY humid, so be prepared!
• you will eat ALOT!

Overall, a fantastic experience! Lin and Hara (London)

I don’t know where to start. What a magical experience. Absolutely loved the Galápagos and highly recommend it. I’ve been on 13/14 MBA trips and this one wins hands down. From the minute I got off the plane I was enthralled by the wildlife and didn’t in my wildest dreams expect to see everything that I did. Snorkelling with sea lions, penguins, sharks, turtles and marine iguanas has to be my highlight but the whole trip was excellent. Can’t praise our guides Wilson and Gorge enough who looked after our every need. A great mix of activities and culture topped off with amazing sunsets and cocktails

This is a fantastic trip and should be one everyone's bucket list. Quito was an unexpected delight, full of Spanish influences, and the islands themselves are a wildlife lovers paradise - laid back and relaxed but with something to draw your attention every step of the way. My personal highlight was the snorkelling - giant turtles, sea lions, reef sharks, rays, marine iguanas and even penguins swimming within a few feet of us in crystal clear, warm Pacific waters. A huge shout out to Wilson and Jorge, our two main guides, plus Edwin who filled in when Wilson travelled to the islands a day early to get things set up for us. They couldn't have been more helpful and attentive and Jorge's knowledge is truly encyclopaedic. Yes, it's remote but then that's the whole point and you can almost see the theory of evolution laid out before your eyes. A great group too. I can't praise this trip highly enough.

Just returned from a wonderful holiday with a great bunch of people. Wilson, our guide, ensured that nothing was too much trouble for him & was by our side all the time. Very well organised, packed full of adventure & sights. Great hotels & fab food. Jorge our Galapagos guide was so knowledgeable & passed on his enthusiasm for his home. Also, what a fab singing voice. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. If the Galapagos islands are on your bucket list, then this is the way to see them.