Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps

• 13 Classic nights (hotels and guesthouses)
• Full-day Sierra Negra Volcano trek; up to six other walks
• Maximum altitude: 9,350ft (2,850m) in Quito

In Quito and the highlands, it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20C (68F), with nights around 8C (46F). Expect some rain from February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, but seasonal variations impact what you see and there are climatic changes to note. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region: the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to the Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.

Dry season

Generally, late May to early December is the cooler dry season. In this period, it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garúa) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time, the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy and anyone worried about seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures are 27C-31C (81F-88F), the cooler months being July to November. In July and August, the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures are 19C-24C (66F-75F).

Wet season

Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to the Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April/May. Approximately every seven years, El Nino hits the islands and there are heavy rains in these months. In other years, rain usually falls sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as the best time to go.

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Fitness levels: Most walking is at a leisurely pace, but the Sierra Negra volcano trek is rated as a moderate hike. Therefore, we suggest you come prepared and enjoy reasonably regular walks at home.

Walking times: The stated walking times, which include lunch and photo stops, are given as approximates only and depend on the group’s pace.

Terrain: The underfoot conditions are often very rough, with some walking on sharp lava rocks. It is also likely to be hot at times, as the lava reflects the sun.

Itinerary: A little patience and flexibility are required, as it is not always possible to follow a strict schedule due to weather and sea conditions – sometimes it is better to do the planned activities in a different order (but almost always on the same day as the activities are originally planned).