Best trails in Galapagos National Park
Want to find the best trails in Galapagos National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 33 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 19 easy hiking trails in Galapagos National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 6 to 4,835 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Galapagos National Park.
Top trails
1
(192)
•Easy
•4.6 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
The path goes from the city of Puerto Ayora and is a paved road to the beach of Bahía Tortuga, despite this, suitable footwear is recommended because it is an important walking distance, it is also recommended to have sun protection since if Well there are parts with shade, there are others in full sun. The beach of Bahía Tortuga is one of the most popular of the Galapagos Islands and allows rest activities, snorkeling, observing species of native birds and fauna (such as sea lions, iguanas,...
2
3
(113)
•Moderate
•10.5 mi
•Est. 4–4.5 hr
The Wall of Tears is a historical site located in the most popular and largest of the Galapagos Islands. It is currently of great tourist attraction but story tells that it was built by prisoners from the colony (formed on the island when Ecuadorian jails filled after World War II) and gets its name from the local folklore that it says emanates a dark and creepy sounds because of the number of deaths its construction led to.
4
(113)
•Easy
•3.1 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
Popular trail in the area of beaches near the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Cerro Tijeretas, which offers spectacular views of the sea and the Bay of Tijeretas, and which also allows to appreciate the fauna of the Galapagos Islands (various species of birds, iguanas, lobsters and crabs). The "Interpretation Center" located near Mann Beach offers cultural activities every month.
5
(47)
•Moderate
•0.9 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
Short trail that is delimited by a wooden walkway, however, it is also advisable to wear suitable footwear since the rest of the terrain is volcanic, therefore it is sandy and rocky. The surrounding vegetation is typical of arid areas such as cacti and it is possible to find some crustaceans, small reptiles and birds such as pelicans and herons.
6
7
(29)
•Moderate
•1.7 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
It is located west of the Darwin volcano on Isabela Island. The trail, mostly gravel, allows views of Darwin Lake and leads to a viewpoint. It is considered an excellent place to observe iguanas, land birds such as penguins, giant tortoises, and vegetation typical of arid areas.
8
9
(25)
•Easy
•2.2 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
Short and pleasant trail along La Loberia and Las Negritas beaches, on the southwest coast of San Cristobal Island. As in the other beaches of the Galapagos Islands, it is possible to appreciate several species of birds, iguanas resting in the sun and giant tortoises. This island also has the largest concentration of sea lions, from which La Loberia receives its name. It is also popular because it is possible to snorkel in its waters.
10
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Trail reviews for Galapagos National Park
As you have to go with a guide/tour, you can’t pace the breaks to your own level, so I don’t recommend this hike for beginners (especially if members of your group have to make it back for the 3pm ferry). But it was an amazing hike with the best views of our whole trip in Galapagos. Super unique. Path very easy to follow and only tricky for a small part when you’re walking on lava rocks. Other than that, very clear, maintained road.
No facilities, but absolutely beautiful beach. Definitely worth spending an afternoon here. Saw turtles and baby Galapagos sharks swimming right close to the shore.
Hiked on 7/5. Though the boardwalk is loose in spots and there was some ash making a few steps slippery, the elevation gain is well worth it for the iconic Galapagos view!
This is an urban trail that runs alongside the main road. Still! When you turn around you can see wide vistas of the bay. And surprise! There were two Galapagos tortoises just munching on vegetation. Saw a few Ani too!
Difficulty: Easy
Puerto Ayora Citywalk
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Galapagos National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Galapagos National Park is Tortuga Bay Footway, which has a 4.7 star rating from 192 reviews. This trail is 4.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 255 ft.
What is the longest trail in Galapagos National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Galapagos National Park is Sierra Negra Volcano Trail. This trail is estimated to be 12.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Galapagos National Park?
There are 33 trails in Galapagos National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 1,081 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Galapagos National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Galapagos National Park has you covered. Baquerizo Moreno Port, El Progreso, Puerto Chino Beach boasts the most elevation gain with 4,835 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Itabaca Channel to Puerto Ayora, which will get you 4,288 ft of elevation gain.
Are there biking trails available in Galapagos National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Galapagos National Park and the most popular is The Wall of Tears with an average 4.5 star rating from 113 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with scenic viewpoints in Galapagos National Park, including Sierra Negra Volcano Trail, The Wall of Tears, Mann Beach, Punta Carola Beach, Cerro Tijeretas, Bartolome Island, and Flamingo Lagoon.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Galapagos National Park, including The Wall of Tears and Mann Beach, Punta Carola Beach, Cerro Tijeretas.
Are there any trails with beaches in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with beaches in Galapagos National Park, including Tortuga Bay Footway, The Wall of Tears, Mann Beach, Punta Carola Beach, Cerro Tijeretas, La Loberia Beach and Las Negritas Beach, and Las Grietas Trail.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with historical monuments in Galapagos National Park, including Mann Beach, Punta Carola Beach, Cerro Tijeretas and Puerto Ayora Citywalk.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Galapagos National Park, including Punta Pitt Trail and Cerro Allieri.
Are there any trails with caves in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Galapagos National Park, including Puerto Ayora Citywalk, Itabaca Channel to Puerto Ayora, and Asilo de la Paz - Pirates Cave.
Are there any trails with springs in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a spring in Galapagos National Park: Asilo de la Paz - Pirates Cave.
Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a volcano viewpoint in Galapagos National Park: Bartolome Island.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Galapagos National Park: Sierra Negra Volcano Trail.
Are there any trails with ponds in Galapagos National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Galapagos National Park: Flamingo Lagoon.
Points of interest
- Playa Punta Carola
- Lava Wave
- El Estero (only by low tide)
- Laguna de Flamencos
- Isla Bartolomé
- Mirador Cerro Orchilla
- Las Negritas
- El Junco
- Giant Tortoise Reserve TERRAMAR Ranch
- Information Volcan Sierra Negra
- Reserva Ecológica "Pajaro Brujo"
- Playa Darwin
- Asilo de la Paz
- Cerro Tijeretas
- Lavatube "Anaconda"
- Ruta de las tortugas
- Entry to the pirates lava tunel
- Los Gemelos
- Pirates' Cave
- Tijeretas