Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the heart & soul of Douro Valley, one of Portugal's famous wine regions and a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[8 days] Heart & Soul of Douro Valley, Portugal | Yugen Earthside

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the heart and soul of Douro Valley, one of Portugal's famous wine regions and a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk at your own pace and do wine tasting along the way, while your luggage is transported for you between accommodations. Our route takes you through astonishingly beautiful landscapes and postcard-worthy traditional villages. The Douro Valley's demarcated wine region is one of the most scenically impressive in the world; as evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is the fourth most visited destination in Portugal,  thanks to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. 

Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley, a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site 

Explore the heart of the famous Douro wine region and witness year-round vineyard activity

Walk from village to village along unpaved roads and footpaths

Enjoy al fresco lunches and taste award-winning table wines and other varieties

Stay in local boutique accommodations with warm hospitality

Visit historical sites and port wine cellars in Porto

Make your way from Porto into the very heart of the Douro region before exploring the picturesque, patterned slopes and valleys of this World Heritage landscape on foot. 

Follow unpaved roads and footpaths as you walk through the different villages, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates where you can sample not only award-winning table wines but also port and muscatel wines.  Museums such as the Bread and Wine Museum in Favaios will give you a greater appreciation of local traditions and wine production. Favaios is famous for producing Moscatel wine, a sweet, fortified wine made from Muscat grapes. Visiting the town's wineries and vineyards will allow you to taste and learn about this unique wine while witnessing some of the year-round activities involved in tending the vines and terraces.

Relax after each day’s walk at carefully selected country houses and hotels. You will receive a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation, and delicious meals.

End your self-guided Douro Valley walking tour back in the fascinating historical city of Porto. You can visit the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia as well as explore Porto’s many sights and views.

With this trip through the Alto Douro region, you will gain an understanding of the local traditions and unique landscapes. Feel transported back in time by walking close to the Douro River, the once treacherous main route for transporting goods, especially barrels of wine from the vineyards to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Like what you but it is not quite a perfect fit?

Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is from March 1st to April 30th & from October 16th to 31st.

The high season is from May 1st to October 15th.

Spring, early summer, and fall are ideal for walking holidays in northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

If the trip coincides with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, you will have the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries. With a bit of luck, you can even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Traveling during the low season is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal: spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Train transfer (round trip) between Porto train station and Pinhão train station

Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above

App with trail information for use on a smartphone

7 Nights’ hand-picked accommodation with breakfast

5 Packed lunches during the walks (day 3 to day 7)

Private transfer from Porto airport to Porto hotel (day 1)

Private transfer from Porto hotel to Porto train station (day 2)

Luggage transfer between accommodations from days 3 to 7 and to Pinhão train station on day 8

24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking)

A deposit of 30% is required to hold the reservation. The balance is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the arrival date. Clients may pay the full amount due all at once if they choose.

More than 30 days before the expected arrival date: no costs

From 29 to 15 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 50% of the total cost

Less than 14 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 100% of the total cost

Instead of traveling by train, you can opt to spend the day on the water and take a river cruise upstream to Régua. This will involve the fascinating machinations of the Carrapatelo Dam (35 meters) and the Crestuma-Lever Dam (14 meters). The boat journey takes around 6 hours to reach Régua, with lunch on board, followed by a private transfer to your accommodation in Pinhão.

Day 2: River Cruise from Porto to Régua, lunch included. $150 pp

Day 8: River Cruise from Régua to Porto, lunch included. $150 pp

Private transfer from Porto to Pinhão: $285 for 1-3 people, $385 for 4-7 people

Extra night at Porto Hotel: $140 pp in a shared double room, $230 pp in a private single room

Price varies between high and low seasons.

Low Season: March - April & October 16th - October 31st

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. 


Environmental Initiatives
You will see this UNESCO World Heritage landscape up close through scenic routes and rural backroads with river and vineyard views. You will see man-made wine terraces, and have the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna with negligible environmental impact, especially since you will receive a full briefing from us on how to respect the local wildlife and landscape. We focus on green transportation by taking the train out to the valley and then beginning the walking tour. We use some accommodations for multiple nights in order to reduce the need for luggage transfers. When necessary (to avoid some luggage transfers), we'll use local taxi drivers to reduce carbon emissions and support the local economy. Since the quality of tap water is excellent in Portugal, we supply a refillable bottle that clients can use during their walking holiday and beyond.


To make sure that money stays within the small local communities that our clients spend time in, the accommodation for this program is in a combination of small, unique hotels and family-run rural lodgings, which give clients an insight into local history and culture. Some accommodations produce their own wine, olive oil, and fruit, from which they make products that can also be purchased as gifts/souvenirs.

The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at hospitable local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, engage with the owners, chef, or servers, and, of course, sample Douro wines and port.

Most of the walking days involve passing through small hillside villages where clients are welcome to stop at local cafés, bakeries, and grocery or craft stores in order to get a sense of what local life is like and interact with the residents.

This is particularly relevant in the village of Favaios, which is famous for its artisanal bread. We strongly recommend visiting one of the local bakers to see how they use the wood-fired ovens and buy still-warm rolls. The formidable baker, Manuela, will also slice and butter the bread on request. Favaios is also one of only two places in Portugal that produce muscatel wine so a glass of Moscatel de Favaios is a must for those who enjoy fortified wines. Clients can learn more about the history of both these tasty treats in the village’s Bread and Wine Museum.

This trail is in the heart of the renowned Douro wine region so as well as observing the manual labor that goes into tending the endless grape vines, both for small-scale independent production and for the major players, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local wine producers to taste and buy their wines and learn about the unique family histories of these quintas (wine estates).

If the trip coincides with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, clients have a wonderful opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries and, with a bit of luck, even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Economic Initiatives
By booking this trip, you'll directly support the local economy. Your tourism money will stay with these communities as you support older generations reliant on subsistence agriculture.

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

This small-group, ethical & carbon-offset climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. Carbon removals included!

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route | Yugen Earthside

This small group (max 12) ethical and carbon-offset climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. 

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for your climb as it balances low traffic with beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients use this route and love it. The 8-day Lemosho Route is particularly well-suited for mature travelers due to its pacing.

The total trip length is 10 days: arrival day, 8-day climb, departure day.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options. 

6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.

8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

Safaris can range from 2-6 days. Depending on the length, you can visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Contact us to customize your Climb & Safari package.

Summit the tallest mountain in Africa via a less-trafficked path

Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers

The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. About halfway through, the route joins the Machame route for the second half of the climb. 

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes (like this one!), which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Drinks and beverages at the safari lodge.

Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.

Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.

Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.

Extra night at the hotel: $90 for double occupancy, $70 for single occupancy

Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.

Climbing Porters - $6 to $10 per day per porter.

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.

Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem. We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters. 

We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money. We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.

It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level. Proof is required prior to arrival. Coverage is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required. We recommend two partners:

Wanderwell (US travelers only): B-Corp Certified, 1% for the Planet member. Request a free quote for their Wanderwell GO program with the Extreme Sports upgrade.

World Nomads (All travelers <66 years old): Request a free quote for their Explorer Plan.

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

A classic surf and yoga retreat with a sustainable twist! Hosted at an eco-retreat center, it includes a massage and an organic winery visit.

[7 days] Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

A classic surf and yoga retreat, but with a sustainable twist! This experience is for people that want to do a little bit of yoga, a little bit of surfing, and then relax with a little bit of wine. 

Enjoy daily surf lessons and yoga classes accessible to all levels. Then, indulge yourself with delicious healthy food, local wine from a different small producer each night with dinner, and a deep healing massage on the welcomed rest day!

Come join us on this active nature escape and have fun! You'll unwind in a beautiful natural setting and learn about the local culture, all while getting to know new, fun people throughout your stay.

These laidback 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

Daily yoga sessions in an open-air Shala in the woods

An hourlong massage with our Goddess Masseuse, Jana

Healthy brunches and dinners; vegetarians happily accommodated

Plenty of optional activities (for an additional cost)

This sustainable surf and yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city and feed your adventurous side by learning to surf (or improving your surfing skills!), and then find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions. You will be delighted at how well yoga and surfing go together to strengthen and relax your muscles, improve your balance and focus, and, most importantly, make you feel great!

Yoga: The five, 75-minute yoga sessions take place in an open-air Shala in the woods. You'll be taught by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability. There will be modifications suitable for beginners as well as those looking to challenge and advance their yoga practice.

Surfing: First-timers, beginners, and pros are all welcome. During your four surf classes on the beach, the group will be divided into beginners and those who already have some surfing experience, so you'll be in good company no matter what!

Rest Day: Near the end of the retreat, you'll have a rest day where you can completely relax with an hour-long outdoor massage by our Goddess Masseuse, Jana. In addition to giving your muscles some TLC, you can lounge by the pool, rest in a hammock, meander around the serene garden, or visit the secluded meditation platform.

Great food: You will enjoy healthy meals onsite, freshly prepared using exclusively fresh, local, organic, and seasonal products (most meals are vegetarian, too!). Menus change with each retreat, but here’s a sneak peek of what you might be served. Feel free to also drool over the French Toast brunch or the vegetarian frittata. At each meal, you'll learn about the origins of the food and its correlation with the local environment and culture. You may also visit the onsite garden if you wish.

Wine: The visit to a local winery is a real treat! You will learn about the producer's sustainable and artisanal wine-making practices before savoring wine and tapas during a paired tasting. See what the winery tour is like. Plus, with each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.

So come! Stay amongst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the delicious food and wine (again, it’s a big part of this trip!), and relax at this laidback retreat.

What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three 20-second video clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center.

Yoga, brunch, visiting a small coastal town

Brunch, coastal hike, market visit, early evening yoga

Free time, afternoon yoga, family-owned winery visit

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).


The surf and yoga retreats are organized throughout the year, mostly around the fall (September to November) and in the spring (April and May). These retreats are based on when the waves will be best and the temperatures will be comfortable for learning to surf.

As the best months for the surf and yoga retreat are outside of Portugal's high season (July & August), participating in this retreat will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. If you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, you will avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable.

Airport transfer to the retreat center (but we can coordinate this)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) (~35 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Kayaking (~25 € for 1 person / ~35 € for 2 people)

Horseback riding (~60 € for 1 person / ~100 € for 2 people; 1h30 guided ride)

Photography session (~50 € pp or per couple)

Many 'excluded' activities (not included in the trip price) can be optionally added to your experience. Guests can decide on most optional activities once at the retreat center, and payment can be made on-site.

SUP and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

Our View on Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life here. Our family has a deep respect and love for the region of Alentejo and we are passionately committed to protecting and preserving her to the best of our ability. Gratefully, we are able to plant our roots here and carry a strong sense of social responsibility to our community.

Our experiences are all based on the amazing nature of this place and our incredible community and we put a lot of effort to protect both. We love to share it with our guests and try to involve them as much as possible. This includes making them aware of our challenges and how can they further help. This is a truly authentic experience composed of small local and sustainable entrepreneurs only.

We make a big effort to maintain and increase the amazing biodiversity among us through the diverse activities explained during the trip. Our eco-retreat center uses solar panels, LED lamps, and local, organic soaps and ecological detersives. We work a lot to reduce waste, reuse as much as we can, and recycle the rest. We have clear waste sorting systems in place for guests, serve mostly vegetarian meals, compost leftover food, and implement organic farming and regenerative forestry practices. The whole trip happens in a short circuit of 20 kilometers, and we are lucky to have nature, beaches, and historic towns all nearby to reduce this trip's footprint. We don't sell or use single-use plastic items. You will see our animals wandering free and happy along our property and the surrounding area.

Accommodation
Being the trip organizers, and the host of the accommodations ourselves, sustainability is part of our lives and business. Guests are welcome to explore every corner of the property and question any concerns they may have. As a small family business, we work very hard to improve every day and create a more positive impact on our environment and in our community.

Sustainable Economic Initiatives
We are a small start-up that works very closely with the local community that depends mostly on tourism and agriculture. The timing of our programs year-round, and especially out of high season, helps the community to guarantee their income all year round. By working directly with local farmers and small food/wine producers, we help them to maintain their projects of family-owned, completely organic productions.

Being part of the local community ourselves, it's in our own interest to protect it and ensure it develops in a sustainable way. One of the high points of the trip is the visit to the sustainable farm where the grapes are grown before the winery and wine tasting. The tour is guided by the owner himself, a true expert that carries the work of five generations. The whole experience is very much community-oriented and we are very much actively involved in projects that protect it. Our other activities visiting local artisans, teaching guests about our cultural heritage, prioritizing small, local, and sustainable suppliers, and inclusive practices also support our efforts to be socially sustainable. We also discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination and make donations to local organizations.

We are a pet-friendly site, prefer cruelty-free products, source meat and fish from trusted local suppliers, and support local pro-animal projects.

With a capacity of only 12 guests, plus its remote location, this eco-retreat is a safe way to enjoy Portugal. We follow special cleaning protocols adhering to European regulations.

Enjoy an unforgettable ride cycling the Camino de Santiago along the Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral!

[9 days] Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way | Yugen Earthside

See the best of northern Portugal and Galicia as you cycle the Portuguese Coastal Way of St. James along the coast and through gloriously green countryside. Between the fascinating cities of Porto and Santiago de Compostela, you’ll discover authentic villages and hamlets, pretty towns, and loads of history.

The Camino de Santiago, or "the Way of Santiago", is an ancient and famous set of pilgrimage routes, all culminating at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northern Spain. There are cycling and walking routes of varying lengths, many starting or passing through Portugal, Spain, and France. Contact us if you're interested in different Camino de Santiago routes!

Cycle this ancient pilgrimage route along a scenic coastal trail

Pass by gorgeous and iconic beaches, rivers, bridges, and valleys

See beautiful churches, chapels, and roadside shrines

Head inland and cycle through forests, farmland, and historical cities

Enjoy regional dishes, including amazing seafood, Padrón peppers, and great local wines

Find comfort in boutique accommodations and a spa town with thermal baths

You’ll begin in Porto, and pedal by a series of sandy beaches, villages, and market gardens en route up the coast to the low-key resort town of Esposende via Vila do Conde. Then you'll head inland and follow quiet country lanes to Caminha, passing through the small, attractive city of Viana do Castelo along the way.

A short but scenic ferry ride takes you across the River Minho to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain. A glorious stretch of rugged coastline and a small mountain connect you to Baiona, a charming seaside town with lots of history and tapas bars. Then it’s on to the city of Vigo through the typical rural countryside. Ride on to Redondela, where the coastal and central Caminos become one, accompanied by views of the Ria do Vigo.

Stop for oysters in Arcade before using ancient stone paths to cycle through the forests and villages to the city of Pontevedra, a city full of intriguing squares and buildings. The next town of note is Caldas de Reis, where you can test the temperature of the thermal waters. Pretty Padrón is where St. James is said to have been buried. Try the famous peppers here then pedal on to your ultimate destination of Santiago de Compostela.

Like what you see but it is not a perfect fit?
Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

The low season is in March, April, May, and October.

April, May, June, September, and October are ideal for a cycling holiday to northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

Traveling during the low or mid-seasons is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Roadbook with tips, maps, and detailed information about your route

8 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag)

7 days bike rental (MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels + panniers + helmet)

Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell)

You may request an accommodation upgrade for paradores (a type of inn) as well as 4 and 5-star hotels.

Extra night at Porto Hotel (3-star hotel):
$90 pp in a shared double room, $145 pp in a private single room

Extra night at Santiago Hotel (3-star hotel):
$85 pp in a shared double room, $155 pp in a private single room

Private transfer between Porto city and Porto airport:
$55 for up to 3 people, $90 for 4-7 people

Private transfer from Santigao de Compostela to Porto:
$400 for up to 3 people, $465 for 4-7 people

Private transfer from Santigao hotel and Santiago airport:
$60 for up to 3 people, $90 for 4-7 people

Upgrade to E-bike TREK Powerfly 4 625 (or similar):
$220 per E-bike

Price varies between high, mid, and low seasons.

Low Season: March, April, May, and October

This cycling tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet.

Environmental initiatives
We take into consideration environmental issues when planning new programs within Northern Portugal and design them to have a negligible harmful impact. To achieve this, we follow the guidelines laid out by the Portuguese Nature Conservation and Forestry Institute (ICNF), which protect and preserve the areas of natural beauty and environmental significance in which we operate. As biking is a low-carbon impact activity your trip will not seriously damage the environment.

Sociocultural Initiatives
The nature of our self-guided programs enables us to work in very quiet villages with small locally-owned, family-run hotels, cottages, guesthouses, and restaurants. We ensure our staff and those who work for us are treated with respect and have fair working conditions.. Throughout the different days, travelers will enjoy authentic experiences that enable a deep connection with local communities. 

Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way

Spend 8 days on a liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Galapagos: Citizen Science Scuba Diving | Yugen Earthside

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful locations on earth, and your dive trip here supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series).

Marine biologists and divemasters will be on board to provide a life-changing experience, assistance, and educational guidance on endangered marine wildlife conservation as you explore these renowned scuba diving spots.

You will do 2-4 dives a day on this trip, for a total of 19-20 dives. There’s also the opportunity for a night dive. 

For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos. Each scientist will provide you with extensive knowledge about whale sharks and will teach you at the same time how you as a diver can support the conservation of marine wildlife such as whale sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, other shark species, rays, molas, whales and other endangered animals – in the Galapagos and worldwide. You can also expect to learn about underwater photography while onboard (please note: you need to bring your own camera) and be taught about photography using what you have.

Highlands with giant tortoises (land excursion)

On this trip, you’ll spend very little time on land. The majority of the experience is on the yacht and underwater. You’ll visit islands that not all boats visit, including sites that primarily attract divers.

The yacht for your Galapagos eco dive liveaboard provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with the best service and diving that you could hope for. The boat has nine cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. Three meals a day are included, as well as ‘pre-breakfast’ and snacks between dives.

Please note: The famous Darwin's Arch rock formation collapsed in 2021 due to erosion; it now resembles two pillars instead of an arch and is being referred to as the “Pillars of Evolution.”

What is it Really Like?
Check out our blog post on Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands for an even deeper look into what to expect.

Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered. These align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos (July – October).

Galapagos National Park tax ($100 pp, cash only) - payable upon arrival at Galapagos Airport 

Transit Control Card ($20 pp, cash only) - payable in cash at Quito or Guayaquil Airport of departure for the Galapagos 

Personal equipment: Wetsuit, BCD (Buoyancy control device/jacket), regulator, booties, fins, mask, dive computer, gloves, hoods, dive light 

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 7 nights/8 days 

Pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals

Transfers to/from the airport within the Galapagos Islands 

Accompaniment by the research project team

Photography instruction & practical advice 

Technical equipment: tanks, weights, weight belt.

A variety of lectures about the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project 

Translation in Spanish, German, and French

Waived Fuel Surcharge ($150 per person; other vessels still charge this amount)

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