Galapagos Islands Itineraries

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Top Galapagos Islands Experiences

Whether you're exploring volcanic landscapes, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or observing unique animal behaviors, the Galapagos Islands provide unparalleled opportunities for adventure and discovery. Each island offers something different, from dramatic coastal cliffs to lush highlands, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience.

  • Getting closer to wildlife than at any other place on the planet, on islands where animals have no fear of humans
  • Viewing the mesmerizing courtship “dance” of the blue-footed booby
  • Snorkeling among sea lions, sea turtles, barracuda, and (harmless) sharks in crystal-clear, warm waters near Puerto Ayora
  • Spotting the world’s most northerly — and some of the world’s smallest — penguins frolicking in the water
  • Marveling at sleek black frigate birds — known as the “pirates of the sea” — as they swoop down and steal food out of other birds’ mouths
  • Stepping carefully amid hundreds of marine iguanas as they emerge from the sea to feed and scurry up on the rocks to dry out
  • Watching as colorful red-orange Sally Lightfoot crabs skitter across a shallow tide pool
  • Climbing a volcanic hill via boardwalk for a panoramic view, which astronaut Buzz Aldrin once compared to a moonscape
  • Sharing a field with dozens of giant tortoises as they inch along, looking like they just emerged from the dinosaur era
  • Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and learning about his amazing discoveries
  • Kayaking through mangrove forests to observe diverse bird species and marine life up close
  • Diving at Darwin and Wolf Islands and encountering hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and vibrant coral reefs
  • Trekking to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, Sierra Negra Volcano, on Isabela Island
  • Exploring lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island formed by ancient volcanic eruptions
  • Visiting Española Island and witnessing the courtship rituals of the waved albatross

Classic Galapagos Islands Itineraries

Galapagos in 1 Week

Day 1-2, Quito: Take a tour of “Colonial Quito”, see La Compania church and the city of San Juan

Day 3-4, San Cristobal Island: Visit the Interpretation Center to learn the history of the islands. Playa Mann, spot the famous blue footed boobie and other indigenous bird species in Punta Pitt. Take zodiac rides around the island.

Day 5, Isla Espanola: See more rare and significant bird species including Darwin Finches. You’ll also see sea lions in Gardner Bay, and have the opportunity to go sea kayaking and snorkeling to view wildlife under the water’s surface.

Day 6-7, Santa Cruz Island: Las Primicias tortoise reserve, visit the Darwin Research Station. Spend some time in Puerto Ayora.

Galapagos in 2 Weeks

Day 1-2, Quito: Explore Quito’s old town and discover the colonial history. See La Compania church and the city of San Juan. Visit the nearby cloud forest

Day 3, Isabela Island: take in the volcanic structures, explore Tagus Cove, observe marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, and sea lions. Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.

Day 4-5, Isla Floreana: Green Beach with it’s olivine crystals, snorkel with sea turtles, visit the “highlands”.

Day 6-7, Santa Cruz Island: Las Primicias tortoise reserve, visit the Darwin Research Station. Spend some time in Puerto Ayora.

Day 8, Isla Santa Fe: More snorkeling and wildlife viewing! Take a hike to see the prickly pear cactus forest.

Day 9, Punta Morena: See amazing lava formations, observe Galapagos penguins

Day 10, Isla Espanola: See more rare and significant bird species including Darwin Finches. You’ll also see sea lions in Gardner Bay, and have the opportunity to go sea kayaking and snorkeling to view wildlife under the water’s surface.

Day 11, Santiago Island: Puerto Egas, wildlife viewing

Day 12-13, San Cristobal Island: Visit the Interpretation Center to learn the history of the islands. Playa Mann, spot the famous blue footed boobie and other indigenous bird species in Punta Pitt. Take zodiac rides around the island.

Galapagos & Machu Picchu in 2 Weeks

Day 1-2, Cuzco: Take a walking tour, and use this time to acclimate to the altitude. Visit Plaza de Armas and take a Sacred Valley tour.

Day 3-4, Machu Picchu: Take the VistaDome train to Machu Picchu and explore the town of Agua Calientes. Get a good night sleep before the dawn bus up to the ruins for an all day tour learning the history of the famous site. Climb Huayna Picchu for spectacular views.

Day 5, Lima: Tour this colonial-era city

Day 6, Quito: Explore Quito’s old town and discover the colonial history. See La Compania church and the city of San Juan. Visit the nearby cloud forest.

Day 7, Santa Cruz Island: Las Primicias tortoise reserve, visit the Darwin Research Station. Spend some time in Puerto Ayora.

Day 8, Isla Espanola: See more rare and significant bird species including Darwin Finches. You’ll also see sea lions in Gardner Bay, and have the opportunity to go sea kayaking and snorkeling to view wildlife under the water’s surface.

Day 9, Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove, incredible rock formations

Day 10, Bartholomew Island: Penguins, lava lizards, and beautiful white beaches

Day 11-12, San Cristobal Island: Visit the Interpretation Center to learn the history of the islands. Playa Mann, spot the famous blue footed boobie and other indigenous bird species in Punta Pitt. Take zodiac rides around the island.

Top Galapagos Islands Tours

Galapagos Islands Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
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Pam

Mar 2025

Volcanoes and Galapagos

Galapagos entirely lived up to expectations and more. Giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, amazingly colourful bird life, all breathtak...

K

Kim

Feb 2025

Volcanoes and Galapagos

Our island guides were great.Yanni in particular was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Galapagos islands that she really managed to convey just how very sp...

J

Janet

Feb 2025

Volcanoes and Galapagos

If you are reading this you have already seen the brochure description and want to know if it is all true. The trip does cover a huge variety of ground both in miles...

J

Jacqueline

Feb 2025

Volcanoes and Galapagos

Just a great trip

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