Puerto Ayora is the economic center of the Galapagos and a hub for day tours to nearby attractions. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the islands' ecology and conservation efforts. Take a walk around the town and visit the local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
A beautiful white-sand beach located in Santa Cruz Island's only public-access ecological reserve. Walk along the coastline, sunbathe, and swim in crystal-clear waters. You might see sea turtles, marine iguanas, and finches up close. Bring beach essentials, as there are no facilities on the way.
One of the most geologically impressive and ecologically diverse sites in the Galapagos. The tunnels are underwater lava formations where you can snorkel with sharks, sea lions, and various fish. Visitors can also see a vast array of birdlife that nest in the surrounding lava cliffs.
Spend the morning hiking up to the caldera of Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, and enjoy breathtaking views of the chasm. Explore the moonlike landscape, and be sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes or boots. In the afternoon, head back to town to visit local shops and restaurants in Puerto Villamil.
Punta Moreno is a spectacular volcanic landscape located on the west coast of Isabela. You can see unique lava formations and small lagoons inhabited by flamingos and other migratory birds. Hiking is not allowed, but you can stroll along the beach and observe abundant marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and Galapagos penguins.
Bartolome Island is home to one of the most photographed landmarks in the Galapagos, the Pinnacle Rock. Go snorkeling with white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful schools of fish. Hike to the summit of Bartolome to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the island and its volcanic formations.
San Cristobal Island is home to the Galapagos' capital city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Visit the Galapagos Interpretation Center and learn about the archipelago's natural history, geology, and conservation efforts. Take a walk along the bay, visit the local market, and enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the ocean.
Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido, is a spectacular rock formation located off the coast of San Cristobal. Snorkel with hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and rays. Hiking is not allowed, but you can observe the rock formation and the abundant birdlife that inhabits it while onboard the boat.
Puerto Chino is a beautiful beach located in the southeastern part of San Cristobal. Swim in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe, and observe the endemic birdlife of the island. The beach is secluded and can get windy, so bring a jacket or a windbreaker. There are no facilities, so bring your lunch and snacks.
La Loberia is a beautiful white-sand beach located on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Get up close to the Galapagos sea lions that inhabit the beach and waters. Snorkel with a variety of fish and sea turtles. Or relax on the sand and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
Most destinations in the Galapagos can only be reached by taking a speedboat or ferry ride. Expect to pay between $30-$50 for each boat transfer, depending on the distance, and make sure to book tickets well in advance to secure your spots. Taxis are the best way to get around each island, and fares range between $5-$25 depending on the distance.
If you have more than 10 days, you can add a few more attractions on each island. For example, you can visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, visit Tintoreras to see white-tipped sharks, or explore the El Junco lagoon in San Cristobal. If you have less than 10 days, you can skip San Cristobal and visit Santa Fe Island or North Seymour Island instead.
The Galapagos Islands have three airports: Baltra (GPS), San Cristobal (SCY), and Isabela (IBZ). Baltra and San Cristobal are the main airports, and most flights arrive and depart from there. Baltra is located near Santa Cruz Island, and San Cristobal is located near San Cristobal Island's capital city. The Isabela airport is small and mostly used for inter-island flights.