Begin your trip on the stunning Santa Cruz Island, which is home to Tortuga Bay. Take a hike through the dry forests to reach the beautiful beach and go for a swim with marine iguanas. End the day watching the sunset from The Twins, two extinct volcanic craters.
Isabela Island is home to the incredible Sierra Negra Volcano, where you can take a strenuous hike up for panoramic views of the island. In the afternoon, take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Tintoreras, a series of rocky islets that are home to penguins, sea lions, and marine iguanas.
Visit one of the most pristine islands in the Galapagos, Fernandina Island. Take a guided walk to see the island's unique wildlife, including the iconic Marine Iguanas and the world's smallest penguin, the Galapagos Penguin. End the day with a dip at Punta Espinoza, a marine iguana nesting site.
Head to Santa Fe Island, known for its clear waters and abundance of sea life. Go snorkeling with rays, sea turtles, and various colorful fish. After lunch, take a guided walk through the island's cactus forest to spot the endemic Santa Fe iguana and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the island.
Get up close and personal with wildlife at North Seymour Island. Walk along the rocky shore to spot the island's two species of frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Go for a swim or snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish. Wrap up the day with a hike to the top of the island to see the best views of the surrounding waters.
Visit Bartolome Island, known for its stunning landscapes and unique terrestrial species. Take a guided walk to reach the top of Pinnacle Rock, one of the best panoramic views of the Galapagos. Go snorkeling with the island's playful Galapagos penguins or enjoy a relaxing swim on the island's pristine beach.
End your trip on San Cristobal Island. Take a guided walk up to Cerro Tijeretas for views of the beautiful coastline dotted with sea lions. Go snorkeling with the island's playful sea lions and colorful fish before wrapping up the day with a visit to the Interpretation Center, where you can learn about the Galapagos' history, geography, and biology.
Getting around the Galapagos requires taking boats or planes between islands. Prices and availability vary depending on the season so it's best to pre-book your tickets. Speedboats between the islands can be bumpy and choppy, so it's recommended to bring motion sickness medication just in case. Most boats include a naturalist guide and snacks, and water, but it's still crucial to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Roundtrip airfare between Quito or Guayaquil and the Galapagos can cost around $500 and up.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station, located on Santa Cruz Island, to learn more about the Galapagos Islands' famous animals and the conservation efforts to protect them. If you have less time, consider combining days 3 and 4, 5 and 6, or skip one of the islands.
The main airport in the Galapagos is Seymour Airport (GPS) located on Baltra Island, about 40km from the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Another smaller airport is located on San Cristobal Island (SCY), about 57km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It's important to remember that a $20 Transit Control Card must be purchased at the airport before boarding your flight to the Galapagos.