2 Weeks in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of the Galápagos Islands

Get ready for two exciting weeks of island hopping around the Galápagos, swimming with sea turtles, hiking to a volcano, and seeing blue-footed boobies in the wild on this highlights tour of the archipelago. 

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! Your tour begins in Isla San Cristóbal. You'll snorkel with colorful fish and rays at Kicker Rock and take a day trip to Isla Española for wildlife viewing. Then relax during a free day on the island, swimming at the beach or renting a bike to explore. On day six, catch a domestic flight to Isla Isabela. A highlight of your stay here is a hike to the massive crater at the Sierra Negra volcano.

Another unforgettable excursion on Isla Isabela is snorkeling around the otherworldly rock formations at Los Tuneles, spotting seahorses beneath the water's surface and penguins waddling around near the shore. You'll have a free day to relax before traveling to Isla Santa Cruz on a speedboat. You'll side-trip to two uninhabited islands, keeping an eye out for blue-footed boobies and other rare birds, before the trip comes to a close. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu & the Amazon

On this multicountry journey around Ecuador and Peru, highlights include boating in the Amazonian rainforest, snorkeling with penguins and sea lions in the Galápagos Islands, and hiking to the "lost city of the Incas," Machu Picchu.

Kick off the trip in the Amazon rainforest! You'll spot monkeys in the trees, kayak through the jungle, and see an incredible variety of native birds. Sleep in a wilderness lodge and disconnect before you head back to civilization — the heart of an ancient civilization, to be specific, in Cusco. Tour ancient ruins in the city and adjust to the altitude before you head out of the city to explore sights like Salineras, an ancient salt production center built by the Incas.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and sample traditional Peruvian cuisine. You'll venture to the famous "lost city of the Incas" the next day, touring the site with a guide, then drive around the Sacred Valley with its historic terraces and beautiful landscapes. Cross the border to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and spend the night in the city before flying into the Galápagos Islands. You'll spend the rest of the trip discovering the natural beauty of the archipelago, hiking on uninhabited islands, cruising on a yacht, and snorkeling with penguins past ethereal rock formations. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ecuadorian Highlands & Galápagos Islands Adventure 

Split your time between the majestic Ecuadorian Highlands and the Galápagos Islands on this wide-ranging two-week itinerary that takes you to Andean villages, colorful market towns, thermal springs, and the incredible Galápagos archipelago, rich with unique wildlife.

This busy itinerary begins in Quito. Go for a city tour, stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo, and explore the cloud forest of Mindo. Detour to Otavalo Market and hike around beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon before dipping into the thermal waters of Papallacta. You'll spend the next day hiking to the volcano at Cotopaxi National Park and then down to the gorgeous crater lake at Quilotoa. Backtrack to Quito, where you'll have a free day to catch your breath before the journey continues.

Fly to the Galápagos Islands, where you'll spend most of the rest of the trip. Start on Isla Santa Cruz with a visit to Charles Darwin Station. In the coming days, you'll enjoy afternoon boat tours, day trips to uninhabited islands rich with unique wildlife, and evenings spent in the laid-back port town of Puerto Ayora. Rent a bike to explore the island or go snorkeling offshore for the chance to see sea turtles and seahorses in the wild. You'll fly out of the Galápagos and spend one last night in Quito before the trip is over. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Galápagos Island Hopping: Water, Wildlife & Wilderness

Explore the Galápagos—both on dry land and under the waves—on this island-hopping journey around the islands' spectacular landscapes and wildlife habitats.

The trip starts when you arrive on Isla San Cristóbal. Visit the Interpretation Center and see the sea lions at La Lobería. Then go snorkeling at Kicker Rock and ride a speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises and tour Charles Darwin Station. Over the next few days, base yourself in Puerto Ayora and take boat tours to uninhabited islands to spot wildlife, snorkel, and hike. 

Midway through the itinerary, transfer to Isla Isabela, where you'll spend the next few days exploring the surroundings. Highlights include a trip to Las Tintoreras Islet and a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano. Then, it's back to Puerto Ayora for the last segment of the trip. You'll have the chance to go kayaking around Tortuga Bay and enjoy some free time to relax on the beach, go on wildlife hikes, or shop for souvenirs in town before the journey is over. Learn more    

More Great Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos? Check out these other Galápagos Islands itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.