1 Week in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Galápagos Island-Hopping

Discover the natural beauty of the Galápagos on this land-based 7-day tour around the archipelago that takes you to various islands to view wildlife, snorkel, kayak, hike, and relax on the beach. 

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! Arrive on Santa Cruz Island to begin the adventure. You'll get an overview of conservation efforts in the archipelago by visiting the Charles Darwin Station, then you'll see giant tortoises in the grassy fields nearby. On day two, you'll travel to an uninhabited island for wildlife viewing — keep your eyes open for blue-footed boobies and nesting frigate birds.

Catch a speedboat to Isabela Island the next day, where you'll go on a snorkeling excursion at Las Tintoreras Islet. It's a good warm-up for the following day's snorkel trip around the otherworldly rock formations at Los Tuneles: you're likely to see tropical fish, rays, turtles, seahorses, and white-tipped reef sharks, not to mention penguins. Stay above the water on day five while kayaking around beautiful Tortuga Bay. Relax on the beach, then enjoy one last trip to another uninhabited island for hiking and wildlife spotting on the last day of the trip. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Outdoor Adventure in the Galápagos

Viewing wildlife — whether hiking, boating, and snorkeling — is the emphasis of this active adventure through the great outdoors of the Galápagos.

Start the adventure on San Cristobal Island, which has its own airport. On the first day, you'll visit the Interpretation Center, see frigate birds nesting at Tijeretas Hill, and view the sea lion colony at La Lobería. Snorkel at famous Kicker Rock the next day, where you'll likely see sea lions, colorful fish, rays, turtles, and hammerhead sharks beneath the water's surface. Ride a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island the next day; you'll have the chance to see giant tortoises near the Charles Darwin Center.

For the rest of the trip, you'll base yourself in the port town of Puerto Ayora. Enjoy an afternoon boat tour on day four to get an overview of the area, then day-trip to an uninhabited island nearby on the following day. You'll have a free day at the end of the trip for any outdoor activities you might like to try: biking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, boating, and more. One great option is to hike to Tortuga Bay and go kayaking — a wonderful way to end the adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Cruise the Galápagos

Explore the awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands by day — and sleep on a boat at night — on this 7-day cruise around the world-famous archipelago.

All aboard! You'll start the cruise on Baltra Island after flying into Baltra's airport. Your first destination will be Mosquera Islet, home to a huge population of sea lions and birds. Enjoy the sunset from the boat's deck and get some rest before the next day's adventures. Dock at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the archipelago’s capital, and transfer to Cerro Colorado to visit the breeding center for giant tortoises. Then go hiking at Punta Pitt; the trail offers spectacular views of the coastline. Continue on to Santa Fe Island and South Plaza Island for more wildlife viewing and hiking.

On day four, stop at the town of Puerto Ayora and tour Charles Darwin Station to learn about conservation efforts on the islands. You'll sail around Española Island, spotting sea bird colonies at Punta Suarez, then continuing to the gorgeous coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby Osborn Islet, where you'll have the option to go snorkeling. Look for blue-footed boobies on Eden Islet on the last day of the trip, then enjoy one last sunset on the boat before flying out the next day.  Learn more

Itinerary #4: Best of Ecuador: Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 7 Days

On this ambitious 7-day itinerary, you'll divide your time between Ecuador's capital city of Quito and the wilderness of the Galápagos Islands, enjoying boat tours, wildlife viewing, and cultural sightseeing along the way.

Welcome to Ecuador's capital city of Quito! You'll take a guided city tour to see the major sights and monuments, then head over to Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand on the line of the equator. Then return to Quito for an evening out on the town, shopping for Ecuadorian handicrafts and sampling local cuisine in one of the city's many excellent restaurants. After a few days in Ecuador, you'll switch gears for the second part of the trip, catching a domestic flight to the Galápagos Islands.

Start on Santa Cruz Island by touring Charles Darwin Station to learn about giant tortoises and conservation efforts on the islands. Go island-hopping for the next few days, boating to uninhabited islands to look for blue-footed boobies, penguins, and a wide variety of birds. Take the chance to go snorkeling or just relax on the islands' white sandy beaches. You'll overnight in Puerto Ayora, enjoying the small town's bars and restaurants at night, before the trip comes to a close. 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. 

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