The Best Galapagos Itinerary (2026)

Introduction to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador and are known for their wildlife and volcanic scenery. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and what he saw there contributed to his theory of evolution.

The Galapagos Islands are home to giant tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas and birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. On tours you can see these animals in their natural habitats.

For active travelers, the islands offer volcanic terrain to explore, hikes to viewpoints and dives in waters full of marine life. The islands are also a hub for eco-tourism, with a chance to learn about conservation efforts and sustainable practices.

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This guide gives land-based itineraries for visiting them without a cruise.

Los Tuneles seen from the surface

Me at the viewpoint in Bartolome Island

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Galapagos Islands Itinerary

Choosing a Galapagos itinerary depends on a few factors, such as:

• The time you have available for your adventure,
• What islands you want to explore,
• The wildlife you want to see,
• Which activities you’d like to participate in,
• Whether you prefer a more laid-back or action-packed experience.

Once you have answered these questions, you can choose the itinerary below that fits you.

Accommodation Options in The Galapagos

Choosing where to stay in the Galapagos makes a difference, because each island has its own feel. Across my trips I stayed in a hostel (Hostal Terito), a guesthouse (Mare Mío), an apartment (My Place in Paradise) and a beachfront hotel (Cormorant Beach House), and in Santa Cruz at Galapagos Dreams. Of the places listed here, Hostal Terito is the only one I stayed at, and the others come from research.

What to Expect on a 4-Day Galapagos Itinerary

A 4-day Galapagos itinerary is the shortest plan in this guide. It covers some of the wildlife and scenery of the archipelago in a short time. Below you will find highlights and activities for each of the three main islands.

I suggest that you choose one of the three main islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, or Isabela) as your home base. Each island has its own wildlife and sights. Trying to visit more than one main island in just 4 days can feel rushed, and staying in one place lets you explore at a relaxed pace.

Remember that the main airports of the archipelago are in Santa Cruz Island (Baltra) and in San Cristobal Island, so for the Galapagos itinerary where you visit Isabela Island, you should book your return flight at the latest possible time.

San Cristobal Island (4-Day Itinerary)

Day 1:

• Arrive at San Cristobal’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Take a taxi to your hotel and unpack.
• Go for a walk on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s Malecón, where you can watch sea lions relaxing on the beach.
• Visit San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center for an introduction to the island’s culture and history.
• Hike to Cerro Tijeretas Hill to see the view of the turquoise water underneath.
• Go for a hike to Playa Baquerizo Beach or swim with baby sea lions at Muelle Tijeretas dock.
• Enjoy lunch at any of the Malecóns restaurants.
• Book a 360 Tour at Galapagos Eco-Fishing for the next day.
• Do the Highlands Tour with a taxi of your choice to see El Junco Crater, the giant Tortoises Center, and Puerto Chino Beach.
• Return before sunset to the town where you will go for a shower at the hotel and have dinner in the Malecón.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the Galapagos Eco-Fishing store for your tour.
• Opt for the tour that starts first at Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock to have more chances of spotting Hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.
• On the tour stop at beaches such as the Bahia Rosa Blanca Beach and snorkel in a lagoon inside the island with rays and turtles.
• With luck, you will fish some fresh tuna and eat sashimi on the boat.
• Return to town, have dinner and sleep, or spend some time walking around the peaceful town.

Day 3:

• If you dive, go for the Kicker Rock Dive.
• Alternatively, go to Española Island, an island with endemic species like the pink and green iguana and the waved albatross.
• If you’re on a budget, visit La Loberia Beach by taxi, on foot, or by bicycle, and swim with sea lions or surf.
• In the evening, go to Playa Mann Beach or Punta Carola Beach for more surfing/relaxing next to downtown.

Day 4:

• Check the departure time of your LATAM or Avianca flight before you plan this morning. If it is a midday flight, there is only time for a little souvenir shopping or a nearby beach.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

Santa Cruz Island (4-Day Itinerary)

Day 1:

• Arrive at Baltra’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Take a Bus-Taxi Boat-Shuttle to your hotel and unpack.
• Go for a leisurely stroll in Puerto Ayora’s town, where you can go to the Fish Market or see the stores in the Malecón.
• Have lunch at one of the Malecón’s restaurants.
• After lunch, head to the Charles Darwin Interpretation Center to see the giant tortoises and learn about the history of the Galapagos and its conservation projects.
• Book a Highlands Tour to explore the Lava Tunnels, Los Gemelos Twin Craters, and Giant Tortoise Ranch.
• Once the tour is over and you’re back in Puerto Ayora, book your tours for the next day, either a Bartolome Island Tour or a Gordon Rocks Diving Tour (if you’re into diving) to see Hammerhead sharks and rays.
• After that, have dinner in town and rest before the next day’s tour.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the tour agency shop to begin your full-day tour.
• Both tours are full-day tours.
• Lunch will be served on the boat. Full-day tours are often back in Puerto Ayora in the afternoon, but confirm the return time when you book.
• After returning to town, book a Bay Tour to see Las Grietas the next morning.
• Have dinner in Puerto Ayora.

Day 3:

• Start the day by meeting your tour operator and begin the Bay Tour to see the Love Chanel and Las Grietas. If you prefer, you can also visit them without a tour; all you need is to take a taxi-boat there and then stay at Alemanes Beach if you can.
• Once back in Puerto Ayora, go for lunch and visit the Nymphs Lagoon (Laguna de Las Ninfas) on your way to Tortuga Bay, a beach on Santa Cruz Island.
• In Tortuga Bay, you can surf, snorkel, relax, and enjoy your time there; stay for the entire afternoon if you wish.
• After the sunset, return to Puerto Ayora, shop for some souvenirs, and enjoy your last evening in the Galapagos.

Day 4:

• Check the departure time of your LATAM or Avianca flight before you plan this morning, and allow time for the bus, the Itabaca Channel crossing and the airport controls.
• Don’t forget to check out the airport shops for some last-minute shopping.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

Isabela Island (4-Day Itinerary)

Day 1:

• Arrive at Baltra’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Take a Bus-Taxi Boat-Shuttle to Puerto Ayora’s downtown.
• Go for a leisurely stroll in Puerto Ayora’s town, where you can go to the Fish Market or see the stores in the Malecón.
• Have lunch at one of the Malecón’s restaurants.
• Take the afternoon boat to Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island’s town. Operator guides list a 3 pm departure (older sources list 2 pm), so check the time when you book. The boat I took to Isabela was the 7 am one.
• Check-in at your hotel, unpack and relax.
• Book a Sierra Negra Volcano Tour for the next day, a Los Tuneles Tour for the 3rd day, and the speedboat at 6 am on the 4th day with your hotel.
• Go for dinner around town and go to the hotel to rest for the next day’s volcano hiking.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the entrance of your hotel to start the tour.
• Hike Sierra Negra Volcano, see the caldera views and learn about the history of the island.
• After the hike, go snorkeling at Concha de Perla Lagoon and see some turtles, marine iguanas, and rays. If you don’t like snorkeling, check out the flamingo lagoon right next to town before sunset.
• Have dinner at one of the beach restaurants, by the sea.
• Head back to your hotel to rest.

Day 3:

• Today it’s Los Tuneles Tour, a snorkeling tour.
• Wildlife on this tour can include penguins, turtles, reef sharks and rays, and blue-footed boobies on the surface, along with underwater lava-rock tunnels.
• You’ll have lunch on the boat during the tour.
• After the tour, go see what you didn’t see the day before, visit the Flamingos Lagoon or Concha de Perla Lagoon.
• Enjoy your last night on the island, preferably next to the sea.

Day 4:

• I have not done the transfer from Isabela to the airport in a single day. Check the boat and flight times, and leave a buffer for the boat, the bus and the channel crossing. If your flight is early, it is safer to go back to Puerto Ayora the day before.
• Take the 6 am speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you’ll arrive around 9 am.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe the giant Galapagos tortoises and learn something about the conservation efforts of the Galapagos and its history.
• After the visit, get a taxi to Itabaca Channel, a taxi-boat, and a bus to the airport.
• Do some souvenir shopping at the airport.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

Highlights of a 5-Day Galapagos Itinerary

I recommend a 5-day Galapagos itinerary that includes either extending the 4-day itinerary by adding an extra day for relaxation or including a tour that was missed out earlier, or adjusting the existing tours to fit in the extra day comfortably.

Alternatively, you could opt for a 5-day Galapagos itinerary that starts with a flight to San Cristobal Island, followed by a visit to Santa Cruz Island, and then departing from the Santa Cruz airport, instead of returning to San Cristobal. Another option is to follow the Isabela Island-based 4-day Galapagos itinerary but with added highlights of Santa Cruz Island. Let me give you more details on each of these options.

Remember that the main airports of the archipelago are in Santa Cruz Island (Baltra) and in San Cristobal Island, so for the Galapagos itinerary where you visit Isabela Island you should book your return flight at the latest possible time.

San Cristobal & Santa Cruz Islands (5-Day Itinerary)

Day 1:

• Arrive at San Cristobal’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Order a taxi to your hotel and unpack.
• Take a walk on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s Malecón, where you can watch sea lions relaxing on the beach.
• Visit San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center for an introduction to the island’s culture and history.
• Hike to Cerro Tijeretas Hill to see the view of the turquoise water underneath.
• Go for a hike to Playa Baquerizo Beach or swim with baby sea lions at Muelle Tijeretas dock.
• Enjoy lunch at any of the Malecóns restaurants.
• Book a 360 Tour at Galapagos Eco-Fishing for the next day.
• Do the Highlands Tour with a taxi of your choice to see El Junco Crater, the giant Tortoises Center, and Puerto Chino Beach.
• Return before sunset to the town where you will go for a shower at the hotel and have dinner in the Malecón.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the Galapagos Eco-Fishing store for your tour.
• Opt for the tour that starts first at Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock to have more chances of spotting Hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.
• On the tour stop at beaches such as the Bahia Rosa Blanca Beach and snorkel in a lagoon inside the island with rays and turtles.
• With luck, you will fish some fresh tuna and eat sashimi on the boat.
• Return to town, have dinner and sleep, or spend some time walking around the peaceful town.

Day 3:

• If you dive, go for the Kicker Rock Dive.
• Alternatively, go to Española Island, an island with endemic species like the pink and green iguana and the waved albatross.
• If you’re on a budget, visit La Loberia Beach by taxi, foot, or bicycle, and swim with sea lions or surf.
• In the evening, go to Playa Mann Beach or Punta Carola Beach for more surfing/relaxing next to downtown.

Day 4:

• Take the speedboat to Santa Cruz Island at 7 am.
• Arrive at 9:30 - 10 am in Puerto Ayora.
• Drop your bags at the hotel and head to the docks to catch a taxi-boat to Las Grietas.
• Snorkel in Las Grietas and return to Puerto Ayora.
• Pick up a sandwich for lunch or a quick snack and make your way to Tortuga Bay Beach.
• Snorkel and relax at the beach.
• Hike back to town after one or two hours to do the Highlands Tour at 2 pm or stay relaxing on the beach if it’s your last day in the Galapagos.
• If you manage to be back in town by 2 pm, do the Tour of the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Alternatively, take a taxi that takes you to the Lava Tunnels, Los Gemelos Twin Craters, and Giant Tortoise Ranch.
• Once you’re back in Puerto Ayora, go for a stroll to relax from such a compact day and do some shopping, go for a craft beer, have dinner, and enjoy the evening in the largest town of the archipelago.

Day 5:

• If you’re an early riser, go for a quick educational session at the Charles Darwin Research Station on your last day.
• Pack your bags, have breakfast, do the checkout, and start making your way to the airport.
• If you didn’t have time to shop in Puerto Ayora, there are plenty of shops at the airport.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

The Kicker Rock, aka Leon Dormido

Isabela & Santa Cruz Islands (5-Day Itinerary)

Day 1:

• Arrive at Baltra’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Grab a Bus-Taxi Boat-Shuttle to Puerto Ayora’s downtown.
• Take a leisurely stroll in Puerto Ayora’s town, where you can go to the Fish Market or see the stores in the Malecón.
• Have lunch at one of the Malecón’s restaurants.
• Take the afternoon boat to Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island’s town. Operator guides list a 3 pm departure (older sources list 2 pm), so check the time when you book. The boat I took to Isabela was the 7 am one.
• Check-in at your hotel, unpack and relax.
• Book a Sierra Negra Volcano Tour for the next day, a Los Tuneles Tour for the 3rd day, and the speedboat at 6 am on the 4th day with your hotel.
• Go for dinner around town and go to the hotel to rest for the next day’s volcano hiking.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the entrance of your hotel to start the tour.
• Hike Sierra Negra Volcano, see the caldera views and learn about the history of the island.
• After the hike, go snorkeling at Concha de Perla Lagoon and see some turtles, marine iguanas, and rays. If you don’t like snorkeling, check out the flamingo lagoon right next to town before sunset.
• Have dinner at one of the beach restaurants, by the sea.
• Head back to your hotel to rest.

Day 3:

• Today it’s Los Tuneles Tour, a snorkeling tour.
• Wildlife on this tour can include penguins, turtles, reef sharks and rays, and blue-footed boobies on the surface, along with underwater lava-rock tunnels.
• You’ll have lunch on the boat during the tour.
• After the tour, go see what you didn’t see the day before, visit the Flamingos Lagoon or Concha de Perla Lagoon.
• Enjoy your last night on the island, preferably next to the sea.

Day 4:

• Take the 6 am speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you’ll arrive around 9 am.
• Drop your bags at the hotel and head to the docks to catch a taxi boat to Las Grietas.
• Snorkel in Las Grietas and return to Puerto Ayora.
• Pick up a sandwich for lunch or a quick snack and make your way to Tortuga Bay Beach.
• Snorkel and relax at the beach.
• Hike back to town after one or two hours to do the Highlands Tour at 2 pm or stay relaxing on the beach if it’s your last day in the Galapagos.
• If you manage to be back in town by 2 pm, do the Tour of the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Alternatively, take a taxi that takes you to the Lava Tunnels, Los Gemelos Twin Craters, and Giant Tortoise Ranch.
• Once you’re back in Puerto Ayora, go for a stroll to relax from such a compact day and do some shopping, go for a craft beer, have dinner, and enjoy the evening in the largest town of the archipelago.

Day 5:

• If you’re an early riser, go for a quick educational session at the Charles Darwin Research Station on your last day.
• Pack your bags, have breakfast, do the checkout, and start making your way to the airport.
• If you didn’t have time to shop in Puerto Ayora, there are plenty of shops at the airport.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

A blue-footed booby trying to call a female’s attention - In Los Tuneles Tour

The Perfect 7-Day Galapagos Itinerary

A 7-day Galapagos itinerary is worth considering if you have the time. You can choose to relax or add two extra full-day tours to the 5-day itinerary (and stay in only two of the three main islands) or go on a compact 7-day Galapagos itinerary visiting all three main islands.

This way you can see a bit of everything on the three main islands. The 7-day itinerary is compact, but it leaves time for the main tours and hikes.

Day 1:

• Arrive at San Cristobal’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Grab a taxi to your hotel and unpack.
• Take a walk on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s Malecón, where you can watch sea lions relaxing on the beach.
• Visit San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center for an introduction to the island’s culture and history.
• Hike to Cerro Tijeretas Hill to see the view of the turquoise water underneath.
• Go for a hike to Playa Baquerizo Beach or swim with baby sea lions at Muelle Tijeretas dock.
• Enjoy lunch at any of the Malecóns restaurants.
• Book a 360 Tour at Galapagos Eco-Fishing for the next day.
• Do the Highlands Tour with a taxi of your choice to see El Junco Crater, the giant Tortoises Center, and Puerto Chino Beach.
• Return before sunset to the town where you will go for a shower at the hotel and have dinner in the Malecón.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the Galapagos Eco-Fishing store for your tour.
• Opt for the tour that starts first at Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock to have more chances of spotting Hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.
• On the tour stop at beaches such as the Bahia Rosa Blanca Beach and snorkel in a lagoon inside the island with rays and turtles.
• With luck, you will fish some fresh tuna and eat sashimi on the boat.
• Return to town, have dinner and sleep, or spend some time walking around the peaceful town.

Day 3:

• Take the speedboat to Santa Cruz Island at 7 am.
• Arrive at 9:30 - 10 am in Puerto Ayora.
• Drop your bags at the hotel and head to the docks to catch a taxi boat to Las Grietas.
• Snorkel in Las Grietas and return to Puerto Ayora.
• Go for lunch in Puerto Ayora’s Malecón.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe the giant Galapagos tortoises and learn something about the conservation efforts of the Galapagos and its history.
• Make your way to Tortuga Bay Beach, where you’ll relax for the afternoon.
• Hike back to town after a couple of hours, go for a stroll to relax and do some shopping, go for a craft beer, have dinner, and enjoy the evening in the largest town of the archipelago.

Day 4:

•  Take your breakfast and set yourself up to do the Highlands Tour, to see the Lava Tunnels, Los Gemelos Twin Craters, and a Giant Tortoise Ranch.
• Once you are back in Puerto Ayora, have lunch at one of the Malecón’s restaurants.
• Take the afternoon boat to Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island’s town. Operator guides list a 3 pm departure (older sources list 2 pm), so check the time when you book. The boat I took to Isabela was the 7 am one.
• Check-in at your hotel, unpack, and relax.
• Book a Sierra Negra Volcano Tour for the next day, a Los Tuneles Tour for the 3rd day, and the speedboat at 6 am on the 4th day with your hotel.
• Go for dinner around town and go to the hotel to rest for the next day’s volcano hiking.

Day 5:

• Start the day early by heading to the entrance of your hotel to start the tour.
• Hike Sierra Negra Volcano, see the caldera views and learn about the history of the island.
• After the hike, go snorkeling at Concha de Perla Lagoon and see some turtles, marine iguanas, and rays. If you don’t like snorkeling, check out the flamingo lagoon right next to town before sunset.
• Have dinner at one of the beach restaurants, by the sea.
• Head back to your hotel to rest.

Day 6:

• Today it’s Los Tuneles Tour, a snorkeling tour.
• Wildlife on this tour can include penguins, turtles, reef sharks and rays, and blue-footed boobies on the surface, along with underwater lava-rock tunnels.
• You’ll have lunch on the boat during the tour.
• After the tour, go see what you didn’t see the day before, and visit the Flamingos Lagoon or Concha de Perla Lagoon.
• Enjoy your last night on the island, preferably next to the sea.

Day 7:

• I have not done the transfer from Isabela to the airport in a single day. Check the boat and flight times, and leave a buffer for the boat, the bus and the channel crossing. If your flight is early, it is safer to go back to Puerto Ayora the day before.
• Take the 6 am speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you’ll arrive around 9 am.
• Go for a stroll around Puerto Ayora’s Malecón where you can visit the Fish Market and go to some souvenir shops.
• Finally, get a taxi to Itabaca Channel, a taxi boat, and a bus to the airport.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

La Loberia beach in Floreana island

The Ultimate Experience of a 10-Day Galapagos Itinerary

The 10-day Galapagos itinerary is the longest land-based plan in this guide. It has more full-day tours to islands such as Bartolome, Española and Floreana. If you prefer not to visit Floreana, there are other options, such as snorkeling in Santa Fé or diving in Gordon Rocks, North Seymour and Mosquera.

This itinerary gives you time to see the main sights of the three islands, with room for the full-day tours. There are always more things to do, so treat it as a plan to adapt.

Day 1:

• Arrive at San Cristobal’s Airport and check current LATAM and Avianca schedules online, because your landing time decides how much of Day 1 you have.
• Grab a taxi to your hotel and unpack.
• Take a walk on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s Malecón, where you can watch sea lions relaxing on the beach.
• Visit San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center for an introduction to the island’s culture and history.
• Hike to Cerro Tijeretas Hill to see the view of the turquoise water underneath.
• Go for a hike to Playa Baquerizo Beach or swim with baby sea lions at Muelle Tijeretas dock.
• Enjoy lunch at any of the Malecóns restaurants.
• Book a 360 Tour at Galapagos Eco-Fishing for the next day.
• Do the Highlands Tour with a taxi of your choice to see El Junco Crater, the giant Tortoises Center, and Puerto Chino Beach.
• Return before sunset to the town where you will go for a shower at the hotel and have dinner in the Malecón.

Day 2:

• Start the day early by heading to the Galapagos Eco-Fishing store for your tour.
• Opt for the tour that starts first at Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock to have more chances of spotting Hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.
• On the tour stop at beaches such as the Bahia Rosa Blanca Beach and snorkel in a lagoon inside the island with rays and turtles.
• With luck, you will fish some fresh tuna and eat sashimi on the boat.
• Return to town, have dinner and sleep, or spend some time walking around the peaceful town.

Day 3:

• If you dive, go for the Kicker Rock Dive.
• Alternatively, go to Española Island, an island with endemic species like the pink and green christmas iguana and the waved albatross.
• If you’re on a budget, visit La Loberia Beach by taxi, foot, or bicycle, and swim with sea lions or surf.
• In the evening, go to Playa Mann Beach or Punta Carola Beach for more surfing/relaxing next to downtown.

Day 4:

• Take the speedboat to Santa Cruz Island at 7 am.
• Arrive at 9:30 - 10 am in Puerto Ayora.
• Drop your bags at the hotel and head to the docks to catch a taxi boat to Las Grietas.
• Snorkel in Las Grietas and return to Puerto Ayora.
• Go for lunch in Puerto Ayora’s Malecón,
• Pass through the Nymphs Lagoon, and make your way to Tortuga Bay Beach, where you’ll relax for the afternoon.
• Hike back to town after a couple of hours, go for a stroll to relax and do some shopping, go for a craft beer, have dinner, and enjoy the evening in the largest town of the archipelago.

Day 5:

• Start the day by visiting the Charles Darwin Interpretation Center to see the giant tortoises and learn about the history of the Galapagos and its conservation projects.
• Book a Highlands Tour to explore the Lava Tunnels, Los Gemelos Twin Craters, and Giant Tortoise Ranch.
• Once the tour is over and you’re back in Puerto Ayora, book your tour for the next day, a Bartolome Island Tour a Floreana Island Tour, or a Gordon Rocks Diving Tour (if you’re into diving) to see Hammerhead sharks and rays.
• After that, have dinner in town and rest before the next day’s tour.

Day 6:

• Whichever tour you choose, head to the tour agency/dive center in the morning to start the adventure.
• On the Bartolome Island Tour, you’ll go on a sailing boat between Daphne Mayor and Minor Islets until Bartolome Island, a small island next to Santiago. Dolphins sometimes follow the boat on the way.
• In Floreana, you’ll learn about a peculiar pirate story, an Austrian Baroness and her love trio, and a toothless German doctor, and on both tours you snorkel at beaches.
• In Gordon Rocks, you may see hammerhead sharks, eagle and manta rays and other marine life.
• All the tours include lunch. Full-day tours are often back in Puerto Ayora in the afternoon, but confirm the return time when you book.
• Enjoy your last evening in Santa Cruz and get ready for Isabela Island.

Day 7: 

• Wake up early, and take the 7 am speedboat to Isabela Island, which should arrive around 10 am in Puerto Villamil.
• Check-in at your hotel, unpack, and relax.
• Book a Sierra Negra Volcano Tour for the next day, a Los Tuneles Tour for the 3rd day, and the speedboat at 6 am on the 4th day with your hotel.
• After reserving everything either stay on Puerto Villamil Beach for the rest of the day or go to the Wall of Tears.
• When you’re back in town go for dinner to the hotel to rest for the next day’s volcano hiking.

Day 8:

• Start the day early by heading to the entrance of your hotel to start the tour.
• Hike Sierra Negra Volcano, see the caldera views and learn about the history of the island.
• After the hike, go snorkeling at Concha de Perla Lagoon and see some turtles, marine iguanas, and rays. If you don’t like snorkeling, check out the flamingo lagoon right next to town before sunset.
• Have dinner at one of the beach restaurants, by the sea.
• Head back to your hotel to rest.

Day 9:

• Today it’s Los Tuneles Tour, a snorkeling tour.
• Wildlife on this tour can include penguins, turtles, reef sharks and rays, and blue-footed boobies on the surface, along with underwater lava-rock tunnels.
• You’ll have lunch on the boat during the tour.
• After the tour, go see what you didn’t see the day before, and visit the Flamingos Lagoon or Concha de Perla Lagoon.
• Enjoy your last night on the island, preferably next to the sea.

Day 10:

• Take the 6 am speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you’ll arrive around 9 am.
• Go on a leisurely stroll in Puerto Ayora’s town, where you can go to the Fish Market or see the stores in the Malecón for some souvenirs.
• Get a taxi to Itabaca Channel, a taxi boat, and a bus to the airport.
• Do some souvenir shopping at the airport’s many shops.
• Allow plenty of time to get through the airport controls and procedures before your departure.

A Panorama of Chico volcano - Sierra Negra Volcano

Sea lions on the beach at Punta Suarez in Espanola Island, Galapagos

Budget Considerations for a Galapagos Itinerary

The Galapagos can be done on a budget. A 4-day Galapagos itinerary on an island-hopping trip costs about $740-840. To keep costs down, compare flights, accommodation, activities and food options, stay on the main islands and take day trips instead of a cruise.

Guesthouses and hostels are usually the cheaper places to stay. The park rules on responsible tourism apply to every visitor. Last-minute cruises and volunteering are other options if they interest you.

The view from the pirates cave to Cerro Pajas volcano in Floreana Island

Conclusion: What Itinerary is Right For You?

The right Galapagos itinerary depends on your interests, the time you have and the activities you want to do. You can choose a 4, 5, 7 or 10-day island-hopping itinerary, or a cruise.

Pick the length that fits your time and budget, and adapt the plan to the tours that are available when you go.

The pool, ships and Santiago island at the distance, on the Bartolome Island Tour

A penguin and a sea lion in Los Tuneles