7-Day Ecuador Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Ecuador itineraries

Compiled by

NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Galapagos Islands Itinerary, incl. Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal

  A remarkable 7-day tour takes you through three major Galapagos islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal. The itinerary features Charles Darwin Research Station, Sierra Negra Volcano hikes, snorkeling at Tijeretas, and Concha de Perla. 6 breakfasts and expert naturalist guidance included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Santa Cruz Island

    Plan to arrive at Baltra Airport before 11 AM to catch your transfer across Santa Cruz Island. Make your way to Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where you can get close to Galápagos tortoises. "Watching the giant tortoises lumber around at the research station was incredible - try to get there before 2 PM when they're most active."

    
  • Day 2

    Santa Cruz to Isabela Island

    Take the 2-hour speedboat to Isabela Island. Pack motion sickness medication since the waters can get rough from July to December. Your main activity is hiking Sierra Negra Volcano which has one of the world's largest crater rims. Pack good hiking shoes and a light raincoat since the weather changes quickly at higher elevations.

    
  • Day 3

    Isabela Island

    You have a free day to explore Isabela. Book the Los Tuneles snorkeling trip ($140-150) ahead of time if you're visiting in peak season. It offers some of the best opportunities to see sea turtles, rays and white-tipped reef sharks. For a more relaxed option try the Tintoreras islets ($45-50) where you can snorkel with marine iguanas and sea lions.

    
  • Day 4

    Isabela to Santa Cruz Island

    Start early with 7 AM snorkeling at Concha de Perla lagoon when marine life is most active. Take the afternoon speedboat back to Santa Cruz. In the evening walk along Puerto Ayora's waterfront on Charles Darwin Avenue to find fresh seafood at local restaurants.

    
  • Day 5

    Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal Island

    Take another 2-hour boat ride to San Cristóbal. Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the islands' ecosystems. Spend the afternoon snorkeling at Playa Carola near Cerro Tijeretas where you can spot sea lions and frigate birds. "The sea lions at Playa Carola were incredibly playful - they'll swim right up to you, but remember to keep a respectful distance."

    
  • Day 6

    San Cristóbal Island

    Consider the popular Kicker Rock snorkeling trip ($125-135) but check about jellyfish which appear in certain seasons. Or visit La Lobería beach to see sea lion colonies. For a simple option take a short walk to Playa Mann for sunset just 10 minutes from town.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from San Cristóbal

    Your Galapagos adventure ends today. Book your airport transfer a day early since morning taxis can be limited. Most flights leave San Cristóbal airport in late morning.

    

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• 7 Day Galapagos Islands Itinerary, incl. San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz

  The Galapagos living laboratory unfolds over 7 days for approx. $220 per day. Three stunning islands - San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela - showcase the Charles Darwin Research Station, Sierra Negra Volcano trek, and marine-rich snorkeling at Tijeretas.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Cristóbal Island

    Start at the Interpretation Center to learn about the archipelago's unique ecosystem. Visit Tijeretas for snorkeling in the early morning when the water is calm and sea lions are active. One visitor shared: "What a great trip! So close to the animals, seeing them do what they do, and feeling a new connection to our planet was a great take-away." Consider taking a boat trip to Isla Lobos on day two ($80). You'll get excellent snorkeling opportunities with sea turtles and sea lions. Pack an underwater camera and wear a rash guard since the equatorial sun is strong even underwater.

    
  • Day 3

    Santa Cruz Island

    Take the early 2.5-hour speedboat from San Cristóbal. Bring motion sickness pills as the water can get rough. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before the crowds arrive. Spend your afternoon in the highlands watching giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Wear closed shoes because the ground gets muddy.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Isabela Island

    The biggest island in the Galapagos offers plenty of wildlife viewing. Start at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre early. Try the Sierra Negra Volcano hike if you're up for a challenge (17km/6-7 hours). Bring lots of water, sun protection and sturdy hiking boots. The Las Tintoreras trip ($47) is good for spotting white-tipped reef sharks.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Santa Cruz Island

    Back on Santa Cruz take a trip to Tortuga Bay. It's a 45-minute walk but worth it to see marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. Spend time at La Loberia snorkeling with sea lions and visit Punta Estrada to spot blue-footed boobies.

    

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• 7 Day Ecuador Amazon Itinerary, incl. Quito and Tena

  Immerse yourself in a 7-day adventure spanning Quito and Tena, with 4 nights in Amazon jungle lodges. The itinerary features waterfall visits, shamanic ceremonies, amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre tours, and traditional Quichua practices through daily cultural activities.

  

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  • Day 1

    Quito Arrival & Acclimatization

    Arrive in Ecuador's capital, located at 9,350 feet above sea level. Take time to adjust to the altitude by drinking lots of water and moving at a relaxed pace. While the UNESCO-listed historic center is easy to walk around, save major sightseeing for your return. One traveler advises: "I'd recommend having your own snacks ready before the next day's long journey."

    
  • Day 2

    Quito to Amazon (6-hour journey)

    Leave early for Tena, your entry point to Ecuador's Amazon. The bus ride takes about 6 hours through stunning Andean scenery before dropping into jungle territory. Consider bringing motion sickness medication if you're prone to car sickness. You'll reach your rustic jungle lodge where a local Quichua family will host you for four nights. In the afternoon, walk to a scenic spot and try a natural mud mask. Pack quick-dry clothes since the humidity never lets up.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Tena Amazon Immersion

    Your full jungle experience begins. Activities start early when wildlife is most active. You'll go on waterfall hikes, learn about medicinal plants, and try hands-on activities like making chocolate from local cacao. A visitor shares: "The intimacy of the family made it special, as did the connection with the jungle. The more modernity which can stay away from this tour, the better." Take canoe rides to the amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre. Wear shoes that can handle water and keep electronics in waterproof bags. You might bike to Shandia community or watch traditional blowgun demonstrations. The lodge offers basic but authentic stays: "The accommodation was rustic but expected, with lovely hammocks for down time. The only surprise was no hot water at all."

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Quito

    Start early for the 6-hour trip back to Quito. The big change in elevation requires staying hydrated and keeping warm clothes ready. The temperature difference between the Amazon and Andean highlands can be significant. Once in Quito, head to La Floresta neighborhood for dinner and local food options.

    
  • Day 7

    Quito Departure

    If your flight schedule permits, visit Otavalo Market (2 hours north) or tour the city and Equator monument. One traveler noted: "Having one day to relax due to not doing alternative activities was a nice break at the end."

    

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