10-Day Galapagos Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Galapagos Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Galapagos Islands, incl. Santa Cruz and Isabela

  Santa Cruz and Isabela islands anchor this 10-day adventure. The itinerary combines Charles Darwin Station visits, Tortuga Bay kayaking, Las Tintoreras snorkeling, and Sierra Negra Volcano crater hikes, balanced with independent exploration time.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrive in Quito, Ecuador.

    A driver will take you on the 30-minute trip to the Tumbaco neighborhood. Get some rest for your upcoming adventure.

    
  • Days 2-4

    Santa Cruz Island Base

    Land at Baltra Airport and head to Santa Cruz's highlands to watch giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit the Charles Darwin Station that afternoon. The next morning starts early with a day trip to one of the uninhabited islands like South Plazas, Bartolomé or North Seymour based on park permits. Day 4 takes you kayaking at Tortuga Bay after a 45-minute walk. Wear good shoes since the path has uneven cobblestones.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Isabela Island Adventures

    Take a 2-hour speedboat to Isabela Island. Explore Las Tintoreras Islet where you can spot penguins and marine iguanas. Day 6 features the Sierra Negra Volcano hike, a challenging 6-hour round trip to see the world's second-largest volcanic crater. One hiker shared: "The Sierra Negra hike was demanding but worth every step for those incredible crater views."

    
  • Day 8

    Back to Santa Cruz for bay exploration.

    Visit La Lobería to see sea lions, Shark Channel for white-tip sharks and Las Grietas for a unique swim in mixed fresh and saltwater.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return Journey

    Take the Itabaca Channel crossing and airport transfer. Spend your final day in Quito before heading home. A helpful tip from a traveler: "Bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need. You can buy it there but it's much more expensive."

    

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• 10 Day Galapagos Islands Itinerary, incl. Santa Cruz and Isabela

  Five distinct Galapagos destinations reveal their charms through multisport activities. Charles Darwin Station tours, Tortuga Bay kayaking, Black Beach snorkeling, and Sierra Negra Volcano hikes complement stays at local hotels and guesthouses.

  

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  • Day 1

    Quito

    Land in Ecuador's capital at 9,350 feet. Take an afternoon city tour to adjust to the altitude. Stay near Plaza Foch where you'll find plenty of restaurants and easy access to the historic center.

    
  • Day 2

    Quito to Santa Cruz Island

    Take an early morning flight (2.5 hours) to Baltra Airport. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before noon when they're most active. Head to Puerto Ayora where you'll spend two nights.

    
  • Day 3

    Santa Cruz Island

    Start early with a 2.5km walk to Tortuga Bay for kayaking and snorkeling at the white sand beach. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in the afternoon to learn about local conservation work. Remember water shoes the volcanic rocks are quite sharp.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Floreana Island

    Take a two-hour speedboat to Floreana. The waters can be rough from July to December so bring motion sickness pills. You'll stay in simple but welcoming community guesthouses. Snorkel at Black Beach and Loberia in the morning when visibility is best. The highland hikes offer spectacular views.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Isabela Island

    Travel by speedboat to the largest Galapagos island. Take on the Sierra Negra Volcano hike. It's a challenging 6-mile round trip but rewards you with views of the world's second-largest volcanic crater. Go kayaking and snorkeling at Las Tintoreras to spot penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.

    
  • Day 8

    Isabela to Santa Cruz

    Start with the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center before taking the speedboat back to Santa Cruz. Spend your free afternoon exploring Puerto Ayora's waterfront restaurants and shops. If conditions are good try a surfing lesson.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Quito

    Take a morning transfer to Baltra for your mainland flight. Spend your final night in Quito. Many visitors suggest adding extra days to see more of Ecuador.

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• 10 Day Galapagos Islands Itinerary, incl. San Cristobal and Isabela

  Seven major Galápagos locations unfold over 10 action-packed days. Kicker Rock snorkeling, Sierra Negra volcano treks, and Charles Darwin Station visits highlight the journey, with luxurious stays at Cormorant Beach House and Silberstein Hotel.

  

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  • Day 1

    Quito Arrival & Acclimatization

    Arrive in Quito and take time to adjust to the high altitude (9,350 ft). Stay in the historic UNESCO center. "Ask to be placed in the second tower of the Sheraton - the rooms have better views and air conditioning for Quito's warm afternoons."

    
  • Days 2-3

    San Cristobal Island & Kicker Rock

    Fly to San Cristobal in the morning. Visit La Loberia beach where sea lions often swim with snorkelers. The next day, take a boat to Kicker Rock for excellent snorkeling. "The snorkeling at Kicker Rock was incredible - we saw hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and rays. Do both snorkel sessions, as wildlife varies throughout the day."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Isabela Island Adventures

    Take a quick flight to Isabela instead of the long boat ride. Bike to the Wall of Tears and watch for flamingos and marine iguanas along the way. Go snorkeling in the Lava Tunnels to spot penguins and sea turtles. Take an early morning hike up Sierra Negra volcano before the clouds roll in (6 miles round trip, 950 ft climb).

    
  • Days 7-8

    Santa Cruz Island Exploration

    Take a two-hour boat ride to Santa Cruz. Sit on the top deck if you get seasick. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see the tortoise breeding program. Head to the highlands to find giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Use your free day to walk to Tortuga Bay or take a day trip to nearby islands.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Quito & Departure

    Fly back to Quito from Baltra. Bring cash for your INGALA transit card ($20) and park fee ($200). You might want to spend an extra day exploring mainland Ecuador.

    

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