7-Day Galapagos Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Galapagos Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar

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

  Natural wonders await across 4 locations: Santa Cruz's tortoise highlands, Academy Bay's marine sanctuary, San Cristóbal's wildlife havens, and Isla Lobos' coastal treasures. Seven days include 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4-star accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Quito Arrival & Acclimatization

    Land in Quito and adjust to the high altitude (9,350 ft). Stay in the historic old town UNESCO site. Book an afternoon arrival to avoid Quito's morning fog delays. Take it easy today since the altitude can make even simple activities like climbing stairs challenging.

    
  • Day 2

    Quito to Santa Cruz Island

    Take an early morning flight to Baltra Island (2.5 hours) followed by a ferry to Santa Cruz. Visit the highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before noon when they're most active. "The intimate encounters with wild tortoises were incredible. We saw over a dozen just leisurely grazing." Explore the lava tubes before settling into your Puerto Ayora hotel.

    
  • Day 3

    Academy Bay Exploration

    Start with snorkeling at Academy Bay. Water can be cold so rent a wetsuit ($10). You'll likely see sea lions rays and tropical fish. "Getting in the water with sea lions was magical - they're like puppies! Just don't chase them let them come to you." Walk to Tortuga Bay in the afternoon (40 min). Get there by 3 PM to watch marine iguanas sunbathing.

    
  • Day 4

    Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal

    Spend the morning at Puerto Ayora's fish market and Darwin Research Station. Take the 2.5-hour ferry to San Cristóbal after lunch. Sit on the top deck to avoid seasickness and take motion sickness pills 30 minutes before departure. In the evening walk the waterfront to spot sea lions relaxing on benches.

    
  • Day 5

    Isla Lobos Day Trip

    Take a morning boat to Isla Lobos (30 mins). It's perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and watching blue-footed boobies. Bring water shoes for the slippery rocks. "The currents can be strong - stay close to your guide and don't hesitate to use a flotation device if you're not a strong swimmer."

    
  • Day 6

    San Cristóbal to Quito

    Visit La Loberia beach or the Interpretation Center in the morning. Fly back to Quito in the afternoon. Get a window seat for amazing aerial views. Spend your last evening in historic Quito trying traditional locro de papa soup at a local restaurant.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure Day

    Browse the artisan market for last-minute shopping before your flight. Plan to leave for the airport 4 hours before your flight since it's an hour from the city center and traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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• 7 Days in Galapagos Islands, incl. San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz

  The 7-day Galapagos adventure encompasses 7 islands, with 4 nights on Le Grande Daphne and 2 hotel nights in Quito. Naturalist guides lead visits to San Cristobal's Interpretation Center, snorkeling at Santa Fe, and Genovesa's seabird colonies.

  

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  • Day 1

    Quito

    Begin in Ecuador's capital city at 9,350 feet elevation. Visit the historic Old Town but pace yourself while adjusting to the altitude. One traveler shared: "Getting some rest on arrival day is essential - the altitude in Quito can really affect you if you push too hard." End your day with dinner in San Marcos neighborhood which specializes in traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.

    
  • Day 2

    Quito to San Cristóbal Island

    Get ready for an early start at 4 AM for your Galapagos flight. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center in early afternoon when crowds are lighter. Bring water and sun protection since shade is limited. Your first giant tortoise encounter awaits in the highlands. Pack quick-dry clothes for panga boat transfers where you'll likely get wet.

    
  • Day 3

    Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands

    Start your morning hiking Santa Fe's opuntia cactus forest. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip on the rocky trails. Go snorkeling in the cove mid-morning for the best visibility to spot sea turtles and rays. Visit South Plaza Island in the afternoon to see land iguanas. One recent visitor noted: "The colors at sunset here are incredible - the red sesuvium ground cover against the green cactus is stunning."

    
  • Day 4

    Genovesa Island

    Genovesa offers the best bird watching in the archipelago. Start early with a climb up Prince Philip's Steps before the heat sets in. Bring binoculars to spot red-footed boobies and short-eared owls. The snorkeling is excellent but water can be cold. Consider renting a wetsuit from your boat.

    
  • Day 5

    Santiago and Santa Cruz Islands

    Explore Sullivan Bay's pahoehoe lava fields on Santiago Island. The volcanic landscape looks like another world. Wear closed shoes to protect against sharp lava rock. Visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz later to see land iguanas and pink flamingos. Bring a bandana for dusty trails during dry season.

    
  • Day 6

    Black Turtle Cove to Quito

    Take an early Zodiac ride through Black Turtle Cove when waters are calmest to spot green sea turtles. Catch your afternoon flight back to Quito. Most flights land around 4 PM leaving time for a final group dinner in La Floresta neighborhood.

    
  • Day 7

    Quito Departure

    Your adventure ends after breakfast. If staying longer many travelers suggest taking an extra day to visit Otavalo Market or Cotopaxi National Park from Quito.

    

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• 7 Day Galápagos Islands Itinerary, incl. Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands

  The islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal unfold over 7 days. Charles Darwin Research Station, Sierra Negra Volcano hike, and snorkeling at Tijeretas and Concha de Perla highlight the trip. Includes 6 breakfasts and naturalist guides.

  

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  • Day 1

    Santa Cruz Island

    Plan to arrive at Baltra Airport before 11 AM. Take a bus to the canal crossing to Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora to see the famous giant tortoises. Remember to bring water and sun protection. The walk between tortoise areas gets pretty hot.

    
  • Day 2

    Santa Cruz to Isabela Island

    Take the 2-hour speedboat to Isabela Island. Pack motion sickness medication if you're traveling July through December when waters get rough. After checking in, take a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano for some amazing views. Bring sturdy shoes and a light jacket. The volcano rim gets windy and cool despite the tropical location.

    
  • Day 3

    Isabela Island

    You'll have a free day to explore Isabela. The top activity is Los Tuneles snorkeling ($140-150) where you can swim with sea turtles, rays, and white-tipped reef sharks. You can also try Tintoreras snorkeling ($45-50) or surfing lessons ($120). Book your activities early during busy seasons.

    
  • Day 4

    Isabela to Santa Cruz Island

    Start with early morning snorkeling at Concha de Perla between 7-8 AM for the best wildlife viewing. Take another 2-hour boat ride back to Santa Cruz. Spend your afternoon checking out Puerto Ayora's shops and restaurants. Stop by the fish market to try fresh seafood and watch the pelicans and sea lions that often visit.

    
  • Day 5

    Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal Island

    Take a 2-hour speedboat to San Cristóbal. Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the islands' ecosystems. Go snorkeling at Tijeretas where you'll see nesting frigate birds and playful sea lions. End your day with sunset drinks along the waterfront malecón.

    
  • Day 6

    San Cristóbal Island

    You can take an excursion to Kicker Rock ($140-160) for snorkeling with hammerhead sharks and tropical fish. Or visit Playa Mann or La Lobería beach to watch sea lion colonies. Bring an underwater camera. "Watching sea lions glide through the water around you while snorkeling is pure magic."

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from San Cristóbal

    Your departure time is flexible today. The San Cristóbal airport is just 10 minutes from town, much easier than arrival at Baltra. Important: Bring $220 cash for required park fees ($200 national park fee + $20 transit card) when you arrive.

    

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