7-Day Galapagos Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Galapagos Islands 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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• Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)

  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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  • Quito Ecuador

    757 mi

  • San Cristóbal Island Ecuador

    45 mi

  • Santa Fé Island Ecuador

    17 mi

  • South Plaza Island Ecuador

    63 mi

  • Genovesa Island Ecuador

    65 mi

  • Santiago Island Ecuador

    33 mi

  • Santa Cruz Island Ecuador

    822 mi

  • Quito Ecuador

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• Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife

  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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  • Santa Cruz Island Ecuador

    54 mi

  • Isabela Island Ecuador

    54 mi

  • Santa Cruz Island Ecuador

    66 mi

  • San Cristóbal Island Ecuador

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