10 Days in the Galápagos - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Galápagos Grandeur: Explore the Archipelago by Luxury Yacht

Indulge in endless days of sun, sea, and beautiful coastlines on this luxury Galápagos cruise, designed for discerning travelers with an affinity for wildlife. Onboard the Agua Mare superyacht, cruise between nine islands and islets, and disembark to hike, snorkel, beach hop, and witness fascinating bird and marine life. Plus, with nights in Quito bookending your time in the Galápagos archipelago, you'll sneak in a visit to the Museo Casa de la Cultural and refresh in style at the premier EB Hotel by Eurobuilding.

Welcome to Ecuador! Your luxury escape begins in Quito, but after an overnight at the well-appointed EB Hotel by Eurobuilding, you'll return to the airport to catch a flight to the Galápagos. Upon landing, transfer to Puerto Ayora, where the premier Agua Mare superyacht welcomes you onboard for a six-night stay. Disembark on nine different islands throughout your cruise, each brimming with fascinating wildlife and coastal landscapes. Kick things off with a day of beach hopping and sea lion spotting on Isla Floreana, then explore Isla Isabela's volcanic landscapes and coastal plains. 

Your next cruising destination is Isla Fernandina, home to colonies of marine iguanas and nesting flightless cormorants, followed by Isla Santiago, the best place in the archipelago to observe Galápagos fur seals. Afterward, relax on the red-sand beaches of Isla Rábida and explore the beautiful mangrove forests at Black Turtle Cove. Isla Seymour Norte and the islet of Mosquera are two more destinations you'll disembark at, the first to spot blue-footed boobies and the latter featuring a sandbar brimming with shorebirds. Lastly, snorkel off the coast of Daphne Major before flying back to Quito. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Luxury Exploration of the Galápagos

Discover uninhabited islands, underwater geological formations, and beaches teeming with extraordinary wildlife on this activity-packed adventure. Perfect for those seeking a land-based trip, you'll spend nights at upscale accommodations and your days hiking, biking, snorkeling, and cruising. Highlights include a guided e-bike excursion around Isla Santa Cruz, a hike up the rugged Sierra Negra volcano, and a snorkeling trip to the renowned Kicker Rock—all of which offer superb opportunities to witness rare birds and marine animals.

After arriving in Quito and taking the evening to relax at the EB Hotel by Eurobuilding, you'll be refreshed and ready to discover the magnificent wonders of the Galápagos archipelago. Your first destination is Isla Santa Cruz, and with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center and a guided e-bike tour on the agenda, you'll quickly become acquainted with the archipelago's wildlife. Additionally, experience the unspoiled beauty of nearby uninhabited islands during a private cruise before jetting to Isla Isabela. Here, the luxury Iguana Crossing hotel welcomes your arrival for two luxe overnights.

Kick off your stay on Isla Isabela with an afternoon of boating and hiking, followed by a memorable trek on the Sierra Negra volcano. Another flight then sees you to Isla San Cristóbal, and after dropping your bags at the chic Hotel Indigo Galápagos, spend the rest of the day hiking up Las Tijeretas Hill and admiring sea lions at La Lobería. It's back out on the water on Day 8, this time onboard a speedboat destined for Kicker Rock. Lastly, visit a giant tortoise breeding center and treat yourself to a well-deserved massage before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Galápagos Cruise & Highlights of Cuenca & Quito

Ideal for luxury travelers looking to experience both the hidden corners of the Galápagos and the enchanting towns of mainland Ecuador, this far-reaching Ecuadorian itinerary combines a six-day cruise with time in Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Quito. While based onboard the marvelous M/C Endemic, sail between volcanic islands and rocky islets, disembarking for a mix of hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife-watching excursions. Then, join up with expert guides on the mainland to admire stunning cathedrals, visit the former home of a famous Ecuadorian artist, and take in the massive Monument to the Equator.

With its charming waterfront and modern luxuries, Guayaquil is the perfect place to shrug off jet lag in style, which is exactly what you'll do while based at the 5-star Hotel del Parque. The next day, you're off to the Galápagos to begin your five-day cruise onboard the opulent M/C Endemic. Throughout, when you're not relaxing in your well-appointed stateroom, you'll have ample opportunity to disembark for activities catered to your liking. From hiking lunar-like landscapes to watching curious blue-footed boobies, each promises to introduce you to the mind-blowing biodiversity of the archipelago.

Additionally, while based onboard the M/C Endemic, cruise to Isla Rábida to admire its cactus groves and to Mosquera Islet in hopes of encountering the yellow-crowned heron. Then, after disembarking for the final time, bid farewell to the islands and fly to Guayaquil. Spend a night here before transferring inland to Cuenca, known as the "Athens of Ecuador," where you'll join a guide to learn about the city's cathedrals. Your final destination is Quito, and with a full day here, you'll have time to ponder artworks at Casa Museo Guayasamín and straddle the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Galápagos Safari Camp Luxury Adventure

Fully surround yourself with the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands on this leisurely-paced 10-day journey. While staying at the delightfully exclusive Galápagos Safari Camp and the Scalesia Galápagos Lodge, you'll find plenty of time to unwind in style between activities curated to your interests. Dedicate two days to cruising between uninhabited islands, exploring the white sands of Garrapatero Beach and trekking to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Then, jet to Quito and spend your final days sipping cocktails and meandering through the city's colonial center.

Start your lavish escape in Quito, admiring the grand Monument to the Equator and savoring fine spirits at the Agave Museum. From there, fly to the Galápagos and transfer to the esteemed Galápagos Safari Camp on Isla Santa Cruz, your base for the next four nights. After unpacking, venture to volcanic sinkholes brimming with unique wildlife with a naturalist guide, then embark on back-to-back private boat trips to secluded islands. Later, wrap up your visit to Isla Santa Cruz by exploring a private nature reserve and lounging on the beautiful white sands of Garrapatero Beach.

The second half of your getaway features the luxurious Scalesia Galápagos Lodge on Isla Isabela, and over a two-day stay, you'll have plenty of time to explore the property's expansive native forest. While here, you'll also hike around the mangroves of Los Humedales, conquer a trek on the Sierra Negra volcano, and cruise to Tintoreras Islet. Afterward, jet back to Quito and wrap up your trip with a healthy dose of culture. First, head to a local bar for a special cocktail-making class, then join up with a local guide for a private walking tour before squeezing in a visit to the city's botanical gardens. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon & the Galápagos

From a spectacular lodge tucked deep in the Amazon and the beachfront Golden Bay Galápagos boutique hotel to a decadent spa session and an exclusive cooking class, this immersive rainforest-and-island getaway is the perfect fit for those eager to escape the ordinary. Throughout, you'll experience a cleansing ceremony led by a local shaman, sail to and explore uninhabited islands, and photograph sea lion pups. In between, enjoy unique touches of luxury, including gourmet meals and a visit to the famous Papallacta Hot Springs.

Upon landing in Quito, indulge in a delightful stay at the 5-star EB by Eurobuilding and partake in an exquisite Ecuadorian cooking class. Then, meet up with a private driver the following morning who'll whisk you away to the Amazon city of Tena. Your accommodation here, the accessible-only-by-boat Minga Lodge & Reserve, provides the perfect base to learn about and interact with local Indigenous communities and embark on guided wildlife-watching hikes. Afterward, pause for a rejuvenating soak at the famous P​​apallacta Hot Springs before setting your sights on the Galápagos archipelago.

Your first destination in the Galápagos is the Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel on Isla Santa Cruz, and after settling in, you'll head to the Charles Darwin Research Center. A sailing trip to one of the nearby uninhabited islands lands on your itinerary next, which is followed up with a short flight to Isla San Cristóbal. Dedicate your first evening here to learning about conservation efforts, then take your newfound knowledge with you on a snorkeling trip to Kicker Rock and a cruise to Gardner Bay. Lastly, wake early to bask on the white sands of Playa Mann before catching your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Check out these other 10-day Galápagos itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.