Highlights
- Sightsee in Quito, the beautiful colonial capital of Ecuador
- Discover the two largest islands in the Galápagos: Isabela & Santa Cruz
- See giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Snorkel around rock formations with sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions
- Take boat trips to uninhabited islands for hikes and wildlife viewing
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Quito & Sightsee | Quito |
| Day 2 | Take a City Tour of Quito | Quito |
| Day 3 | Fly to Isla Isabela, See Giant Tortoises & Relax on the Beach | Isla Isabela |
| Day 4 | Explore Las Tintoreras Islet | Isla Isabela |
| Day 5 | Snorkel Around Rock Formations at Los Túneles | Isla Isabela |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Isla Santa Cruz, Discover the Highlands | Isla Santa Cruz |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island | Isla Santa Cruz |
| Day 8 | View Wildlife on Another Uninhabited Island | Isla Santa Cruz |
| Day 9 | Tour Divine Bay & Charles Darwin Research Station | Isla Santa Cruz |
| Day 10 | Depart Isla Santa Cruz |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito & Sightseeing
Welcome to Ecuador! Standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m), Quito welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of marketplaces, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers, as well as a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene. Spend your first day in the country exploring the capital, strolling its charming UNESCO-listed historic center, and sampling delicious Ecuadorian cuisine.
Day 2: Take a City Tour of Quito
Day 3: Fly to Isla Isabela, See Giant Tortoises & Relax on the Beach
This morning you'll transfer to the airport to catch your flight to the Galápagos Islands. You'll touch down around noon on Isla Baltra, where the main airport is located, then catch a 30-minute flight to Isla Isabela. Check in at your lodging and have lunch before doing some sightseeing in the afternoon. This is the largest island in the archipelago, with a lush landscape formed over a million years ago by six ancient volcanoes.
Make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon to learn about local wildlife, then visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to see a few of the islands' most famous residents. Relax on the white sandy beach of Puerto Villamil before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Explore Las Tintoreras Islet
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today and tomorrow you'll continue exploring Isla Isabela. Go cycling along the coast or kayaking in the calm waters near Puerto Villamil. In the afternoon, you'll visit Las Tintoreras Islet for a short hike. You'll likely see Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks in the natural channels formed by lava flows.
If you're up for it, go snorkeling in the turquoise water and spot colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. Another option is a hike to the volcanoes of Chico and Sierra Negra or an excursion to Sucre Cave. Relax at your hotel in the evening.
Day 5: Snorkel Around Rock Formations at Los Túneles
Go on an outing today to Los Túneles, a perfect snorkeling spot. A series of lava flows have produced unique geological formations here, including arches and tunnels both above and underneath the water. This makes the area a uniquely interesting place to swim around. In the shallow waters, you can see tropical fish, rays, turtles, seahorses, and whitetip reef sharks.
Keep your eyes open for penguins sitting on the rocks and be ready for the possibility of swimming alongside majestic sea turtles. Alternatively, head to the beautiful Concha Perla Lagoon. In the evening, return to Puerto Villamil and take it easy.
Day 6: Transfer to Isla Santa Cruz, Discover the Highlands
Day 7: Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island
Today, you'll travel by yacht to an uninhabited island near Santa Cruz. Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the national park, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, Bartolomé, or Seymour Norte.
Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife. Santa Fé and Plaza Sur are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful volcanic scenery and lava flows. On Seymour Norte, look for frigatebirds, land iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.
Day 8: View Wildlife on Another Uninhabited Island
Day 9: Tour Divine Bay & Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 10: Depart Isla Santa Cruz
Enjoy one last breakfast in Puerto Ayora before transferring to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross by ferry to make the connection to the airport in time for your flight back to the mainland. Safe travels!
More Great Galápagos Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos? Check out these other Galápagos itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in the Galápagos, or discover the best time to visit the Galápagos.
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