Highlights
- Sightsee in the beautiful colonial city of Quito, Ecuador
- Discover the two largest islands in the Galapagos: 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 | 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 Tuneles | Isla Isabela |
Day 6 | Discover the Highlands of Santa Cruz | Puerto Ayora |
Day 7 | Day-trip to an Uninhabited Island | Puerto Ayora |
Day 8 | View Wildlife on Another Uninhabited Island | Puerto Ayora |
Day 9 | Tour Divine Bay & Charles Darwin Research Station | Puerto Ayora |
Day 10 | Depart Puerto Ayora |
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 and sampling Ecuadorian cuisine.
Day 2: Take a City Tour of Quito

Day 3: See Giant Tortoises & Relax on the Beach

This morning you'll leave the mainland and fly to the Galapagos Islands. You'll touch down around noon on Baltra Island, where the main airport is located, then catch a 30-minute flight to Isabela Island. Check in at your lodging and have lunch before doing some sightseeing in the afternoon.
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

Today and tomorrow you'll continue exploring Isabela Island. 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 Tuneles

Go on an outing today to Los Tuneles, 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 white-tipped 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: Discover the Highlands of Santa Cruz

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, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour.
Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful volcanic scenery and lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds, 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 Puerto Ayora

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