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Introducing Galapagos Islands

Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a life-changing experience, whether you visit the islands alone, with your partner, with family or friends. There are several travel options to discover the Galapagos. The best and most popular way is by cruising the islands on board yachts and ships. Another alternative is a hotel-based program from the three main ports in Galapagos.

What makes the Galapagos so unique
These remote and isolated islands are home to endemic and unique species. During the daily excursions, you'll have the opportunity to experience close encounters with amazing wildlife, fearless of human beings. Each island will bring something new to your experience. The Galapagos Islands were also recently declared a marine sanctuary!

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days

Galapagos Islands Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Isla Isabela, Galápagos
Map of Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days
Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days

This 10-day trip will take you to the best the Galápagos has to offer. Immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem of the archipelago as you see the sights by bike, by foot, and in the water. This extraordinary tour includes snorkeling with sea lions, tropical fish, and beautiful manta rays. On land, there will be numerous chances to observe giant tortoises and other amazing creatures in this one-of-a-kind destination.

View of Puerto Ayora.
Map of Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days
Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days

Land-based tours are a more economical and comfortable alternative to cruising the Galapagos. This 6-day itinerary takes in the highlights of the three main inhabited islands — from watching giant tortoises to hiking around an active volcanic crater and snorkeling with penguins and sharks.

Sea Lions Playing Under the Waves
Map of Best of Ecuador: Quito & the Galapagos Islands - 7 Days
Best of Ecuador: Quito & the Galapagos Islands - 7 Days

This whirlwind trip takes you to many of Ecuador's top highlights in a single week. Stroll the colonial streets of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Then it's off to the Galapagos Islands for four days of hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing on the beach. From snow-capped peaks to deep waters filled with sea turtles and penguins, this diverse itinerary has something for everyone.

Viewing giant tortoises in their native habitat is a highlight of the Galapagos.
Map of Galapagos Cruise: Wildlife Watching, Snorkeling & Hiking - 11 Days
Galapagos Cruise: Wildlife Watching, Snorkeling & Hiking - 11 Days

Cruising around the Galapagos Islands — viewing extraordinary wildlife and natural sights by day while motoring between islands at night — is one of the best ways to experience these magical islands. On this tour, you'll visit 11 islands in the famed archipelago, observing birdlife, sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, giant tortoises and an array of other creatures.

Blue-footed boobies
Map of Galápagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz - 5 Days
Galápagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz - 5 Days

If you're short on time but don't want to cut back on experiences, this 5-day island hopping trip to the Galápagos is for you. Fly out of Quito, heading for San Cristobal—home of the famous sea lion colony and Kicker Rock. Then, take a speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises and visit an uninhabited island. 

A blue-footed booby in the Galapagos
Map of Galápagos Islands & Machu Picchu Adventure - 10 Days
Galápagos Islands & Machu Picchu Adventure - 10 Days

Combine two of South America's most iconic destinations on this 10-day tour of the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu. You'll start in Ecuador, spending several days island hopping, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the Galápagos. Then you'll cross the border to Peru, spending a night in Lima, another in Cusco, and finally taking the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. A visit to the famed "lost city of the Incas" is the perfect way to end this diverse adventure.

Make the Most of Your Time in Galapagos Islands

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit

Galapagos Islands Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Shark in the Galapagos
Ultimate Guide to Diving in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are spectacular in so many ways, but even more so underwater. The seascapes of reefs, ledges, walls and extinct volcanic craters are teeming with wildlife...

Seals in the Galápagos Islands
Family Travel in the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands comprise one of the world's most extraordinary travel destinations, and the opportunity to observe the famous archipelago's native creatures is especially...

Our Latest Galapagos Islands Content

Discover 13 Galápagos Islands and their unique qualities aboard a luxury yacht (photo courtesy of Aqua Mare)
2 Weeks in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in the Galápagos Islands on an elevated itinerary, you can enjoy unhurried explorations of striking volcanic landscapes, verdant highlands, and serene lagoons. Board a luxury cruiser to relax in style between exciting land adventures, or stay in premier accommodations on Isla San Cristóbal, Isla Isabela, and Isla Santa Cruz for a richer cultural experience. Complement your island journey with a stay in Quito to marvel at Andean vistas or in Guayaquil to enjoy the charm of the coastal mainland.

Dive alongside turtles and tropical fish on an eight-day cruising adventure in the Galápagos
Map of Galápagos First-Class Diving Cruise - 8 Days
Galápagos First-Class Diving Cruise - 8 Days

Don your wetsuit and flippers and get ready to encounter a menagerie of exotic marine life on an island-hopping Galápagos diving cruise. On each day of this scenic eight-day experience, you'll enjoy at least one dive and sometimes three or four. By the time the adventure is over, you'll have explored the top snorkel and scuba sites throughout the archipelago, from Isla Wolf to Cape Marshall—plus enjoyed nature hikes to see land-based residents like the famous Galápagos tortoise.

Take a spin around Sullivan Bay on your epic luxury cruise through the Galápagos archipelago
Map of Epic Galápagos Exploration by Luxury Yacht: Cruise to Remote Islands, Hidden Bays & Rare Wildlife - 15 Days
Epic Galápagos Exploration by Luxury Yacht: Cruise to Remote Islands, Hidden Bays & Rare Wildlife - 15 Days

Spend two weeks and a day on a bucket-list highlights cruise around the Galápagos. Travel in style on a luxury yacht as you embark on daily excursions to secluded bays, beaches, and hiking trails around the famous islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Española, and more. You'll follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and experience the biodiversity of this archipelago as you spend time with sea lions, walk with giant tortoises, and marvel at exotic birds like blue-footed boobies.

Galapagos Islands Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Map 5 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Map 10 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in the Galapagos Islands - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Galapagos Islands
Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 56 mins ago

Alvaro Pereira

Born and raised in the vibrant country of Ecuador, I am the ideal person to craft a unique and unforgettable trip within my homeland. My passion for travel and exploring new and exciting places...

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Travel specialist Tamer Obeid
active 1 min ago

Tamer Obeid

A traveler myself since 1997, blessed to have had unforgettable experiences in different parts of this world that haven’t ceased to amaze me! Originally from the middle east, I have lived in the...

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Travel specialist Mathias Onisseit
active 15 hours ago

Mathias Onisseit

Originally from Germany, in 2010 I set out to explore South America and soon fell in love with the super-diverse country named Ecuador (and its neat little attachment Galapagos). What fascinates me...

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Travel specialist Linda Schulz
active 2 days ago

Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love...

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Trip Reviews for Galapagos Islands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Ecuador Adventure: A Memorable Experience
Galapagos Islands | Jul 6 - Jul 20, 2024

U
Uyen N.
Florence-Graham, CA | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
Our recent trip to Ecuador was an unforgettable adventure, and we are thrilled to share our experience.
We spent three incredible nights at the Napo Wildlife Center in Yasuni National Park. The lodge, nestled deep in the rainforest, was nothing short of spectacular. The surrounding nature was breathtaking, and we enjoyed numerous canoe rides, which provided an up-close look at the diverse wildlife. Each excursion was an exciting journey, offering sights of exotic birds, playful monkeys, and...
Read more

Our recent trip to Ecuador was an unforgettable adventure, and we are thrilled to share our experience.
We spent three incredible nights at the Napo Wildlife Center in Yasuni National Park. The lodge, nestled deep in the rainforest, was nothing short of spectacular. The surrounding nature was breathtaking, and we enjoyed numerous canoe rides, which provided an up-close look at the diverse wildlife. Each excursion was an exciting journey, offering sights of exotic birds, playful monkeys, and other fascinating creatures. The pristine beauty of the rainforest left us in awe.
Following our rainforest adventure, we embarked on a seven-night cruise aboard the Montserrat in the Galapagos Islands. This part of our trip was extraordinary. Seeing so many animals up close was a dream come true. We snorkeled with marine iguanas, sharks, and even penguins! Our guide, Javier, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making every excursion informative and enjoyable. The Galapagos Islands truly felt like a paradise, teeming with unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.
We also had the pleasure of exploring Quito. Our walking tour was informative and engaging, allowing us to soak in the city's rich history and culture. A highlight was the cooking class with our guide, Sebastian. It was a delightful experience learning to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes and enjoying a delicious meal we had made ourselves.
A special thanks to Tamer Obeid, who expertly organized this fabulous trip for our family. His prompt communication and attention to detail ensured everything went smoothly from start to finish. Tamer’s dedication made our vacation truly memorable, and we highly recommend his services to anyone planning a trip to Ecuador.

Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jul 25, 2024
Dear Uyen :)
I can't be happier learning how much you and the family enjoyed this trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, it really warms my heart to read your feedback and how each part of this trip has left some unforgettable set of memories :) From the Amazon experience to the Galapagos cruise, my goal was to offer you and the family genuine and authentic encounters with the beauty of this country, and I'm glad we fulfilled :)
I will extend your lovely comments to our different...
Read more

Dear Uyen :)
I can't be happier learning how much you and the family enjoyed this trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, it really warms my heart to read your feedback and how each part of this trip has left some unforgettable set of memories :) From the Amazon experience to the Galapagos cruise, my goal was to offer you and the family genuine and authentic encounters with the beauty of this country, and I'm glad we fulfilled :)
I will extend your lovely comments to our different providers and partners, and this will surely help us offer even better services and experiences to our future travelers.
My greetings to Thanh and the whole family, and I hope we meet again :)
Yours,
Tamer

An 8 days cruise on the Montserrat boat
Galapagos Islands | Jul 6 - Jul 20, 2024

Elsa
Elsa G.
France | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
We had a memorable trip on the Montserrat boat for 8 days. Very clean and on time withe the schedule every day. A lot to do. Enjoyed a lot the snorkeling experience. The crew was adorable and professional. Our guide was EXCEPTIONAL! Javier PICASA, has a lot of knowledge about the islands, flora and fauna. Made our experience great! He is an exceptional snorkeler and we saw a lot of animals, turtles, sharks, iguanas, sea lions and pinguins. We can only recommend him warmly! Read more

We had a memorable trip on the Montserrat boat for 8 days. Very clean and on time withe the schedule every day. A lot to do. Enjoyed a lot the snorkeling experience. The crew was adorable and professional. Our guide was EXCEPTIONAL! Javier PICASA, has a lot of knowledge about the islands, flora and fauna. Made our experience great! He is an exceptional snorkeler and we saw a lot of animals, turtles, sharks, iguanas, sea lions and pinguins. We can only recommend him warmly!

Activity Review
Colonial City Tour, Cooking Class & the Middle of the World Monument
Colonial City Tour, Cooking Class & the Middle of the World Monument
Quito

We had an amazing city tour with Sebastian. The cooking class was a good way to enjoy equatorian cuisine

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jul 25, 2024
Dear Elsa,
Thank you so much for your positive review and wonderful feedback. I am really happy you and the family have enjoyed this trip with us here in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and that the services of our providers met your expectations. I'll make sure to convey your lovely comments to the operators of the Monserrat cruise and to Javier in particular, and also to Sebastian :)
I hope we can help you and the family plan and enjoy amazing future adventures, as we're totally...
Read more

Dear Elsa,
Thank you so much for your positive review and wonderful feedback. I am really happy you and the family have enjoyed this trip with us here in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and that the services of our providers met your expectations. I'll make sure to convey your lovely comments to the operators of the Monserrat cruise and to Javier in particular, and also to Sebastian :)
I hope we can help you and the family plan and enjoy amazing future adventures, as we're totally committed here in Kimkim to offering our beloved travelers unique services and experiences :)
Best regards,
Tamer

Wonderful trip to the Quito and The Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands | Jul 1 - Jul 12, 2024

Deborah
Deborah E.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2024
Our trip to the Quito and The Galapagos Islands was fabulous! The services provided by KimKim, especially Anthony who coordinated everything for us, was flawless. Every guide and driver we had were knowledgeable, timely, friendly, and welcomed us to Ecuador with open arms. We loved our trip to the cloud forest with David and our 7 day cruise around the Galapagos islands aboard the Archibel I where we saw tons of birds, sea lions, penguins, rays, and other sea animals. When we needed help... Read more

Our trip to the Quito and The Galapagos Islands was fabulous! The services provided by KimKim, especially Anthony who coordinated everything for us, was flawless. Every guide and driver we had were knowledgeable, timely, friendly, and welcomed us to Ecuador with open arms. We loved our trip to the cloud forest with David and our 7 day cruise around the Galapagos islands aboard the Archibel I where we saw tons of birds, sea lions, penguins, rays, and other sea animals. When we needed help making a few important changes on the fly, Anthony made it all happen. We felt very supported by him and the KimKim/Responsible Travel Team before and during our travels.

Hotel Reviews
La Palma Polo Club

La Palma Polo Club is a unique experience and location! Our room was HUGE. Loved all the windows and rustic decor. Only thing missing was a desk. Food was good at the restaurant too. Enjoyed walking the grounds. There are not many rooms so you feel like you are at a special place . We only stayed one night before catching our flight so we didn't use the pools or the spa.

Authenticity & Character
Hotel was beautiful.
Location
While the hotel is closer to the airport than Quito, it is still a half an hour a way. It is also not convenient to Quito if you want to use it as a base for touring. That said, the location is beautiful and it is a great place to stay, particularly if you want to hang out for a few days.
Staff
Very helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and comfortable! The bed was great. The decor was beautiful.
Archipel I
Guayaquil - Ecuador

We really enjoyed our time on the Archipel I. The food was delicious and plentiful. The chef put a lot of thought into offering a diverse menu for every meal. The fruit drinks provided whenever we returned from an excursion on shore or aboard the dingy were a great treat. The rooms are comfortable, with ample amount of space for storing luggage and clothing. On the first part of the trip we were in a room at the front of the boat which was particularly bumpy, especially because of the route we were on. For the second half of the trip, we moved to a room at the back of the boat which we found a lot less bumpy. The sea may have been less wavy either way but we liked being in the back better and really appreciated the opportunity to move. Overall, the staff on this boat are super.

Authenticity & Character
Great ship to see the Galapagos Islands on.
Location
We went on the 7 day cruise - around the western islands and then up to Genevese.
Staff
Great staff -- so customer focused and efficient. They knew how to get things done and keep the group moving forward and able to address issues as they came up.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The vessel and cabins were very clean. The bathrooms, while very clean and usable, are beginning to show their age a bit.
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Great hotel, beautifully appointed room with comfortable bed. Lots of options for the breakfast buffet and for dinner as well. Appreciated the two for one mojitos as well! Hotel has armed security 24/7 and feels safe.

Authenticity & Character
The decor in the room and in all the common speaces.
Location
Easy to walk to a few restaurants. Nice to be in a neighborhood.
Staff
While their English wasn't great, it was good enough to provide super service and help us when the safe in our room wouldn't open!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfectly clean. Good temperatures. Loved the linens on the bed.
Activity Reviews
Black Turtle Cove  - Flamingos and Relax in Bachas Beach
Black Turtle Cove - Flamingos and Relax in Bachas Beach
Cruise Ship
Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) - Rabida Island
Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) - Rabida Island
Galapagos Islands
Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island) - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island)
Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island) - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island)
Cruise Ship
Moreno Point - Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
Moreno Point - Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
Cruise Ship
Bartolome Island - Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
Bartolome Island - Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
Galapagos Islands

This island was another highlight of our trip but not because of the wildlife. The landscape and view from the top is magnificent! Snorkeling after the hike around the cove was lots of fun too.

Exploring Genovesa Island: Prince Philip Steps and Darwin Bay
Exploring Genovesa Island: Prince Philip Steps and Darwin Bay
Cruise Ship

This island was the highlight of our trip! So many birds (red-footed boobys, blue-footed boobys, frigate birds and their chicks), everywhere you looked! Plus several short-eared owls and many other interesting things to see. It is a magical place.

Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve  (Santa Cruz Island) - Transfer Out to Baltra Airport
Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) - Transfer Out to Baltra Airport
Cruise Ship

We stopped by the twin craters on our way to the airport. It was cool to see the crater (we actually only had time to see one) but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it. The time we spent seeing the wild giant tortoises on property nearby was more worthwhile. There were so many of them - both male and female.

Baltra Airport - Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre (Santa Cruz)
Baltra Airport - Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre (Santa Cruz)
Cruise Ship

We are glad we saw the breeding center but it is nothing like seeing the giant tortoises in the wild! The breeding center focuses a lot on educating visitors about the tortoises and the Galapagos ecosystem. The baby tortoises from various islands was interesting to see.

Birding Day in the Cloud Forest
Birding Day in the Cloud Forest
Quito

Our guide knew of a few "private" birding locations where locales set up bananas and other fruit to attract birds to their property, including hummingbirds. These locations did not disappoint! We saw dozens of colorful and unique birds and were able to feed a vast array of beautiful hummingbirds. We also went to the butterfly refuge which was okay. The highlight there was seeing two kinds of toucans and a sunbittern on or near the property.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
David knows his birds and was passionate about seeing and finding them!
Arrival to Quito
Arrival to Quito
Galapagos Islands

Friendly driver met us at the airport and we had a smooth transfer to our hotel for the evening.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Galapagos Islands

Smooth transfer with lots of time to check in at the airport.

Colonial Quito City Tour  & the Middle of the World
Colonial Quito City Tour & the Middle of the World
Quito

Really enjoyed the Middle of the World experience. Very fun and worthwhile. We also enjoyed the tour of old Quito and the view of the city from the Virgin of Quito statue overlooking the city was outstanding!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
David was a great guide, adjusting the tour based on our interests, and sharing with us lots of interesting information about Quito's history and current situation.
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jul 15, 2024
Hi Deborah and Steve! :) Thank you so much for your kind words and valuable review!
I'm so glad to hear that your trip to Quito, the Cloud Forest and the Galapagos Islands was fabulous! It was an absolute pleasure coordinating everything for you and making sure you had a flawless experience.
I'm glad to know that you enjoyed your time with our knowledgeable and friendly guides and drivers. It's wonderful that David made your trip to the Cloud Forest memorable and that your Galapagos cruise... Read more

Hi Deborah and Steve! :)

Thank you so much for your kind words and valuable review!
I'm so glad to hear that your trip to Quito, the Cloud Forest and the Galapagos Islands was fabulous! It was an absolute pleasure coordinating everything for you and making sure you had a flawless experience.

I'm glad to know that you enjoyed your time with our knowledgeable and friendly guides and drivers. It's wonderful that David made your trip to the Cloud Forest memorable and that your Galapagos cruise aboard the Archipel I was filled with incredible wildlife sightings.

Assisting our travelers and making their travel experience smooth and enjoyable was and will always be my top priority!

Thank you for choosing us. Your feedback means a lot to our team at KimKim and Responsible Travel, and to me personally. We look forward to welcoming you back to Ecuador for your next adventure!

All the best from the middle of the world,
Anthony :)