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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

Enjoy spending time with your family as you explore Los Túneles' scenic terrain, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Map of 2 Weeks in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in the Galápagos Islands allow you to embark on the ultimate island-hopping family adventure, complete with kid-friendly hikes, kayaking trips, and snorkeling excursions. Or take a more relaxed approach and opt for a wildlife-focused cruise perfect for families with younger children. Those looking to mix in culture and history will love spending a week in Quito before heading to Isla Santa Cruz, while families who prefer keeping on the move will delight in an island-hopping experience.

Mother and two kids hiking on the Galápagos Islands
Map of 10 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Galápagos Islands, you and your family can split your time between the beaches and coastlines of Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and Isla San Cristóbal on a relaxed island-hopping family trip. Or opt for a city and nature tour, which includes four thrilling days in Quito. Adventurous families with older children will love packing in epic activities on a multi-island itinerary, while wildlife fanatics shouldn't miss time in the Amazon.

Meet the friendly locals when you arrive on Isla Santa Cruz
Map of Ultimate Family Trip to the Galápagos: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 14 Days
Ultimate Family Trip to the Galápagos: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 14 Days

Embark on the family adventure of a lifetime with this two-week, multi-island exploration of the Galápagos. Hop between the archipelago's three main islands, discovering the unique ecosystems of each with an itinerary of fun wildlife encounters, kid-friendly active excursions, and plenty of laid-back beach time. Kayak alongside friendly sea lions on Isla Santa Cruz, hike to volcanic craters and cycle the backroads of Isla Isabela, and snorkel through the underwater wonders of Isla San Cristóbal.

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 7 hours 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 Mathias Onisseit
active 1 min 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 Tamer Obeid
active 5 mins 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 Linda Schulz
active 12 hours 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

KimKim is the Perfect Way to Set Up Travel
Galapagos Islands | Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024

Marcia
Marcia J.
Redmond, WA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim! 5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour. Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are... Read more

Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim!

5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour.

Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are wonderful ambassadors for their country.

4 Stars: Kicker Rock. Best suited for true snorkel enthusiasts, which is not us- we are vacation snorkelers. Choppy and cloudy water, some strong currents that really took work to navigate, and while it was cool to see a few hammerheads, not much else to see. Honestly, perhaps the best part of the trip was the spectacular closeup views of the Galapagos birds. Great guide.

Our only neutral-to-negative outing was the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill. These two sites definitely do not need a guide and would have been far more enjoyable exploring on our own. Karen, our guide, was not a good storyteller, and told us little that I hadn't already read in the guidebooks; perhaps if she had turned the walk up Tijeretas Hill into a nature walk, but she made few comments as we walked up this paved and well-signed path. But the truly negative experience was the snorkeling. There was a yellow flag out, and the entrance to the water is on sharp rocks, difficult for nonlocals to negotiate- during our time there, two tourists had to be saved from the big waves/currents and helped back onto the rocks. Karen gave no instruction, but after verifying that we could all swim, jumped in the water and began snorkeling. Only one of the four of us decided to try snorkeling, as the other three felt it too dangerous. My husband lost a flipper, and waited back on the rocks as Karen managed to retrieve the flipper (good for her), but then continued to snorkel as we all waited for her. While pleasant during her guiding, Karen seemed bored with this excursion and I think would be better suited to aquatic excursions only, as this seems to be her true love.

Hotel Review
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Lovely place run by a lovely and sincere family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more???

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

Everything about the day was great- transport, guide, the excursion to a remote beach- except the cloudy snorkeling itself is only worth it for the interesting experience of seeing hammerhead sharks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Galapagos Islands

Much better experience with a guide than exploring on one's own. Ask for Fabricio!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our transport dropped us off at one end of Old Town and picked us up at the other end, so no backtracking!
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more? Ask for guide Daniela!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to...
Read more

Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to see!), please don't hesitate to reach out, we would love to welcome you and your family again!
Always safe travels,
Linda

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2024

Mariela
Mariela G.
Costa Rica | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024
Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip. Read more

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

Great hotel and has a pool which made it so much better

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful cozy hotel. Very friendly staff. Breakfast is continental but good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackout curtains since there is a lot of light coming in from the street
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Very nice hotel. Both times we stayed there was no electricity and that meant no internet, no hot water and no food. Besides from that, very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pillows
Activity Reviews
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Nice activity. The guide was not very helpful though, wouldnt explain much and seemed king of mad. Beatifil views though and the penguins were amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Best tour we had on our trip. The views are amazing, nice guide he even took photos and gave them to us. Captain even let me drive the boat for a while.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

We went to Barrolomé. We had a stop first with a little walk, it was at noon and there is no shade. The guide was making stops along the way to explain things but climbing steps at noon with no shade was terrible. Would be better if they explained on the boat so we could do the walk without stopping. The snorkeling part was amazing, wish we could have had more time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Bigger portions
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Learned lots of stuff, very interesting and Astrid our guide was very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Our host Astrid was very nice and helpful. She was patient with us and answered all our questions. Lunch in the highlands was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 23, 2024
Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife...
Read more

Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and laughter :)
Hopefully, you can return to Ecuador one day to explore other parts of the country as well!
All the best for you, María José, María del Carmen and Laura!
Warm regards,
Linda

Nick
Galapagos Islands | Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2024

B
Brica W.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on Mar 30, 2024
Nick made the entire trip, so incredible and completely stress-free. Wherever we went, there was someone to meet us and show us where to go or take us there personally. I absolutely love this company because they allow you to cater your trip to whatever you want it to be, you can choose what type of hotel, what type of trip you want to make it. Also, we have a daughter that has celiac disease, and no matter where we went, they knew that she had to be gluten-free. Nick was always available... Read more

Nick made the entire trip, so incredible and completely stress-free. Wherever we went, there was someone to meet us and show us where to go or take us there personally. I absolutely love this company because they allow you to cater your trip to whatever you want it to be, you can choose what type of hotel, what type of trip you want to make it. Also, we have a daughter that has celiac disease, and no matter where we went, they knew that she had to be gluten-free. Nick was always available throughout our trip for us to ask any questions and he quickly responded and I have had the same experience using this company in other countries, and it makes such a difference in making travel stress-free. I highly highly highly recommend.

Hotel Reviews
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

It is literally across the street from the airport. The staff is beyond five star. The restaurant had great food options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Very friendly staff, great location and clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

we loved this hotel, because each room had such a special theme. Our kids room was almost like being in a museum.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands

this was an unbelievable experience, even though it rained at the beginning. It was our first snorkeling experience in the Galapagos, and it did not disappoint. We saw blue, footed, boobies, penguins, octopus, sea lions, swam beneath us, we saw sea cucumbers the list goes on and on.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Kayaking Adventure  in Tortuga Bay
Private Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay
Puerto Ayora

The beach will take your breath away. The walk to get there is worth it but just know that it feels like a very long way in the heat and humidity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Galapagos Islands

Do not miss! It is so beautiful and serene. A completely different world of relaxation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Adventure to Teleferico Cablecar
Morning Adventure to Teleferico Cablecar
Quito

it was very cloudy, and our guide decided to offer us a trip to a very beautiful church, and then we did use the Teleferico even though it was still very cloudy. I recommend going no matter what the weather is because it is such an incredible experience, even if you cannot see the other mountains/volcanoes.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Mar 30, 2024
Dear Brica, We appreciate your lovely feedback regarding your trip, it was such a pleasure to help you and your family have an out of this world vacation. I loved seeing the picture of all of your experiences, and the curious animals in the Galapagos, I cannot truly tell you fun it was to have you here. Meeting the family was wonderful, and it surely was a great start for this trip, you will surely be like family to us! We can’t thank you enough for visiting these enchanted islands and... Read more

Dear Brica,

We appreciate your lovely feedback regarding your trip, it was such a pleasure to help you and your family have an out of this world vacation.

I loved seeing the picture of all of your experiences, and the curious animals in the Galapagos, I cannot truly tell you fun it was to have you here.

Meeting the family was wonderful, and it surely was a great start for this trip, you will surely be like family to us! We can’t thank you enough for visiting these enchanted islands and your kind words.

We would love to have you in South America in the near future and create an equally as unforgettable experience :)

Yours,
Nick