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Introducing Galapagos Islands

Travel to the Galápagos Islands
Traveling to the Galápagos Islands is a life-changing experience, whether you visit the islands alone, with your partner, with family, or with friends. There are several travel options to discover the Galápagos. 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 Galápagos.

What makes the Galápagos so unique
These remote, isolated islands are home to unique and endemic 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 Galápagos 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, on 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 Galápagos. 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.

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.

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. 

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 Galápagos
Ultimate Guide to Diving in the Galápagos

The Galápagos 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 are among the world's most extraordinary travel destinations, and the opportunity to observe the archipelago's famous native creatures is especially...

Galapagos Islands Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of La Isla Hotel Galápagos
Isla Santa Cruz
La Isla Hotel
4.9
(9)
· Upscale
La Isla Hotel Galápagos is in Puerto Ayora, nine minutes from La Estacion Beach by foot and a 12-minute walk from Los Alemanes Beach. Its prime location on a quiet street allows you to easily access local attractions, such as the Charles Darwin Center and Tortuga Bay. Plus, numerous restaurants,...
Photo courtesy of Iguana Crossing Hotel
Isla Isabela
Iguana Crossing Hotel
4.6
(8)
· Luxury
Beachfront Iguana Crossing is an eco-conscious stay located on Isla Isabela, with views of both the Pacific and forested volcanic landscapes. Visitors are on a quiet stretch of sand just outside Puerto Villamil's small town center, within walking distance of restaurants and close to natural sites...
Photo courtesy of Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel
Isla Santa Cruz
Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel
4.8
(4)
· Luxury
Eco-friendly Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel sits on Puerto Ayora's beachfront, where its exclusive location, steps from Playa de los Alemanes, puts guests close to watery attractions like popular Las Grietas. The hotel offers simple rooms and refined suites, all with private balconies and ocean views,...

Our Latest Galapagos Islands Content

Spend your nights on water and your days exploring fascinating landscapes on a Galápagos cruise
Map of Cruise the Galápagos - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Cruise the Galápagos - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

During a Galápagos cruise, you can explore dramatic coastal cliffs, serene lagoons, and wildlife-filled volcanic landscapes. If you're seeking a short but action-packed adventure, choose between a three or four-night cruise featuring the islands of Santa Cruz, Española, and San Cristóbal. Or, opt for a six or eight-day cruise to relax more between excursions. Diving enthusiasts will find a dedicated eight-day cruise an excellent fit, while those eager to get off the beaten path spend 15 fabulous days at sea.

Experience the Galápagos from the comfort of boutique hotels and luxury "glamping" resorts (photo courtesy of Galápagos Safari Camp)
Map of 10 Days in the Galápagos - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Galápagos - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Galápagos, you can visit multiple islands and still enjoy a couple of days on mainland Ecuador. For ultimate luxury, board a superyacht and sail between nine spectacular islands. Alternatively, choose a shorter cruise to allow more time for exploring Quito and Guayaquil. If you prefer top-notch resorts, a land-based trip combining adventurous excursions and relaxing boat tours is ideal, or consider a detour to the lush Ecuadorian Amazon for incredible wildlife encounters.

Consider an eco-conscious luxury trip to the Galápagos Islands (photo courtesy of Pikaia Lodge)
Map of 1 Week in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With a week in the Galápagos Islands on a luxury-themed itinerary, you can experience the unspoiled landscapes and unique luxuries of Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela while basing yourself in lavish accommodations. Or, settle in onboard an extraordinary catamaran and spend your days sailing to remote islands and picturesque bays. Include a stay in Quito to delve into Ecuador's welcoming culture and upscale cuisine and overnight in Otavalo for an introduction to life in the highlands.

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 Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 11 hours ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...

read more...
Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 8 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 37 mins 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Linda Schulz

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...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Galapagos Islands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Paul provided the best travel customer experi...
Galapagos Islands | Feb 25 - Mar 9, 2026

Nathan
Nathan D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 28, 2026
Paul provided the best travel customer experience we’ve ever had! From the start of travel planning he engaged. He provided a travel recommendations and responded to inquiries and suggestions immediately. Throughout the process he responded within minutes of questions being sent. This included multiple times of what we considered off hours on weekends and later than most of us work. He also called a couple of times to ensure we were on the same page. During the trip he asked how things... Read more

Paul provided the best travel customer experience we’ve ever had!

From the start of travel planning he engaged. He provided a travel recommendations and responded to inquiries and suggestions immediately. Throughout the process he responded within minutes of questions being sent. This included multiple times of what we considered off hours on weekends and later than most of us work. He also called a couple of times to ensure we were on the same page. During the trip he asked how things were going and volunteered to travel (inconveniently across Quito to meet us). Kim Kim and Paul allowed us to create a photo album. Here we are nearly three months after the trip and he’s still been responsive to our questions and thank yous. We cannot recommend him enough!

The trip was amazing. My wife and I put it at the top of our list and we’ve traveled significantly. When we first looked at the itinerary we thought there might be too much snorkeling. I’m a scuba instructor and admittedly think snorkeling leaves something to be desired. To my amazement the snorkeling was better than many dives that I’ve done. Thank you for the humbling experience. We saw sharks, sea lions, sea horses, turtles, iguanas. Wonderful stuff. The birds, tortoises and SEALIONS were something else.

I loved that we asked for changes and Paul found options. Within the process we added a friend traveler and he was able to align our plans completely.

TOP NOTCH.

Paul - you truly are the best. Thank you!

Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 29, 2026

Hi Nathan,

Thank you for your kind words. Knowing that you, Jen, and Peggy had a wonderful trip makes me so happy. 🤗 I’ll make sure to share your comments with the team, and we hope you’ll be able to visit us again in the future.

It’s really interesting to hear that snorkeling was such a pleasant surprise for you, especially compared to some of the dives you’ve done. 🦈

It was a pleasure planning every detail of the trip with you, and once again, thank you for trusting us with your journey to the beautiful Galapagos.

Wishing you all the best!
Paul

Trip of a lifetime!
Galapagos Islands | Feb 25 - Mar 9, 2026

J
Jennifer Z.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on May 28, 2026
Trip of a lifetime!
This was truly one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Every part of the experience was thoughtfully planned and incredibly memorable. The itinerary was perfectly balanced and gave us the opportunity to experience all the key highlights of the islands while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable.
Paul made the entire trip completely stress-free. Every transfer, activity, and pickup was seamlessly coordinated, so we could simply enjoy the experience without worrying about... Read more

Trip of a lifetime!
This was truly one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Every part of the experience was thoughtfully planned and incredibly memorable. The itinerary was perfectly balanced and gave us the opportunity to experience all the key highlights of the islands while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable.

Paul made the entire trip completely stress-free. Every transfer, activity, and pickup was seamlessly coordinated, so we could simply enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. His organization and attention to detail made a huge difference.

The wildlife experiences were absolutely unforgettable. Seeing so many animals in their natural habitat was incredible — especially the sea lions, which were amazing to watch up close. Each snorkeling excursion offered something unique, and we saw an incredible variety of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, seahorses, penguins, and sea lions.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this trip. It exceeded our expectations in every way, and Paul made the entire experience easy, smooth, and unforgettable. I would highly recommend working with Paul to plan your trip — you will be in excellent hands.

Hotel Reviews
Plaza Luna Suites
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful hotel. Great location- close to restaurants, shopping and the harbor for sea lion, bird and iguana watching! Easy to walk everywhere we needed to. The hotel was beautiful and the staff were very accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to restaurants, shopping and the harbor!
Staff
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They accommodated us a few times with our early morning activities.
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casita de la Playa
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Great location. Amazing view from the balcony. Extremely relaxing.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Opuntia Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Great location. Easy access to the beach, views of the sea lions and all activities. Would love to stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Proximity to the sea lions and the view
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 29, 2026

Hi Jen!

I’m so happy to hear that your trip to the Galapagos was one of the best trips you’ve ever had and that you had the chance to see the unique wildlife of the islands.

Your pictures are beautiful, thank you for sharing them and for your kind words. 🐢

Whenever you’re ready to plan your next adventure, we’ll be happy to help!

Warmly,
Paul, your friend from Ecuador

Jan Berg
Galapagos Islands | Apr 27 - May 10, 2026

J
Jan B.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on May 26, 2026
My guide was really Anthony. He planned a wonderful trip for me. I asked him a million questions, and he not only answered them, he even asked if I had any more questions. He was amazing. I never communicated with Maria Belen. Stalin was my guide in Ecuador, and he was great. There was one snag that you should address. No guide showed up to meet me at 6:15 in San Cristobal to take me to the pier. I needed help with my suitcases because of the steps in the hotel and down to the pier. ... Read more

My guide was really Anthony. He planned a wonderful trip for me. I asked him a million questions, and he not only answered them, he even asked if I had any more questions. He was amazing. I never communicated with Maria Belen. Stalin was my guide in Ecuador, and he was great. There was one snag that you should address. No guide showed up to meet me at 6:15 in San Cristobal to take me to the pier. I needed help with my suitcases because of the steps in the hotel and down to the pier. I had no idea which pier to go to, but someone helped me. I also did not know which ferry was mine. I saw a woman sitting at the front of the correct pier. She looked official with a list of names. I checked with her and my name was there. She directed me where to go next. I don't know if who was supposed to be there, Lenin or a young man. I suggest that in the future you provide more details about the ferry rides and the company that is doing them.

Hotel Review
Iguana Crossing Hotel
Puerto Villamil

Extremely helpful and kind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: María Belén Villacrés

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