Galapagos Islands Itineraries

Few spend less than a week on the islands, but it can be done. Upon landing, transfer to your cruise ship for a short 3- or 4-day tour of nearby islands such as Santa Cruz, Baltra, Bartolomé, and North Seymour.

Most cruise itineraries take exactly one week, allowing you to explore 10 or so islands. Upon landing at the airport you’ll be transferred to your boat, and immediately upon entering your stateroom you’ll set off that night. Alternatively, many opt for 3- or 4-day cruises, spending the rest of their week on Ecuador’s mainland exploring the cities of Quito or Guayaquil, or spending a few days in an Amazon lodge.

With two weeks on the islands you have some flexibility. From the airport, transfer to a hotel in Puerto Ayora and spend the next 3-4 days touring San Cristobal, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and taking day-long surfing, kayaking, or hiking trips. Then arrange for a 7-10-day cruise, which is enough time to reach many of the smaller, more isolated islands, as well as the most popular islands.