The best Galapagos itinerary

Thinking of heading to the glorious Galapagos Islands, but not sure how to plan your trip? You’re in the right place. Here we present ideas for how to spend 5, 7, and 10 days in this incredible Ecuadorian archipelago. Want to be prepared for your upcoming trip to Ecuador? Start by exploring our tips for traveling in Ecuador.

How to plan the perfect Galapagos itinerary

Planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands can seem like an overwhelming task - there's so much to see. This guide will help you create the perfect overland Galapagos itinerary so you can explore the islands at your own pace, moving between their unique ecosystems.

When’s the best time to visit?

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. The warm season (December to May) offers calmer seas, sunny days, and fantastic snorkeling with vibrant marine life. This is also the best time to observe land species such as giant tortoises and careening seabirds.

The cooler dry season (June through November), known as garúa season, brings nutrient-rich waters, making it the best time to dive with hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and other large ocean creatures. While the seas can be choppier, the unique wildlife activity —like penguins hunting along the shores — makes it worth the trip.

In short, there’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos, but timing your trip around your must-see wildlife encounters will make your Galapagos itinerary unforgettable.

Land-based vs. cruise Galapagos itinerary

When it comes to exploring the Galapagos Islands, you have two main options: land or cruise itineraries. While cruises allow you to visit more remote islands, land itineraries are flexible, affordable, and allow you to experience the local culture on the main islands.

This article focuses on land itineraries in the Galapagos, which are ideal for travelers who prefer to stay on solid ground at night. You can base yourself on islands such as Santa Cruz, Isabela or San Cristobal and take daily excursions to nearby islets and wildlife habitats. This is an ideal choice for budget travelers, families or those prone to seasickness. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy local restaurants, beaches and charming towns.

What islands to visit

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 major islands, but below we present the best islands suitable for the base of your Galapagos itinerary:

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, the heart of the Galápagos, is a nearly 400-square-mile island known for its diverse landscapes. Rising to an altitude of 2,835 feet, it features every vegetation zone in the archipelago, from coastal cacti to misty highland forests and grassy pampas at its summit. Its central location and proximity to Baltra airport make it the most populated island, with around 12,000 residents in Puerto Ayora. 

This bustling town is the hub for conservation efforts, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park. Puerto Ayora is also ideal for budget travelers seeking last-minute deals or exploring attractions like Tortuga Bay, lava tunnels, or nearby islands like Santa Fé and North Seymour.

Isabela

Straddling the equator, Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos, covering 1,760 square miles — more than half the archipelago’s land area. Formed by six volcanoes fused over time, it features active peaks like Wolf (last erupting in 2015) and Sierra Negra (2018). Much of the island’s vast terrain is rugged and impassable, with jagged lava flows and dense thickets. Most visitor sites, including Urbina Bay, Elizabeth Bay, and Tagus Cove, are on its remote western coast, accessible only by longer tours or faster boats. This nutrient-rich zone attracts unique species like the Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, and even whales and dolphins.

On the southeastern coast, Puerto Villamil is a quiet alternative to busier towns like Puerto Ayora. From here, you can visit local attractions or hike and horseback ride to Sierra Negra’s awe-inspiring volcanic crater — a must-see unless it’s erupting!

San Cristóbal

Located on the eastern edge of the Galápagos, San Cristóbal is the archipelago’s administrative center and the fifth largest island, covering 215 square miles. Its western tip, Wreck Bay, is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a laid-back capital with attractions like the excellent Interpretation Center, which explores the islands’ human and natural history. Nearby, popular excursions include snorkeling or diving at León Dormido (Kicker Rock) and Lobos Islet.

Beyond the town, highlights include El Progreso, a highland village once home to Manuel Cobos’s infamous colony, Laguna El Junco, the Galápagos’ largest freshwater lake, and Punta Pitt, the islands’ easternmost point. The island’s landscape varies dramatically, with fertile, farmed slopes around Cerro San Joaquín in the southwest, contrasting with volcanic terrain in the northeast, marked by lava flows, spatter cones, and other striking geological features.

Rough Guides tip: If you have extra time, consider adding Floreana to your itinerary for its black sand beaches and rich history. Each island offers a unique experience, so mix and match based on your interests.

5 days Galapagos itinerary

If you only have five days to explore, don't worry - you can still experience the magic of this incredible archipelago with a well-planned Galapagos itinerary. From snorkeling with sea lions and marine iguanas to walking through volcanic craters and spotting giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a 5-day trip offers plenty of highlights.

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Cruz Island

• Morning: Fly into Baltra Airport and transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
• Afternoon: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises.
• Evening: Explore Puerto Ayora and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
  Where to stay: Puerto Ayora.

Day 2: Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas

• Morning: Hike to Tortuga Bay, a stunning white sand beach, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and spotting marine iguanas.
• Afternoon: Visit Las Grietas, a crystal-clear lava fissure for snorkeling.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Day trip to Bartolomé Island

• What to do: Take a boat tour to Bartolomé Island, famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock. Snorkel to see penguins, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Day trip to North Seymour Island

• What to do: Explore North Seymour Island, known for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Hike through the island and snorkel along its rocky shores.
• Evening: Relax in Puerto Ayora.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Visit Los Gemelos, the twin volcanic craters, on your way to Baltra Airport for your departure.

7 days Galapagos itinerary

A week in the Galapagos is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the magic of these extraordinary islands. Over seven days, you'll have the opportunity to explore several islands, snorkel with playful sea lions, hike through volcanic landscapes, and encounter iconic wildlife such as giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies - all while enjoying the flexibility of a land-based adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Cruz Island

• Morning: Fly into Baltra Airport and transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
• Afternoon: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises.
• Evening: Explore Puerto Ayora and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
  Where to stay: Puerto Ayora.

Day 2: Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas

• Morning: Hike to Tortuga Bay, a stunning white sand beach, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and spotting marine iguanas.
• Afternoon: Visit Las Grietas, a crystal-clear lava fissure for snorkeling.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Day trip to Bartolomé Island

• What to do: Take a boat tour to Bartolomé Island, famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock. Snorkel to see penguins, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Santa Cruz to Isabela Island

• Morning: Take a speedboat (~2 hours) to Isabela Island.
• Afternoon: Visit Flamingo Lagoon and relax on the pristine beaches of Puerto Villamil.
• Evening: Explore the quiet town of Puerto Villamil.
• Where to Stay: Puerto Villamil.

Day 5: Sierra Negra Volcano and Tintoreras

• Morning: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, for incredible views.
• Afternoon: Take a boat tour to Las Tintoreras, a series of small islets home to white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, and sea lions.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Villamil.

Day 6: Day trip to Los Tuneles

• What to do: Snorkel at Los Tuneles, a unique site with lava formations, arches, and tunnels. Spot sea turtles, manta rays, and seahorses.
• Evening: Relax in Puerto Villamil.

Day 7: Return to Santa Cruz & departure

• Morning: Take a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and transfer to Baltra Airport for your departure.

10 days Galapagos itinerary

10 days in the Galapagos will give you the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife and rich ecosystems that make these islands so special. From hiking to volcanic craters and snorkeling with reef sharks to spotting giant tortoises and flamingos, this Galapagos itinerary ensures that you discover the best of the archipelago at a comfortable, leisurely pace.

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Cruz Island

• Morning: Fly into Baltra Airport and transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
• Afternoon: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises.
• Evening: Explore Puerto Ayora and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
  Where to stay: Puerto Ayora.

Day 2: Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas

• Morning: Hike to Tortuga Bay, a stunning white sand beach, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and spotting marine iguanas.
• Afternoon: Visit Las Grietas, a crystal-clear lava fissure for snorkeling.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Day trip to Bartolomé Island

• What to do: Take a boat tour to Bartolomé Island, famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock. Snorkel to see penguins, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Santa Cruz to Isabela Island

• Morning: Take a speedboat (~2 hours) to Isabela Island.
• Afternoon: Visit Flamingo Lagoon and relax on the pristine beaches of Puerto Villamil.
• Evening: Explore the quiet town of Puerto Villamil.
• Where to Stay: Puerto Villamil.

Day 5: Sierra Negra Volcano and Tintoreras

• Morning: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, for incredible views.
• Afternoon: Take a boat tour to Las Tintoreras, a series of small islets home to white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, and sea lions.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Villamil.

Day 6: Day trip to Los Tuneles

• What to do: Snorkel at Los Tuneles, a unique site with lava formations, arches, and tunnels. Spot sea turtles, manta rays, and seahorses.
• Evening: Relax in Puerto Villamil.

Day 7: Return to Santa Cruz & departure

• Morning: Take a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and transfer to Baltra Airport for your departure.

Day 8: Isabela to San Cristóbal Island

• Morning: Take a speedboat (~2 hours) from Isabela to San Cristóbal Island.
• Afternoon: Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the islands’ human and natural history. Hike to Frigatebird Hill for scenic views.
• Evening: Explore the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
• Where to stay: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 9: Kicker Rock and La Lobería

• Morning: Take a boat tour to Kicker Rock, a dramatic rock formation that’s one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Galapagos. Swim with sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
• Afternoon: Relax at La Lobería, a beach known for sea lions and marine iguanas.
• Evening: Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 10: Departure

• Morning: Visit El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos, before transferring to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight home.