1 Week in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Galápagos Voyage: Ecuadorian Highlights & Archipelago Cruise

Treat yourself to uninterrupted days of sun, sea, and coastlines on this luxury Galápagos Islands cruising adventure, perfect for discerning travelers with an affinity for wildlife. Onboard the lavish M/C Cormorant II, glide between Isla Genovesa, Isla Plaza Sur, Isla Santa Fé, and Isla San Cristóbal, and disembark to hike, swim, and snorkel. Plus, with two nights in Quito, you'll sneak in a tour of the capital city's UNESCO-listed historic center and a rejuvenating visit to the famous Papallacta Hot Springs.

Before jetting to the Galápagos Islands, your adventure kicks off with a two-day stay in Quito—perfect for shrugging off jet lag in style. Spend your first afternoon refreshing at the 5-star Casa Gangotena and exploring the city's beautiful colonial center. Then, split the following day between a rejuvenating soak amid volcanic waters at Papallacta Hot Springs and a splendid nature hike in Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve. From Quito, a two-hour flight brings you to Isla Baltra, and after a short transfer to Puerto Ayora, you'll board the M/C Cormorant II luxury catamaran for a four-night journey.

Throughout your cruise, you'll disembark on four islands, each brimming with fascinating wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. Kick things off with a hike on Isla Genovesa to observe colonies of Nazca boobies, followed by free time in Darwin Bay to snorkel and kayak. Then, dedicate the following day to exploring the cacti-lined paths of Isla Plaza Sur and Isla Santa Fé, home to iguanas, hawks, mockingbirds, and more. The final full day of your cruise features the volcanic formations on Isla San Cristóbal, and you'll also visit the David Rodriguez Breeding Center before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Quito & Galápagos Experience

First-time visitors to the Galápagos Islands will delight in this alternative luxury experience, filled with guided tours, exclusive nature excursions, and touches of opulence. Kick things off with a two-day stay in Quito, sipping wine and enjoying fine dining. Then, while based at Isla Santa Cruz's 4-star Royal Palm Hotel, head out on day trips to witness sea lions, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. Additionally, don snorkel gear to admire colorful tropical fish zipping through crystal clear waters.

Upon landing in Quito, a private driver awaits to whisk you to the 5-star Casa Gangotena, where you'll have a chance to refresh in preparation for dinner at the renowned Kriollo restaurant. The next day, join up with a local guide for an in-depth introduction to the city's UNESCO-listed colonial center before detouring to Chaupi Winery for a private tasting session. Then, on the morning of Day 3, you're off to the Galápagos Islands for a four-night stay on Isla Santa Cruz. The extravagant Royal Palm Hotel serves as your base here, and after checking in, take the evening to explore the property's expansive grounds.

Eager to delve into the archipelago's unspoiled landscapes, wake early the following morning for a full-day cruise onboard a private charter, complete with opportunities to disembark for wildlife encounters. Then, enjoy a day on land, heading up to Cerro Mesa Reserve for breathtaking views and treating yourself to an aromatherapy massage at your hotel. With your time in the Galápagos Islands winding down, squeeze in a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center and tuck into dinner at the acclaimed Almar Restaurant. Lastly, partake in a plant a tree program before bidding farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury & Romance in the Galápagos

Experience the stunning natural beauty and welcoming culture of mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands on this luxury-enhanced romantic escape. Ideal for couples who love a good nature-themed adventure, you'll horseback ride along rugged highland trails, cruise between uninhabited islands, kayak along rocky coastlines, and witness fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. In between, treat yourselves to private cooking lessons, a couples massage, and stays at premier accommodations.

Your romantic escape begins with an overnight stay in the historic city of Quito, where an excursion to the Monument to the Equator and an Ecuadorian cooking class provide the perfect welcome. The following morning, you're off to the charming Hacienda Zuleta in the mountain town of Otavalo. After settling in, the hacienda's staff will coordinate activities based on your interests, whether horseback riding, a private cooking lesson, or a textiles class. Then, on the morning of Day 3, return to Quito to catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands and celebrate your arrival on Isla Santa Cruz with an indulgent couples massage.

Your home base on Isla Santa Cruz is the elegant Finch Bay Galápagos, and beyond its lavish amenities, the waterfront hotel is ideally located to discover the surrounding uninhabited islands. Speaking of, you'll spend two full days onboard a private charter, gliding between Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, Plaza Sur, and Santa Fé. At each island, disembark to admire blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions in the natural habitat. In between charters, enjoy an idyllic kayak experience at Divine Bay and join a fun cocktail workshop before wrapping up your getaway with a visit to an organic coffee farm. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Eco-Friendly Luxury in the Galápagos: Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands

Discover the incredible natural wonders of Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela on this eco-conscious itinerary crafted for active travelers with a penchant for the finer things in life. Every day, you'll be treated to a new and exclusive adventure, including hiking to secluded bays, snorkeling through lava tunnels, climbing to the top of a volcano, and cycling through lush highlands. Add on a thrilling fishing trip, a cruise between uninhabited islands, and stays at premier accommodations for a truly remarkable luxury adventure.

After arriving on Isla Baltra and enjoying a stress-free private transfer to Isla Santa Cruz, your lavish getaway begins with an insightful visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center. Spend the rest of the evening savoring panoramic views from your accommodation, the 5-star Pikaia Lodge, which promises to recharge you for the following day's cruise. Onboard a private charter, sail between uninhabited islands home to abundant wildlife, and disembark to snorkel amid sea turtles and tropical fish. Then, head back out on the water the next morning, but this time with the intention of reeling in a prized game fish. 

The second half of your great escape features the volcanic Isla Isabela, and your home here is the luxurious, safari-style Scalesia Lodge. After settling in, travel up the coast to Los Túneles to swim and snorkel amid lava tunnels brimming with tropical fish. Then, don your hiking shoes as you're off on an epic trek around the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, followed by an insightful visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station. Lastly, catch a flight back to Isla Santa Cruz and top off your adventure with a nature hike to Tortuga Bay Beach and a cycling excursion through the island's highlands. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Check out these other one-week Galápagos itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.