11 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Galápagos Island Hopping: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz

Spot rare birds, watch playful blue-footed boobies, and stroll beaches alongside sea lions on this island-hopping adventure, perfect for first-time travelers to the Galápagos Islands. While using Isla San Cristóbal and Isla Santa Cruz as your base, you'll have plenty of time to relax, embark on day trips to uninhabited islands, and hike among rugged volcanic landscapes. There's certainly no time to be bored, but with plenty of free time to soak up the sun on pristine beaches and wander colorful towns, this trip offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! After a short flight from Quito to Isla San Cristóbal, you'll kick things off with a visit to the Interpretation Center, a hike up Las Tijeretas Hill, and a relaxing afternoon at La Lobería. Next, embark on a day trip to Kicker Rock to snorkel alongside tropical fish and settle in for a free day, choosing between unwinding at Playa Carola or embarking on an exciting hike near Punta Pitt. Then, pack a day pack and prepare for two exciting days exploring Isla Española, Gardner Islet, and Isla Lobos in search of blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, stingrays, and whitetip sharks.

Begin the second half of your trip by visiting La Galapaguero, a giant tortoise breeding center, and boating to the remote Puerto Chino. Then, pack your bags and transfer to Isla Santa Cruz. After settling into your hotel in Puerto Ayora, it's right back to the action, starting with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, followed by a day trip to one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Spend your last two days hiking to Tortuga Bay, testing your bravery at the Channel of Sharks, and purchasing any last-minute gifts until it's time to transfer to Isla Baltra to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore the Galápagos Islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz & Isabela

Fill your days hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring uninhabited islands on this activity-filled adventure, another well-rounded classic itinerary, this time adding three nights on Isla Isabela. You'll embark on epic day trips to Kicker Rock, Isla Española, and Los Túneles, and hike Isabela's Sierra Negra Volcano.

Your Galápagos Islands' adventure begins with three days on Isla San Cristóbal, encountering the unique animals that call the archipelago home. Take time to visit the Interpretation Center to learn about local conservation efforts, snorkel above rays at Kicker Rock, and spend a day as you please, hiking in the highlands or spotting giant tortoises near El Junco Lagoon. Before you know it, it'll be time to hop on a plane and fly to Isla Isabela. Then, three days will pass by as you tick off the island's highlights, including hiking the Sierra Negra volcano, exploring Las Tintoreras by kayak, and snorkeling Los Túneles.

Next on the agenda is another transfer, this time by speedboat, to Isla Santa Cruz. After a relaxing evening in the bustling town of Puerto Ayora, it's back to the adventure, starting by exploring the twin craters of Los Gemelos and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. With two more full days on the cards, spend one visiting the uninhabited islands of Bartolomé, Seymour Norte, Plaza Sur, or Santa Fé, and use the other to do as you please, hiking to Tortuga Bay or snorkeling at Las Grietas. All too soon, it's time to cross over the Itabaca Channel to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Quito & Galápagos Islands Cruise Adventure

Spend uninterrupted days sailing between volcanic islands and discovering rare species on this cruising adventure of the Galápagos Islands. With three nights in Quito, followed by seven nights on board a ship, it's easy to soak up the Ecuadorian culture and explore numerous islands while still finding time to relax and unwind. Those looking to see it all without having to rush around will delight in this well-rounded adventure.

Before heading to the Galápagos Islands, your trip begins with three days in Quito, Ecuador's capital. Discover the city's highlights, including Old Town, Plaza Grande, and Mitad del Mundo, alongside an expert guide, and spend a culturally rich day in Otavolo visiting the local market and attending a cooking class. Then, it's time to trade city for sea. Upon arriving on Isla San Cristóbal, you'll spend the rest of the day visiting the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill until it's time to board the cruise and settle into your accommodation for the rest of the trip.

After a relaxing evening, the moment has arrived to set sail to Isla Santa Fé and Isla Plaza Sur, known for their land and marine iguanas. You'll no doubt be itching to keep exploring, so next on the radar is a trip to Isla Seymour Norte, followed by a visit to Isla Santiago to watch penguins tough it out along the rocky coastline. Lose track of the days as you sail between Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, and Rábida—and with a visit to Black Turtle Cove on your last day, the excitement continues up until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Adventure in the Galápagos Islands

Discover the natural playground of the Galápagos Islands on this dynamic adventure perfect for the active explorer. Complete with scuba diving adventures, rappelling excursions, hiking trips, and mountain biking expeditions, each day promises rewarding ways to explore the archipelago's pristine landscapes. In between activities, rest weary legs on soft sand beaches and during scenic boat rides between islands.

Begin your thrilling Galápagos Island trip on Isla Santa Cruz, the perfect place to get your bearings and learn about the islands' tortoise species at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Then, it's straight to an uninhabited island to spend an afternoon hiking through untouched natural habitats, followed by an epic day kayaking in Tortuga Bay and touring La Lobería and Canal del Amor by boat. Wake early the next day and don your swimsuit for a scuba diving tour, where you'll swim with hammerhead sharks, golden rays, and sea turtles before catching a speed boat to Isla Isabela. 

With three days on Isla Isabela, you'll waste no time exploring the nearby islet of Tintoreras, snorkeling above rock arches at Los Túneles, and embarking on an exhilarating day rappelling into Los Trillizos volcano and mountain biking from the top of the island to Campo Duro. Then, after a short flight, you'll find yourself on Isla San Cristóbal, where you'll enjoy a well-deserved evening relaxing on Playa Mann. It's straight back to adventure the next day, with an excursion to Kicker Rock, followed by a hiking trip at Punta Pitt. Sun-kissed and full of adventures, it's back to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Outdoor Adventures in Guayaquil & Galápagos Islands

With two or more nights each on Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and Isla San Cristóbal, sandwiched between stays in Guayaquil, this 11-day Galápagos Islands trip is ideal for those who want to mix bustling cities and island time. Discover the history of Ecuador's largest city, explore two uninhabited islands, and visit a giant tortoise breeding station—and that's all in the first half of the adventure, which means a hike to the summit of a volcano and a snorkel excursion to Kicker Rock round out this outdoor pursuits itinerary.

Start your trip in Guayaquil, on mainland Ecuador, where you'll stroll the cobblestone streets of Puerto Santa Ana and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant; then, it's off to the Galápagos Islands. After landing on Isla Baltra and ferrying to Isla Santa Cruz, visit Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the incredible work of conservationists. Over the following two days, you'll explore not one but two uninhabited islands for the unique opportunity to see untouched habitats overflowing with unique wildlife. Afterward, pack your bags and hop on a speed boat to your next home base: Isla Isabela.

With three days on Isla Isabela, you'll be keen to keep on the move. Pack in a visit to Flamingo Lagoon, hike to the summit of Sierra Negra, and explore geological formations at Los Túneles. Then, squeeze in a visit to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center before catching a flight to Isla San Cristobál. Keep the adventure going during a snorkeling trip to Kicker Rock and enjoy dinner by the sea, as the following day, it's time to head back to Guayaquil. Spend your final days roaming Parque Histórico and Cementerio General until it's time to transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 11-Day Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Check out these other 11-day Galápagos itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.