6 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Island Life in the Galápagos: Quito, Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz

This classic itinerary covers some of the highlights of the Galápagos Islands and gives you a taste of Ecuador's mainland. Suitable for intrepid travelers who are interested in a sun and sea excursion and who enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and exploring uninhabited islands. Time will fly by as you learn about conservation efforts on Isla San Cristóbal, explore volcanic landscapes on Isla Santa Cruz, and search for albatross and blue-footed boobies on Isla Española. Plus, with a night in Quito, you'll even sneak in a tour of the capital city's UNESCO-listed historic center.

Welcome to Ecuador! After arriving in Quito, spend your first afternoon on a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed historic center. Admire the Baroque architecture of La Compañía de Jesús and stroll along La Ronda, then rest up as the next day sees you back to the airport to catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands. Once you've settled into your hotel for two nights, it's time to head out and explore Isla San Cristóbal. Start with a visit to the Interpretation Center, hike to Tijeretas Hill, and join a snorkeling excursion to swim alongside sea lions, turtles, and tropical fish.

Next up, embark on a day trip to Isla Española for a chance to see waved albatross and blue-footed boobies before returning to Isla San Cristóbal to catch a speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz. After a two-hour ride, meet your guide in Puerto Ayora and head straight into the Santa Cruz highlands for a day exploring lush volcanic landscapes and a coffee plantation. With two more days left on your adventure, squeeze in a day trip to a nearby uninhabited island to see rare wildlife; then, spend your final morning pondering the "twin craters" until it's time to catch your onward flight from Baltra Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Wildlife Cruise Adventure in the Galápagos Islands

Unpack your bags and set sail with other like-minded travelers on this Galápagos Islands cruise, perfect for those who want to see as much of the archipelago as possible in six days. Starting on Isla San Cristóbal, ending on Isla Santa Cruz, and stopping by Isla Floreana and Isla Española on the way, you'll find each day presents new landscapes to explore and unique wildlife to encounter. 

Upon arrival at Isla San Cristóbal, you'll immediately head to a cruise ship, your home base, for the entire trip. Settled in, it's time for your first stop—Isla Lobos, the perfect place to spot sea lions and snorkel near sea turtles. After your first night's sleep on the ship, sail to Punta Pitt for a day of exploration. Hop off the boat at Pitt Point and hike through dry tropical forest vegetation; then, following lunch, search for the Galápagos giant tortoises on a trek to Natural Galapaguera. Your sailing adventure continues to Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill) the following day, along with a snorkel excursion at the iconic Kicker Rock.

Already at the halfway point of your trip, you'll again hop off the boat for a morning adventure at Punta Suarez, followed by an afternoon spotting waved albatrosses and sea lions at Gardner Bay. Next, enjoy a scenic sail to Isla Floreana and split your day between Cormorant Point, the perfect place to look for volcanic crystal and Scalesia plants (large "daisy" trees), and Post Office Bay to learn about the oldest functioning "post office" in the Pacific. All too soon, you'll find yourself at Isla Santa Cruz, where after visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, you'll catch your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Best of the Galápagos: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz

First-time visitors to the Galápagos Islands will delight in this six-day adventure, filled to the brim with guided tours, visits to research and informational centers, and uninterrupted time spent between land and sea. Wildlife enthusiasts are sure to love spotting sea lions, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat, and with two or more nights each on Isla San Cristóbal and Isla Santa Cruz, it's easy to experience the best of both without feeling rushed.

Begin your Galápagos Islands adventure with a visit to the Interpretation Center on Isla San Cristóbal, where you'll learn about the archipelago's unique geological features, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Then, put your newfound knowledge to good use with a hike to Las Tijeretas Hill, known for its colorful frigate birds. Spend Day 2 searching for boobies and dolphins as you sail to and snorkel with sea turtles and rays at Kicker Rock, relax on Bahía Sardina Beach, and try experimental fishing at Punta Pitt. Before transferring to Isla Santa Cruz, boat to Isla Española for hiking, wildlife watching, and snorkeling on Day 3. 

Once you've arrived on Isla Santa Cruz and met your guide, another big day of exploring awaits. Begin with a trip to the highlands to observe giant tortoises, enjoy a hearty meal at a farm, then finish your day at the Charles Darwin Research Station. With so much more to see and time dwindling, you'll pack a day bag and head to one of the nearby uninhabited islands—Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, Bartolomé, or Seymour Norte—for an afternoon of hiking or snorkeling. Before saying your goodbyes at the airport on Isla Baltra, spend your final morning soaking up the sun at Tortuga Bay. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Biking, Kayaking & Snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands 

Explore Isla Santa Cruz and Isla San Cristóbal by bike, kayak, and on foot on this active adventure. Every day will showcase a new unique experience, whether hiking to secluded bays, kayaking alongside pelicans, or biking to impressive lava tunnels. Add on a day trip to Kicker Rock and a boat tour through Shark Channel, and there's no doubt you'll leave with a camera full of memorable wildlife encounters.

After arriving on Isla Baltra and ferrying to Isla Santa Cruz, you'll be ready to settle your antsy travel legs with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to mingle with Giant Galápagos tortoises. Then rest up, as you're straight to it the next day. Begin with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay; next, take to the water and kayak alongside pelicans and flamingoes, and end your day with a boat tour to La Lobería, Shark Channel, and Canal del Amor. With one more day on Isla Santa Cruz, bike and explore the island's lava tunnels and secluded El Garrapatero Beach at your own pace.

On Day 4, catch a speedboat to Isla San Cristóbal, where you'll have an entire day to do as you please. Options include wandering Wreck Bay, sunbathing at Playa Carola, or hiking along rugged volcanic landscapes at Punta Pitt. Hopefully, you still have energy left over, as the following day's excursion to Kicker Rock promises to be equally exciting. Keep your eye out for sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life as you snorkel around volcanic rock formations; then, spend your final morning walking along the beach until transferring to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Multi-Island Wildlife Cruise in the Galápagos

It's all about the Galápagos Island's unique wildlife on this multi-island wildlife cruise, perfect for those interested in spending days observing sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Using a cruise ship as your base, it's easy to rest while sailing between Isla San Cristóbal, Isla Española, Isla Floreana, and Isla Santa Cruz. Then, once on land, you'll have plenty of time to embark on wildlife-filled hikes and discover the underwater world while snorkeling in picturesque bays.

Hop off the plane at Isla San Cristóbal and transfer to your waiting ship for a welcome briefing and lunch, then it's straight out to sea. Your first stop brings you to Cerro Colorado, a breeding station for the Galápagos giant tortoises, and after searching for the incredible animals in the wild, you'll head back to the boat for a good night's sleep. Following breakfast on the ship the next day, you'll set sail for Punta Suarez on Isla Española to see firsthand blue-footed and Nazca boobies and waved albatrosses, followed by an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling at Gardner Bay.

Next on your sailing itinerary is a trip to Cormorant Point on Isla Floreana, the ideal base to snorkel alongside penguins at Devil's Crown, visit Post Office Bay, and hike to Baroness Lookout. There's still plenty more wildlife to see, so after another night on board, you'll find yourself swimming with playful sea lions on Isla Santa Fé and admiring unique iguanas on Plaza Sur. With two more days left, pack in trips to Isla Seymour Norte and Isla Santa Cruz and join a guided walk around Mosquera Islet before transferring to Isla Baltra to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Galápagos Itineraries

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