8 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Galápagos Islands & Quito: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela

See the gems of the Galápagos Islands and Quito on this itinerary, ideal for first-time visitors that want a mix of urban adventures in Quito combined with wildlife and outdoor activities in the Galápagos. Take a guided tour of historic sites in Quito, hike through prickly pear forests to a marine iguana colony on Isla Santa Cruz, spot flamingoes in the Humedales, and snorkel among penguins and whitetip reef sharks off Isla Isabela. 

On Ecuador's mainland, tour Quito's sites, including Independence Square and San Francisco Church, the oldest church in the country, then stand in two hemispheres at the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument. Fly to Isla Baltra and catch a ferry to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll start your Galápagos adventure with a hike in the highlands and a chance to observe giant tortoises. Walk through prickly pear forests, check out the marine iguana colony, then cool off with a dip at Tortuga Bay Beach. Learn about wildlife conservation efforts in the afternoon and view the Lonesome George exhibit at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.

Board a boat to Isla Isabela, watching for manta rays en route. Then it's off to Las Tintoreras, a group of islets where you can see penguins, sea lions, and other wildlife. Trek to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano and get a glimpse of the second-largest crater in the world. Then cycle to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center and the Humedales wetlands, where you can spot flamingoes. Take a boat to the Bay of Santa Cruz for a final day that includes snorkeling along La Lobería, observing blue sharks on a hike to Shark Channel, and swimming between cliffs at Las Grietas before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Galápagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal

Removing Quito from the plans, this Galápagos island-hopping itinerary uses three main islands as a home base for daily excursions. This classic route hits the highlights, including observing tortoises in the wild and at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center of Isla Santa Cruz, hiking Sierra Negra and spotting the migratory birds of the Humedales on Isla Isabela, snorkeling among manta rays and turtles at Kicker Rock, and enjoying some leisure time on Isla San Cristóbal.  

Ease into your adventure with a visit to a farm on Isla Santa Cruz, followed by a seafood lunch in Puerto Ayora. Your next stop is Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll learn about environmental projects, then it's on to meet the tortoises at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Watch for marine birds and iguanas while kayaking at Tortuga Bay, then cruise the Bay of Santa Cruz, where you can snorkel with sea lions before observing turtles at Canal del Amor. Rise early on Day 3 to catch the speedboat to Isla Isabela, where you'll explore underwater lava rock formations alongside manta rays and reef sharks. 

Hike to the Sierra Negra summit—the views make the trek worth the effort! Cool off afterward with a snorkeling trip through Concha Perla's mangrove forests. Next, stroll the boardwalk to Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, then walk a bit farther to see the migratory birds of the Humedales. On Day 6, fly to Isla San Cristóbal and head out on a wildlife hike to see blue-footed boobies, iguanas, and more. Depending on your energy level after lunch, take a scenic hike to Tijeretas Hill or watch the sunset at Playa Mann. Spend your final full day at Kicker Rock, snorkeling among manta rays and turtles. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Darwin's Footsteps: Quito, Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela

Follow in Darwin's footsteps for another excellent option for first-time visitors keen on experiencing history and culture in Quito—with the bonus of learning about Ecuadorian cuisine in a cooking class—and immersing in nature in the Galápagos. The extended hike at the Sierra Negra volcano, which includes a trek to the Chico volcano, makes it a good choice for avid hikers. Couples looking for a unique experience and those that like to explore a bit farther afield will appreciate the yacht trip to an uninhabited island.

Take in the history and architecture of Quito on a guided tour through the historic center, then get a bird's-eye view from the cable car at Pichincha volcano. Put one foot in each hemisphere at Mitad del Mundo and learn about Ecuadorian culture through interactive exhibits at the Intiñan Museum before heading to the market to meet a local chef who will help you select ingredients and prepare traditional dishes, such as bolon de verde (plantain dumplings). Catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands on Day 3 and spend your first day observing tortoises—in the wild and at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. 

Travel by yacht to an uninhabited island the next day, then go ashore for some hiking. Each island has unique landscapes and wildlife: Bartolomé boasts beautiful lava flows, while Santa Fé and Plaza Sur are home to endemic iguanas, and you'll find blue-footed boobies on Seymour Norte. Next up is a snorkeling excursion at Los Túneles on Isla Isabela, followed by a hike to Sierra Negra and a picnic at Chico Volcano. Kayak Las Tintoreras Islet, and hop in for a snorkel if you fancy joining the penguins and other marine life. Spend your final morning observing sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs at Garrapatero Beach. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Best of the Galápagos: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz

Focusing on two of the Galápagos Islands, this slower-paced itinerary offers a variety of activities. Enjoy whale watching at Tijeretas Hill, standup paddleboarding along Isla San Cristóbal's coast, visiting the only freshwater lake on the islands, surfing at Puerto Chino Beach, and kayaking at Garrapatero Beach. With added opportunities for bird-watching at Los Gemelos and on Isla Española (which has endemic species such as the Española mockingbird you won't find elsewhere), it's also well-suited to bird-watchers.

Learn about the creation of the Galápagos Islands at the Interpretation Center on Isla San Cristóbal, then check out the views and frigatebirds (and whales if you're here between June and October) at Tijeretas Hill. Go for a snorkel in the company of sea lions, turtles, and possibly Galápagos sharks at Kicker Rock. Hike on Isla Española and spot endemic wildlife like the Española lava lizard. On Day 4, cruise along Isla San Cristóbal's coast on a standup paddleboard and visit El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake amid the islands, then sunbathe (or surf) at Puerto Chino Beach alongside flamingoes, iguanas, and sea lions. 

Catch a boat to Isla Santa Cruz and head for the highlands, where you can see giant tortoises, do some bird watching at the twin craters of Los Gemelos, and refuel with a farm lunch. Board a yacht to an uninhabited island and observe endemic wildlife or trek lava landscapes (the exact island depends on park permits, but all offer a unique experience). Take a kayak tour at Garrapatero Beach; the clear, shallow water makes it ideal for watching crabs and iguanas. Spend your final morning touring the Charles Darwin Research Station and visiting the tortoises at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Jewels of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela

This jewel of the Galápagos trip is another slower-paced option, this time covering Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. It is the only itinerary that also offers a tour of an organic coffee farm on Isla Santa Cruz and a full day of biking around Isla Isabela.

Start on Isla Santa Cruz with an introduction to a variety of tortoises, first in the highlands and then at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Experience the tranquility and see some endemic species on a yacht tour to an uninhabited island. Spend a morning at Garrapatero Beach, strolling the white sand or kayaking the shallow waters before visiting a coffee farm to learn about the conservation efforts (and, of course, sample some coffee!). Take a boat to Isla Isabela and join a snorkeling excursion to Los Túneles. Here you can see lava formations and wildlife, including seahorses and penguins, above and below the surface.

Head out for a full day of hiking otherworldly landscapes at Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes on Day 5. Cruise Isla Isabela by bicycle, stopping to see the marine iguanas at Playa del Amor, paying a visit to the Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears), and photographing the birdlife at Flamingo Lagoon before sitting down to sunset ceviche and drinks at Iguana Point. On your final full day, kayak around Las Tintoreras and snorkel with the penguins and reef sharks there, then catch a boat to Isla Santa Cruz. Choose one last adventure at Tortuga Bay: kayak, snorkel, swim, or relax on the sand and birdwatch. Learn more 

More Great 8-Day Galápagos Itineraries

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