9 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Quito & Isla Santa Cruz

Combining six days in the Galápagos Islands and brief visits to Quito, this highlights tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the best of the islands without missing out on mainland Ecuador. Starting and finishing in the bustling capital city and using Isla Santa Cruz as a base on the Galápagos Islands, you'll fill your days embarking on beautiful hikes, visiting small villages, and boating to uninhabited islands. Top that with uninterrupted time at Isla Santa Cruz's most beautiful beaches, and you'll leave sun-kissed and refreshed.

Welcome to Ecuador! After arriving in Quito and transferring to Otavalo, get your first taste of the country's warm culture as you admire the sacred Peguche waterfall. Enjoy a peaceful night high in the Andes, then spend the morning strolling through the town's bustling market and exploring Cuichocha Lagoon. In the afternoon, stop by Mitad del Mundo and make any last stops in Quito, as the following day, it's time to fly to the Galápagos Islands. Upon landing and crossing over the Itabaca Channel, you'll head out for a hike in the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz before checking into your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

With four more nights in Santa Cruz, you'll tick off the highlights and hidden gems of the area. Learn about the local's way of life during a visit to a coffee farm, soak up the sun on Garrapatero Beach, and take a morning to learn about Galápagos tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. You'll also spend two days exploring the uninhabited islands of Bartolomé, Seymour Norte, Plaza Sur, or Santa Fé, and seek out the hidden Tortuga Bay Beach before returning to Quito. After a fascinating city tour, it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: History, Wildlife & Active Adventure in the Galápagos Islands

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts—this nine-day Galápagos Islands trip gets you exploring alongside sea turtles, giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies, to name a few. Starting with four nights on Isla San Cristóbal, you'll snorkel the crystal clear waters surrounding Kicker Rock and visit the nearby Isla Lobos and Isla Española. Then, after taking a speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz, you'll discover the untouched beauty of the nearby uninhabited islands and search for clues of the Galápagos Islands' intriguing past on Isla Floreana.

Your Galápagos Islands adventure begins on Isla San Cristóbal. You'll unpack your bag for four days of wildlife encounters, starting with a visit to the Interpretation Center to learn about the island's conservation efforts. Over the following days, you'll explore land and sea, including a snorkeling excursion around the tropical fish haven of Kicker Rock and a day trip to Isla Española to spot blue-footed boobies and swim at Gardener Bay. Then, before transferring to your next home base, spend an afternoon on the soft sand beaches of Isla Lobos and snorkeling in search of rays and sea turtles.

After a speedboat trip, you'll soon find yourself on Isla Santa Cruz. Get your bearings on the island during a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, followed by a trip to Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Next is a hike to Tortuga Bay, where you'll kayak alongside mangroves and cacti forests before joining a boat tour to La Lobería and Shark Channel. With plenty more to see, you'll also pack in an excursion to Isla Floreana, known for its fascinating history, and a day trip to see the untouched beauty of an uninhabited island until it's time to transfer to Isla Baltra to catch your departure flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Island-Hopping Wildlife Cruise in the Galápagos

Unpack your bags and settle in for nine days of island hopping on this cruise ship-based Galápagos Islands adventure. Using the cruise ship as your home base, you'll get up close to giant tortoises, meet rare birds, and snorkel alongside friendly sharks. Plus, as a nature guide leads the way, it's easy to settle into island life and depart with a profound appreciation for the animals and people who call the Galápagos Islands home.

Upon your arrival in Isla Baltra, meet your guide and transfer to your cruise ship, where you'll settle in and sail first to Isla Santa Cruz. Once on land, drive from the coast to the forests while keeping your eye out for finches and yellow warblers; then, after dinner on the ship and a morning sail, you'll soon find yourself arriving at Cormorant Point on Isla Floreana. Spend the day snorkeling Devil's Crown and learning about Post Office Bay's historical mailbox system, but be sure to head back to your cabin early, as the following afternoon, it's off to Isla Española to explore Gardner Bay and Suarez Point. 

Your cruising adventure continues to Isla San Cristóbal on Day 4, stopping by an interpretation center before heading to Kicker Rock to snorkel among manta rays. Soak up the sun the following day at Bachas Beach and hike to the summit of Plaza Sur; then, with a full day on Isla Santa Cruz, you can take your time visiting Black Turtle Cove and searching for Galápagos giant tortoises. While your time in the Galápagos may be dwindling, you'll still pack in epic excursions to the rarely visited Isla Genovesa, Isla Bartolomé, and Isla Seymour Norte until it's time to sail back to Isla Baltra to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Quito & the Galápagos Islands

With two or more nights each in Quito, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla Isabela, this highlights tour perfectly introduces Ecuador's fantastic culture and landscapes. Wander along the capital city's historic streets alongside a guide; then, fly to the Galápagos Islands and settle in full days of hiking, exploring, and observing. Whether you're roaming highlands in search of giant tortoises or snorkeling between ancient lava formations, an expert guide will be nearby to answer questions and point out fascinating wildlife.

After arriving in Quito and spending your first day roaming the capital at your own pace, you'll enlist the help of a local and embark on a guided tour of Independence Square, El Panecillo Hill, and Mitad del Mundo. But the islands are calling, so early the next day, it'll be time to hop on a short flight to Isla Baltra and continue to Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon observing Galápagos giant tortoises in the highlands; then let your curious side out with a hike to Tortuga Bay, followed by a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.

An early morning sail to Isla Isabela is next on the agenda, and after arriving at Puerto Villamil, you'll get right to the good stuff with a guided tour of Las Tintoreras Islet. Over the following two days, you'll hike up the Sierra Negra volcano, visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, and embark on a day trip to Los Túneles. Then, it's back on the boat to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll spend your last full day snorkeling at La Lobería Beach, admiring the Channel of Love, and swimming between two giant underwater walls at Las Grietas until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Cruise Adventure in the Galápagos Islands

Settle into your luxury cabin and sail around the Galápagos Islands on this nine-day itinerary packed with bucket-list experiences. From sipping coffee in Quito's Old Town to climbing up stone steps that appear straight out of the sea, memorable moments are not in short supply. Those who enjoy the finer things in life will especially love spending relaxing nights on board a sailing yacht and watching the less-visited Isla Genovesa, Isla Santiago, and  Isla Fernandina come into view by day.

Begin your journey with an exciting day in Quito, wandering around Plaza Grande, the Presidential Palace, and Old Town at your leisure. Then, it's back to the airport to catch a flight to Isla Baltra, where an assistant will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury cruise on Isla Santa Cruz. After settling in, set sail to Las Bachas for a relaxing afternoon strolling along the white-sand beach. Enjoy dinner on the ship and a peaceful night's rest as the following day takes you on an exciting journey to Darwin Bay on Isla Genovesa and up the dramatic Prince Philip's Steps to search for masked boobies and frigatebirds.

Next, allocate half a day to exploring the Los Gemelos sinkholes and encountering giant tortoises in Isla Santa Cruz's highlands. With a good night's sleep, it'll be time for a fascinating day on Isla Isabela, hiking up Sierra Negra volcano, admiring baby tortoises at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, and feeling the history at the Wall of Tears. There's still plenty more to discover, so over the following days, you'll pack in trips to Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay, and Isla Fernandina. Then, end your adventure by visiting Punta Espinoza and hiking on Isla Rábida before catching your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Galápagos Itineraries

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