Highlights
- See giant Galapagos tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Snorkel off pristine beaches
- Encounter endemic species up close
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Santa Cruz Island | Santa Cruz Island |
| Day 2 | Santa Cruz Highlands - Puerto Ayora - Charles Darwin Station | Puerto Ayora |
| Day 3 | Free Morning - Afternoon Boat Tour | Puerto Ayora |
| Day 4 | Free Day | Puerto Ayora |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Airport on Baltra Island |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Santa Cruz Island
After arriving at Baltra Airport, you'll be met and transferred to Santa Cruz Island via a ferry. Check into your hotel and spend your first afternoon on the island at leisure.
Day 2: Santa Cruz Highlands - Puerto Ayora - Charles Darwin Station
Today, your guide will pick you up and take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you can observe giant Galapagos tortoises in the wild. Enjoy lunch at a local ranch in the highlands, followed by the observation of giant creatures.
Continue to the port of Puerto Ayora and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, the effects of tourism on nature, and more. Here you can visit the turtle breeding station, where the animals are raised before being released into nature. Land iguanas can be observed here too.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Free Morning - Afternoon Boat Tour
Your morning is free to spend as you wish, perhaps on the beach, going for a walk, or enjoying the sounds of nature as you find the perfect spot to sit and read.
In the afternoon, head onto the water on a tour of the bay. Aboard a small boat, you'll visit the coves and beaches of Santa Cruz Island. Swim with playful sea lion cubs, go snorkeling to see the extraordinary diversity of sea life, or sunbathe on the beach.
Day 4: Free Day
Today is yours to spend as you wish, with no planned activities. Feel free to hike to Tortuga Bay, take a stroll in the peaceful town of Puerto Ayora, go on a tour to visit hidden beaches, or rent a bike to explore the highlands on your own. It's up to you.
Day 5: Transfer to Airport on Baltra Island
Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some free time this morning to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora.
Your driver will transfer you to the ferry across the Itabaca Channel. For the last part of your trip to the airport, you'll take the public shuttle bus to the terminal and check in for your flight. Farewell Galapagos!
More Great Galapagos Islands Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galapagos? Check out these other 5-day Galapagos Islands itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
