Galapagos Islands Travel Insights
5 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With five days to spend in the Galápagos Islands, travelers have a variety of options. Choose a land-based tour that takes you to the archipelago's highlights for outdoor adventures and bird-watching, or go on a cruise that focuses on a particular interest area, like nature or wildlife. If you're certified, opt for a diving trip with daily excursions underwater to see reef sharks, sea turtles, seahorses, and more. Whichever itinerary you choose, you're sure to enjoy the natural beauty of this magnificent island chain.
1 Week in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
If you have a week to spend in the Galápagos, choose between a cruise and a land-based tour. Sail around the archipelago on a yacht, stopping at various islands to hike and view wildlife, or base yourself on one or more of the islands, going on daily excursions to snorkel with penguins, kayak in the sea and look for blue-footed boobies. Alternatively, get an overview of Ecuador's top highlights by combining a few days in the Galápagos with a trip to Quito and Cotopaxi National Park.
10 Days in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With 10 days to spend in the Galápagos Islands, you could opt for a land-based tour of the archipelago's natural highlights. Or choose a cruise tour that takes you around the islands, stopping to hike to volcanic craters, snorkel with penguins and sea lions, and walk around the habitats of blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. Alternatively, work your trip to the Galápagos into a broader tour that covers Ecuador's highlights, or combine several days in the Galápagos with an adventure across the Peruvian border, ending at Machu Picchu. Find out more about your options by reading over the itineraries below.
2 Weeks in the Galápagos Islands - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Consider yourself lucky if you have two weeks to spend in the Galápagos Islands. Spend all 14 days in the archipelago, island-hopping around the region to see giant tortoises in the wild, snorkeling with sea lions, and hiking to volcanic craters. Or incorporate a week in the Galápagos into a more wide-ranging trip around Ecuador that includes time in Quito and Cotopaxi National Park. If you're feeling especially ambitious, consider combining a trip to the Galápagos with an adventure to Machu Picchu in Peru.
How Many Days to Spend in the Galápagos Islands
The best way to see as many of the 19 major islands that comprise the Galápagos is on a two-week tour. However, you can still pack in the best of Darwin's famed isles on a 10-day excursion that includes wildlife spotting and active adventures. Even five days allow for a quick island hop and highlights tour that covers some major sights and makes for an unforgettable experience.
Best Time of Year to Visit the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are great to visit at any time of the year, as you will always enjoy warm weather with exciting wildlife and activities. The Galápagos climate is characterized by a rainy season (December-May) and a dry season (June-November), but every season brings something unique, whether you are an adventurous traveler, a birdwatcher, a beach lover, or a nature explorer. Walk in Charles Darwin's footsteps, observe countless incredible species of reptiles, mammals, and birds, and snorkel or scuba dive among sharks, dolphins, and whales.
How it works
Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Step 3
Securely book your trip
Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Paul Cisneros
I love to travel and discover new places. Born and raised in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, I grew up admiring the rich history of my city and the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. I have been...
read more...
Paola Vera Feijoo
Born and raised in Ecuador, I´m the second of four sisters. I love to make people´s dream vacations come true. Helping travelers to be the happiest is my big desire and, so far, one of my favorite...
read more...
Maria Jose Jaramillo
From a young age, I dreamed of flying to every corner of the world, and my grandmother, recognizing my passion, took me on summer adventures to explore the hidden treasures of Ecuador. Those...
read more...
Alvaro Pereira
Born and raised in the vibrant country of Ecuador, I am the ideal person to craft a unique and unforgettable trip within my homeland. My passion for travel and exploring new and exciting places...
read more...
Trip Reviews for Galapagos Islands
Our bucket list trip to the Galapagos was unforgettable
Galapagos Islands
|
Mar 17 - Mar 26, 2025
Hi Joanne,
I'm so happy to hear that you and the group made such wonderful memories in Ecuador and the enchanting Galapagos Islands! It truly means a lot. Thank you so much for trusting us to create this special journey for you.
Warm regards,
Karla
Thank you, Paola, for helping us with our ama...
Galapagos Islands
|
Mar 21 - Mar 30, 2025
Some highlights:
- Cooking class in Quito
- Quito city tour with Christian - terrific guide! As was his uncle ;)!
- Santa Cruz highland tour with visit to tortoises!
- Trip to Bartolomé island
- Isabella snorkeling at Los Túneles - Luis was a terrific guide. We learned a lot from him
- Biking in National Park on Isabella - Thank you to John! The hotel accommodations were all wonderful
- La Casona de La... Read more
Machu Pichu and Galapogos Trip 2025 Our trip was wonderful! All details were tak...
Galapagos Islands
|
Mar 15 - Mar 24, 2025
Dear Norma,
That's so wonderful to hear! Creating unforgettable memories together at Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands must have been an incredible adventure. How beautiful that you were able to share such special moments as a family!
Thank you for trusting us to plan such a meaningful trip. We are so happy to hear that everything went perfectly, and it will be a pleasure to help you organize your next adventure whenever you're ready.
A big hug to you, Deborah and McKenna!
Best regards,
Majo
