Galapagos Islands Itinerary: It’s a common misconception that enjoying the Galapagos islands can only be done if you spend thousands of dollars. We are proud to report that we’ve personally debunked this myth without skimping on world-class snorkel tours and consuming as much seafood as possible
A 7 days trip to three islands in the Galapagos was accomplished for an incredible value of $1111, including the flight. For all tips, check out our full guide on how to travel the Galapagos on a budget. In this article, we are going to share a detailed Galapagos Islands Itinerary of where we stayed, what we ate, and the tour companies we used so you can do the same. However, rate and fair may vary with time and date.
Tip: Traveling with a friend can help immensely when it comes to sharing taxi and accommodation costs.
Day 1: Quito to San Cristobal
- Obtain the Galapagos transit control document at the airport before departure (it should cost around $20)
- Fly from UIO to SCY
- Pay a $100 Galapagos visitor fee upon arrival at the airport
- Short taxi ride to the hostel
- Book Kicker Rock snorkeling tour and arrange ferry tickets with Galapagos Fan Dive
- Taxi ride (or walk) to La Loberia (free) to view sea lions, birds, and marine iguanas
- Ask your taxi driver if they can wait for you or if they can return at a specific time since there are limited taxis in the area
- Grilled lobster skewer dinner at El Rincon De Sebas
- Buy pastries for breakfast the next day
- Stay overnight at Hostal Los Algarrobos
Day 2: Kicker Rock from San Cristobal
- Kicker Rock snorkeling tour from 7:15 am – 2:30 pm with Galapagos Fan Dive
- Walk to Centro de Interpretacion (Interpretation Center) to learn about the history of the Galapagos islands (free admission)
- Soup, juice, and hamburger daily dinner special at Restaurante Lucky
- Buy pastries for breakfast the next day
- Stay overnight at La Casa de Jeimy (I preferred this place over Los Algarrobos)
Day 3: San Cristobal to Santa Cruz
- 7:00 am departure for a 90-minute ferry ride from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz
- Taxi to El Chato Dos giant tortoise reserve ($5 entry fee) and free lava tunnels (ask the driver to wait for you for the entire duration of your visit because there are few taxis available in the area)
- Walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about giant sea tortoises, visit Lonesome George, and learn more about animal conservation efforts
- Seafood pasta dinner on Santa Cruz’s restaurant street called Los Kioskos
- Stay overnight at Hostal Morning Glory
Day 4: Santa Cruz to Isabela
- Breakfast at Hostal Morning Glory
- 7:00 am departure for a 120-minute ferry ride from Santa Cruz to Isabela
- Book next day Los Tuneles snorkeling tour with Pahoehoe Galapagos Tours
- Rent a bike for half day from Galapagos Bike and Surf
- Bike to the Muro de las Lasgrimas or “Wall of Tears” with a short excursion off of the trail to walk up to the Cerro Orchilla vista point for a beautiful view of the island
- Stop by the Playa del Amor to enjoy the beach and see marine iguanas on the route back to Puerto Villamil
- Buy pastries for breakfast the next day
- BBQ seafood platter dinner at La casa del asado de Anibal Garcia
- Stay overnight at Hotel Sula Sula
Day 5: Isabela
- Los Tuneles snorkeling tour from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm with Pahoehoe Galapagos Tours
- Breaded shrimp lunch combo at El Velero
- Back for BBQ seafood platter dinner round 2 at La casa del asado de Anibal Garcia again because it was that good
- Drinks and music at Beto’s Beach Bar
- Stay overnight at Hotel Sula Sula
Day 6: Isabela to Santa Cruz
- Breakfast at an outdoor food vendor
- Rent a snorkel mask (no fins needed) at Galapagos Bike and Surf
- Self-guided snorkeling to see tortoises, marine iguanas, and sea lions at Concha de Perla (walking distance from Puerto Villamil; free attraction)
- 3:00 pm departure for a 120-minute ferry ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz
- Coconut lobster dinner on Santa Cruz’s restaurant street called Los Kioskos
- Souvenir shopping
- Stay overnight at Galapagos Dreams Hostal
Day 7: Santa Cruz to Quito
- Breakfast at Galapagos Dreams Hostal
- Taxi ride (30-minutes) from hotel to Baltra island ferry dock
- Ferry ride (less than 5 minutes) across the waterway
- Airport shuttle bus ride (5 minutes) to GPS
- Fly airline from GPS to UIO
Galapagos Islands Itinerary: Budget breakdown
There aren’t many ATMs located on the islands, so it’s best to come prepared with enough cash to cover your lodging, tours, and accommodations. There is an ATM in Santa Cruz, and you might be able to use your credit card in some places, but there may be an extra service fee to do so.
Ferries | $90.00 |
Flight | $293.43 |
Food | $133.35 |
Gear Rentals | $15.00 |
Taxis | $34.00 |
Tips | $25.00 |
Visitor Fees | $135.00 |
Tours | $230.00 |
Hotels | $155.67 |
Total: | $1,111.45 |
Visiting the Galapagos is truly a trip of a lifetime because of the unique animals that exist only in this one place. It is an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and repairing the damage caused over time. All creatures– from giant tortoises and blue-footed booby birds to finches need our help to protect the ecosystems they greatly depend on to survive.
Coming to the Galapagos is more than just diving or seeing rare animals. It is living proof that we must do everything we can to preserve the beauty of our planet. If you’re ready for the next step in planning your trip to this unforgettable place, check out our Galapagos packing list.
Do you have any other questions or want to know more specifics about Galapagos Islands Itinerary? Feel free to ask in the comments below.