Finding True Adventure: The Galápagos Islands

Visiting the Galápagos Islands is a captivating and once-in-a-lifetime experience that has earned its place on countless bucket lists. This remote archipelago, nestled in the Pacific Ocean, is a haven of extraordinary biodiversity and unique wildlife unrivaled anywhere else on Earth.

Whether snorkeling alongside playful sea lions or hiking through ancient lava fields, each moment in the Galápagos offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of our planet.

Check out our Galápagos Islands travel guide for more in-depth information.

A Week in the Galápagos Islands

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Cruz Island

Arrive in Baltra Airport and transfer to Santa Cruz Island.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises up close.

Day 2: Santa Cruz Island Exploration

Explore the stunning lava tunnels at Los Gemelos (The Twins).

Visit El Chato Tortoise Reserve and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Relax at Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white-sand beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 3: Isabela Island Adventure

Take a boat to Isabela Island, the largest in the Galápagos archipelago.

Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano, an active crater offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Visit the Wall of Tears, a historical site with a tragic past.

Day 4: Snorkeling and Marine Life

Go on a guided snorkeling tour around Tintoreras Islet, home to white-tip sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas.

Relax on Puerto Villamil Beach and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Day 5: Floreana Island Discovery

Take a boat to Floreana Island, one of the oldest in the Galápagos.

Visit Post Office Bay, where an 18th-century tradition of leaving and picking up mail in a barrel continues today.

Snorkel at Champion Islet, famous for its vibrant marine life.

Day 6: Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands

Explore Santa Fe Island, known for its large population of sea lions and unique land iguanas.

Head to South Plaza Island to observe its incredible birdlife, including swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds.

Day 7: North Seymour Island and Departure

Visit North Seymour Island, home to blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and land iguanas.

Transfer to Baltra Airport for departure.

Trip cost: $2,500-$8,000 USD

Trip Highlights

Facetime with Giant Tortoises

Meet giant tortoises up close at the Charles Darwin Research Station and El Chato Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island.

Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano

Hiking to the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island offers breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, showcasing the unique geology of the archipelago.

Explore Floreana Island's Mysteries

Exploring Floreana Island and learning about its fascinating history, including the Post Office Bay tradition, provides a glimpse into the human interactions and historical intrigue of the Galápagos.

Relax in Tortuga Bay

Enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos, with pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and the chance to spot marine iguanas basking in the sun.

Snorkeling at Tintoreras Islet

Snorkeling around Tintoreras Islet allows you to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas.

Nature Immersion

Throughout the trip, you'll immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Galápagos Islands, witnessing the incredible interplay between wildlife and their unique environment.