Highlights
Exclusive Two-Island Route
Experience a unique itinerary featuring two carefully selected islands, chosen by our expert team with deep knowledge of the Galápagos. Out of the 19 major islands, only four offer hotel accommodations, and this tour highlights the best of two of them.
Best Short Itinerary
This tour presents a thoughtfully crafted itinerary, offering the best island-hopping experience within the shortest possible time. It combines convenience with an immersive exploration of the Galápagos.
Tour Schedule
DAY 1
Arrival in Quito, Ecuador
Upon arriving at Quito International Airport, our local staff will meet you at the arrival gate, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Quito, a journey of approximately 45 minutes.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters in the Andes, right along the equator. Due to the high altitude, mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches or shortness of breath, may occur after arriving.
To prevent altitude sickness, we recommend staying hydrated and consuming some sugar. Please eat lightly and take lukewarm showers. Drinking water will be provided in your hotel room.
Meals
- Breakfast / -
- Lunch / -
- Dinner / -
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure or similar
DAY 2
Quito Old Town & Equator Monument Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, our local staff will meet you for a full-day tour of Quito, which we highly recommend before heading to the Galápagos.
The tour will begin with a visit to Quito's historic old town, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll through the streets with your local guide and enjoy the charm of this high-altitude capital. Be prepared for strong sunlight during the day and cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
Carry about $20 USD in small bills for local purchases like fresh fruit juice or Andean souvenirs.
Lunch will feature traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Equator Monument and the Intiñan Museum to explore the fascinating history of the equator. The city tour typically lasts from 9 AM to 4 PM, and dinner will be served back at your hotel.
Meals
- Breakfast / ○
- Lunch / ○
- Dinner / ○
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure or similar
DAY 3
Transfer to the Galápagos – Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast at the hotel, our local staff will assist with your transfer to the airport. You can leave any luggage not needed for the Galápagos at the hotel.
Following a baggage check (as fruits, seeds, and other organic items are not allowed in the Galápagos), you will board a flight to Baltra Airport in the Galápagos, with a short stop in Guayaquil. Upon arrival, you'll need to pay a $200 USD park entry fee in cash. After clearing immigration, you'll meet your guide holding a sign with your name.
From there, you will take a bus and ferry to Santa Cruz Island, where you'll visit the highlands to observe wild Galápagos giant tortoises. Afterward, you'll transfer to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. In the evening, you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about conservation efforts in the Galápagos.
Dinner is not included, but we can recommend excellent local restaurants.
Meals
- Breakfast / ○
- Lunch / -
- Dinner / -
Accommodation
Hotel Fiesta or similar
DAY 4
Day Trip from Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, you'll embark on a day trip to one of the nearby islands. Options include:
North Seymour Island & Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island
Bartolome Island
South Plaza Island
Santa Fe Island
Day trips typically run from 8 AM to 4 PM. After returning to the hotel, you’ll have free time to explore. In the evening, you can observe sea lions, pelicans, and other wildlife at the dock.
Meals
- Breakfast / ○
- Lunch / -
- Dinner / -
Accommodation
Hotel Fiesta or similar
DAY 5
Transfer to Isabela Island
After breakfast, you'll have free time until your 2 PM speedboat transfer to Isabela Island (approximately a 2-hour ride).
(Optional: A small plane transfer is available for an additional fee, but it requires a 1-hour drive to the airport and may have unpredictable departure times.)
Before departure, you can visit popular local spots like Las Grietas or stroll along Tortuga Bay, known for its long, white beaches. The speedboat journey takes about 2 hours, and you'll arrive on Isabela Island by late afternoon. If you're feeling up to it, we recommend snorkeling near the port, where you can swim with sea lions, sea turtles, and marine iguanas.
Meals
- Breakfast / ○
- Lunch / -
- Dinner / -
Accommodation
Isabela Island
DAY 6
Volcano & Marine Trekking on Isabela Island
After breakfast, you'll depart at 8 AM for a trek to Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, you'll visit Tintoreras Bay, where you can see Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and white-tip reef sharks.
Meals
- Breakfast / ○
- Lunch / ○
- Dinner / -
Accommodation
Isabela Island
DAY 7
Return to Quito and Departure
You'll take a 6 AM speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, a local guide will take you on a half-day city tour of Quito. After dinner, you'll head to the airport for your flight.
Meals
- Breakfast / ○
- Lunch / -
- Dinner / -
Gallery
Tour Price
Galapagos Island Hopping Tour – 7 Days
Travel Cost for 1 Person
Ask Us
| Tour Code | |
|---|---|
| Departure Point | Quito, Ecuador |
| Departure Date | Ask us |
| Accommodation |
Quito Hotel Mercure or similar Santa Cruz Island Hotel Fiesta or similar Isabela Island Wooden House Hotel or similar |
| Tour Leader | A local representative will guide you. |
| Minimum Number of Participants | 2 Persons |
Included in the Price
- Round-trip airfare between Quito and the Galápagos
- 2 nights’ accommodation on Santa Cruz Island and 2 nights on Isabela Island
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flight surcharges
- Private airport transfers in Quito with local staff
- World Heritage Quito Old Town and Equator Monument tour
- 3 meals at traditional Ecuadorian restaurants
- Domestic airport transfers in Ecuador
- Guided tour of Quito Old Town (the first UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Equator Monument with a local guide.
- Hotel accommodation in Quito
- Encounter breathtaking landscapes for unforgettable memories
Not Included in the Price
- Round-trip international airfare and airport taxes: Please contact us if you would like us to arrange your flights.
- Galápagos National Park entry fee: $200 USD
- Transit Control Card: $20 USD
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities at your destination
(Tip Guidelines per Person) Local Driver Guide $20/day; Transfer Driver $5/day; Porter $1/occasion; Hotel Staff $10-15/day. Each hotel has a “tip box”. You can also give individual tips directly to staff who provide exceptional service. It is recommended to give tips separately to driver guides.
Check before travelling
-
Entry Requirements & Documents
Visa & Passport Validity: Check if a tourist visa is required and ensure your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity.
Transit Regulations: Don't forget to check requirements for transit countries (e.g., ESTA for flights via the USA). -
Health & Vaccinations
Yellow Fever Certificate: Confirm if a "Yellow Card" (vaccination certificate) is mandatory for entry.
Medical Preparation: Consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis and altitude sickness prevention.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. -
Local Conditions & Gear
Climate & Clothing: Be prepared for extreme temperature changes. Layered clothing and sturdy trekking shoes are essential.
Currency & Cash: Carry small denominations of US Dollars, as credit cards may not be accepted in remote areas.
Hygiene & Safety: Pack insect repellent, sun protection, and basic sanitary items.
A trip that offers a life-changing experience. Consult with ONLYONE.
Inquire about travel
If the schedule or budget doesn't fit, please consider other tours as well.