Ecuador · Trip plan
6 days in Galápagos Islands
Swim with sea lions and walk among giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
- Best time
- Dec – May
- Ideal length
- 6 days
- A day, mid-range
- $500 per person
- Trip for two
- about $6,000
Planning a 6-day trip to Galápagos Islands? Here's a day-by-day Galápagos Islands itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
December to May is the warm season: calm seas, warm water for snorkelling and green sea turtles nesting.
The Galápagos are volcanic islands in the Pacific where animals evolved without fear of people, the inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to May: 24–30°C, water 24°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Galápagos Islands
- 01
Giant tortoises
In the wild on Santa Cruz's highlands.
- 02
Snorkelling
With sea lions, turtles, rays and penguins.
- 03
Blue-footed boobies
Courtship dances on North Seymour.
- 04
Kicker Rock
Snorkel with sharks off San Cristóbal.
Day by day
Galápagos Islands itinerary for 6 days
- D1
Day 1: Santa Cruz
- Morning
- Fly into Baltra and cross by ferry and bus to Santa Cruz.
- Afternoon
- See giant tortoises roaming wild at El Chato reserve in the highlands.
- Evening
- Fish market and dinner in Puerto Ayora.
Pay the national park fee in cash on arrival.
- D2
Day 2: Darwin and Tortuga Bay
- Morning
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station's tortoise breeding centre.
- Afternoon
- Walk to Tortuga Bay to snorkel with marine iguanas and reef sharks.
- Evening
- Dinner on Charles Binford street's food stalls.
The walk to Tortuga Bay takes about 45 minutes.
- D3
Day 3: North Seymour
- Morning
- Day boat to North Seymour island.
- Afternoon
- Watch blue-footed boobies dance and frigatebirds puff their red throats.
- Evening
- Back to Santa Cruz to rest.
Boats leave early; book a day ahead.
- D4
Day 4: San Cristóbal
- Morning
- Ferry to San Cristóbal (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon
- Meet the sea lions sprawled on the beach at La Lobería.
- Evening
- Sunset at Playa Mann.
The ferry crossing can be rough.
- D5
Day 5: Kicker Rock
- Morning
- Boat trip to snorkel around Kicker Rock with sea turtles, rays and reef sharks.
- Afternoon
- Lunch on board.
- Evening
- Dinner in town.
The sharks here are harmless reef sharks.
- D6
Day 6: Home
- Morning
- A last swim.
- Afternoon
- Fly to the mainland.
- Evening
- Connect home.
Allow buffer for island flights.
Shorter or longer
Galápagos Islands in 5, 6 or 8 days
5 days in Galápagos Islands
Follow days 1 to 5 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
8 days in Galápagos Islands
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Galápagos Islands trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 6 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $250 | $3,000 |
| Mid-range | $500 | $6,000 |
| Luxury | $1,200+ | $14,400 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Galápagos Islands is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Galápagos Islands for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Galápagos Islands
Ceviche
With fresh local seafood.
Encocado
Fish in coconut sauce.
Locro de papa
Potato soup.
Getting there
How to reach Galápagos Islands
- Travel
- Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal.
- Getting around
- Public ferries between islands, or a liveaboard cruise.
- Pay the park entry fee in cash on arrival.
- Book day-trip boats early.
Before you go
What to pack for Galápagos Islands
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Galápagos Islands trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Galápagos Islands?
6 days are enough to see the highlights: Giant tortoises, Snorkelling, Blue-footed boobies. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 6-day Galápagos Islands trip cost?
Roughly $250 a day per person on a budget, $500 mid-range and $1,200+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $6,000 for 6 days.
What is the best time to visit Galápagos Islands?
Dec – May. December to May is the warm season: calm seas, warm water for snorkelling and green sea turtles nesting.
Where should I stay in Galápagos Islands?
Budget: Guesthouses in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), from about $80 a night. Mid-range: Hotels on San Cristóbal (San Cristóbal), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Liveaboard expedition cruises (Islands), from about $800 a night.
How do I reach Galápagos Islands?
Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal.
Is 5 days enough for Galápagos Islands?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 5 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 6 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Galápagos Islands?
December to May: 24–30°C, water 24°C.
What food should I try in Galápagos Islands?
Ceviche: With fresh local seafood. Encocado: Fish in coconut sauce. Locro de papa: Potato soup.
How do I get around Galápagos Islands?
Public ferries between islands, or a liveaboard cruise.
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