8-day Santa Cruz and Isabela

This itinerary combines the variety of Santa Cruz with the quieter atmosphere, long beaches and young volcanic landscapes of Isabela. It allows time for a day cruise and Santa Cruz’s principal visitor sites before continuing to Isabela for wildlife, snorkelling, volcanic landscapes and coastal exploration.

Sample itinerary

1. Day 1 — Arrival and Santa Cruz Highlands: Arrive at Baltra and travel across Santa Cruz to Puerto Ayora, visiting the highlands, a giant-tortoise reserve and lava formations on the way if flight times allow.
2. Day 2 — Uninhabited-island day cruise: Visit Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza or Santa Fe, according to availability and interests.
3. Day 3 — Charles Darwin Research Station and Las Grietas: Learn about Galápagos conservation and giant tortoises, followed by a guided coastal visit to Las Grietas.
4. Day 4 — Tortuga Bay and Puerto Ayora: Walk to Tortuga Bay and enjoy time around Puerto Ayora. For travellers with a larger excursion budget, the local activities on Days 3 and 4 can be condensed or prioritised so that Day 4 can be replaced by a second day cruise.
5. Day 5 — Speedboat to Isabela: Travel from Santa Cruz to Puerto Villamil. After settling in, visit Concha de Perla, explore the town or enjoy the beach.
6. Day 6 — Major Isabela excursion: Choose Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico for geology and walking, or Los Túneles for marine life and snorkelling.
7. Day 7 — Tintoreras and coastal Isabela: Visit Tintoreras, followed by Los Humedales and exploration of Isabela’s coastal area.
8. Day 8 — Return to Santa Cruz and departure: Take the early speedboat from Isabela to Santa Cruz, then continue directly to Baltra Airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

Why the time is divided this way

Santa Cruz offers a broad choice of day cruises, visitor sites and independent activities. Three nights on Isabela allow time for one major excursion as well as Tintoreras and coastal exploration. Travellers who specifically want both Sierra Negra and Los Túneles can add another night.

Important to know

The inter-island journeys are by speedboat and can be uncomfortable in rough conditions, especially for travellers prone to seasickness. The Day 8 mainland flight must depart sufficiently late for the morning speedboat connection and onward transfer to Baltra Airport. Exact departure times, excursions and their order must be checked before confirmation.

This is a flexible example rather than a fixed package. Accommodation, services and price are checked separately for every enquiry.