The Galápagos islands were shaped by fire, ocean currents, and long isolation—and it shows in every detail. This 7-day Galápagos essentials journey brings together the highlights that define the islands, with short walks, beginner-friendly snorkeling, and relaxed days across Ecuador’s volcanic archipelago. Wildlife goes about its day without paying us much attention, nature is still wild, and every island has its own character. With local guides who know these islands through years of living and working here, the experience feels exciting and respectful—more about watching, listening, and letting the Galápagos show itself, just as it always has.
This Galapagos adventure tour is ideal for travellers who want a smooth, well-guided introduction to one of the world’s most unique island groups. Beginning in Quito and continuing into the Galápagos, the journey is hassle-free, with accommodations and daily activities taken care of. Short hikes, easy snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and cultural visits are balanced with time to relax, making the experience accessible, rewarding, and unforgettable without feeling rushed.
Welcome to Quito, one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set high in an Andean valley at the foot of the Pichincha volcano and straddling the equator, the city is considered the cultural capital of South America. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the historic old town and its surroundings or simply rest and acclimatize. At 6 pm, we meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing, where we review the adventure ahead and answer any questions.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Today we fly from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. On arrival, we cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and continue to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, we visit a private ranch to observe giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and explore impressive lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic activity. After the visit, we continue to our hotel. In the evening, we meet our local guide to go over the plans for the coming days.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: La Isla Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we set out on a half-day boat tour of Academy Bay. We snorkel in clear waters alongside colorful fish, curious sea lions, and other marine life, with a chance to spot blue-footed boobies along the coast. We then hike to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the bay, where white-tipped reef sharks are sometimes visible below. The tour continues with a walk along Playa de los Perros, home to many sea iguanas basking among striking volcanic landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: La Isla Hotel or similar
This morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about endemic species and the conservation efforts that protect the Galapagos ecosystem. In the afternoon, we travel by speedboat to San Cristóbal Island. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and settle in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we transfer to the dock and take a short boat ride to Isla Lobos. Along the way, we often spot marine life before even reaching the island. During a guided walk, we observe sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the island and surrounding waters. There is time to walk along the white coral beaches, swim, and relax before returning to San Cristóbal in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
We enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to San Cristóbal Airport for our flight back to mainland Ecuador. On arrival in Quito, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a final evening at leisure, offering time to reflect on our Galapagos adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Today our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, transfer on your own to the airport, taking home unforgettable memories of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Or continue the journey on your own!
Meals: Breakfast
My wife and I spent a week exploring the Galapagos Islands. It was an outstanding trip that surpassed our expectations. Our guide, Gabriel, was amazing! He is a very knowledgeable, experienced, and enthusiastic guide. We thoroughly enjoyed his company and appreciated his attentiveness. We highly recommend them
My husband and I explored Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. This is a top notch tour group. Both guides were extremely knowledgeable and capable, as well as personable and fun to share our experience with. They provided excellent opportunities to view the amazing wildlife and their habits. Overall, they made our 25th wedding anniversary trip unforgettable.
Just fulfilled a lifetime dream of traveling to the Galapagos islands and they lived up to all our expectations. The trip was just me and my wife along with a spectacular guide named Gabriel Salas who was extremely knowledgeable about the history, biology and ecology of the islands. He was super organized and made all the arrangements between activities of snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking and travel between the islands absolutely seamless and he was just a pleasure to be with. We saw such an array of animals and fauna we are still processing it all. We highly recommend Gabriel and this trip which was an 8 day small group land adventure.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Galapagos adventure tour is beginner-friendly, all that’s required is a basic fitness level for several short hikes (circa one hour) throughout the journey.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Galapagos adventure tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Galapagos adventure tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. If there’s no one to share a room with, paying the single occupancy fee will later on be required.
The starting point of your Galapagos adventure tour is Quito. To get there, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO). From there, you can take a shuttle service or public transport to reach Quito.
You will meet your guide at 6 pm on Day 1 at the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing.
All travellers entering/departing Ecuador and the Galapagos must complete the Customs Registration Form (FRA) digitally and in advance. This is a mandatory requirement by Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE). Failure to present the FRA may result in penalties.
How to complete the FRA:
The FRA can be submitted up to 3 days before your travel date.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
My wife and I spent a week exploring the Galapagos Islands. It was an outstanding trip that surpassed our expectations. Our guide, Gabriel, was amazing! He is a very knowledgeable, experienced, and enthusiastic guide. We thoroughly enjoyed his company and appreciated his attentiveness. We highly recommend them