7-Day Galapagos Islands Tour from Quito: Santa Cruz & Isabela

The Sierra Negra crater spans more than six miles across, and you hike its rim on an active volcano.

A 7-day tour of the Galapagos Islands departing from Quito, visiting Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island with a live guide in English or Spanish. The itinerary includes the Charles Darwin Research Station, snorkeling in Franklin Bay and at Concha Perla, giant tortoise breeding sites, and a hike to the rim of Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in 2018. Domestic flights between Quito and the islands are not included. A moderate level of physical fitness is required for the hiking days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Quito exploration

• Arrive in Quito
• Transfer to hotel
• Explore Quito old town (optional)
• Welcome briefing at hotel

Day 2: Travel to Galapagos and Highlands visit

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to Quito airport
• Flight to Galapagos Islands (not included)
• Transfer from Baltra to Santa Cruz by ferry
• Visit private ranch to see giant tortoises
• Explore lava tunnels
• Transfer to hotel and meet local guide
• Afternoon at leisure

Day 3: Bay tour and research station visit

• Breakfast at hotel
• Walk to Main Pier
• Boat to Punta Estrada
• Observe seabirds from boat
• Snorkel in Franklin Bay
• Visit Shark Channel
• Walk to Playa de los Perros
• Visit Las Grietas and salt mines
• Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 4: Isabela Island and wildlife exploration

• Breakfast at hotel
• Fast boat to Isabela Island
• Visit giant tortoise breeding center
• Visit flamingo lagoon
• Visit Tintoreras Islet wildlife area

Day 5: Hiking and snorkeling on Isabela

• Drive to Sierra Negra trailhead
• Hike to Sierra Negra crater rim
• Optional hike to Volcán Chico
• Snorkel at Concha Perla

Day 6: Return to Quito

• Breakfast at hotel
• Boat transfer from Isabela to Santa Cruz
• Transfer to Baltra airport
• Flight to mainland (not included)
• Transfer to Quito hotel
• Evening at leisure

Day 7: Departure from Quito

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to Quito airport
• International departure

The experience

Santa Cruz Island opens the tour after you fly into Baltra and cross to the nearby island by ferry. Your first stop is the highlands, where you walk a private ranch in search of Galapagos giant tortoises, then explore lava tunnels formed when lava flows solidified. The Charles Darwin Research Station comes next, where you learn about endemic species you've already spotted in the wild. Snorkeling happens in Franklin Bay and at Las Grietas, where you swim among colorful fish, sea turtles and small sharks. Snorkeling equipment is provided free if you need it.

Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, is where the volcanic landscape takes over. A fast boat carries you from Santa Cruz, and once there you visit the giant tortoise breeding center and a flamingo lagoon to see the birds in their natural habitat. Tintoreras Islet, a short distance offshore, holds white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles and sea lions in turquoise waters. The hike to Sierra Negra's crater rim is the physical centerpiece: after driving to the trailhead, you trek into a young forest ecosystem and climb to the rim of an active volcano with a caldera more than six miles wide. If energy holds, you can push on to Volcán Chico, a secondary crater with fumaroles and colorful lava formations. The afternoon brings time to snorkel at Concha Perla before the return to Santa Cruz and the flight back to Quito.

Your first night is in Quito at the Swissotel or similar, with a welcome briefing from your guide at 6 p.m. Nights on Santa Cruz are at the Hotel Dejavu or similar. Nights on Isabela are at the Hotel Isamar or similar. A representative meets you at Quito airport on arrival and again on your return for the transfer to your hotel. The tour runs seven days total, though the first day is acclimatization in Quito and the last is your departure.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the islands.
• snorkeling equipment provided free.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel accommodations on Santa Cruz and Isabela.
• airport transfers in Quito on arrival and departure.
• visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoise breeding center and flamingo lagoon.
• snorkeling in Franklin Bay, Las Grietas and Concha Perla.
• hike to Sierra Negra crater rim and optional continuation to Volcán Chico.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Four Worlds

Is this one for you?This 7-day itinerary gives you three full days across both Santa Cruz and Isabela islands instead of splitting time between them, letting you explore each island's distinct volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife without rushing.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly happens at the Charles Darwin Research Station?

The Charles Darwin Research Station is an afternoon visit where you learn about the endemic species of the Galapagos. The animals you've already observed in their natural habitats during the bay tour and snorkeling that morning.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge to anyone who wants to use it during Franklin Bay and Las Grietas on Santa Cruz, and at Concha Perla on Isabela.

How difficult is the Sierra Negra hike?

The hike to Sierra Negra's crater rim requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You trek into a young forest ecosystem and climb to the rim of an active volcano. If you have energy after reaching the rim, you can continue to Volcán Chico, a secondary crater with fumaroles and lava formations.

Are the domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos included?

Domestic airfare from Quito to the Galapagos and back is not included in the tour price and must be booked separately.

What wildlife will I see on Isabela Island?

Isabela Island is home to Galapagos penguins, white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and marine iguanas. You encounter them during visits to Tintoreras Islet, the flamingo lagoon and while snorkeling at Concha Perla.

What's included in the tour cost?

The tour includes accommodations, an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling equipment, a live guide in English or Spanish, and airport transfers in Quito. It does not include domestic flights, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, water taxis or pier taxes.