5 Days Ecuador and Its Enchanted Islands
Overview:
Discover the magic of the Galápagos in just 5 days. This adventure combines iconic wildlife encounters, scenic hikes, and world-class snorkeling across San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. Perfect for nature lovers seeking a compact yet immersive island experience.
Highlights:
La Lobería Beach: Observe playful sea lions and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
Española Island or Kicker Rock Excursion: Choose between a wildlife-rich hike on Española Island with snorkeling at Gardner Bay or a snorkeling adventure at Kicker Rock, renowned for sightings of reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays.
Santa Cruz Highlands: Walk among giant tortoises, explore lava tunnels, and visit the Twin Craters.
Charles Darwin Research Station: Learn about conservation efforts and the unique species of the Galápagos.
Uninhabited Island Tour: Discover one of the nearby islands—Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe—each offering distinctive wildlife and scenic beauty.
Itinerary:
Day 1: San Cristóbal - La Lobería Beach
Upon arrival at San Cristóbal Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel to check in and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit La Lobería Beach to see sea lions, marine iguanas, and coastal birds. Return to the hotel to relax. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in San Cristóbal.
Accommodation | Hotel
Meal | Lunch
Day 2: Navigable Tour - Española Island or Kicker Rock
Today, choose between two unforgettable excursions. Visit Española Island for a wildlife hike and snorkeling at Gardner Bay, or opt for Kicker Rock, one of the Galápagos' top snorkeling spots, home to turtles, rays, and hammerhead sharks. Both tours include lunch on board. Return to San Cristóbal by late afternoon. Overnight in San Cristóbal.
Accommodation | Hotel
Meal | Breakfast, Box Lunch
Day 3: San Cristóbal - Santa Cruz
Begin your day with a speedboat ride to Santa Cruz Island. Visit the highlands to see giant tortoises, lava tunnels, and the Twin Craters. Enjoy lunch at a local ranch, then explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Accommodation | Hotel
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Tour to an Uninhabited Island (Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe)
Today, explore one of the uninhabited islands near Santa Cruz—Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe—depending on availability. Each offers unique wildlife like penguins, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, and sea lions. Enjoy scenic views, snorkeling, and lunch on board. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Accommodation | Hotel
Meal | Breakfast, Box Lunch
Day 5: Transfer to Baltra Airport
On your final day in the Galapagos Islands, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking the transfer to Baltra Airport, where this wonderful experience will come to an end.
Meal | Breakfast
✓ What's included
Airport–hotel transfers
Galápagos naturalist guide in English/Spanish
Transfer hotel - dock - hotel
Entrance fees to the ranch
Snorkeling equipment
24/7 Phone assistance in Spanish/English
✕ Not included
International flights
Dinners
Tips and personal expenses
Flight from/to the Galápagos Islands
Entrance fee to Galápagos National Park
USD $200 per person
Water taxi
Small boats between harbor and speedboat
Wetsuit rental
Personal medical and travel insurance
ⓘ Need-to-know
ⓘ Entry & Park Formalities
• Galápagos National Park Fee: A fee of $200 USD per person must be paid in cash upon arrival. Credit cards are not accepted for this payment.
• Transit Control Card (TCT): To obtain your TCT, you must present your return airline ticket. We handle the pre-registration for this card for your convenience.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Please enter your passport details into your Orienjo account after booking.
ⓘ Accommodation
• This tour includes 4 nights in comfortable, selected hotels on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz islands on a twin-share basis.
ⓘ Packing & Biosecurity
• Essential Packing: Bring lightweight clothing, swimwear, a rain jacket, sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), and sturdy walking shoes or sandals.
• Protect the Galápagos: It is strictly prohibited to bring any agricultural or unprocessed food products (fruits, seeds, etc.) to the islands. Please help us preserve this pristine environment.
ⓘ Health & Insurance
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers.
• Wetsuits: The water can be cool, especially from June to December. Wetsuits are available to rent for an additional charge and can make snorkeling more comfortable.
ⓘ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between this land-based tour and a cruise?
A: A land-based tour, like this one, allows you to stay in comfortable hotels in the towns of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. You'll have your evenings free to explore local restaurants and shops. Cruises are liveaboard, meaning you sleep and eat on a boat for the entire duration. This tour offers a great balance of guided excursions and personal leisure time.
Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer for snorkeling?
A: Basic swimming skills are recommended to fully enjoy the world-class snorkeling. Life vests are always available on the boats. Your naturalist guide will lead you, and sites like Kicker Rock offer some of the most incredible underwater wildlife viewing in the world, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Q: Why can't I choose which uninhabited island I visit on Day 4?
A: The Galápagos National Park strictly regulates all boat itineraries to protect the fragile ecosystems and manage visitor numbers. The specific island you visit (e.g., Bartolomé, North Seymour) depends on the licensed boat's designated schedule for that day. Rest assured, each island offers a unique and spectacular wildlife experience.
Q: What is the Galápagos National Park Fee?
A: This is a mandatory conservation fee required for all visitors, which helps fund the protection of the islands. The fee is currently $200 USD per person (subject to change by park authorities) and must be paid in cash upon your arrival at the airport in the Galápagos.
Q: What is a Naturalist Guide?
A: All tour guides in the Galápagos are highly trained, university-educated naturalists licensed by the National Park. They are experts in the unique biology, geology, and conservation history of the islands and will provide invaluable insights during your excursions.