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
ⓘ Check your documents
All passports must be valid for at least 6 months. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure this validity to enter the country.
ⓘ Passport Information Requirement
After booking, please enter your passport details into your Orienjo account. This information is essential for securing your domestic flight reservations.
ⓘ Documentation
Carry your original passport as it is required to enter Galapagos.
Additionally, we recommend bringing a copy in case the original is lost. If you are an
Ecuadorian resident, you may present your ID card instead of a passport.
ⓘ Return airline tickets
You must present your return ticket to complete the Galapagos
Government registration and obtain your Transit Control Card (TCT). For your
convenience, we will handle the purchase of this card in advance.
ⓘ What Not to Bring to the Galápagos
To protect the fragile ecosystem, do not bring agricultural products, unprocessed foods, or pets. Help preserve this natural paradise for future generations.
ⓘ Travel insurance
We strongly recommend having comprehensive medical and accident
insurance to ensure peace of mind during your trip.
ⓘ Cash
Upon arrival in Galapagos, you must pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee
($200 USD per person) in cash. We also advise bringing extra cash for souvenirs, meals,
additional excursions, and tips. While some businesses accept credit cards, not all do, so
carrying cash is a good idea.
ⓘ International Flights to Ecuador
Since the Galapagos Islands are a protected National Park, there are no direct
international flights to the archipelago. Therefore, all travelers must first arrive in one of
Ecuador's two main cities with international airports: Quito or Guayaquil.