Wildlife, islands and boat trips, alone or combined with Ecuador and Machu Picchu
The Galápagos Islands, about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, are one of the best places on Earth to see wildlife up close: sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies that show no fear of people. Most of the archipelago is a national park, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.
We plan land-based Galápagos programmes from comfortable hotels on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, with day boat trips to nearby islands and naturalist guides, as part of a journey through Ecuador or combined with Machu Picchu.
| Style | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Land-based | You stay in hotels on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela and take day boat trips to nearby islands | Comfort on land, flexible days, families and travellers prone to seasickness |
| Expedition cruise | You sleep on board a small ship that sails between islands at night, with two landings a day | Reaching remote islands such as Genovesa and Fernandina |
| Combined | A few nights on land, then a short cruise | Seeing both the inhabited and the remote islands |
| Island | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | The Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoises in the highlands and the white sand of Tortuga Bay |
| San Cristóbal | Sea lions on the waterfront of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and snorkelling at Kicker Rock |
| Isabela | The largest island, with the Sierra Negra volcano, flamingos and Galápagos penguins |
| North Seymour | Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, a short boat ride from Santa Cruz |
| Bartolomé | The classic view of Pinnacle Rock from the summit trail |
| Española | Waved albatrosses, which nest only here, from about April to December |
| Genovesa and Fernandina | Red-footed boobies and marine iguana colonies, on expedition cruises only |
The islands can be visited all year. There are two seasons:
| Season | Weather and sea | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| December to May: warm season | Warmer water, calmer seas, sunny days with short showers | The best time for snorkelling and beaches |
| June to November: cool season | Cooler water, cloudier skies and rougher seas, especially in August and September | Rich marine life and active seabird colonies |
The most popular combination in South America: the Andes and the Inca citadel, then the wildlife of the islands. Our Ecuador and Peru Highlights (15 days) follows this route, and the Treasures of Ecuador and Galápagos (14 days) explores mainland Ecuador first. Read our Galápagos travel guide, and our guides to a South America honeymoon and family vacations, both perfect for the islands.
14-day Ecuador and Galápagos tour: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, the Devil’s Nose Train, Cuenca and the islands of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz, planned by our team.
Five countries in one journey: the Galápagos Islands, Paracas, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Uyuni Salt Flats, Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls and Rio de Janeiro.
Quito and the Middle of the World, island-hopping in the Galápagos, then the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima’s gastronomy.
Every Galápagos itinerary can be adapted to your dates and pace. Plan a tailor-made trip →
Complete the details below. A dedicated Senior Travel Curator will analyse your preferences for expert advice, boutique service, excellent value and will contact you:
Everything you need to know before traveling to Galápagos.
All year. From December to May the water is warmer and the sea calmer, ideal for snorkelling; from June to November the water is cooler, with more marine life and rougher seas.
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