Roughly 1,000 kilometers off Ecuador’s coast, the Galápagos are one of the few places on earth where wildlife barely notices you: sea lions on the benches, marine iguanas on the rocks, giant tortoises in the highlands. Visit by liveaboard cruise or island-hop from hotel bases — either way, most trips start with a flight from Quito or Guayaquil.
Where to Base Yourself
Islands to base on
Santa Cruz
The central hub: Puerto Ayora’s hotels and restaurants, giant tortoises in the highlands and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
San Cristóbal
A relaxed harbor town where sea lions own the waterfront, and the jumping-off point for Kicker Rock.
Isabela
The largest island and the wildest feeling — volcanoes, flamingo lagoons and a sleepy beach village.
Book a Tour
Popular Galápagos experiences
Snorkeling at Kicker Rock, a day trip to an uninhabited island and a highlands tortoise visit are the ones to plan — and cruises book up far ahead. Browse Galápagos tours ↗
From the Journal
Galápagos stories
Galápagos Islands at a Glance
A Morning at Kicker Rock — Galápagos’ Natural Cathedral
Galápagos Islands Beach Guide: Nature’s Sanctuary and Pacific Wonder
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel: Oceanfront Eco-Luxury in Puerto Ayora
Sailing into Paradise: Galápagos & Bocas del Toro Luxury Yacht Adventures
Best Time to Visit the Galápagos: A Season-by-Season Guide
What to Pack for the Galápagos: A Practical Packing List
Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela: Which Galápagos Island to Base On
Plan it
Your Galápagos trip, sorted
Wildlife without fear of people, on islands shaped by volcanoes.
Where to stay
Pick your base
Choose a liveaboard cruise for the widest range of islands, or island-hop between hotels on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela for more flexibility.
Eat + drink
Where to eat and drink
Fresh fish and ceviche in the harbor towns, Ecuadorian coffee and chocolate — and simple, local cooking on the smaller islands.
Islands
Where to explore
Tortoise reserves in the Santa Cruz highlands, the lava tunnels and lagoons of Isabela, and San Cristóbal’s sea-lion beaches.
IslandsWhat to pack
Dress for the islands
Reef-safe sunscreen, a sun hat, a rash guard for snorkeling, light layers for cooler evenings and seasickness remedies for boat days.
5 days
How to spend your time
Five days covers Santa Cruz and Isabela by land; add San Cristóbal or a cruise if you have longer.
Worth booking
Reserve these ahead
Cruise cabins and island day trips — and a guide for every visit to the national park’s protected sites, which is required.
Luxe JetterPlan your the Galápagos travel wardrobe
Boutique shopping
Shop Ecuador & Ecuador’s designers
Boutique shopping in Latin America → · Style your finds in Luxe Jetter ↗
More in Ecuador: Quito · All Ecuador destinations
Make it your Galápagos
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Choose your pace and the people coming along. Build a flexible outline for Galápagos, then return to these guides for the details.
Plan my Galápagos trip ↗A little more inspiration
Pack for the islands with Luxe Jetter ↗Bring the colors and character of your destination into your travel style.
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