Galápagos Islands

July 2026
7 day itinerary

Explore the Galápagos Islands!

Dates: July 26th – August 1st 2026 
Cost: €1,950
Countries: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

 €150 discount will be applied if booked alongside Colombia or Peru.

USE CODE: TWOTRIPS

Ready to swim with sea lions, spot giant tortoises wandering past you on a bike ride, and snorkel alongside penguins? The Galapagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on earth and this trip is designed to show you exactly why.

Over 7 days, we’ll island-hop across San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz, experiencing the incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, and laid-back Pacific island vibes that make the Galapagos so special. Think fewer tourists, more animals, and days filled with snorkelling, kayaking, cycling, and beach time.

This isn’t a cruise or a luxury resort trip. It’s an authentic island adventure with a group of like-minded travellers who want to experience the Galapagos the local way.

What’s Included

 

  • Tour guide

  • Entrance fees

  • All domestic transportation

  • All accommodation

  • Meals as stated

  • All inter-island transport

Excludes: 

● Additional snacks and any extra activities

● International Flights

● Travel insurance

● $100 National Park entry fee (payable at the airport in Ecuador)

  • Alcohol

 

Accommodation

Throughout your stay, you will stay in a combination of hotels and guest houses.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.

All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms. 

Itinerary

Day 1: San Cristobal

Welcome to the most biodiverse islands in the world!

Flights typically land in San Cristóbal in the morning, where our local transfer will be waiting for you. Don’t be surprised if it’s a pickup truck. Welcome to island life!

After dropping our bags at the hotel, we’ll stroll along the waterfront to meet the resident sea lions before sitting down for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Galápagos Interpretation Centre to learn about the history and ecology of these remarkable islands. From there, we’ll walk to two nearby beaches where you can swim with turtles and sea lions, snorkel, or relax on the soft white sand.

For those up for a bit of adventure, there’s an optional one-hour hike to a scenic viewpoint and a more secluded beach — often filled with more sea lions than people.

We’ll finish the day watching the sunset from the pier, followed by a group dinner to celebrate the start of our island journey.

Meals included: Lunch & Dinner 

 

Day 2: San Cristobal

Today we’ll be heading out to see some of the Galápagos Islands’ best beaches, sea cliffs and snorkelling spots. You’ll be provided with snacks, lunch on board, snorkelling equipment, and a life vest if required! 

This whole day trip includes stops at Kicker Rock, where you can see sharks and turtles, beaches famous for their playful sea lions, turtles and sardines and snorkelling spots where you can sometimes see Black too sharks, Hammer Head Sharks and Stingrays! 

We will return to port and have free time to watch the sunset, grab dinner, and have drinks.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 

Day 3: Isabela Island

Today, we’ll travel to Isabela Island, the quietest of the three Galápagos Islands. It has the fewest human inhabitants but the most wildlife. Expect to see the largest marine iguanas population and if we’re lucky you can see the famous Galápagos penguins as this is one of the few islands they dwell on. 

This afternoon, we’ll go for an amazing kayaking adventure around the harbour. Here we can swim with seals and maybe even a penguin!

Isabela Island is very chill – you can relax on the beach in the late afternoon or just chill on the beautiful hotel rooftop!

Meals included: Breakfast 

Day 4: Isabela Island

Snorkelling gear will be provided and snacks and lunch will be served on board!

Prepare to be wowed as the blue footed boobies coast overhead!

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 

Day 5: Isabela Island
Today, we will explore the island by bike. Cycling around the island’s coastline, we can check out marine iguanas and giant tortoises in the wild…just strolling right by you!  We’ll have an early lunch by the beach then take the 3pm ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6: Santa Cruz

This morning we will make our way up to the highlands to see the very famous Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, where we’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch 

In the afternoon, we will head back down towards the port and walk along the boardwalk to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. Playa Blanca is great for swimming and surfing, full of marine iguanas and stunning birdlife. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner

Day 7: Santa Cruz

It’s time to pack our bags and say farewell to these incredible islands. While they say the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we always dream about coming back time and time again!

Meals included: Breakfast 

FAQ & Itinerary Note:

This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!

Please note: this trip begins in San Cristobal Island and ends in Santa Cruz.

I'm ready! How do I book?

Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments, due 2 and 3 months before departure.

Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!

How do I get to the Galapagos Islands?

Most international flights will fly into Ecuador’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, you’ll take a domestic flight to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island.

For travellers joining us from Peru or Colombia, we’ll provide clear instructions on the best group route to the islands.

If you’re flying in independently, we recommend booking an international flight into or out of Quito or Guayaquil, with a morning connecting flight to San Cristóbal.

This adventure begins on San Cristóbal Island and ends on Santa Cruz, so you’ll need to book open-jaw or multi-city flights.

If you’d like assistance mapping out your flight path, our team is always happy to help — just reach out and we’ll guide you through the best options.

 

How many people are on the trip?

This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.

Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!

Why are deposits non-refundable?

The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.

We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.

What about my other payments? Are they refundable?

All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.

Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.

How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?

Most meals are included in the itinerary, but you may want to purchase snacks, which are generally affordable. Dinners that are not included range from €10-25 depanding on what it is you are ordering.

Alcoholic drinks typically range from €2-€4 for a beer and €5-€10 for wine or cocktails, though options may be limited in some areas. Souvenir budgets vary greatly based on individual preferences, so plan accordingly.

How does tipping work?

To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of €50-100 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.

For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.

How physically demanding is the trip?

The trip is accessible to most individuals in good health. Activities include moderate walks, snorkelling, bike rides and visits to natural sites, with some optional light hikes. While not overly strenuous, a basic level of fitness will allow you to fully enjoy all the experiences.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions, though the Galapagos primarily offers fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Please inform us of any specific dietary needs in advance, so we can make necessary arrangements.

What if I want my own room?

We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.

That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What are the health and vaccination requirements?

No specific vaccinations are required for travel to the Galapagos Islands. However, it’s a good idea to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. You may also consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and B and typhoid. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Who’s leading the trip?

An experienced Janet’s Journeys leader and the local tour guide will be with you every step of the way.

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