Galapagos Tours from Quito: Santa Cruz & Isabela Adventure

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Overview

Galapagos Tours from Quito: Santa Cruz & Isabela Adventure
Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Duration: 8 days
Cuenca Bestours image
Cuenca Bestours
$2,140
Deposit: $500

About this trip

Experience one of the top Galápagos tours from Quito with this unforgettable Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands adventure. Explore volcanic coastlines, turquoise bays, and thriving marine life as you embark on a seamless journey across two of the archipelago’s most iconic islands.

Enjoy bucket-list excursions to Bartolomé Island, famous for its dramatic Pinnacle Rock, and Los Túneles Cabo Rosa, home to lava arches and world-class snorkeling. Swim with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and playful sea lions in crystal-clear waters.

This Galápagos island tour from Quito perfectly balances land and sea activities. Walk among giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, hike through surreal volcanic terrain, and relax on white-sand beaches — all guided by local experts and supported with personalized service.

What's included

7-nights accommodation

Based in double occupancy in category selected.

Guided Excursions

Based in the itinerary with bilingual Naturalist Guide.

Meals

Daily breakfast (7) / Lunch (4)

All Land Transport

Including airport transfers, Lobito Airport Bus, and all ground transportation as per the program.

Speed Boat Tickets

Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz.

Transit Control Card

Mandatory Galápagos entry card arranged in advance for a smooth arrival process.

All Pier Fees

Includes required municipal dock fees on Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands.

Entrance Fees

Sites as per itinerary.

Snorkeling Equipment

During water activities (included on day tours only).

Traveler Assistance

24/7.

What's not included

Galápagos Entrance Fee

$200 per adult / $100 per child (ages 2–11) – payable upon arrival

Domestic Flights

Roundtrip airfare Quito – Baltra – Quito (approx. USD 450–550 per person). We are pleased to assist with flight reservations upon request.

Travel Insurance

Strongly recommended for medical, delays, or cancellations coverage.

Extras

Any services, meals, or activities not explicitly specified herein

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to the Andes – Arrival in Quito

Arrive in Ecuador’s capital city and transfer to a comfortable hotel near the airport. This day is for rest and preparation before your Galápagos journey. We recommend arriving in the morning to allow enough time for unexpected delays or changes. This buffer ensures we can make adjustments if needed and helps your trip begin stress-free. Relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for the adventure


🤿  Activities: Arrival, Rest.

🛏️ Overnight in Quito at Hotel Holiday Inn

🍽️ Meals: -

Day 2

Day 2 image

Into the Enchanted Isles – Arrival in the Galápagos

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon landing in Baltra, you'll begin your island journey with a scenic transfer across Santa Cruz Island, making your way toward Puerto Ayora. On the way, stop in the highlands — a lush and green contrast to the coastal zones — where you'll encounter giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural environment. Walk through otherworldly lava tunnels that offer a glimpse into the islands' volcanic past. Once in Puerto Ayora, you’ll check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, choose to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the groundbreaking conservation efforts that help protect the islands’ unique ecosystem, or simply relax and acclimate to island life at your own pace.


🤿  Activities: Exploring, Sightseeing, Wildlife Watching.

🛏️ Overnight in Puerto Ayora: Hotel La Isla

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 3

Day 3 image

Coastal Beauty & Countryside Charm – Santa Cruz Exploration

This morning, embark on a guided walk to Tortuga Bay, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. The trail leads you through dry forests where you might see finches and lava lizards, ending at a spectacular stretch of white coral sand framed by turquoise waters. Swim or kayak among marine iguanas, reef sharks, and rays in the calm, protected cove. After lunch, head into the highlands to visit Bellavista Farm — a sustainable property where you’ll learn about local agricultural practices, walk through orchards, and enjoy fresh air and open spaces. It’s also a great place to spot more tortoises grazing in the wild. This day offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural connection.


🤿  Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Beach Time, Swimming, Light Cultural Experience.

🛏️ Overnight in Puerto Ayora: Hotel La Isla

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 4

Day 4 image

A Day of Icons – Bartolomé Island & Pinnacle Rock

Get ready for one of the most scenic days of your trip. Today’s full-day yacht excursion takes you to the legendary Bartolomé Island, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. After a guided hike to the island’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most famous views in the Galápagos: a panoramic vista of lava fields, golden beaches, and striking turquoise waters. Later, enjoy snorkeling in one of the island’s bays, where you may swim alongside Galápagos penguins, playful sea lions, and colorful schools of tropical fish. The geological beauty of Bartolomé, both above and below the surface, offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Please note: Due to limited operating yachts, the Bartolomé excursion is subject to availability. If it is not available on your travel date, we will arrange a full-day yacht tour to North Seymour Island, another exceptional northern island known for its abundant wildlife and impressive seabird colonies.


🤿  Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching, Scenic Views, Photography.

🛏️ Overnight in Puerto Ayora: Hotel La Isla or similar

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch 

Day 5

Day 5 image

Transfer to Isabela Island - Giant Tortoises & Historical Secret

After breakfast, board a morning speedboat to Isabela, the largest and most relaxed of the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and set out for an enriching land tour. Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to observe young tortoises and learn about the island’s ongoing conservation efforts. Walk a scenic trail that winds through mangroves and coastal habitats, leading to a tranquil lagoon where flamingos often gather. You'll also make a brief stop at the historic Wall of Tears, surrounded by lava fields and native vegetation.


🤿 Activities: Wildlife Watching, Walking Tour, Birdwatching, Light Hiking.

🛏️ Overnight in Isabela Island at Casa Marita

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch 

Day 6

Day 6 image

A Hidden World – Snorkeling the Lava Tunnels of Los Túneles

Today’s adventure takes you into one of the most magical marine environments in the Galápagos: Los Túneles. Formed by ancient lava flows, these natural arches and underwater tunnels are now home to some of the richest marine life in the region. With calm, shallow waters, this area is perfect for snorkeling — you may encounter sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, sea horses, and an explosion of colorful fish. Above water, the landscape is equally surreal, with lava bridges and crystal-clear pools. On land, keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies and nesting seabirds. This is a favorite among travelers for its beauty and biodiversity — truly a Galápagos highlight.


🤿 Activities: Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching, Boat Tour, Nature Photography.

🛏️ Overnight in Isabela Island at Casa Marita

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch 

Day 7

Day 7 image

Tintoreras Islets Wildlife Experience & Transfer to Santa Cruz

Start the morning with a visit to Tintoreras, a fascinating group of small volcanic islets located just off the coast of Isabela Island. A short boat ride brings you to this unique ecosystem, home to an incredible concentration of Galápagos wildlife. Walk along lava trails where marine iguanas bask in the sun, blue-footed boobies nest along the shoreline, and sea lions rest on the rocks. One of the highlights is observing the famous white-tip reef sharks, locally known as tintoreras, resting in crystal-clear lava channels. Weather permitting, enjoy a snorkeling session where you may encounter sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and playful sea lions. After the excursion, return to Puerto Villamil and enjoy some free time before boarding the afternoon speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival in Puerto Ayora, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the heart of the Galápagos.

🤿 Activities: Wildlife Watching, Snorkeling, Boat Excursion
🏨 Overnight: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

Day 8 image

Return to Quito - End of the trip

After breakfast, take a speedboat back from Isabela to Puerto Ayora. Upon arrival trasnfer to Baltra Aiport to, connect with your return flight to Quito. Once in Quito, your driver will meet you for a smooth transfer to your hotel near the airport. All transfers are arranged based on your flight schedule. End your trip full of unforgettable memories from your Galápagos island-hopping journey.

Note: Local flight services from Isabela to Baltra available for $167 per person, limited luggage to 25lbs per person.


🤿 Activities: Scenic Flight, Transfer out.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast / Lunch 

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1. Santa Cruz, Ecuador

Santa Cruz, Ecuador

About your organizer

CB
Cuenca Bestours
Cuenca Bestours is more than just a Tour Operator; Travel Agency. We are your personal guides to the wonders of Cuenca and Ecuador. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, we can tailor your activities to suit your preferences and needs. We also offer bilingual support in English and Spanish, so you can enjoy your trip without any language barriers. With Cuenca Bestours, you will discover new possibilities and experiences on every vacation. Join us, and let us turn every mile into a lasting memories

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