Galapagos Three-Island Hopping
Fly into San Cristóbal and out of Baltra, staying on land to connect three islands, featuring volcano trekking and uninhabited island day trips.
A land-based island-hopping itinerary where you stay in three port towns and take speedboats and day tours to explore. Fly into San Cristóbal and travel one-way through Santa Cruz and Isabela to avoid taking two speedboats in a single day. This route offers opportunities to see sea lions, giant tortoises, penguins, and blue-footed boobies, with both volcano hiking and snorkeling included. Speedboats can be bumpy, and you won't reach the outer islands accessible only by cruise, but it offers a flexible budget and is perfect for independent travelers.
Flooding occurred in Santa Cruz in early November 2026; confirm flight and road conditions before departure.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos（Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Malecón、Interpretation Center San Cristóbal、Cerro Tijeretas & Darwin Bay）
Fly from Quito to San Cristóbal, usually with a layover in Guayaquil (~3 hours). Walk around the northern part of the town in the afternoon.
Obtain your Transit Control Card (TCT) at Quito Airport first, and pay the national park entry fee upon arrival on the island.
Stay: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Day 2 · Kicker Rock Snorkeling Excursion
San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos（San Cristóbal Island & Kicker Rock）
Join a group boat tour from the port (~7–8 hours round trip), including snorkeling and a beach stop.
Day tour spots are limited, so book well in advance.
Stay: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Day 3 · Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz)（Charles Darwin Research Station、Puerto Ayora Fish Market & Av. Charles Darwin）
Take an early morning speedboat to Puerto Ayora (~2–2.5 hours). Walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the fish market in the afternoon.
Speedboats can be very bumpy; take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding.
Stay: Puerto Ayora Waterfront
Day 4 · Speedboat to Isabela Island
Isabela Island, Galápagos（Poza de los Flamencos、Las Tintoreras）
Take an early morning speedboat to Puerto Villamil (~2–2.5 hours). Join a small boat tour to the islets in the afternoon.
Stay: Puerto Villamil Beachfront
Day 5 · Sierra Negra Volcano Trek
Isabela Island, Galápagos（Sierra Negra & Volcán Chico）
Drive from town to the trailhead (~45 minutes), then trek about 16 km (~6–7 hours) with a certified guide.
There is no shade along the trail; bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Stay: Puerto Villamil Beachfront
Day 6 · Los Tuneles Snorkeling & Concha de Perla
Isabela Island, Galápagos（Los Túneles、Concha de Perla、Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center）
Take a group speedboat tour to Los Tuneles (~45 minutes), returning to town in half a day. Walk to Concha de Perla in the afternoon.
Stay: Puerto Villamil Beachfront
Day 7 · Return to Santa Cruz & Tortoise Highlands
Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz)（El Chato Tortoise Reserve、Los Gemelos、Tortuga Bay）
Take an early morning speedboat back to Puerto Ayora (~2 hours). Charter a car to the highlands (~30 minutes), then walk to Tortuga Bay.
Highland roads were restricted after the floods; confirm accessibility beforehand.
Stay: Puerto Ayora Waterfront
Day 8 · Uninhabited Island Day Cruise
Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz)（North Seymour Island）
Drive to the northern canal (~1 hour) in the morning, then board a boat to an uninhabited island (~8 hours round trip).
Day cruises visit different islands on different days of the week; book in advance.
Stay: Puerto Ayora Waterfront
Day 9 · Las Grietas & Departure
Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz)（Las Grietas）
Walk to Las Grietas in the morning. Drive about 1 hour to the ferry, cross the canal, and head to Baltra Airport.
Allow at least 4 hours between your arrival in Quito and your international connection.