Up to 40% off!

Click Here

Up to 40% off!

Backpacking Galapagos

Backpacking Galapagos is a 7-day small-group trip through 3 stops, from $1,249 per person with a $350 deposit. Snorkelling with sea lions, turtles and rays, the Charles Darwin Research Station, the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano and giant tortoises in the wild. For solo travellers aged 20-45, in groups of 6-20, with 8 activities and 7 meals included. Departures run from 17 March 2027.

  • 7 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • All Internal Transport
  • No Hidden Charges
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($200 USD)
  • Transit Control Card ($20 USD)
Rated 4.9/5 by 568 Travellers on Google & Facebook
from$1249Normally$1379 Save $130 (9%)
Pay $350 deposit
  • Length7 Days
  • Starting PointSan Cristobal
  • Ending PointSanta Cruz
  • No. Of Stops3
  • Airport TransferNot included
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities8
  • No. Of Meals7

Join Your Backpacking Community

Keep up to date with us on social media.

Route Map

San Cristobal → Isabela → Santa Cruz

Galapagos

3 stops

Tour Itinerary

Kicker Rock rising out of the sea off San Cristobal
Galapagos sea lion basking on a sandy beach
DAY 1

Welcome to the Galapagos

Touch down in San Cristobal and take the day at your own pace — wander into town, hunt down your first sea lion, or park yourself on the beach. In the evening we'll gather for a welcome meal and meet your new crew. Seven days of island hopping and sunset chasing start right now.

Please note: a $200 USD Galapagos National Park entrance fee and a $20 USD Transit Control Card are payable locally.

  • Room TypeHotel
Sea lions resting on a white sand Galapagos beach
Swimmers in the sheltered lagoon at Tijeretas
Snorkellers exploring a rocky cove in the Galapagos
Cactus-covered headland above a turquoise Galapagos bay
DAY 2

Beach Time & Tijeretas Snorkelling

Ease into the day with a slow morning on the beach, then visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre. The afternoon brings our first proper snorkel at Cerro Tijeretas — sea lions, turtles, rays and shoals of tropical fish. Sunset drinks at Punta Carola to finish.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSan Cristobal Interpretative Centre, Snorkeling at Tijeretas
Entrance sign at the Charles Darwin Research Station
Galapagos giant tortoise in long grass
Water taxis moored in a Galapagos harbour
Waterfront and fishing boats at Puerto Villamil on Isabela
DAY 3

Charles Darwin Research Station & Isabela

Island-hopping day. We take the boat to Santa Cruz for the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to land iguanas and giant tortoises at every life stage — conservation here has grown the population from around 3,000 in the 1970s to roughly 20,000. After lunch we sail on to Isabela.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedCharles Darwin Research Station
Mangrove lagoon and boardwalk at Concha Perla
Travellers on the boardwalk to Concha Perla
Sea lion asleep on the lava rocks at Concha Perla
Sea lion at the water’s edge on Isabela
DAY 4

Snorkelling at Concha Perla

Today is all about getting in the water. Your morning is free — your guide has a long list of optional extras, or you can do very little, very well. In the afternoon: Concha Perla, a sheltered lagoon through the mangroves, with sea lions, turtles and rays.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedConcha Perla Snorkelling
White sand beach and turquoise water on Isabela
Flamingo wading in a shallow Galapagos lagoon
Santa Cruz Galapagos sign on the pier at Puerto Ayora
DAY 5

Sierra Negra Viewpoint & Santa Cruz

Early start, big reward. We hike up to the Sierra Negra viewpoint and look out over one of the largest active volcanic calderas on the planet — worth every step. Back at sea level we'll grab lunch before boarding the boat to Santa Cruz, our final island.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSierra Negra Volcano hike
Travellers meeting a giant tortoise in the Santa Cruz highlands
Sea lion on the white sand at Garrapatero Beach
Boat passing through the arch at Kicker Rock
DAY 6

Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnels & Coffee Farm

Up into the Santa Cruz highlands for a day at a private ranch. First, giant tortoises roaming free in the wild — considerably larger than you are picturing. Then the lava tunnels, a coffee tasting, and time down at Garrapatero Beach to finish.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedRanch Visit: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnels & Coffee Farm
Marine iguanas on a white sand Galapagos beach
Marine iguanas and birds on the shoreline at Santa Cruz
Cliffs and turquoise bay on Santa Cruz island
DAY 7

Chilled Checkout

And just like that, it's time to say goodbye to paradise. Take your last photos, squeeze in one final swim and hug your new best friends goodbye. Your guide will help with onward travel, whether you're flying home from Baltra or carrying on through Ecuador.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Activities IncludedHelp with onward travel

Tour Dates

All This Included & More!

  • Snorkelling at Tijeretas
  • Sunset at Punta Carola
  • Charles Darwin Station Center
  • Snorkeling at Concha Perla
  • Sierra Negra Volcano hike
  • Private Ranch (giant tortoise and lava tunnels)
  • Garrapatero Beach Time
  • Coffee tasting

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay entrance fees on this trip, or are they included?

Entrance fees are not included in the tour price and are paid locally. The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is $200 USD for international adult visitors, and you will also need to buy a $20 USD Tourist Transit Control Card (TCT) at the mainland airport before you fly out to the islands. We strongly advise having this money ready in cash, as relying on the ATMs at the airport is risky.

What is the currency?

The official currency of the Galapagos Islands, and of Ecuador as a whole, is the US Dollar ($). It is worth bringing some cash with you, as card payment is not accepted everywhere on the islands.

What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?

The accommodation included on this trip is twin-share hotels throughout, so you will share a room with one other traveller from the group.

Which airport do I need to fly into?

You need to fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY), where the tour begins. You will normally connect there from Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador.

What is the closest airport to the end destination?

The closest airport to the end destination is Baltra Airport (GPS), which is the airport serving Santa Cruz, where the tour finishes.

Where does the trip start & finish?

This trip starts on San Cristóbal Island and finishes on Santa Cruz Island. Please book your flights accordingly: you will fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) at the start of the tour and out of Baltra Airport (GPS), which serves Santa Cruz, at the end.

See all questions

Learn More About Ecuador

Ecuador

Do I Need a Visa for Ecuador? (Updated September 2026)

UK, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can visit Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days in any 12-month period. Here is what to carry, and what the Galapagos adds on top.
Visa Requirements
Read More

Ecuador

Ecuador Weather: Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Discover the best time to visit Ecuador for backpacking, with detailed monthly weather breakdowns for the Andes, Amazon, Coast, and Galapagos Islands.
Weather
Read More

Ecuador

Flights to the Galapagos: When to Go & When to Buy

Planning your adventure to the Galapagos Islands? Get the real lowdown on booking flights, understanding seasons, and budgeting for those essential extra fees.
Flights
Read More

See All Articles

View Tour Dates