Galapagos on a Budget: 5 Days Experience

Discover an economical five-day journey through the captivating Galapagos Islands! Encounter the vibrant pink flamingos at Flamingo Lagoon, then explore the unique lava formations and diverse marine life of Los Túneles on Isabela Island, including sea turtles, and rays. Discover the historic Wall of Tears and snorkel alongside sharks, penguins and sea lions at Tintoreras Islet. Learn about conservation efforts and observe giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Conclude your journey with an exploration of the lush Highlands of Santa Cruz, home to land iguanas and other fascinating wildlife.

Transportation

Airport transfers for arrival and departure flights.
Sea transportation from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island and back to Santa Cruz island.

Gear included for the activities

Snorkeling masks, fins, and life vest

Meals

4 breakfasts
3 lunches
1 box lunch

Accommodation

4 nights in tourist class hotels

Experts

English and Spanish speaking local guides in Galapagos National Park
24/7 support from our team.

General

Mandatory Health & Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional tips for guides
Extra tours or activities

Galapagos Islands Entrance

INGALA Transit Card (20 USD per person – cash only)
Galapagos National Park fee: 100 USD per person – cash only)

Transportation

Airfare Ecuador mainland to Galapagos (round trip).
Pier-use fee at Puerto Ayora (1 USD)
Pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (10 USD).
Water taxis at ports (1 USD one way)

Renting gear for extra activities

Snorkeling gear (mask and fins) (8 USD per day pp).
Wetsuit (10 USD per day pp).

Day 1: Flamingos and white-sand beaches

Touch down in Baltra Island and journey to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island for a traditional lunch. Then, take a speedboat to Isabela Island, home to beautiful white sandy beaches and a picturesque fishing village. Explore the Flamingo Lagoon to observe the vibrant pink flamingos.

Day 2: World class snorkelling in Los Tuneles

Wander the sandy streets of Villamil or relax on the tropical beach. Snorkel at Los Túneles Cabo Rosa, a breathtaking site with lava formations and diverse Galapagos wildlife such as sea turtles, penguins, and rays. Conclude the day with a sunset at Concha de Perla Beach.

Day 3 TROPICAL WETLANDS OF ISABELA, SWIMMING AND SNORKELING WITH WILDLIFE AT TINTORERAS

Discover Isabela Island’s diverse landscapes, from its wetlands teeming with flamingoes and endemic birds to the historic Wall of Tears. Explore the Tintoreras Islets, where you can spot white-tipped reef sharks, marine iguanas. Dive into the crystalline waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience with a variety of marine life, including penguins and sea lions.

Day 4 ANCIENT LAVA TUNNELS AND GIANT TORTOISES AT SANTA CRUZ

Start the day with a morning speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, possibly spotting whales or dolphins. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about conservation and see the late Lonesome George. Spend the rest of the day with giant tortoises at Primicias Ranch, observing them in their natural habitat.

Day 5 ADIOS GALAPAGOS

Depart: We’ll take you to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Return home feeling invigorated by the energy of the extraordinary wildlife, and inspired by the unparalleled beauty of the archipelago.

Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador?

Most travelers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You can check here if you need a visa.

What is the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos?

Ecuador is great year-round! For the Galapagos, December to May offers warmer waters and calmer seas, while June to November is cooler but excellent for diving. Different species of animals are active depending on the time of the year so you’ll always be exposed to different species all year round.

Is Ecuador safe for tourists?

Generally, most of Ecuador is safe, but like any destination, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. For more info about safe areas in Ecuador, you can read our blog.

More Faqs

     Excellent  
     Based on 116 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Lindsey B 
 2024-05-02
 
 
 Verified Couldn't have asked for a better experience, I just wish I could have been there longer!
My friend and I booked this 4 months before leaving- and we couldn't have made a better choice. The food was delicious, the tour guides spoke English l, the tour groups were small (some were even 1 on 1) and most importantly - we were taken care of from the moment we landed on Baltra to the moment we were leaving Baltra one week later. Our name was on the top of every excursion list every day, our rides were always on time, our travel agent (Alex) was responsive, attentive, caring and even showed up at our door to say goodbye. To have someone always ready and waiting for us before and after each excursion put us at ease. We did not have to worry about anything. We did suggest that they adjust their itinerary slightly for future travelers and Alex happily took it into consideration.
  
 
       
   B F 
 2024-04-23
 
 
 Verified The Galapagos experience
Our trip to the Galapagos was awesome and affordable. We traveled independently (not as a tour package) and stayed in fairly inexpensive, but nice, accommodations. The 3 towns we stayed in were all different from each other and were great to visit. The locals were very accommodating and friendly. Went on 2 snorkel trips that were a great experience. Snorkeled with sea turtles, penguins, sharks, and marine iguanas.. Great trip!!
  
 
       
   Paavo 
 2024-03-13
 
 
 Verified Best organised tour we've ever been on.
We had an incredible time on our Takiri tour in the Galapagos, it was the best organised tour we've ever been on. Positives 1. From before we even booked, they (Alex) had excellent communication via email. He replied quickly, understood all our questions and answered them clearly and in detail. This gave us the confidence we needed to book with them. 2. On the tour itself, one thing we found exceptional was that there was always someone taking care of us. I think we must have met over 20 different guides and drivers over the course of one week. But they always knew who we were and where we needed to go. We were never left alone. Even if it was just waking us 50 metres from the taxi to the dock, there was always someone showing us where to go. This gave us huge comfort and allowed us to relax and enjoy the holiday, knowing that if we needed to do something, someone would tell us. 3. When we were unsure about anything, we messaged Takiri (I think it's usually Alex) and they always replied quickly. They always knew exactly what was going on. This was also very comforting. We felt that they were fully in control and we could reach them if there would be any issues out in the field. 4. Even though what we booked was called the 'budget' tour, all hotels had AC and hot water, which was fantastic. The last hotel had a pool which was also a nice surprise. 5. They were flexible with our start dates and picked us up from the airport. 6. Alex sent a detailed itinerary in advance, this was a lifesaver. We kept reading it every day to know what to expect from the next day. It was very clear and neatly structured. It also had loads of vital information, such as which activities were included and which items we still need to pay for. 7. We were with a different group almost every day, which was very refreshing. It was also great that most of the groups were small. Sometimes it was just my partner and myself, which was incredible! Some tips 1. The Sierra Negra hike is 16km total, not 8km. 2. Overall, the timeliness was impressively good, considering you have to deal with both ‘island time’ and ‘latina time’. That being said, there were some occasions where we were given a rough pickup time from the hotel or perhaps a 30min range. If you don’t want to spend too much time waiting in the hotel lobby wondering when someone will come, I would recommend double checking with the guides (or Alex) the day before each activity what time exactly your next driver will be in the lobby. 3. After we landed we still had to pay for some small things, which was annoying e.g. a dollar for the water taxis, some dollars for the port fee, five dollars for the airport bus, etc. I’d recommend you have some small change easy to hand. There is also a $20 transit card which you pay for in Guayaquil airport before you leave for Galapagos and a $100 national park fee when you land in Galapagos. This is also mentioned in your itinerary. 4. Galapagos has a tipping culture. It would be best to educate yourself as to the amounts in advance and make sure to bring change.
  
 
       
   Fredrik B 
 2024-03-01
 
 
 Verified The trip that exceeded all expectations
Takiri Travel helped me to plan and realize my dream trip to Galapagos! They did a great job to tailor made an itinerary that answered all my wishes although I only had a few days for the trip. It was exactly what I was looking for and Takiri provided full support during my entire trip. Both the trip and my contact with Takiri exceeded all my expectations
  
 
       
   MSKfromBrooklyn 
 2024-01-08
 
 
 Verified great experience in the Galapagos
We had a great time. The hotels were excellent, the food delicious and the tour company very responsive to us. When we encountered a few problems along the way, they were on it immediately and helped to sort it. We highly recommend travel to Galapagos by land. It's a different way to see the islands than living on a boat, which didn't much appeal to us. Takiri is a young company, and they really go out of their way to make the experience a great one.
  
 
       
   Samantha 
 2023-11-25
 
 
 Verified Amazing, highly recommend
Takiri Travel is amazing, highly recommended! We are a couple in our 30s from California. My husband reached out to Takiri a week before our departure, and asked them to draft 7 night itinerary with highlights including hiking, diving, and snorkeling. Takiri staff immediately responded with an itinerary for an unforgettable trip in Galapagos that fits all our needs with VERY REASONABLE price. They listened to our requests and customized the trip. For example, I had two days doing snorkeling and birding while my husband went diving. They were even able to book a Gordon Rock dive for him which would normally be booked out months in advance. All the pickups were seamless. Staff were attentive. Lunch places were excellent (The Steak & Wine in Santa Cruz has excellent cuts for steak lovers). The hotel rooms were spacious and clean. Our guides were so knowledgeable and answered every question we asked: Astrid (Santa Cruz Island) has a degree in Biology and talked about neurology research in Frigatebirds; Erika (Isabela Island) identified all the birds during our Wetland Hike and taught us so much about Giant Tortoises and their behaviors. Hands down. The dive shop took spectacular videos for my husband he's still so stoked. I understand that a lot travelers prefer making their own plans, or have an impression that travel agencies are normally ripoffs. However, after chatting with individuals whom booked individual excursions, I realized our ROI with Takiri might be even better. Thank you Takiri Travel, especially the staff Alex, Alfredo and Kevin (Isabela Island) whom are kind and attentive, all the guides (Erika, Astrid, Alfredo Bologna, Darwin, Ricardo, Janeth) whom are truly passionate about their profession and the islands! I won't hesitate recommending them to fellow travelers. Sam & Adriaan
  
 
       
   Sunshine06357626048 
 2023-11-25
 
 
 Verified Very highly recommend!
This trip was amazing!! We had dreamed of going to the Galapagos for years and this lived up to and exceeded our expectations! Takiri took great care of us every step of the way without hovering. And the outings were perfectly planned! If we had a hike in the morning, they planned something easier on the feet for the afternoon. We saw and did soooo much, and every single guide was fabulous! Takiri was very responsive if we had requests or issues. We were able to order wet suits for the Los Tunnels trip, which we highly recommend doing. And when we had two members of the group who got very bad motion sickness on the ferry, Alex arranged for flights for them and made sure we knew about the hefty luggage charges for intra-island flights so we could avoid that.
  
 
       
   N B 
 2023-11-22
 
 
 Verified Well worth the money!
This was an excellent trip, and well worth the money! We stayed in great accommodations on Isobela and Santa Cruz Islands, were treated like gold by all of our guides and got to do so many more activities than we would have had we gone without a tour. The wildlife on the Galapagos are simply amazing!
  
 
       
   Mark B 
 2023-11-19
 
 
 Verified Great 8-9 day Galápagos Island experience
If you’re looking for an action packed, fully immersed 8-9 days in Galápagos Islands, land based, on a budget then look no further Takiri have arranged an awesome experience. In addition to this most evenings are free for you to choose your own thing if a bit of space is important too. Thanks Alex and team at HQ, as well as Kevin and team on the Islands, terrific job!
  
 
       
   Attarah 
 2023-10-05
 
 
 Verified Cotopaxi Hike & Horseback Ride
This tour was amazing! It's perfect if you have a limited amount of time to explore Ecuador. Our guide, Angel, was punctual and knowledgeable. During the drive to Cotopaxi, we learned a little of the history of Ecuador and the culture. We would definitely recommend this tour to family and friends.
  
 
  
  
 
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