Home / South America, Ecuador Tours / National Park

4 Days Galapagos Essential

Galápagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island,
Duration

4 day(s)

Tour type

Regular & Private

Group size

1-16 people

Physical Level

moderate

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Tour Overview

Many people have the idea that Galapagos is an expensive destination due to the high prices on cruises but in reality, you could visit the Galapagos on a budget if you book this itinerary.

You can, in fact, tour the Galapagos on a budget and still maintain a level of comfort. Independent travel in the Galapagos will love this itinerary!

Activities
Bicycle Ferry Boat Hiking & Trekking Island Hopping Photography Sightseeing Wildlife Bird watching

Tour Features

Duration
4 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-16 people

Tour Code
4DGEBT

Departure Type
guaranteed

Tour Category
National Park

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
8 - 70

Galápagos Islands

Pickup Time:

----------------

Baltra Island

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Explore a fascinating tortoise farm

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to the beautiful Santa Cruz Island! After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to Santa Cruz Island.

You will be amazed to see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat) with our first stop at a local farm in the highlands where there are dozens of giant tortoises, and you can wander around at will and enjoy a delicious lunch, to then continue to the port in Puerto Ayora to check into the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature, etc., and the most famous place to see Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into nature. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.

Meals included: Lunch

Day 2

You will begin with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery, this stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots.

Experience marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective—observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora. You may spot an interesting array of birds residing here; pelicans and finches are locals here, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you even may spot flamingos wandering.

In the afternoon you will be taken on a bay tour on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz, and visit one, or if time allows it, more of these fantastic sites:

You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería named for the great colony of sea lions where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.

Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies, you’ll come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.

Taking a 10-minute walk you’ll see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

With no planned activities today, you will be free to enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace on a bike.

This amazing island is actually a dormant volcano that last erupted over 1 and 1/2 million years ago, there is still plenty of evidence of this explosive volcanic past as black and rusty-colored volcanic rocks are visible across the island, a testimony of ancient lave flows.

You will have a bike reserved and waiting for you at your hotel so you can explore the island on two wheels; once you're done, jst leave the bike at your hotel at the end of the day after enjoying it to the max!

Today is for enjoying the beauty of the Galapagos, taking lots of photos, and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate the most diverse Galapagos island and explore on your own its boasting six distinct vegetation zones.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some free time this morning to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora.

Your driver will transfer you to the ferry across the Itabaca Channel. For the last part of your trip to the airport, you'll take the public shuttle bus to the terminal and check in for your flight. Farewell Galapagos!

Meals included: Breakfast

Included

3 nights of accommodation in a hotel (2.5 Stars)

English and Spanish speaking national guide

Meals as mentioned on the itinerary.

All transfers according to the program

Excluded

Galapagos Flights not included

International flights are not included in the price.

Please book arrival and departure according to the itinerary.

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation and health insurance.

Please check with your private insurance provider in advance.

- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200 per person, payable only in cash)

- Galapagos Migration Card TCT (US$ 20 per person)

- Travel Insurance

- Optional excursions

- Personal expenses such as tips

- Alcoholic drinks

- Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Regular Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 6, 2026 Sep 9, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 10, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 12, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 13, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 15, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 17, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €993.701124
Double room
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 6, 2026 Sep 9, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 10, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 12, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 13, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 15, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 17, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €0
Double room
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