Lonely PlanetSep 22, 2026
A Guide to the Galápagos Islands
Plan your visit to Ecuador
24 things in this story
- IsabelaPlacenear Alcedo Volcano and Wall of Tears
- BartoloméSightsnorkel with penguins
- Santa CruzSightmeet giant tortoises
- Galápagos National ParkSightrequires a certified guide to visit sites
- Itabaca ChannelSightwater taxis carry you over to Santa Cruz
- North Seymour IslandSightgreat places to walk among cactus and trees
- Bartolomé IslandSightgreat place to see resident penguins
- Galápagos Marine ReserveSightteems with underwater wonders
- Wolf IslandSightIt has an area of 1.3 km2 (0.5 sq mi) and a maximum altitude of 253 m (830 ft) above sea level.
- Darwin IslandsSight
- Elsewhere
- Seymour AirportPlaceBaltra, Ecuadorprimary airport for the Galápagos Islands
- San Cristóbal Island AirportPlaceSan Cristóbal, Ecuadorserves the east of the archipelago
- Puerto AyoraNeighborhoodSanta Cruz, Ecuadorarchipelago's biggest town and ferry hub
- Finch Bay HotelHotelSanta Cruz, Ecuadorpremium resort on Santa Cruz
- Tortuga BaySightSanta Cruz, Ecuadortrail from Puerto Ayora, good for marine iguanas
- Rancho El Chato ReserveSightSanta Cruz, Ecuadorhighlands of Santa Cruz, easily spot giant tortoises
- Wall of TearsSightIsabela, Ecuadorbuilt by penal colony prisoners near Puerto Villamil
- Gardner BaySightEspañola, Ecuadorgood for sea lions
- Cerro BrujoSightSan Cristóbal, Ecuadorwhite sand beach on San Cristóbal
- Charles Darwin Research StationNature reservePuerto Ayora, EcuadorThe station is operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation which was founded in 1959 under the auspices of UNESCO and the…
- Ruta de la TortugaTrailPuerto Ayora, Ecuadorwalk to spot Galápagos giant tortoises
- Sierra Negra volcano hikeTrailIsabela, Ecuadorcrosses lava cinders to Volcán Chico viewpoint
- Volcán ChicoSightIsabela, Ecuadorviewpoint atop Sierra Negra volcano hike
- Charles Darwin Exhibition HallMuseumPuerto Ayora, Ecuador
