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Family trip itinerary advice

Highland Park...
2 posts
Family trip itinerary advice

We have booked a 7 day, 6 night family trip at the end of March with our three teen/tween sons. We fly into Baltra and fly out of San Cristobal. We are debating whether we should do 2 nights Puerto Ayora, 2 nights Isabela (take ferry) and 2 nights in San Cristobal (take a flight here). Or 4 nights in Puerto Ayora (do 1 or 2 day trips) and 2 nights in San Cristobal (take the ferry).

I'm concerned 3 islands will be too much travel logistics to enjoy it but we have heard Isabela is so beautiful and my kids would love to see penguins if possible. We are unfortunately limited on time due to spring break schedules.

I appreciate any advice on the itinerary and any recommended tour companies as well. Thanks!

4 replies to this topic
Augusta, Maine
1,158 posts
17 helpful votes
1. Re: Family trip itinerary advice

To me, all 3 islands in one week is too much traveling. 2 nights each is one full day each. If penguins are such a high priority I would redesign it to reflect that. If not, I would do the 4/2 split of the two islands and hope you see some penguins but focus more on what you do see than what you don’t.

Ottawa, Canada
Destination Expert
for Galapagos Islands
5,190 posts
23 helpful votes
2. Re: Family trip itinerary advice

Dear PHX,

I agree with the post above. Consider that just changing islands will eat up more than half the daylight hours just getting from one to another by the time you factor in all the travel logistics. That would be 1.5 days out of the 5 full days you have there. Better just stay in Puerto Ayora and do day trips from there. I lived there for 4 years and found plenty to do.

Warmest regards,

Heather Blenkiron

Edited: 21 October 2024, 12:28
Illinois
130 posts
38 helpful votes
3. Re: Family trip itinerary advice

I've heard there's a chance of seeing penguins on a day tour to Bartolome or Pinzon. Could be dependent on time of year, but you might want to consider those as day tours from Santa Cruz. No matter what you decide, you're in for an amazing experience!

Highland Park...
2 posts
4. Re: Family trip itinerary advice

Thanks everyone! Seems like keeping it simpler is the way to go. I'll explore some day tour options.

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