Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Galapagos Trip

How long should you go?

If you decide to do a cruise, the options are a bit more limited since the itineraries are already planned, but you can always add more days onto the end of your cruise with a land-based tour if you want to explore more. Cruises tend to be 5-days, 8-days, and 16-days. There are longer options, but these are usually geared more towards diving or conservation tours, one of the itineraries we recommend the most is the itinerary B run by the Natural Paradise Galapagos cruise, a real immersion into some of the highlights of the Galapagos archipelago.

If you are doing a land-based tour, then you can decide how long you want to stay. Since the best land-based tours visit multiple islands, it’s a good idea to budget a few days on each of the islands where you’re staying so that you have ample time to explore all of the accessible visitor sites.

What’s your budget?

If you’re planning a cruise, then your budget will determine a lot. There are boats for every price range, from budget class to luxury, and you mostly get what you pay for:

• The budget boats will tend to offer smaller cabins, a much more casual setting, and boats that are simpler, including perhaps less deck space, fewer amenities, a limited menu, etc. that help keep the price in check; guides might not speak as fluently or have as comprehensive knowledge of the sites.
• Mid-range & first class vessels offer comfortable accommodations - though not quite luxurious - more onboard amenities, and overall better guides. This is one of the best avenues for people who want a great cruise but can’t quite afford the luxury options.
• Luxury yachts are the top of the line Galapagos boats, often featuring on-board amenities like exercise rooms, ample sun decks, a Jacuzzi, and a comfortable lounge. Dining will feature an international and local menu prepared by gourmet chefs. Cabins are all you would expect from a five-star hotel suite, usually including a balcony or floor-to-ceiling windows. And the guides are almost always university-educated bilingual or multilingual naturalists.

If you’re planning a land-based excursion, then there are hotels and hostels to match your price range as well. On each island you’ll find both hostels and five-star hotels.

• Hostels will have much simpler, clean rooms that may or may not have a private bathroom with hot running water, depending on where you’re staying; this is a good option if you’re more focused on the activities and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of the creature comforts.
• Mid-range hotels are on par with normal hotels in the US, featuring private bathrooms, daily maid service, and overall more comfortable accommodations.
• The five-star hotels are opulent in their luxury, frequently hosting their own restaurant, pool, spa, garden, or Jacuzzi (and sometimes all of them!). Expect room service, fruit & champagne baskets, exclusive beachfront access, and all-inclusive packages for all occasions, from family vacations to honeymoons.