Introduction
In just seven days, you can savor a refined yet relaxed Galápagos experience—seeing iconic wildlife, diving in secret coves, indulging in spa and gourmet moments, and still returning each night to a serene oceanfront sanctuary. This land‑based itinerary centers on Santa Cruz Island and uses Casa Orilla as your luxurious home base. Rather than rushing through dozens of islands, this curated plan balances adventure and rest, letting you dive, explore, and unwind in style. Use this as a blueprint—and know it’s entirely customizable to your pace, interests, and desires.
Day 1 – Arrival in Santa Cruz: Welcome to Paradise
Morning / Afternoon
- Fly into Baltra Airport, then enjoy VIP airport service if available.
- Cross the Itabaca Channel and take a private, scenic car transfer to Puerto Ayora. En route, watch for tortoises grazing and endemic birds in the highland landscapes.
- Check in at Casa Orilla with a welcome refresh (cool drink, towel, orientation). Take time to relax, recover from travel, and absorb the ocean breeze.
Late Afternoon
- Gentle orientation walk: consider a visit to the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station, a short drive or stroll from town — see giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas in the breeding center.
- Return to Casa Orilla for sunset views over the water from your terrace.
Evening
- Tonight, dine at your suite terrace (private dinner arranged by Casa Orilla) or allow us to book one of Puerto Ayora’s top seafood or fusion restaurants for you (with transfer arranged).
- Relax to the sound of waves in your plush suite.
Day 2 – Highlands & Coastal Gems
Morning
- After breakfast, depart for a private Highlands tour. Trek El Chato or Los Gemelos to observe tortoises in semi‑wild habitats amid lush greenery.
- Option: visit a local farm or organic garden and enjoy a tucked-away picnic under guava trees or amid orchids.
Afternoon
- Return toward town and visit lava tunnels or a coffee farm (or chocolate farm, if available) to taste local produce and learn about island agriculture.
- Late afternoon, head to Tortuga Bay. Hike or take a water taxi to the sandy beach, then relax, snorkel, or kayak in calm water (depending on conditions).
Evening
- Back at Casa Orilla, wind down with a couples’ Zenia Spa treatment—a massage or body wrap to ease travel stiffness.
- Dinner can be prepared in your suite or at a partner restaurant such as Finch Bay (reachable by boat + land, but charming under starlight). Casa Orilla handles reservations and transport.
Day 3 – Yacht Excursion to Iconic Island(s)
Morning
- Depart early on a private luxury yacht charter (limited group size) to visit Bartolomé Island. Enjoy breakfast onboard as you sail.
- Hike the trail to Pinnacle Rock viewpoint for iconic Galápagos panoramas.
Midday
- Snorkel near the island—penguins, reef fish, sea turtles often join you. Guides assist all levels of swimmers. Lunch is served onboard: fresh, local, gourmet.
Afternoon
- Optional second stop: Sullivan Bay (lava fields) or another snorkeling site.
- Return to Santa Cruz in late afternoon; enjoy a relaxing boat ride back to shore.
Evening
- Dinner at leisure in Puerto Ayora (Casa Orilla can suggest restaurants).
- Optionally stroll along the seawall or browse local shops.
Day 4 – Culture, Relaxation & Gentle Discovery
Morning
- Sleep in. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Casa Orilla with ocean views.
- Head into Puerto Ayora for a guided walking discovery: fish market (watch sea lions and pelicans), artisan shops (wildlife carvings, local art), galleries, and café stops.
Afternoon
- Return to the lodge for a spa, yoga, or journaling time.
- Or take a short boat taxi + walk to Las Grietas, a narrow channel with brackish water ideal for gentle swimming (for older kids or adventurous adults).
Evening
- Option: Private sunset cruise in the bay (with Champagne) before dinner.
- In-suite or restaurant dining under soft lighting.
Day 5 – Adventure Day: Diving or Island Tour
Option A: Diving Day
- After breakfast, depart for a 2‑tank luxury dive experience (for certified divers) to Gordon Rocks or Seymour—depending on conditions and certification levels. Non-divers in your group can snorkel or take a nature boat trip to a nearby island in parallel.
- Midday lunch on board; guided marine education included.
Option B: Island Hopping
- Private catamaran or yacht day trip to North Seymour + South Plaza.
- At North Seymour, view blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and seabird nesting.
- South Plaza offers close-up encounters with land and hybrid iguanas, dramatic cliff landscapes, and great photo moments.
- Return by late afternoon.
Evening
- After your day’s adventures, enjoy a restful evening at the lodge. Let the staff handle dinner logistics or deliver a private meal to your terrace.
Day 6 – Optional Island Extension or Final Full Day on Santa Cruz
Option A: Isabela Overnight Extension (if schedule allows)
- Morning: Charter (or fly, if feasible) to Isabela Island. Check into a boutique lodge (partner or recommended).
- Afternoon: Explore flamingo lagoon, visit tortoise breeding stations, or cruise to Las Túneles—a shimmering snorkeling labyrinth.
- Next Day (Day 7): Hike Sierra Negra volcano, then return mid‑day to Santa Cruz for final evening at Casa Orilla.
Option B: Full Day on Santa Cruz
- Morning: Low-key snorkeling or revisit a favorite cove. Consider a private half-day to Santa Fé Island or Tintoreras (if available).
- Afternoon: Return, pack slowly, enjoy terrace time or last swim.
- Evening: Host a farewell dinner at Casa Orilla: candlelit beachfront, local seafood, Ecuadorian wine, personalized touches. Toast your week of wonder.
Day 7 – Departure
Morning
- Savor a final breakfast overlooking the ocean.
- Private transfer to Baltra Airport. Casa Orilla handles check-out and ensures timing is smooth.
- If your outbound flight is late, consider an overnight on the mainland (e.g. Quito boutique hotel) to avoid rushed connections.
Final Thoughts
This 7‑day luxury itinerary merges wildlife, marine thrill, cultural immersion, and restful indulgence. While it’s a designed template, every day is fully adjustable—tweak the rhythm, skip hikes, add extra spa, or extend to another island. With Casa Orilla’s local expertise and concierge network, we’ll make your vision our plan.
Let us know your preferences—diving, photography, relaxation—and we’ll refine this into your ideal Galápagos escape.
