How many days do you need in the Galapagos?

For a first trip, most travelers are happiest with about a week in the islands. Arrival and departure days are partly spent flying, so a 4-day cruise gives roughly two full days, a 5- or 6-day cruise about three or four, and an 8-day cruise about six.

Short cruises cover one region well; 8 days lets a single itinerary include more varied islands. Land-based trips work well in 5 to 7 days because you can adjust day by day. Expeditions of 10 to 15 days link two itineraries for travelers who want remote western or northern sites.

Add at least one mainland night on each end, so a one-week cruise is roughly a 9- to 10-day trip from the US.