The Unpackaged Traveler

Independent trip plans for US retirees

Tours notrequired.

I have spent 25 years learning how to travel well for less in 154 countries. This is that playbook, shaped for travelers who want real adventure without handing the itinerary to a tour company.

Read the first trip planOne full route plan a month · free

3 islands in 12 days · 4 boat crossings · no cruise required

Lavender and pink dusk over the beach at Puerto Villamil, Isabela, with a couple sitting on the sand and beach-bar lights glowing
Puerto Villamil, Isabela · dusk on day 5

The honest numbers

Half the price. Twice the trip.

This route, independent
$1,400–2,000 per person · 12 days · 3 islands + Cuenca
Galápagos cruises
$2,000–3,000+ per person · 5–8 days · berth alone, before flights
The catch
You organise it and each plan removes most of that work

Figures from the May 2024 run of this route, updated for the current $200 park fee. Real ferries, real hotels, real tours. Every plan publishes its costs the same way. See the full cost table.

Latest trip plan

The Galápagos Without a Cruise: Three Islands in Twelve Days by Public Ferry

A complete independent trip plan for the Galápagos: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal by public ferry, finished with two days in colonial Cuenca. Real logistics, real costs, retiree-grade pacing. I ran this exact route in May 2024.

Duration
12 days
Activity level
Moderate
Countries
1
Open the route plan

From the road

Real photos from the islands

34 photos · 3 islands
A lone traveler standing on the wide white sand of Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz
Tortuga BayTortuga Bay, the reward for a 3 km walk from Puerto Ayora
A wild giant tortoise crossing the highland road on Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz highlandsTraffic on the airport crossing works differently here
Two sea lions asleep on a public bench next to a keep-your-distance sign
Puerto AyoraThe two-meter rule, explained to the wrong audience
A marine iguana swimming through turquoise water
Santa CruzA marine iguana heading out to feed
The Isabela Galapagos welcome sign at the port entrance
IsabelaOff the 3 PM ferry and into Puerto Villamil
Two flamingos wading in a lagoon at dawn on Isabela
IsabelaFlamingos at dawn in the lagoon behind Puerto Villamil
A sea lion sitting on the dock at Concha de Perla with turquoise water behind
Concha de PerlaThe snorkel dock's permanent resident
The tall stone Wall of Tears on Isabela with a visitor beside it
Wall of TearsEl Muro de las Lágrimas, the bike ride everyone should do

Weekly dispatch

One full trip plan a month, lighter notes between.