EC
Galapagos Islands
Volcanic islands where sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas show little fear of people
Volcanic islands where sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas show little fear of people
Wild giant tortoises roam the highland reserves of Santa Cruz, such as El Chato. In Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station runs a breeding programme.
Photo: David Adam Kess, CC BY-SA 4.0
A long white-sand beach reached by a 2.5km path from Puerto Ayora, with marine iguanas on the rocks and a sheltered cove for swimming.
Swim only in the sheltered cove; the main beach has strong currents.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
The island’s town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is famous for sea lions lounging on its beaches and benches. Boat trips go to Kicker Rock (León Dormido) for snorkelling.
Photo: Adavyd, CC BY-SA 4.0
The largest island, with the small beach town of Puerto Villamil, flamingo lagoons, and hikes to the vast caldera of the Sierra Negra volcano.
Photo: Michael R Perry, CC BY 2.0
Seafood dominates, especially ceviche and grilled fish. Lobster is only served in season, when fishing is allowed.
In Puerto Ayora, the kiosks on Charles Binford street serve cheap fresh seafood in the evenings.
Flights from Quito and Guayaquil land at Baltra (for Santa Cruz) or San Cristóbal. Before flying, buy the US$20 Transit Control Card at the airport and have your bags inspected. On arrival, foreign adults pay a US$200 national park fee in cash. Ferries link the inhabited islands.
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days. The currency is the US dollar. The US State Department rates Ecuador Level 2 (exercise increased caution), with “do not travel” advice for parts of Guayaquil, Durán, Esmeraldas and some other areas; Quito, Cuenca and Galápagos are not among them. Check current rules and advice before you travel.
The Galápagos are expensive: flights, the park fee and boat trips add up. Island-hopping is cheaper than a cruise.
Excludes flights and the US$200 park fee.
An island-hopping route.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and walk to Tortuga Bay.
See wild tortoises at El Chato and the lava tunnels, then take a day trip to a nearby island.
Take the ferry to Isabela, see the flamingo lagoons and snorkel at Concha de Perla.
Hike to the Sierra Negra caldera or take a boat trip to Los Túneles.
Ferry back via Santa Cruz or fly between islands, and snorkel at Kicker Rock.
Stay at least 2m from animals, never feed or touch them, and follow your guide.
Bring clean US dollar notes for the park fee; ATMs on the islands are limited.
Ferries between islands can be rough; take precautions.
Fresh fruit, seeds and plants cannot be brought to the islands.
Quick answers for planning time in Galápagos Islands.
Foreign adults pay a US$200 national park fee on arrival, plus a US$20 Transit Control Card before the flight.
Cruises reach remote islands; island-hopping is cheaper and more flexible.
There is wildlife year-round: December to May is warmer with calmer seas, June to November cooler with more marine life.
Some town beaches and trails are open to independent visitors, but most sites require a licensed guide.
The US dollar. Bring small notes, as change for large bills can be hard to find.
Google Maps works in cities; download offline maps for rural areas.
Free
Spanish is the main language; English is limited outside tourist businesses.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Ecuador travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.