Everything You Need To Know How To Get To Galapagos Islands

Do you know the way to the Galapagos Islands? If you plan to go on that once-in-a-lifetime trip to this dream destination, the most important question is how to get to Galapagos.

The Galapagos Archipelago is one of the best places to experience mesmerizing islands with astonishing beaches. It is also known as Charles Darwin’s laboratory, as he proposed the theory of evolution while watching the behavior of finches on the island. Birds such as finches and mockingbirds aren’t the only things to see in Galapagos; there is much more wildlife in their natural habitat. 

This article aims to help you understand and prepare your itinerary for the most convenient and hassle-free trip to the Galapagos. 

Discover the Best Ways To Get to The Galapagos Islands

From Outside Ecuador

Traveling abroad, you must know the right place to land in Ecuador. 2 major cities receive flights from Europe and America. These are Guayaquil and Quito. 

Quito is Ecuador’s capital, so there are more chances to get direct flights. 

Here are details on the cities where you can get a direct flight.

To Quito 

Quito has an international airport called Mariscal Sucre. It receives direct flights from the following cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam to Quito
• Madrid to Quito

Quito also receives direct flights from the following cities in the United States of America:

• New York to Quito 
• Atlanta to Quito
• Dallas to Quito
• Houston to Quito
• Miami to Quito

Other South-American cities with direct flights include:

• Bogota to Quito 
• Lima to Quito
• Panama City to Quito

To Guayaquil

Like Quito, Guayaquil also has an international airport called Jose Joaquin de Olmedo.

Following are the routes from the cities in the United States and European countries offering direct flights to Guayaquil:

• Amsterdam to Guayaquil
• Madrid to Guayaquil
• New York to Guayaquil 
• Miami to Guayaquil
• Bogota to Guayaquil
• Lima to Guayaquil
• Panama City to Guayaquil

From Ecuador 

Once you are in Ecuador, traveling to Galapagos becomes easier. There are 2 airports inside the Galapagos archipelago on Santa Cruz and Baltra islands. 

Currently, 3 main airlines provide direct access to one of these airports. These are:

• The Ecuadorian airline: TAME
• Chilean Airline: LATAM
• Colombian airline: Avianca

All the airlines mentioned above offers 2 direct flights to the Galapagos islands daily. We highly recommend you take morning flights for more time to settle in at the hotel after a long journey. 

Once you arrive at 1 of the 2 airports on the island, you can find different ways to travel to different islands within Galapagos. 

How To Get to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

If you are already in the Galapagos Islands, there are several ways to get to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. 

Here are some options and prices to get to Puerto Ayora from other parts of the Galapagos Islands:

By Boat

If you are on another island in the Galapagos, you can take a boat to Puerto Ayora. Boat tours to visit the island range from $50 to $150 per person, depending on the length of the tour. 

• From Baltra island to Santa Cruz island with a day trip to Lava tunnels and Giant Tortoise Reserve

If you’re going to stay on the island, there are also public boats to take. They leave twice daily and cost anywhere from $30 to $50.

• Boat transfer from Isabela island to Santa Cruz island
• Boat transfer from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz island

By Bus

On Santa Cruz Island, you can take a bus to Puerto Ayora. The bus typically costs around $1 per person. 

By Taxi

Taxis are also available on Santa Cruz Island, and the cost to get to Puerto Ayora typically ranges from $15 to $30, depending on the distance.

How To Get to Isabela

If you are already in the Galapagos Islands, there are several ways to get to Isabela Island. Here are some options:

By Boat

Boats are the most common way to get to Isabela Island from other islands in the Galapagos. Boats depart from the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and from the town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The boat ride takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and costs between $30 to $50 per person, depending on the season and the type of boat. 

• Boat transfer from Santa Cruz island to Isabela island

You can book tickets in advance through tour operators or at the docks in Puerto Ayora or Puerto Villamil.

Here are some of the tours to try:

• Day trip from Puerto Villamil – Kayaking and Snorkeling in Las Tintoneras
• Day trip from Puerto Ayora – Las Tintoneras, Wetlands, Playa Puerto Villamil, Giant Tortoise Reserve

By Air

Another option is to take a small plane from Baltra Island to Isabela. The cost is around $150 to $200 per person, depending on the season and availability. The flight time is around 30 minutes.

How To Get to San Cristobal 

Here are some options to get to San Cristobal if you are already in Galapagos Islands:

By Air

The easiest and fastest way to get to San Cristobal is by air. Flights depart from Quito or Guayaquil and arrive at San Cristobal airport. The flight takes around 2-3 hours and costs between $200 to $400 per person, depending on the season.

By Boat

Another option is to take a boat from Santa Cruz Island or Isabela Island to San Cristobal. Boats depart from the ports of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The boat ride can take anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. 

A boat ride to San Cristobal ranges from $30 to $50 per person. It can reach up to $250 if a day tour is included.

• Boat transfer from Santa Cruz island to San Cristobal island
• Day trip from Puerto Ayora to San Cristobal island

Cost of Going To the Galapagos

Flight Costs

The flight costs from different cities in the world vary depending on the distance between the 2 places. This section will cover all the flight price ranges that provide direct access to Quito and Guayaquil.

Quito Flight Costs (One-way)

• Amsterdam to Quito ($1,000 to $1,100)
• Madrid to Quito ($1,000 to $1,200)
• New York to Quito ($350 to $500)
• Atlanta to Quito ($600 to $1000)
• Dallas to Quito ($600 to $700)
• Houston to Quito ($300 to $400)
• Miami to Quito ($300 to $400)
• Bogota to Quito ($200 to $250)
• Lima to Quito ($190 to $200)
• Panama City to Quito ($400 to $500)

Guayaquil Flight Costs

• Amsterdam to Guayaquil ($1,500 to $1,600)
• Madrid to Guayaquil ($800 to $900)
• New York to Guayaquil ($500 to $600)
• Miami to Guayaquil ($400 to $500)
• Bogota to Guayaquil ($400 to $500)
• Lima to Guayaquil ($300 to $400)
• Panama City to Guayaquil ($300 to $400)

Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos

The cheapest and most convenient way of traveling to the Galapagos is by taking a flight from Quito using LATAM or Avianca airlines, costing around $200 to $250. 

Once at the Galapagos airport, take a ferry between the islands.

Water Ride (Ferry) Costs

Water rides or ferries usually leave at 2 different hours in a day. Here is the total cost of ferries from 1 island to another within the Galapagos.

From Santa Cruz to Isabela

The boat ride from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and the cost can range from $30-$50 per person. It’s a good idea to book in advance through tour operators or at the docks in Puerto Ayora to secure your spot. 

The same cost applies when returning to Santa Cruz.

From Santa Cruz to San Cristobal

The boat ride from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal Island takes longer than to Isabela, around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. The boat ride can range from $30 to $50 per person. 

Returning to Santa Cruz will cost you the same.

Entrance Cost

To enter Galapagos National Park, you must pay a certain fee at the airport. The entrance fee is $100 per person if you are an adult. However, children under 12 years of age need to pay $50. 

You must pay the fee in cash as soon as you enter the island from the airport.

Galapagos for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

Budget Traveling

For a budget-conscious traveler, the best way to enjoy your excursion to Galapagos is to stick to public transport such as ferries and buses. Ferries usually cost around $25 to $50. 

However, most bus trips do not cost more than a couple of dollars. 

Budget Accommodation Options

We highly recommend staying at Puerto Ayora town in Santa Cruz for budget-conscious travelers. The place has the most affordable hotels and hostels in Galapagos. 

Some of the best accommodation options in the area include:

• Hostal Sir Francis Drake. Located around 1,000 ft (305 m) from the coastline, this 3-star hotel has simple yet elegant guestrooms, all equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with a shower.

• Hospedaje Germania. Another 2-star hotel and guest house, Hospedaje Germania, has rooms with wooden furniture, TV, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with hot showers. You can find restaurants and supermarkets within 328 ft (100 m).

• Hostal Carliza. This 2-star hotel is 1,476 ft (450 m) from La Alborada Park, a 5-minute walk from a shopping center, and 30 mi (48 km) from the Baltra Airport. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Important Considerations When Visiting Galapagos

Flight Times

Most flights from Quito leave early in the morning, so make sure to book your tickets a day before reaching Quito. Some flights even get delayed for hours due to weather conditions, so be prepared.

The most used airlines are Avianca which leaves at 9:00 a.m. Flights leave every other hour. 

Baggage Allowance

If you are traveling from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos, ensure you do not carry more than 1 piece of more than 23 kgs. It is better to keep only the necessary items with you. 

There are many shops at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz where you can buy gear and clothes for activities on the island. 

Health Restrictions

Here are some things you must ensure before traveling to Galapagos:

• Use of mask at all times inside Galapagos National Park
• Medical travel insurance
• Galapagos transit control card

How To Stay Safe During Your Stay In Galapagos?

Here are some tips to help keep yourself and your surroundings safe while visiting Galapagos: 

• Keep yourself protected from harsh sun rays by using sunscreen.
• People love to swim, dive, and snorkel with the sea lions on the islands, but make sure you do not touch them as it is strictly prohibited.
• Sharks in the water are said to be friendly, but they can bite if you provoke them. 
• Don’t get too close to the bulls (aggressive male sea lions). They can attack if you get too close.
• Keep yourself safe, as no acute cardiac or surgical care facilities exist. 
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – How To Get to Galapagos?

Where Do You Fly To Go to the Galapagos Islands?

Your first entry to Galapagos Islands is through Ecuador, and 2 major cities that receive flights from all over Europe and America are Guayaquil and Quito. 

You can get a direct flight to the Galapagos islands from there daily.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get to Galapagos Island?

The cheapest way to get to Galapagos is to take a flight from Quito using LATAM or Avianca airlines. 

If you don’t mind extra luxury costs, you can take TAME airlines to the Galapagos Islands. 

How Much Does It Cost To Get to Galapagos Island?

It costs around $400 to $600 to get to Galapagos Island by domestic airline service. This is the best way since you have ferry and entrance costs to consider in your travel expenses to the Galapagos Islands. 

So, plan ahead to make the most out of your trip.

Can You Go To the Galapagos Islands Without a Tour Group?

Yes, you can go to Galapagos without a tour group. 

As there are a lot of flights and ferries to get to the Galapagos Islands, you can make your travel plans and itineraries to accommodate your preferences on how to enjoy the natural wonders of the archipelago. 

What Is the Best Way to See the Galapagos Islands?

You can take an organized guided tour to DIY (do it yourself). We highly recommend DIY for a more challenging and memorable experience. 

Conclusion – How To Get to Galapagos

Even with all the recommendations on travel to Galapagos, your trip will still be based on your travel preferences, schedule, and other factors suited to your convenience. Research well and make a sound decision based on reliable information sources.

Detailed planning that covers as many bases as possible is a must to make your trip to Galapagos worthwhile. 

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