How to get to the Galapagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are a dream destination for so many travelers, who want to experience the unique wildlife and landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. But how do you get there? And how can you do it without breaking the bank? In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks on how to travel to the Galápagos Islands on a budget.
If you are planning to visit the Galapagos islands, you need to start your journey from Ecuador. The Galapagos islands are a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000km away from the mainland of Ecuador. They are part of Ecuador’s territory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You cannot fly directly to the Galapagos islands from another country, so you have to take a domestic flight from either Quito or Guayaquil, the two main cities in Ecuador. You can choose to fly with AVIANCA or LATAM airlines, which operate daily flights to the Galapagos islands, landing at either Baltra or San Cristobel airports and flights will cost you on average around $500US.
TIP: If you are booking the flights yourself, be sure you book the premium tickets and not the cheapest ones available. The cheapest tickets are reserved for Ecuadorian citizens, and you will have to pay extra fees at the airport if you buy them by mistake. We learned this the hard way!! Also, if possible, book a round-trip flight that arrives at one airport and departs from another. This will give you more flexibility to explore the islands.
As the Galapagos are a protected National Park, there are a few extra processes you need to go through before you get there. Firstly you need to pay for a Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCT), which is like your visa to enter the islands. It costs $20US and you can get it at the INGALA counter at either Quito or Guayaquil airports.
Next you will have to put your bags through biosecurity x-ray screening, which checks for live animals, and organic materials etc, as these can be a threat to the islands eco-system, and will be confiscated. After your luggage is cleared, they will seal it with a tag that cannot be opened until you arrive at the Galapagos islands.
Upon arriving on the Galapagos islands you then have to pay a further $100 National Park entrance fee (or $50US for children under 12). This fee goes to the conservation of the islands. The final process before you finally get to explore the islands is one last baggage screening for prohibited items.
Arriving at Baltra Airport
If you fly into Baltra Airport like we did, you will have to get a ferry over to Santa Cruz Island. From the airport you will need to get a bus down to the ferry dock, which costs $5, and then $1 for a short ferry ride across to Santa Cruz.
This ferry dock on Santa Cruz Island on the opposite side of the island to Puerta Ayeora, which is the main tourist town. You can find buses and taxis waiting at the dock to take you across the island. If you want some adventure, you can ride in the back of a pickup truck taxi and enjoy the scenic views. Your taxi driver might even stop for you to see some wild tortoises along the way.
A taxi will cost about $20-$25US to get to Puerta Ayeora, but if you make friends on the journey over you could split the cost!
Getting Between Islands
Exploring the Galapagos Islands doesn't always have to involve booking pricey cruises or group tours. Contrary to popular belief, planning your own island-hopping adventure is simpler than you might think.
To travel between islands, you can book a spot on a ferry (essentially a speed boat), that are run by various different companies. These ferries take around 2-3 hours (sometimes longer in rough seas, and cost on average around $25-$35US. However it is good to note that these public ferries only run between Santa Cruz island - Isabella Island or between Santa Cruz Island and San Cristobel Island. To get San Cristobel from Isabella, you will need to take a ferry to Santa Cruz in the morning, and then an afternoon ferry to San Cristobel. This is the option we took. Alternatively, you can opt to spend a night in Santa Cruz and catch a morning ferry to San Cristóbal the next day.To get around other islands, such as Floreana island, you will need to book a tour.
One thing to keep in mind is that most ferries require a short water taxi ride from the port, which typically costs around $1 US dollar each way.
TIP: Bring travel sickness tablets, most trips are about two hours long and the journeys can be rough. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is advised to sit at the back of the boat where it is a little less bumpy. However prepare to get wet if you are sitting at the back!
In the following post I’ll be talking about the top things to do in Santa Cruz, and how to have a memorable time on the island, on a budget.
The Galápagos Islands are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. By following these tips and tricks, you can make your trip more affordable and enjoyable. Remember to respect the rules and regulations of the national park and to leave no trace behind.