Galapagos is not a cheap destination and traveling on the cheap is very much not recommended. The Galapagos Islands are
more expensive than mainland Ecuador
mainly because of their location and the logistics of maintaining tourism sustainability and helping community development.
How much does it cost to go to the Galapagos Islands?
A vacation to Galapagos Islands for
one week usually costs around $774 for one person
. So, a trip to Galapagos Islands for two people costs around $1,548 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $3,095 in Galapagos Islands.
How many days do you need in the Galapagos Islands?
The minimum recommend number of days for visiting the Galapagos Islands is
5 days
. The primary reason for this has to do with a.) the time and money it takes to get in and out of the Galapagos and b.) the size of the archipelago itself.
What airlines fly to Galapagos Islands?
At the time of writing, there are three airlines flying to Galapagos, TAME the Ecuadorean airline (www.tame.com.ec), LAN the Chilean airline (www.latam.com) and Avianca the Colombian airline (www.avianca.com).
What is the best time to visit Galapagos?
But that said, our experts generally agree that the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from
December to May
. Why? These months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear, warm excellent for snorkeling and diving.
Is it safe to travel to Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are
one of the most secure places in the world in terms of personal safety and health
. To preserve the archipelago, the islands were declared a National Park back in 1959.
Can tourists visit the Galapagos Islands?
1. Can You Visit the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are open to tourists
. Cruises and tours are operating.
Can you go to Galapagos without a tour?
First off,
yes, you can visit the Galapagos Islands without a tour
. This is the most important myth to dispel, as there are four islands that tourists can reside on without being on any sort of tour. These islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal (a.k.a. Chatham), Isabela, and Floreana (a.k.a. Charles or Santa Marta).
What language is spoken in Galapagos Islands?
The official language in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is
Spanish
.
How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?
By sea it takes
3 days
to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Boats depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Most often these are cargo ships with basic accommodations not matching the luxury cruises in the archipelago.
Can you fly direct to Galapagos Islands?
Direct international flights do not exist, so
you cannot fly directly to the Galapagos
. Travelers must first arrive at mainland Ecuador prior to their flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos National Park has strict requirements that airlines must fulfill.
How do you get to Galapagos from UK?
How to get to the galapagos islands from the UK. There is a good range of international flights to Ecuador although there are no direct flights from the UK. The most popular airlines are
KLM via Amsterdam and Iberia or LAN via Madrid
.
Can you stay in the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, you can stay overnight on some Galapagos Islands
. Those islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The other islands and islets of the archipelago are not inhabited by humans, and do not permit any overnight stays. You can visit them throughout the day though.
Who owns the Galapagos Islands?
2. Who Owns the Galapagos Islands? Similar to the way that the Hawaiian Islands are a part of the United States, the Galapagos Islands are
a part of the neighboring country of Ecuador
, located in South America.
Do any humans live on the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Population Today – Do people live on the Galapagos Islands. Currently,
four islands are inhabited, with a total of around 30,000 inhabitants
. The largest ethnic group is Ecuadorian Mestizos. In 1959, only 1,000 to 2,000 people lived on the islands, growing to 15,000 by the 1980s.
What is the coldest month in Galapagos?
Average Temperature in Galápagos
The cold season lasts for 3.7 months, from November 14 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. The coldest month of the year in Galápagos is
January
, with an average low of 32°F and high of 49°F.
When can you see penguins in Galapagos?
Galapagos penguins can be seen at Galapagos
all year round
. Their nesting season lasts from May to December. During these months the Humboldt current arrives from Antartica. This is a cold water current, bringing rich nutrients to Galapagos waters.
Is it safe to swim in Galapagos?
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Galapagos is an unforgettable experience, however, you need to be aware that
certain marine life such as jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims
.
Can you swim in Galapagos?
The Galapagos have some of the best beaches in the world.
Many locations are great for beach snorkeling as well.
From December to May, it is very warm and sunny in the islands, making it ideal for swimming in the comfortable shallow waters.
What should you avoid in the Galapagos Islands?
Don’t forget Galapagos National Park (GNP) rules
Do not use flash photography
. Do not leave the trail. Keep your distance – please keep at least two metres away from all animals and NEVER touch them no matter how tame they appear. Don’t feed the animals.
What is Galapagos Islands famous for?
The islands are known for
their famously fearless wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution
. And that’s just part of the story. Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world.
What do I need to go to Galapagos?
Requirements to Enter Galapagos
Return airline ticket
. A letter of invitation to enter as a guest of a permanent or temporary resident in the Galapagos Islands for no more than 60 days per year (a limit outlined in the Special Law for Galapagos). The letter must come from the resident – not from the visitor.
Can I move to the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos is not accepting any new permanent residents
. In 1998, a law was passed granting permanent residence to anyone who had lived there for five years, or who did from that point on.
Can you scuba dive in the Galapagos?
Diving is great year-round in the Galapagos
. The wet/warm season, between December to June, is considered by many the best time to scuba dive Galapagos. This is because there is calmer, warmer water and better visibility. This is also the season to see manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
How long is the flight from Quito to Galapagos Islands?
Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland of Ecuador. The flight time from Quito is
around 3 hours
and around 1 hour from Guayaquil. Three airlines currently serve Galapagos – Avianca, TAME and LATAM.
Is Ecuador safe to travel?
Is Ecuador safe?
Ecuador is a relatively safe country
, and I felt very comfortable traveling as a solo woman. That said, the US State Department discourages travel to Carchi, Sucumbíos, and Esmereldas in the north (the border region with Colombia) due to crime.
