If you’re looking for the best place to travel on holiday, the Galapagos Islands are definitely a good idea. This volcanic Archipelago located about 1000 km off the shores of Ecuador has 19 stunning islands for people to visit. Galapagos Island visits are definitely something that you should check out before you are too old to do so, because it is a beautiful site that should not be missed.
Planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands is absolutely simple when you consider that there are numerous different methods of transportation ready and waiting for you. A cruise is definitely a good idea, and for more info visit Galapagos Cruises website, you can check out cruises in more detail, but aside from that, let’s check out the different methods to travel to the Galapagos Islands.
The Galápagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands themselves are situated in the pacific ocean, and are located 1000 km away from the South American continent. There are 19 islands, and it has a unique marine reserve, which has an incredible amount of marine animals and wildlife present.
Three different ocean currents converge here in the islands, which means that there are different marine species from all across the world. There are ongoing seismic and volcanic activities taking place all the time, which reflect the processes found on the islands and the ones that created them.
Owing to the fact that the islands themselves are relatively secluded and isolated, there is vast amounts of unusual animal life located here. It was this sheer variety which inspired the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin when he first visited the islands in 1835.
The Common Methods of Transport
Travel to the Galapagos Islands is generally dictated by two methods of transportation, both of which are incredibly well established and easy to work with.
Generally speaking, you will depart to Galapagos by either the air, which goes from mainland Ecuador, or via a cruise, which can visit a lot of the different islands in a circular route.
There are daily flights to Galapagos which are available for you. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay between $400 and $500 for a round trip ticket, but the prices will obviously fluctuate according to demand, season, and any promotional offer which are available at that point.
It’s important to note that there are two primary airports located in Galapagos that you can use. The first one is located on Baltra Island, and the second is located in San Cristóbal. You can expect to have your bags searched by the Galapagos biosecurity agency staff team, at the airport in mainland Ecuador, and you will have to pay a $20 tourist card, check here for more info on this.
Naturally, the cruise options available for travel to the Galapagos will vary according to provider, and the different requirements and costs will vary. It’s highly recommended to check out all of the offers available before making a decision, as primarily you’ll be spending a large portion of time on the boat itself.
Galapagos Entry Requirements
It is essential to remember the Galapagos itself is protected by a special law which relates to the conservation of the natural beauty of the area. Thus, as of 2017, it was decided by the government in Ecuador that all national and foreign tourists must provide certain documentation before they can enter the problems of Galapagos at all.
While it is true that these requirements have yet to be properly implemented into the legal system, they could well come into power at any point, which is why it is necessary to know that the below documents will be required for informational purposes.
- An airline ticket which has been bought for return as well as the trip there.
- Documentation confirming your reservation in a hotel OR with your cruise tour, which matches the dates of the return airline ticket. Alternatively, a letter of invitation which allows access as the guest of a permanent resident in the Galapagos Islands is available, but this must be required from the resident, and is applicable for no more than 60 days of the year.
- Transit Control Card which must be issued by the Galapagos governing Council, that can be acquired in appropriate counters at airports in either of the two locations in Ecuador where it is possible to fly to the Galápagos Islands, these being Quito or Guayaquil.
Closing Thoughts
A trip to the Galapagos Islands would be an incredibly enjoyable and thrilling experience for anybody, as the area is so heavily rich in natural beauty and diverse wildlife. However, it is important to note that the Galapagos Islands are carefully maintained and protected by the government of Ecuador in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area, so there are restrictions on what you can and cannot do while you are there.
Generally speaking, a boat cruise is the best way for people to navigate the Galapagos Islands. All of the natural beauty is clear and on display, and it is easy to get between the different islands to see all 19 of them before returning home again. At the same time, there is also access to a very well stocked and plentiful supply of flights in and out of the Galapagos Islands, so it is possible to visit by the air as well. It’s important to know that regardless of how you visit the Galapagos Islands, there will still be various charges and donations required for the preservation of the natural area.
In conclusion, visiting the Galapagos Islands is not difficult if you follow the correct procedures, have the correct documentation, and use either the air or the sea to visit. Both options are equally viable, although a boat cruise does offer potentially more in the way of exploration and luxury, but it is fundamentally up to you. It’s important to respect all of the different processes that go on to keep the Galapagos Islands looking as good as they are, and to make sure that you adhere to any rules required during your time in the area, so if you’re not sure, click here.
Bryan has visited exactly one more country than his wife, and she won’t let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. He is the co-founder of Budget Your Trip and loves a good adventure, an exotic meal, or a passionate conversation about global events.
