Galápagos Islands

What the Galápagos are

The Galápagos are not one island but a widely scattered Ecuadorian archipelago with a vast marine reserve. Volcanic activity built the islands, and their isolation shaped the wildlife that made them central to the study of evolution. Land iguanas, giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and Galápagos penguins are among the emblematic animals.

Think in island groups rather than a single destination. Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana are the useful bases for land-based stays; remote visitor sites are generally reached on regulated day trips or cruise itineraries.

Choose your travel format

Island-hopping gives you time in the inhabited ports, with accommodation on land and boat trips added day by day. It works well if you want flexible shore time, restaurants and independently paced local walks.

A cruise reaches more remote sites on a fixed, park-approved itinerary. It is the practical choice for seeing a broader spread of islands in one trip. Expect wet landings, short boat transfers and walks over uneven volcanic ground; shoes that can get wet and grip lava are more useful than sandals.

A route is not interchangeable with another: wildlife, trails and snorkelling sites vary by island, season and the itinerary authorised for the vessel.

Landscape and wildlife

The point is the meeting of raw geology and wildlife, not a checklist. On shore, look for lava flows, volcanic cones, arid cactus country, mangroves and highland vegetation. At the coast, the land drops straight into the marine world.

Keep the encounter properly wild:

• Stay on marked trails and follow the guide’s route.
• Do not touch, feed or pursue animals.
• Leave lava, shells, sand and plants where they are.
• Use only authorised operators for protected visitor sites.

Wildlife can be close because it is accustomed to people; that is not permission to close the distance.

Arrival, fees and biosecurity

Flights arrive from mainland Ecuador at Baltra or San Cristóbal. Before departure from Quito or Guayaquil, visitors need a Transit Control Card (TCT) and must pass luggage inspection. Keep the card for departure; tourist stays are limited to 60 days per year.

At the island airport, pay the protected-areas conservation charge. For foreign visitors aged 12 and over, the published rate is US$200; children under 12 pay US$100. The TCT costs US$20. Carry US dollars and treat these as separate from flights, hotels and tours.

Biosecurity is serious. Fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, plants and live animals can introduce invasive species and are not allowed. Bags may also be checked before travel between populated islands.

Access rules that matter

Protected sites operate under controlled itineraries and with qualified naturalist guides. Your guide sets the landing order, trail use and activities; follow those instructions without improvising.

Do not bring a drone unless you hold the necessary authorisation. The archipelago’s controls are part of the visit, not an optional extra.