Planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands? You're about to embark on an adventure to one of the most unique and biodiverse places on Earth. Before you set off to explore this incredible archipelago, there are a few important things you should know to ensure your journey is as smooth and memorable as possible. Start by packing wisely—bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for those rugged island treks. Remember that the Galapagos have a delicate ecosystem, so eco-friendly products are a must. Navigating the airports might require some extra patience, as you’ll need to pass through special controls designed to protect the islands from invasive species. Plan your excursions in advance, respect the local regulations, and soak in every minute of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, it will worth it!
What to Pack?
Make sure you’re prepared for the diverse activities and climates in the Galapagos by packing the following essentials:
Seasick pills: If you’re prone to motion sickness, these are a must for boat trips.
Insect repellent: To keep those pesky bugs at bay.
Coat and bathing suit: Be ready for varying temperatures from cool evenings to warm waters.
Shorts and t-shirts: Comfortable clothing for exploring the islands.
Sandals/flip flops and hiking shoes: Suitable footwear for both beach and rugged terrain.
Sunglasses, cap/hat, sunscreen: Protection from the strong equatorial sun is crucial.
Camera: Don’t miss capturing the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.
Cash: There is no need to bring big amounts of cash to the islands, we have several ATMs located in town and airports that accept all major credit and debit cards. Although, it is our recommendation to bring some cash for the first days and pay fees when traveling in $20 notes. Credit and debit cards are also broadly accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.
Forbidden products/items
This is a general item list of not allowed products or items to enter to islands:
Coffee beans
Ground coffee
Cherries
Fresh flowers (any kind)
Raspberries
Ornamental plants
Fresh tobacco
Sand or soil
Alive animals
Raw beef meat
Raw lamb and goat
Raw pork
Animal flour
Wild bird eggs
Duck eggs
Turkey eggs
Fresh milk
Milk products (cheese, yogurt, etc.)
Microorganisms
What Documents to Bring?
Keep these important documents handy for a hassle-free journey:
Passport*: Required for entry into Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Travel vouchers/tickets: Proof of your travel arrangements.
Insurance documents: Essential for any unforeseen circumstances.
Airline tickets: Inbound and outbound required.
*Passport must be valid for at least six months when traveling.
Airports
Your journey to the Galapagos begins with a flight from one of Ecuador’s main cities:
Guayaquil City: José Joaquin de Olmedo Intl’ Airport (GYE)
Quito City: Mariscal Sucre Intl’ Airport (UIO)
Transit Control Card (TCC)
Before you check in and drop your bags, you must purchase a Transit Control Card (TCC) for $20.00 per person in US Dollars – cash only, at the Galapagos Special Regime Government Council (Consejo de Gobierno del Régimen Especial de Galápagos) or CGREG for it Spanish abbreviation kiosk in either Guayaquil or Quito.
X-Ray Inspection
All luggage and carry-on items must undergo an X-ray inspection by ABG before you can check in. This is located next to CGREG kiosk.
Arrival in the Galapagos and Inhabited Islands
Upon arrival in the Galapagos, you’ll land at one of these two airports:
If you chose to arrive to Seymour Airport (GPS), you will arrive to this island, which is the busiest and biggest airport on the islands. This island is only inhabited by Ecuadorian military personnel. You will need to transfer to Santa Cruz Island to get to your accommodation. Cruises depart from Baltra Island.
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
All tourists must pay a Galapagos National Park entrance fee in US Dollars – cash only.
Non-resident of Ecuador over 12 years old: $200.00 per person
Non-resident of Ecuador under 12 years old: $100.00 per person
Resident of Ecuador over 12 years old: $30.00 per person
Resident of Ecuador under 12 years old: $15.00 per person
Second X-Ray Inspection
Expect another X-ray inspection for your carry-on items as you exit the airport.
Luggage Claim
Wait in the designated area for your luggage and only collect it when instructed by the official personnel.
Airport Shuttle
To reach Santa Cruz Island, take the airport shuttle to Itabaca Canal. Purchase a ticket for $5.00 per person at the shuttle kiosk, hand over your luggage to the shuttle staff, and board the shuttle. The ride is about 10 minutes to get to Itabaca Canal dock.
If you have chosen to arrive to San Cristobal Island, then you can skip the this and the next two steps, you already will be on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is the main city. You can grab a taxi for $2.00 to take you to your hotel.
Ferry/Barge to Santa Cruz Island
Cross the Itabaca Canal by ferry/barge for $1.00 per person. Your luggage will be loaded by the shuttle staff and delivered to you once you’ve crossed. The crossing to Santa Cruz Island is about 5 minutes.
Getting to Puerto Ayora
Once on Santa Cruz Island, you can get to Puerto Ayora either by:
Taxi: The fare is $25.00 for up to four people.
Bus: The fare is $5.00 per person.
Health and Safety
Vaccinations: It’s recommended to check with your healthcare provider about vaccinations before traveling. Yellow fever vaccination is not required unless you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and travel disruptions is highly recommended.
Emergency Services: Basic medical services are available on the larger islands, but more serious medical issues may require evacuation to mainland Ecuador.
Food and Water: Food is fresh and no problems with health issues, but try to avoid restaurants/places without permits (health inspectors and Ministry of Tourism). Water, drink only bottled or filtered water, DO NOT drink tap water. Most restaurants and hotels (with permits) are required to have filtered water. In hotels, its safe to brush teeth. In cruises and some restaurants have filtered drinkable-safe water machines, safe to drink.
Transportation
Inter-Island Travel: You can travel between islands by speedboat ferries, or small planes. Speedboats are the most common but can be rough; consider motion sickness medication.
Local Transportation: Taxis, buses, and bikes are the primary means of transportation on the islands. Biking is popular in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Wildlife Guidelines
Protected Species: The Galapagos Islands are home to many protected species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife, do not feed animals, and follow the instructions of your naturalist guide.
Snorkeling and Diving: Some areas have strong currents, so it’s important to follow safety guidelines and dive with an experienced guide.
Respect for Nature: The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors are expected to respect the environment. Avoid leaving litter, disturbing wildlife, or removing any natural objects.
General Information
Local Time: The Galapagos Islands operate on Galapagos Time (GALT) UTC-6.
Currency: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Electricity: The islands use plug types A and B.
Voltage: 110V/60Hz.
Plug Types: Types A and B plugs are used, so travelers from Europe or other regions may need an adapter.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Communications
Internet Access: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and some public areas, but speeds can be slow, especially on the more remote islands.
Mobile Coverage: Cell phone coverage is available in populated areas, but can be spotty in more remote locations. Check with your provider about international roaming.
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in the Galapagos. It’s customary to tip tour guides and boat crew members around 10-15% of the cost of the tour.
Souvenirs: Local markets in towns like Puerto Ayora offer a variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, and artworks. Look for souvenirs made from sustainable materials.
Bargaining: Bargaining is not common in the Galapagos; prices are usually fixed.
Weather
Temperature: The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate with two main seasons:
Warm Season (December to May): Temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), with occasional rain showers and warmer waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Cool Season (June to November): Temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C), with cooler, dry weather, and choppier seas.
Water Temperature: Water temperatures vary between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C), depending on the season. Consider bringing a wetsuit if you plan on snorkeling during the cooler months.
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