About the Galapagos, some background info
The Galapagos Islands is a group of 19 volcanic islands 1000 km west of Ecuador. It is part of Ecuador and can only be reached by boat or by plane from Ecuador. The islands are isolated because of this distance to the mainland.
The Galapagos is unique in the world because of its flora and fauna. They are named after its most famous citizen: the tortoise (in Spanish). Most of the animals are endemic and exist only on the Galapagos. This includes bird species, as well as reptiles and mammals. The Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Marine Park (under water) are both national parks.
People have only visited the islands for approx. 150-200 year, a very short time. The animals therefore never learned what bad things people can do. They are not afraid of you and will not run, swim or fly away when they see you… a strange experience.
One good example of an endemic animal is the marine iguana. This is a 1 meter long iguana (lizard) that either rests and sleeps in the sun, or swims in the water looking for food (algaes). It can keep its breath for 30-45 minutes. No other iguana does that, but neither could the marine iguana. Long time ago, these iguanas where land animals and lived in Central America (Panama). The sea currents took them to the Galapagos where they found completely different vegetation: what they liked, was abundant and could eat was under water. They therefore had to adjust their lifestyle completely to survive.
Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos in 1835. He studied especially finches on the different islands, who had different beaks most suited for the food that these birds found. They also had to adapt to survive. This inspired him to his evolution theory and his famous book “The Origin of Species”. This questioned the human beginnings with Adam and Eve as told for many centuries and shared by the mighty church.
UNESCO names and supports important natural and cultural world heritage sites. The very first listings in 1978 were the Aachen Dom, Germany (1st), the city of Quito, Ecuador (2nd) and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (3rd).
Travel to the Galapagos
The Galapagos aren’t a destination like any other: we cannot drive there.
When travelling there, we have the option to go organised (by a professional travel organisation) or independently. If you go organised, your flight may be included in your package. If not, you can book your flight online. Only Avianca and LATAM fly to the Galapagos from Quito and Guayaquil. There are airports on the islands of Baltra (just north of Santa Cruz) and San Cristobal. There are no international flights.
While visiting the islands you can choose between island hopping and a luxury cruise.
Island Hopping
Island hopping means that you stay overnight at one island, see the sights there, and move on to stay at another island the next day. This is possible but has limitations, because…
- Distances between islands can be a few hours.
- Ferries between islands have few routes and may go once or twice daily. You may be able to do only one route per day.
- You can only stay on 4 different islands. Wild camping is of course strictly prohibited.
- Discovering an island away from the villages is only allowed with a professional guide, or on a tour. Tours from one island to another can be expensive.
But it is possible and people do hop. Puerto Ayora (on Santa Cruz) and San Cristobal are nice, touristy villages with waterfront, hotels, hostels, restaurants, supermarkets and bars.
Luxury Cruises
The nicest way to visit the archipelago is by cruise. In the past both simple and luxury yachts existed, but nowadays only luxury yachts and luxury ships are available. Yachts may hold 16 travellers with 10 crew, larger ships can be 100 travellers.
The cruise will take you along different islands showing the different “wild” life and habitats. Depending on the duration of the tour and the speed of the vessel, it may be far away from or close to the airport.
Life on-board is very pleasant and comfy. You will get spoiled with a nice cabin, excellent food and drinks. Every day you will go swim once or twice and discover the underwater world, which is amazing. Swimming with large turtles, marine iguanas, rays, sharks, sea lions and penguins is simply incredible. A nature guide will show and explain flora and fauna above ground and under water. Wet suits are provided and needed in certain seasons.
The atmosphere on board is relaxed and special. People show and compare their experiences of the day with great pictures and self-made movies (GoPro-cameras are very useful). Birthday parties and anniversaries with cakes and cocktails on-board are common.
Cost and Prices
The Ecuador government – and UNESCO – are protecting the islands. It will not become a destination with mass-tourism, night clubs, karaoke, massage and garbage everywhere. Everything is controlled and managed properly.
In general everything on the Galapagos Islands is more expensive than on the mainland, including cruises, tours, food and souvenirs. It is an extra-ordinary location and a lot of stuff has to be imported from the mainland...
Flights from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos can cost USD 300 for a return ticket.
The Galapagos is a national park and you must pay a park entrance fee. As per August 2024 this fee amounts to USD 200 (two hundred) per person, payable at the airport.
A tour with companies like G Adventures or Intrepid can cost US$ 2000 per person including daily sight-seeing, with accommodation on the island, excluding flights.
A 1-week luxury cruise on a yacht can cost US$ 3,000-10,000 per person and upwards. A similar luxury cruise on a larger ship can cost anything from US$ 2,000-5,000 per person. Do look out for specials (e.g. 2-for-1 deals ~ 50% off) when booking either last-minute or far in advance.
Accommodation on the islands are still affordable with prices from US$ 50 to 200 per night. The Internet works and hotel booking platforms are available.
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