Galapagos planning guide: cruises, costs, and logistics
Getting there
You can fly to the islands from mainland Ecuador cities of Quito or Guayaquil. These flights are operated by Avianca and LAN-Ecuador. Roundtrip flight durations are around 3 hours from the mainland. For these tickets, you should expect to pay between $380 and $500 or between $400 and $500.
Entry requirements
You must have a valid passport to visit. Before departing from Quito or Guayaquil airports, your luggage will undergo a mandatory check for restricted items by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency or the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC). This check costs $20 USD. You are also required to obtain a tourist transit card for $20. Upon arrival, you must pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee in cash. The cost is $100 for children and $200 for non-Ecuadorian adults.
Choosing your experience
You can explore the islands via a cruise or by staying on land. Cruise services are divided into four categories: economy, tourist, first class, and luxury. These boats carry between 12 and 110 passengers. Live-aboard experiences last from 4 days (3 nights) to 12 days (11 nights), while other itineraries range from 3 to 7+ nights. Recommended cruise lines include Quasar, Latin Trails, Ecoventura, Lindblad Expeditions, and Celebrity Cruises.
If you prefer land-based travel, you can stay in hotels on inhabited islands and use ferry services (such as the Expedition route) to move between Floreana, Isabela, and Santa Cruz.
Timing your visit
The dry season runs from June to December. Average temperatures during this time are around 25°C. Between June and November, water averages 22°C and land temperatures range from 19-26°C. You should expect rougher seas, stronger winds, and a misty rain called Garua.
The wet season occurs from January to May. During this period, air temperatures average between 22-30°C and water averages 25°C. You will find calmer seas and high humidity, though there are often short periods of daily rain.
Local wildlife
One of the most notable animals you will see is the Galápagos tortoise, which is the largest living species of tortoise and can weigh up to 417 kg. Their shell shapes vary depending on their habitat. Tortoises in dry lowlands have long necks and saddleback shells. In contrast, those in humid highlands with abundant vegetation have short necks and domed shells.
Sources
[S1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_Islands, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_Islands [S2] https://galapagosislands.travel/, https://galapagosislands.travel/ [S3] https://www.galapagos.org/travel/planning-a-trip/, https://www.galapagos.org/travel/planning-a-trip/ [S4] https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islas_Gal%C3%A1pagos, https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islas_Gal%C3%A1pagos [S5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_tortoise, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_tortoise