Air Connectivity & Extra expenses for a Galapagos Trip

If you are planning a trip to the marvelous Galapagos Islands, it is important to be well informed. Therefore, we think you should know, How can you get to the islands from anywhere in the world? and, What are those extra expenses that you should take in mind before making your trip?

The Galapagos Islands is a bird paradise that you can see different kinds of birds on each island, such as the red-footed boobies.

To go on a trip it is not only necessary to have all the desire to travel and flight tickets, but it is also necessary to take in mind all expenses that you could have. For this reason, your budget must be ready for an adventure without setbacks.

air Connectivity

• To arrive at the Galapagos Islands you must know there are no direct international flights, therefore, you must make a connection or take a flight from Quito or Guayaquil.
• A flight to the Galapagos Islands lasts between two hours and two hours and thirty minutes.
• In the Galapagos Islands, there are two main airports, one on Baltra Island that is close to Santa Cruz Island, and the other airport on San Cristóbal Island.
• Flights from Quito generally make a stopover in Guayaquil.
• Flights to the Galapagos from Quito and Guayaquil are operating daily in the early morning.

There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands you must take a flight from Quito or Guayaquil to go to the Baltra or San Cristobal airport.

Do not forget that you must be at the airport at least 3 hours in advance to carry out luggage checks and documentation. If you require more information you can find it here.

Extra expenses

• Hotel in mainland Ecuador (at least 1 night as there are no direct international flights to the Galapagos, only from Quito or Guayaquil)
• Extra food and drinks (generally hotels only include breakfast)
• A city-tour (it is the best option to know Quito or Guayaquil if you are only passing through)
• Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport.
• Traffic Control Card or TCT / $ 20.00 per person, more information here
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee / $ 100.00 per person, more information here
• Transfer from the Baltra airport to the Itábaca Canal / $ 5.00 per person, by road.
• The crossing of the Itábaca Canal to Santa Cruz, in small boats / $ 1.00 per person per way.
• Transfer from the Canal on the Santa Cruz side to Puerto Ayora / Bus $ 5.00 per person or Taxi $ 25.00 (can be shared with up to 4 people)

*In the case of taking a cruise, these last 2 expenses do not apply.

In the case of taking a cruise a naturalist guide will wait for you at the airport to transfer you to the cruise ship, and when finish, drop you off to the airport.

Remember that, if you decide to take a Galapagos cruise to sail all over the Islands, there are usually good deals, so if you book last-minute rates or book in advance, which includes TCT and Hotel-Airport-Hotel Transfers or other benefits.

Do not forget!

The Galapagos ecosystem is very fragile and there are certain restrictions regarding what it can carry in your luggage, that’s why we invite you to read our article, What to pack to your next Galapagos Islands trip?

The ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands is very fragile and, a slight change could produce an irreversible effect.

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