Traveling to the Galapagos Islands in 2022: tips, what to do, and how to book the best trip ever

It’s 2022. Everything we went through the last two years is slowly fading away in the past. Even if we still work with standard safety measures, our “new normal” is looking more like an improved version of our past. Congratulations to you, to us, to all!

Vacations are also coming back. What seemed like an idea in the recent past, is now a reality, thanks to our capacity to adapt. Airports are running like they should. Online reservation services are looking great.

One of the spots that’s becoming more and more popular is Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. Located west of the country, the islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands often referenced as one of the few ecosystems on Earth that’s maintained its purity even in modern times.

Yes, it’s a paradise, and it’s on Earth. So, what’s better than making a paradise the next destination of your next trip?

1. Why should the Galapagos Islands be the destination for your next trip?
2. Are there any requirements for traveling to the Galapagos Islands?
3. How to get to the Galapagos Islands
4. What is the best time of the year to visit the Galapagos Islands?
5. Tips for a Galapagos Islands trip: What to pack, what to wear and where to stay
6. Activities for tourists in The  Galapagos Islands
7. Booking your  Galapagos trip

1. Why should the Galapagos Islands be the destination for your next trip?

A trip to the Galapagos Islands has no comparison, because nowhere else in the world will you find what this jewel has to offer. 

Plus, that list of “things I want to do on vacation” will have a few items to cross off. A trip to the Galapagos Islands offers more than just a unique contact with nature.

Here’s why it’s the perfect place to visit on your next vacation:

➡️ A unique ecosystem: From the geography to the fauna, what you find there, evolved there. If you are interested in science and history, this is your kind of place.

➡️ Your kind of vacation: There’s sandy beaches for relaxing as well as exploration sites for the most adventurous. There’s something for everyone and everyone’s kind of vacation.

➡️Close encounters: Don’t you find it incredible that you can approach wild animals without them being afraid of you?

Imagine being in the place where Charles Darwin was inspired to propose his theory of evolution. Undoubtedly, he must have seen something impressive.

Wouldn’t you like to spend a few days experiencing the place where life could have started and continues to evolve without human intervention?

2. Are there any requirements for traveling to Galapagos?

Normally, we would only list the requirements that Ecuador and Galapagos have to receive tourists. Today, we have to add COVID-19 to the equation.

For now, these are some of the requirements you must meet  to enter the Galapagos Islands:

✅ Regarding COVID-19. All travelers 3 years of age and older entering Ecuador must present at least 1 of the following:

Present a completed vaccination card with QR code or the vaccination certificate against COVID-19 with at least 14 days of validity after completing the dosage, or the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to boarding to Ecuador. Any passenger under 3 years old will not present these requirements.

All travelers must digitally send a Health Status declaration form.

✅ Payment of Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person).

✅ Payment of Galapagos Transit Control card ($20 per person).

✅ Compliance of Galapagos Park rules.

No visa is required for US citizens to visit Ecuador, unless they plan to stay for more than 90 days. Always remember, your passport should be in good condition and your bags could be checked at  the Customs section in airports.

3. How can I actually go to Galapagos?

Since it is a group of islands, there is only one way to get there. By plane.

So, first of all, you have to get to one of the two cities with airports that offer flights to the Galapagos Islands: Quito and Guayaquil.

Now is when you must decide what kind of trip you want to organize because as you may have noticed it is not “island” as in one place. There are actually several islands that you can visit during your visit to Galapagos, and you can reach them using the following:

• • By plane: Small airlines operate flights between the islands. However, they do not operate every day and tickets can be expensive.
  • By land: There is public transport on the islands, but it cannot be used for island hopping. You can get around the islands on your own, but there are not many places that can be reached without a naturalist guide (more on this in activities).
  • By sea: The best way to visit them because you can see a lot in short itineraries. In Cruise to Galapagos, we have tons of options for you, and we will always include a certified guide to lead your trip. Although it may seem luxurious, think of the money you will save on lodging, food and transportation.

Time and money are always a huge deal when it comes to vacations. And perhaps treating yourself to the unexpected can be the most convenient choice for you. Tours and cruise deals prepared by Galapagos travel agents may sound like a fancy option, but we’re certain this is the way to go.

4. What’s the best time of the year for visiting?

The simplest answer is all-year-round. Even though there may be slight differences, exotic wildlife can be seen throughout the whole year, weather is more than pleasant, and all activities are available.

The weather varies and this causes the islands to be warm and humid or cold and dry. Each of those seasons has their pros and cons, considering whatever it is you want to go to the islands for.

For more details about seasons, visit this article.

5. Tips for a Galapagos Islands trip: What to pack, what to wear, where to stay.

Perhaps it sounds like we’re getting ahead of ourselves, but a trip as special as this one requires being aware of details.

Pack the essentials 

• • Any airline you choose will limit baggage, so be sure to check what kind of ticket you have.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but don’t forget to carry some cash.
  • You may be asked for your vaccination card. With COVID-19, it has become commonplace.
  • ID card and return tickets are some of the documents we consider essential as well. Sunscreen, backpacks, and sunglasses are some of the items that tourists never fail to carry.

Pack the essentials

• • Any airline you choose will limit baggage, so be sure to check what kind of ticket you have.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but don’t forget to carry some cash.
  • You may be asked for your vaccination card. With COVID-19, it has become commonplace.
  • ID card and return tickets are some of the documents we consider essential as well.
  • Sunscreen, backpacks, and sunglasses are some of the items that tourists never fail to carry.

Where to stay

• • On some islands, you can rent cabins. Just make sure they are well-equipped.
  • There are also hotels, but not on all islands.

If you go by cruise ship, they will provide you with lodging and daily meals.

If you book with Cruise to Galapagos, we will provide you with all the necessary equipment for any activity. From towels to snorkeling equipment, from wetsuits to kayaks.

You can find out more in this article. Or you can contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to give you a hand.

6. Activities for tourists in the Galapagos Islands

This beautiful natural jewel has something to offer to all kinds of visitors. Literally.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over our 10+ years of experience, it’s that everyone has fun in their own way. Whether you want to relax on the beach or have a more active adventure, this place will provide something for you.

In Cruise to Galapagos, we offer more! Not all cruise companies work the same way. We provide entertainment activities for each guest. These can be among the ones mentioned above. But we usually surprise our guests with unexpected and very fun adventures.

Whatever you do and wherever you go, make sure you are authorized. There are many places in the islands that you cannot visit on your own, and you will need to be accompanied by a guide. Luckily, at Cruise to Galapagos, all of our itineraries include a bilingual naturalist guide throughout the trip.

7. Booking your trip to Galapagos 

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Your Galapagos Islands vacation is just a click away from becoming a reality. In the end, all you have to do is decide how many days you want to come and what you really want to do while you are here. The rest is part of the Cruise to Galapagos experience, we can’t wait for you to get started.

What do you say we book that visit to a Paradise on Earth?

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