Galapagos Islands, Ecuador - Travel Guide

The Galapagos Islands are a unique natural laboratory, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters with endemic species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. It's a prime destination for nature lovers, offering incredible snorkeling, diving, and hiking opportunities in a pristine environment.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$500/day

Luxury$750/day

Known For

GalapagosEcuadorPacific Oceanvolcanic islandswildlifeDarwinSanta CruzIsabelaSan CristobalFloreanaEspañolaFernandinaGenovesaMarchenaPintaSantiago

🇪🇨 Country Information: Ecuador

CapitalQuito

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

Language Spanish , Kichwa, Shuar, other indigenous languages

Phone Code+593

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (10% is often included in the bill, but additional tip for good service is appreciated), tour guides, and taxi drivers (rounding up the fare)
For hotel porters, a small amount per bag is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available in cities and major towns
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases
Bringing some USD cash is advisable, especially for rural areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is important for business meetings, but social gatherings can be more relaxed
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Greetings often involve a handshake; close friends and family may exchange a kiss on the cheek

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Ecuador has progressive LGBTQ+ laws. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2019. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by the constitution.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws can be strict, even for small amounts; avoid any drug
related activities

Special Laws

Plastic bags are banned in the Galapagos Islands
Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor spaces
Be aware of local regulations, especially in protected areas like the Galapagos

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

The Galapagos Islands have a unique subtropical climate influenced by ocean currents, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

The Galapagos Islands do not experience hurricanes
Earthquakes are possible as the islands are volcanically active
Flooding is not a significant concern

Getting There

Fly to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) in Ecuador, then a connecting flight to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) in the Galapagos (approx
2
3h from mainland, $400
600 round trip)
All visitors must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide for island excursions

Getting Around

Inter
island flights (small planes), inter
island ferries/speedboats (varying schedules and costs, can be rough), taxis on larger islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela), bicycles for rent
Ride
sharing apps are not available

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) recommended
Yellow Fever vaccine if coming from an endemic country
Consult doctor for Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid
Motion sickness remedies are essential for boat travel
Altitude sickness is not a concern on the islands, but can be in Quito
Malaria is not present in the Galapagos

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available
Claro and Movistar are the main providers in Ecuador
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are generally compatible but coverage can be limited on certain islands

Local Cuisine

Patacones snack

These are fried and mashed unripe plantains, often served as a side dish or a local alternative to French fries. They are a staple across Ecuador and

Ceviche must_try

A refreshing dish where fresh seafood (often shrimp or white fish) is marinated in citrus juices, typically lime, and mixed with onions, tomato, and c

Bolon de verde regional_speciality

Referred to as 'Galapagos dumplings,' these are mashed plantain balls typically mixed with cheese or pork. They are a hearty, traditional dish popular

Seco de chivo regional_speciality

This is a tasty goat stew, slow-cooked until tender in a flavorful broth that often includes naranjilla juice or beer. While common across Ecuador, it

Llapingachos snack

Pan-seared potato patties, often stuffed with cheese. These savory cakes are a classic Ecuadorian dish, frequently served alongside stews or a fried e

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Galapagos Liveaboard Cruise Accommodation

Book 6–12 months in advance

The best ships, specific cabins, and dates (especially holidays) sell out far in advance due to limited capacity and high demand. Availability is fixed.

Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (Logistics) permit_or_pass

Ensure your tour operator/agency has confirmed payment/registration 2–3 months in advance

While paid upon arrival, tour operators must coordinate entry logistics, including the Transit Control Card (TCC), which requires advanced registration/data submission.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Flights to Galapagos (from Quito/Guayaquil) Transport

Book 2–6 months in advance

Limited flight capacity from mainland Ecuador means prices rise significantly and preferred dates/times sell out, impacting cruise connections.

Fun Facts

1. The Galapagos Islands are formed by the intersection of three tectonic plates (Pacific, Cocos, and Nazca), which results in active volcanism and constantly changing geology where the oldest islands are sinking while the youngest are rising
2. The islands' name is inspired by their most famous inhabitants, the giant tortoises, as "Galápagos" is an old Castilian word meaning "riding saddle" due to the shell's resemblance to a saddle
3. The Galapagos is home to the only wild penguin species that lives on the equator, the Galápagos penguin, which is found on islands like Isabela and Fernandina
4. Marine iguanas, endemic to the Galapagos, are the only lizards in the world that have learned to swim in the ocean, feeding almost entirely on seaweed

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