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Galapagos Islands Travel: How to visit Galapagos on your own [with map ...
Whenever we were asked about our favorite destination we never knew what to answer because they are all special in some way. It’s clearer to us now. It will be difficult to find something even better than the Galapagos Islands. The 15 days we spent there were full of constant amazement, of salty peace, and of almost childish excitement. We shared a beach with sea lions, swam with penguins, walked with giant tortoises, strolled through flamingo lagoons, dived under lava tunnels among thousand-colored fish, and stepped on an active volcano. These islands are a unique place in the world and we wanted to make the most of each day. Let us tell you: fulfilling this dream without going bankrupt is not easy, so if you also want to explore the enchanted islands on your own in the cheapest way, this is your guide. You will find all the necessary information to prepare for your trip to the Galapagos: what to do on each island, the best tours, how to get there and how to move between islands, where to sleep, how many days to spend, the best time to go, etc. ContentsGalapagos Islands: basic factsOrganizing a trip to GalapagosWhat is the best time to visit Galapagos?Do I need a visa to visit Galapagos / EcuadorWhere are the Galapagos Islands? What country are Galapagos Islands part of?How to get to the Galapagos? Flights to Galapagos islandsWhich airlines fly to Galapagos, and what are the airports in Galapagos?Galapagos and Covid-19: new requirements, rules, and protocols to visit the islands in 2021Precautions, prohibited items and specific controls before boarding the plane to GalapagosWhat vaccinations are mandatory to travel to Galapagos?Do I need travel insurance to travel to Galapagos?Entrance to the Galapagos National Park and TaxesHow many days should I stay in Galapagos?A cruise or a DIY/island hopping trip? Which one is better?Which Galapagos island is the best to visit?Things to do in GalapagosGalapagos Islands MapWhere are the Galapagos Islands? What country are Galapagos Islands part of?A brief introduction to GalapagosThings to do in San CristóbalThings to do in San Cristóbal on your own (free or very cheap plans)Playa Oro (Gold Beach)Playa Mann (Mann Beach)Playa Lobería (Lobería Beach)Cerro Tijeretas and Punta CarolaMalecon of Puerto BaquerizoBest day tours from San CristóbalKicker Rock Tour (León Dormido)Tour 360ºTour to Española IslandPunta Pitt TourTour to Isla LobosTour by taxi to the highlandsLaguna del junco (Junco Lagoon)Galapaguera of Cerro ...
Galápagos Islands Vacation: What to Know Before You Go
Home » Blog » Galapagos » Galápagos Islands Vacation: What to Know Before You GoA Galápagos Islands tour is unlike most other vacations. In essence, you’re heading to the remote Pacific Ocean and an archipelago of volcanic islands that is a national park protecting one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Besides marveling at the rugged natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife, there are some tips and facts you should know to maximize the experience and ensure your grand Galápagos adventure goes as smoothly as possible. These include national park regulations, must-visit sites, health and safety concerns, and more.Travel Guide: What to Know Before Going to Galápagos Everything you need to know before visiting the Galápagos IslandsGalápagos Islands Entry RequirementsGetting to the Galápagos Islands involves more than a flight. Before even getting on a plane, it’s essential to understand the entry requirements put in place by Ecuador and Galápagos National Park. First, all foreign travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket to their home country. Next, you’ll need to obtain a transit control card.Transit Control CardAll travelers to the Galápagos must obtain a Transit Control Card before flying to the islands. These cards are issued at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil (at the office of the Galápagos National Institute, often referred to by its Spanish acronym INGALA). They’re valid for 60 days and cost USD $20. The purpose of the card is to monitor the flow of travelers and ensure sustainability. In 2025, the government of Ecuador established a pre-registration form to obtain the Galápagos Transit Control Card, which can be filled out online.Galápagos Biosafety FormWithin 48 hours of travel to the Gálapagos Islands, all travelers must fill out an online declaration form via Ecuador’s ABG website. This sworn declaration of goods ensures you aren’t bringing prohibited items to the islands. Restricted items include seeds, produce, animal products, and more.Galápagos Ecological Airport, on Baltra IslandLuggage InspectionThe fragile ecosystem of the Galápagos means that officials are diligent in screening for potentially hazardous materials. Therefore, upon arrival at the archipelago, you’ll undergo baggage control inspection by the Biosafety Agency, also known as SIGCAL. Officials will search for invasive species and materials like fruits, vegetables, and organic matter.Entry FeeFollowing the baggage screening, you’ll ne...
The Ultimate Galapagos Packing List - Uprooted Traveler
Dry bag · Sunglasses · Packable backpack · Reusable water bottle · Passport · Cash (Ecuador uses US dollars) and credit/debit cards: Whether you fly to the Galapagos ...
Trip to the Galapagos: Essential Strategies & Travel Tips
While cruises allow you to reach the most remote and uninhabited islands overnight, providing a twenty-four seven immersion in the marine environment, land- ...
