How to Travel to the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are a dream destination for many travelers who want to experience the unique wildlife, landscapes and culture of this archipelago. But did you know that you can also enjoy a luxurious and comfortable stay in one of the many high-end resorts and lodges that the islands offer?

In this blog post, we will share with you some tips on how to travel to the Galapagos and stay in a high-end resort, where you can relax, indulge and pamper yourself after a day of exploring the wonders of nature.

Choose your island

The Galapagos Islands are composed of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands and more than 100 islets and rocks. Each island has its own characteristics, attractions and activities, so you need to choose wisely which one suits your preferences and expectations.

Some of the most popular islands for luxury travelers are:

• Santa Cruz: This is the most populated and developed island, where you can find the largest town, Puerto Ayora, and the main airport, Baltra. It is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, the Tortuga Bay beach, the lava tunnels and the giant tortoises reserve. Some of the best high-end resorts on this island are Finch Bay, Safari Camp and Pikaia Lodge.

• San Cristobal: This is the second most populated island, where you can find the capital city, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and another airport. It is also where Charles Darwin first landed in 1835 and where you can visit the Interpretation Center, the Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint, the Kicker Rock formation and the La Loberia beach. Some of the best high-end resorts on this island are Golden Bay and Sea Side.

• Isabela: This is the largest and youngest island, where you can find the most active volcanoes, such as Sierra Negra, Wolf and Darwin. It is also where you can see penguins, flamingos, marine iguanas, sea lions and turtles. Some of the best high-end resorts on this island are Iguana Crossing and La Casa De Marita.

Book your flights

The Galapagos Islands are located about 600 miles (970 km) off the coast of Ecuador, so you need to fly from mainland Ecuador to get there. There are two airports in the Galapagos: Baltra (GPS) on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristobal (SCY) on San Cristobal Island. You can fly from Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) to either of these airports.

The flights usually take about 2 hours and cost around $400-$500 round trip per person. You can book your flights online or through your travel agent. Make sure to check the baggage allowance and restrictions before you pack your bags.

Pay your fees

When you arrive at the Galapagos airport, you need to pay two fees: the Ingala Transit Control Card ($20 per person) and the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per person for foreigners). These fees are mandatory and help fund the conservation and management of the islands.

You can pay these fees in cash (US dollars) or by credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Keep your receipts as you may need to show them when you leave the islands.

Arrange your transportation

Once you have paid your fees, you need to arrange your transportation to your resort. Depending on which island and resort you choose, you may need to take a bus, a taxi, a ferry or a private transfer.

For example, if you fly to Baltra and stay at Finch Bay on Santa Cruz Island, you need to take a bus from the airport to the Itabaca Channel ($5 per person), then take a ferry across the channel ($1 per person), then take a taxi or a private transfer to Puerto Ayora ($25-$35 per ride), then take another ferry to Finch Bay ($0.80 per person).

If you fly to San Cristobal and stay at Golden Bay on the same island, you just need to take a taxi from the airport to the resort ($2-$3 per ride).

If you fly to Baltra and stay at Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island, you can arrange a private transfer with the lodge that will pick you up from the airport and take you directly to the resort ($90 per person).

Enjoy your stay

Once you arrive at your resort, you can enjoy your stay and all the amenities and services that it offers. Most of the high-end resorts in the Galapagos have:

• Spacious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, wifi, TV, minibar, safe and private bathroom.

• Restaurants and bars that serve local and international cuisine, cocktails and wine.

• Pools, jacuzzis, spas and gyms that offer relaxation and wellness.

• Tours and activities that include snorkeling, diving, hiking, kayaking, biking and wildlife watching.

You can also explore the islands on your own or with a guide, depending on your preferences and budget. Some of the most popular attractions and activities in the Galapagos are:

• Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Interpretation Center to learn more about the history, geology and ecology of the islands.

• Snorkeling or diving with sea lions, turtles, sharks, rays, penguins and fish at sites like Kicker Rock, Los Tuneles, Gordon Rocks and Devil’s Crown.

• Hiking or biking to the volcanoes, craters, lava fields and viewpoints on islands like Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal.

• Watching the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and other endemic species at places like Tortuga Bay, El Chato Reserve, Las Tintoreras and Punta Pitt.

Plan your return

When it’s time to leave the Galapagos, you need to plan your return trip accordingly. You need to check out from your resort at least 3 hours before your flight departure time. You also need to show your Ingala Transit Control Card and your Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee receipt at the airport.

You can arrange your transportation back to the airport with your resort or on your own. Depending on which island and resort you choose, you may need to take a ferry, a taxi, a bus or a private transfer.

For example, if you fly from Baltra and stay at Finch Bay on Santa Cruz Island, you need to take a ferry from Finch Bay to Puerto Ayora ($0.80 per person), then take a taxi or a private transfer to the Itabaca Channel ($25-$35 per ride), then take a ferry across the channel ($1 per person), then take a bus to the airport ($5 per person).

If you fly from San Cristobal and stay at Golden Bay on the same island, you just need to take a taxi from the resort to the airport ($2-$3 per ride).

If you fly from Baltra and stay at Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island, you can arrange a private transfer with the lodge that will take you directly from the resort to the airport ($90 per person).

We hope that this blog post has given you some useful tips on how to travel to the Galapagos and stay in a high-end resort. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave them below. We would love to hear from you.

Happy travels! 🌎