The Galapagos archipelago is located almost 600 miles off the east coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. There are three main Galapagos islands that can be used as a base for activities and excursions: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz (most populated) and Isabela (largest and least populated).
There are two main airports on the Galapagos islands with nonstop daily service to/from mainland Ecuador. Santa Cruz’s Seymour Airport (GPS) is located on a secondary Baltra Island and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) is on the San Cristóbal Island. Ferries run between all three islands 1-2 times a day and it takes around 2-3 hours of travel time.
Best time to visit Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. Winter is cold and dry from May to December; summer is rainy and hot from January to May (see image below). It is scientifically impossible to have tornadoes or hurricanes in Ecuador due to equatorial location (Quito is the only city on earth that lies on the equator).
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands to escape crowds is from late November to mid December and May to June.
Award booking flights to Quito & Guayaquil
It is important to first book a Galapagos cruise and then look for flights from US to either Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador. It is better to reach Ecuador 2 days before the cruise date since they are expensive and non-refundable.
Award booking hotels in Quito
IHG has two hotels in Quito and the 4th night is free when booked with points.
Hilton also has two hotels in Quito region (5th night free when booked with points).
Quito Activities
We stayed a few nights in Quito and explored Pichincha volcano, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa before heading to Galapagos.
Award booking hotels in Guayaquil
Hilton and IHG hotels can be booked with either cash or points for a short stay in Guayaquil before heading to San Cristobal.
Award booking flights from Quito & Guayaquil to Santa Cruz (Baltra, GPS)
Baltra airport has nonstop flights from both Quito and Guayaquil and Latam flights can be easily booked with points.
Award booking flights from Guayaquil to San Cristobal
Options to explore the Galapagos islands
Due to the remote nature of these islands, the only option is to explore them on a small to medium boat/cruise or yacht. If you are on a budget, I recommend first flying to one of these islands (e.g., Santa Cruz or San Cristobal) and then negotiating several day trips from the local tour operators. If you are prepared to spend 4-5K per person on an all-inclusive cruise or yacht, there are several options available as well. I will explain both of the options below:
Galapagos Island-Hopping Advantages
- It is very economical to stay a few nights on each Galapagos island and take daily boat tours from the local operators and guides.
- Booking tours in-person on the islands (via tour kiosks/offices in town) will get you the best price.
- You should land at Santa Cruz airport and plan to leave from the San Cristobal airport (or vice versa) to save travel time on ferries.
- Ecuador uses USD as its official currency and there are several ATM’s in every town (best to bring cash in dollars from US).
- If you are short on time and want guaranteed bookings, certain reputable companies (https://www.galapagosalacarte.com/) (https://www.choko.tours/) can be used to book day tours prior to arrival.
- You must plan to stay longer during peak season to find last minute tour availability.
- You will also meet local people and enjoy learning about their culture.
- You can set your own pace to explore islands and need not do the activities set by the cruise company.
- You can bring your own snorkeling gear and go for free sessions when residing on the islands (cruise ships will charge extra).
- Galapagos Islanders are not known to harass or solicit foreigners for tips or sell additional activities.
All the activities listed below have a total cost of under $800 per person and accommodations with a private bathroom are priced around $50-75 per night in all three towns.
San Cristobal activities
Booking.com San Cristobal accommodations
- San Cristobal 360 organized tour to snorkel with hammerhead sharks and turtles.
- Mirador Cerro Tijeretas view point.
- Punta Carola beach.
- Highlands Trip: Hire a taxi + driver for a day (~$60) to take you to see Laguna El Junco crater, Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (tortoise ranch) and Puerto Chino Beach.
Santa Cruz activities
Booking.com Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) accommodations
- Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay: boat ride to an uninhabited island with snorkelling and penguin watching.
- Tortuga Bay: White-sand beach with an area for snorkeling and kayaking.
- Las Grietas guided tour: snorkel between two giant cliffs.
- Charles Darwin Research Station: breeding center for giant tortoises.
- Highlands Trip: to visit a tortoise ranch and lava tunnels.
Isabela Island activities
Booking.com Isabela accommodations.
- Las Tintoreras & Los Tuneles rock formations
- Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Island Cruises & Yachts
- All Galapagos Cruises/yachts start and end in either the Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora) or San Cristobal island.
- All passengers arriving at these airports must take a bus to the main bay and board zodiacs that transport to their cruises anchored in the bay.
- Longer cruise itineraries may require you to fly in and out of different airports within the Galapagos and it is important to confirm the airport locations before purchasing flight tickets.
- Lower-priced cruises tend to sell out faster than more expensive options.
- The higher the normal (standard) price, the greater the last minute price drop;
- The lower the normal (standard) price, the lower the price drop last minute.
- The greater the number of spaces available (and the fewer days or weeks to sell these spaces), the greater the chance of last minute price drops (probability increases as the number of available spaces increase).
- Our friends used a reputable company Metropolitan-touring and they were extremely happy with their decision. The prices listed on their webpage ($4500-7000 per person) are listed at least 40-50% higher and they will discount it heavily once you call and negotiate with them.
- There are cruise trip brokers that also offer discounted prices based on length and onboard luxuries (see the image below from my 2016 trip research).
Galapagos Islands Scenery
Summary
A trip to the Galapagos Islands is at the top of everyone’s bucket list right next to Antarctica (review) and it can be done on a budget by using points for flights and staying at hotels in each island.