A special visa is not required to travel to Ecuador – Peru – Colombia for most countries – but it is necessary to check well before your trip if you need one or not and if you have special conditions to travel.
– To enter Colombia, for example, it is necessary to fill out a form.
– To enter Ecuador, if you have spent more than 10 days in Peru or Colombia before coming, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
– In all cases, your passport must be valid at least 6 months after your return date.
– For Galapagos you need:
• a migratory registration as well and buy a transit control card “TCT” (online). When you buy the tour with us, we will buy it for you and send you your card by PDF, to keep on your phone
• Present an accommodation reservation or invitation letter. Have the service voucher, as they may ask for it at the migration control
• Pay an entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park – we will make this payment in advance, you will only have to show your passport.
The Galapagos archipelago is made up of 13 main islands, 6 minor islands and more than 100 islets and rocks. The main islands are: Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, San Cristóbal, Santiago, Floreana, Española, Baltra, Genovesa, Marchena, Pinta, Pinzón and Rábida.
The only inhabited islands are: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela.
Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal have good connections between them either by boat or by small plane. Floreana is a little more difficult to access but can also be visited by organizing in advance.
Each island has a different biodiversity, as well as unique landscapes: for example, Fernandina and Isabela are the youngest and volcanic, Santa Cruz is the most populated with many possibilities for daily excursions, San Cristobal is famous for its colony of sea lions that can be seen throughout the boardwalk.
Galapagos is seen as a very fragile and preserved destination, and while the vast majority of travelers and inhabitants are aware of this, you may see practices that could shock you such as the use of single-use plastic (this is almost totally prohibited but some stores still manage to pass plastic bags, for example), garbage thrown near or on the beaches. It is important to remember that environmental education here is still in its infancy and future generations are already more aware of how fragile the Galapagos Islands are. That is why it is important to have perspective before judging.
What actions are being taken to protect Galapagos now?
EDUCATION:
– In schools there are workshops and special classes on conservation and teaching about the unique fauna.
– The National Park, the Charles Darwin Station among others are offering summer or “vacation” classes with a focus on environmental education.
DAILY LIFE:
– Single-use plastic bottles are only still authorized for filtered water.
– The same company COCA COLA had to withdraw its plastic containers, you will only find glass, returnable containers.
– Plastic bags are prohibited. Some stores may still offer them, it is important to reject them.
– Much plastic on the beach comes from foreign fishing vessels, deep water and beach cleanings are organized regularly.
– Recycling centers, depending on the island, work more or less, so it is important to try not to generate much garbage during your stay.
TOURISM:
In terms of tourism we can show the example and apply several actions to lower the impact of your trip.
– Travel light
The heavier the luggage, the more fuel the transport engine consumes (car, bus or plane). You have to spend more to go to your destination, so try to travel light. It is preferable to avoid excess packaging and disposable products. In many areas of mainland Ecuador and Galapagos, waste disposal presents great practical and economic difficulties. Try to return home with recyclable containers.
– Stay fresh and clean
In terms of personal hygiene, especially if you are going on an adventure to the most remote areas, keep in mind that the water used for your showers can be evacuated directly into the sea or could be used as drinking water. For that reason, avoid the use of conventional soaps, shampoos or detergents. Hotels offer soap, but not always biodegradable. Try to favor totally biodegradable (ecological) products.
– Practice your “Eco-Logic”
There are many ways to make a difference every day. For example:
□ Ask for glasses and dishes instead of plastic, in restaurants.
□ Take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal. Avoid fast food or take away, and therefore disposable tableware / utensils that accompany it.
□ IMPORTANT: Bring your own reusable shopping bag instead of plastic bags.
□ Batteries and batteries are one of the most harmful products for the environment. If you bring them to Galapagos, please also leave with them. (They are not recycled here).
□ Be careful with your consumption of water, fuel and electricity.
NOTE: Please do not bring any health and beauty product that has “micro-crystals”, “microdrops” or “micro granules” containing POLYETHYLENE. These micro-drops are found in toothpastes and exfoliating cleaning products. They are made of plastic that goes with the water and end up in rivers and oceans. They are ingested by aquatic animals and cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems.
It is important to emphasize that the Galapagos Islands already have a fairly sustainable tourism model:
– Each site has a very limited maximum number of daily visitors to reduce the impact of tourism. The boats at most carry between 12 and 16 passengers to the protected sites, always accompanied by a naturalist guide.
– The naturalist guides are hired by tourist companies, but depend on and must report to the National Park. Their primary mission is to enforce the rules of the Galapagos National Park and monitor their compliance. A tourist who would not respect those rules could be prohibited from continuing with the visit.
– Tourist licenses were given based on competition and distributed among several families, so as not to keep tourism in the hands of a few families but to benefit more local people.
– The numbers of boats are limited for visits. If a new boat enters, one must leave.
These are some of the measures of the PNG to protect the islands.
Here you will never feel the weight of “mass” tourism, and it is a privilege for the tourist.
In Galapagos you can see three types of fauna/flora:
– Introduced: that was brought by the human being and are a danger to the local fauna/flora such as: guava, blackberry, cats, dogs.
– Native: arrived on its own to the islands but is also found in other parts of the world such as: blue-footed boobies, frigates. they adapted to the islands in a natural way
– Endemic: are the species that changed completely from their species of origin until forming a unique species in the world and that is only found here such as: giant land tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea lions.
On each island you can observe endemic species, both animals and plants. Some species can only be seen on specific islands such as:
• The flightless cormorants in the western part of Isabela and Fernandina Island
• The land iguanas of Santa Fé are endemic to this island
• Red-footed boobies are only seen in 2 places: Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island) and Genovesa.
Interesting fact: the pink iguanas, endemic to Isabela Island, can never be seen as they are in a protected place of the National Park without public access.
Most tours are only accessible with a naturalist guide. Having a guide that accompanies you even in places where it is not mandatory will allow you to know everything about the fragile and important ecosystem of the islands and have all the information and interpretation about what you are observing.
In Galapagos there are almost no migratory species, so all year round you will be able to observe the special fauna of this archipelago.
There are 2 seasons in the year:
From June to November, the climate is cooler with an average temperature of 20-26 degrees Celsius (68-79 FH). This is due to the cold Humboldt current that runs through the archipelago in those months. During the day the sun and the garua (light rain) alternate. At night it is necessary to have a coat. The sea water drops from 16-20 degrees. (we give you a neoprene suit for these temperatures).
Advantages of visiting in this season:
– The climate is perfect for hiking, you do not suffer from the heat.
– It is whale season sometimes they can be observed on the tours.
– The colder ocean water brings a lot of animal activity, since at this time there is more plankton, then more small fish that are the food of boobies, frigates, albatrosses.
– Birth of sea lions throughout the archipelago from August – September.
– There are almost no mosquitoes or horseflies.
From December to May we are in the rainy season. Temperatures rise considerably (up to 30 degrees -88 FH) and although there are heavy rains, when the sun comes out, it hits very hard. It is the season of the warm Panama current. The rains make the islands green, you do not need a neoprene suit to bathe (we still give you a short one to protect yourself from the sun and to be able to swim longer).
Advantages of traveling at that time of year:
– Easier snorkeling sessions (due to the warm water). Especially for family trips, this time of year is recommended since children suffer more from the cold water
– Beachy climate in the middle of European/North American winter (it is even more appreciated!)
– Transfers between islands (in boats) much easier since with the Panama current the sea is much calmer than with the Humboldt current
We recommend you get good advice from our sales agents to see which is the best season to travel. Apart from the climate, you have to take into account that:
– At Christmas prices go up, because they are quite busy dates.
– July-August are holidays in the northern hemisphere so there tend to be more families and children on those dates
– September is always a low month, you could have discounts in some hotels for example.
On all the islands you will be able to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, lava lizards, finches. Frigates, blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
In the water you can see
Some species, however, can only be seen on one or a few islands only.
• Land iguanas are only seen in Seymour Norte, Plazas, Santa Fé and Baltra
• penguins, in Isabela, Bartolomé, Fernandina and some islands in the western part of the archipelago
• flamingos Also in the western part of the archipelago
• albatrosses are only seen on Española Island, from April to December
• flightless cormorants can only be found in the western part of Isabela and Fernandina
• Red-footed boobies in San Cristal and Genovesa
• Pink iguanas live in a remote part of Isabela where no one but scientists have access.
In the water you can see sea turtles, sea lions, tropical fish everywhere.
Sharks are visible throughout the archipelago but one places we have more opportunity to see them:
• In Leon Dormido (San Cristobal) you can observe Galapagos sharks, black tip sharks, and hammerheads (hammerheads especially from December to May), either snorkeling or diving.
• In Isabela in Los Tuneles you can see white-tip reef sharks « Tintoreras »
• On the Tintoreras islet you can also observe (more from outside the lagoon) white-tip sharks.
• From the Santa Cruz pier and throughout the bay you can see juvenile sharks swimming. Many times they can be observed on Tortuga Bay beach as well
• For divers, Gordon Rock is a shark watching site
• And the best place for divers (but for experienced divers) is the famous site of Wolf and Darwin, well called « the hammerhead shark highway ». This site is only accessible by cruise.
As for flora, each island will have its species of endemic plants but on many islands you can see opuntia cacti, endemic to the island.
If you want to understand the importance of these plants, we suggest you add to your visit a farm dedicated to the eradication of invasive plants and the reforestation of endemic plants.
On your visit to the islands you will also be able to observe diverse landscapes and effects of volcanic activities on the islands.
Isabela is essential in this aspect since it is the island with active volcanic activity and your guide will explain everything about the origin of the islands and their formation in the visit to the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano or the sulfur mines.
In Santa Cruz, although there is no longer volcanic activity, you can visit lava tunnels and the Gemelos craters. The Bartolomé islet is also an interesting visit in terms of volcanology.
San Cristobal is the oldest island in the archipelago but the sites of Leon Dormido, Cerro Brujo, El Junco and Punta Pitt are still witnesses of that past and very interesting to know.
The islands are an open-air laboratory and visited by numerous international scientists and students. Even as a simple tourist it is very interesting to understand all the biodiversity of this ecosystem and its fragility.
As soon as you set foot on the islands you are in the National Park and you must follow all the rules of the National Park.
But in itself, the physical space is divided into three categories in Galapagos
– Municipal and agricultural spaces: where the local population lives. These sites are accessible without guides. They are the cities and towns of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana and Isabela, and the farms of the upper part. It is where the hotels are, where there are restaurants and can walk freely. Also there you can see animals such as sea lions, iguanas, herons, finches, pelicans etc.. and the rules of the National Park (distance with animals, no use of flash etc) must be respected
– Mixed sites: accessible without a guide but depending on the National Park (many times there will be a park ranger at the entrance of the site for control). These are beaches like Tortuga Bay, places like Tijeretas, Loberia, Concha de Perla. These sites are called “recreational” and were initially opened for the local population, not for tourists. These sites do not need to be visited with a naturalist guide, although it is always recommended to do so with a guide to better understand the fauna and flora. In addition, the guides know where the most animals are seen and in snorkeling, or where to see more iguanas or birds since they know the site more than anyone. Likewise, if you go without a guide, these beaches and recreational sites are perfect for relaxing on a day off.
– The third category are the places strictly closed to the local population and tourists without being accompanied by a guide. These sites are where there is more fauna and are therefore more protected. They are visited in small groups of maximum 16 people, and the boats that can access there are very few, whether on a cruise or on a daily tour. These sites such as Seymour, Leon Dormido, los Tuneles, Volcan Sierra Negra and all the other islands accessible only by cruise are generally where the magic operates, being in a site where very few people go and where the fauna can be observed very closely.
The guides in Galapagos depend not on the travel agencies but on the National Park. They watch over the protection of the environment where they live. First they think about the fauna of the place where they take you, not about taking the best photos or letting the tourist touch animals. We at GalaSky work with experienced guides who will know how to explain everything about Galapagos and at the same time take care of you as passengers. Except in some shared excursions where we have no power over who goes as a guide, we always work with the same team of naturalist guides for many years.
Having the best guides is key to the success of your trip.
The Galapagos Islands themselves require you to be in good physical shape to visit them, since all visits are done by walking or swimming in the open sea for snorkeling.
But you can also visit by bicycle, kayak and stand up paddle. This allows us to approach the fauna in a different way and go along less traveled paths.
In general, it is recommended to do a Port to Port tour like our adventure tours.
In San Cristobal the kayak tour allows us to see the sea lions more closely.
In Isabela, the descent from the volcano by bicycle gives us incredible sensations with unique views towards the ocean.
Santa Cruz: charming accommodations and good restaurants.
Isabela: quiet beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Floreana: isolated, perfect for disconnecting together.
You can book personalized packages through agencies like Galasky, which design romantic experiences with unique accommodations, private activities and transfers included.
Contact us at the end of this page so we can put together an unforgettable honeymoon.
Yes. There are accessible routes, adapted hotels, and gentle activities such as boat rides, short hikes, and cultural visits. In addition, the climate is pleasant throughout the year.
Santa Cruz: easy access and variety of educational activities.
Isabela: contact with nature, safe beaches.
San Cristóbal: animal watching from the port.
From December to May the weather is warmer and the sea is calmer, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying with the family.
To plan a trip tailored to your family, you can write to us from the contact form below.
It is a question that many ask themselves so let’s try to explain a little more about these modalities:
Itinerary flexibility:
• Circuit based in hotels: Staying on one of the inhabited islands, such as San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz or Isabela, gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. We can plan your days according to your preferences, whether it’s climbing Sierra Negra, snorkeling in the bay or diving with the diverse marine life.
• Cruises: Cruises follow a pre-established itinerary, ideal for travelers looking for a structured itinerary and want to visit remote places difficult to access by land, such as Fernandina and Genovesa. It is perfect if you do not want to worry about planning and enjoy the comfort of a pre-established schedule.
Encounters with Wildlife:
• Circuit based in hotels: These tours offer incredible encounters with wildlife, both on land and in the water. Imagine sea lions resting near the pier, marine iguanas sunbathing and birds like blue-footed boobies. While you will not be able to access some of the more remote islands, you can still snorkel with sharks at Kicker Rock or explore the lava tunnels at Cabo Rosa. Island-to-island tours give you a great opportunity to observe how people coexist with nature and wildlife, and also to get a real perspective of daily life on the islands.
• Cruises: A cruise allows you to reach remote islands such as Genovesa, Rábida and Fernandina, home to species not found on the main islands. If your goal is to see the widest variety of wildlife, especially species that inhabit specific islands, a cruise may be the best option. You probably won’t see many people apart from on other cruises, and the schedule is so strict that you’ll never feel like you’re among a crowd of tourists.
It should be noted that the visiting capacity of the sites is super regulated both in daily excursions and on cruises, it will always be a small group experience
3- Comfort and Accommodation:
• Circuit based in hotels: With a stay on land, you can choose accommodation that fits your style and budget, from boutique hotels to eco-lodges. You will have more space to relax, access to wifi and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local communities.
• Cruises: Cruises vary greatly in size and luxury, from small yachts to larger ships with comfortable cabins and all amenities. The advantage is waking up each morning in a new destination without the hassle of packing. However, the cabins can be smaller and sea conditions can affect comfort. Currently, almost all cruises offer wifi on board.
4- Cost Considerations:
• Circuit based in hotels: These tours can be more economical, especially if you are willing to stay in budget accommodations and take shared excursions. Some meals are not usually included, but you can enjoy trying local restaurants at your own pace.
• Cruises: Cruises usually have a higher initial cost, as they include accommodation, meals, guided tours and transfers between islands. However, they offer excellent value for money for those looking for an all-inclusive experience with expert guides and easy access to different islands.
5- Adventure and Activity Options:
• Circuit based in hotels: A land-based approach allows for a variety of activities: kayaking in calm bays, hiking on volcanoes and cycling through lush highlands. These experiences allow you to appreciate the landscape up close and enjoy a break between adventures. Keep in mind that you will be accompanied by an expert guide.
• Cruises: Cruises focus on guided activities such as snorkeling, hiking and panga rides (small boat excursions). The goal is usually to take you to the most remote and pristine places to do these activities, with less free time on board. It is ideal if you want to make the most of your time exploring diverse sites.
6. Diving:
• Circuit based in hotels: Diving has its particularities: cruises only accept experienced divers, while land excursions offer access to sites suitable for open water divers. In addition, diving yachts do not accept people who do not dive. Therefore, for couples with a diver and a non-diver, land excursions are a better option. Sometimes you can share the same boat and snorkel while the diver dives, or take alternative excursions and meet again at the end of the day.
• Cruises: Galapagos has world-class dive sites, such as the Darwin and Wolf islets. These are located far to the north, so they can only be accessed by cruise. Galapagos diving cruises are very expensive due to the long distances and the remote location of the sites. In addition, it is necessary to have top-quality diving guides with extensive experience, as the currents are strong and the dives can be very technical. But if you have the necessary experience and budget, there is no doubt that you should do the cruise!
Both hotel-based tours and cruises offer unforgettable experiences in the Galapagos, but the best option depends on your travel style, your budget and what you hope to get out of your trip. If you are looking for flexibility, a deeper connection with the local culture and the comfort of choosing your own pace, a land tour might be perfect. If you are looking for a hassle-free adventure, with the goal of reaching the most remote corners of the archipelago and maximizing encounters with wildlife, a cruise might be your best option.
It is also possible to combine the two! A short cruise followed by a few days “on land” to complete.
Whatever your choice, the Galapagos will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Write to us to receive personalized travel advice or for information on group trips and last minute trips, all trips are insured and safe.
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