Galapagos Islands
Ecuador
Overview
Darwin's living laboratory where giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions exist without fear of humans across volcanic islands.
Cost of Travel
Daily budget guide for Galapagos Islands — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
per person per day
per person per day
per person per day
Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.
Explore Galapagos Islands
Tortuga Bay Beach
Shoreline of dunes, salt flats & mangroves, home to species including iguanas & flamingos.
Punta Suarez
Rocky promontory for sightings of rare wildlife, like waved albatross & blue-footed boobies.
Parque Nacional Galápagos
Landmark conservation area with a marine reserve & a national park with abundant wildlife & flora.
Mirador Cerro Tijeretas
Viewpoint above a rocky bay & snorkeling spot, with frigatebirds nesting in surrounding trees.
Where to Stay
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
An eco-luxury beachfront hotel on Santa Cruz with a pool, private yacht for excursions, and a commitment to conservation.
Hotel Solymar
A comfortable mid-range hotel in Puerto Ayora's center with a pool, garden, and walking distance to the harbor and Charles Darwin station.
Where to Eat
Anker
Ecuadorian-International
Puerto Ayora's best restaurant, serving fresh seafood and creative Ecuadorian cuisine with harbor views and craft cocktails.
Isla Grill
Ecuadorian Seafood
A popular waterfront grill in Puerto Ayora serving fresh-caught fish, lobster, and ceviche at reasonable prices.
Travel Tips
- Book well in advance — visitor numbers are strictly limited
- Choose between a liveaboard cruise (best coverage) and island-hopping (more flexible)
- The $100 national park entrance fee is cash only
- Respect the 2-meter distance rule from wildlife — they won't move, so you must
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the equatorial sun is brutal
- Dry suits or wetsuits are recommended for snorkeling June-December
Getting There & Around
Inter-island flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal. Water taxis and speedboats connect the main islands. Small cruise ships are the classic way to explore. Walking and bicycles in Puerto Ayora. All visitors must pay a $100 park entrance fee on arrival.
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