Explore Galapagos Islands

Ecuador, South America

Calendar

5/12 5/13 5/14 5/15 5/16 5/17 5/18

Day 1: Sat, May 12
6:10 A.M

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3:00 P.M

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5:30 P.M

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Day 2: Sun, May 13
6:10 A.M

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3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

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Day 3: Mon, May 14
6:10 A.M

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3:00 P.M

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5:30 P.M

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Day 4: Tue, May 15
6:10 A.M

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3:00 P.M

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5:30 P.M

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Day 5: Wed, May 16
6:10 A.M

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3:00 P.M

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5:30 P.M

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Day 6: Thu, May 17
6:10 A.M

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3:00 P.M

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5:30 P.M

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Day 7: Fri, May 18
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

About Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, located in Ecuador, are a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This magnificent archipelago is famed for its unique and diverse ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Visitors can explore the islands' volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities here, offering the chance to swim alongside sea ...View More

The Galapagos Islands, located in Ecuador, are a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This magnificent archipelago is famed for its unique and diverse ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Visitors can explore the islands' volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities here, offering the chance to swim alongside sea ...View More

Popular Destinations

  • Puerto Ayora
  • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
  • Puerto Villamil
  • Floreana Island
  • Santa Cruz Highlands
  • Baltra Island
  • Puerto Velasco Ibarra

Puerto Ayora

Located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, Puerto Ayora is the largest town and the main tourism hub of the archipelago, known for its vibrant waterfront, local markets, and conservation efforts. This town serves as the gateway to explore nearby islands and wildlife reserves. Ideal for eco-tourists, adventure seekers, and wildlife lovers.

Known For

Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation projects and meet giant tortoises.

Relaxing at Tortuga Bay, famous for its pristine beach and marine iguanas.

Exploring Las Grietas, a crystal-clear lava fissure perfect for swimming.

Shopping for local crafts and dining along the bustling waterfront.

A lively and eco-conscious town blending conservation efforts with natural beauty and island hospitality.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Located on San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galápagos and a quieter alternative to Puerto Ayora, known for its laid-back vibe, beaches, and sea lion colonies. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, surfers, and history lovers.

Known For

Visiting the Interpretation Center to explore the history and ecology of the Galápagos.

Relaxing at Playa Mann, a beach where sea lions bask alongside visitors.

Hiking to Cerro Tijeretas for panoramic views and snorkeling in the cove below.

Surfing at Punta Carola, one of the best surf spots in the Galápagos.

A peaceful and authentic town blending coastal charm with unique wildlife encounters.

Puerto Villamil

Located on Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil is a small fishing village known for its white sandy beaches, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes. This tranquil town offers a more remote and untouched Galápagos experience. Ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers, snorkelers, and wildlife photographers.

Known For

Walking through Flamingo Lagoon, home to Galápagos flamingos and marine birds.

Snorkeling at Concha de Perla, a natural pool filled with sea turtles and tropical fish.

Exploring the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lágrimas), a historical site and hiking trail.

Visiting Los Tuneles, a series of lava tunnels teeming with sharks, rays, and seahorses.

A quiet and picturesque town blending stunning volcanic scenery with diverse wildlife.

Floreana Island

One of the smallest inhabited islands, Floreana is known for its rich history of pirates, whalers, and mysterious settlers. The island is less developed, offering an intimate and rugged experience. Ideal for history buffs, divers, and solitude seekers.

Known For

Visiting Post Office Bay, a historic site where travelers leave postcards without stamps.

Exploring the Asilo de la Paz, a freshwater spring and caves used by pirates.

Snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, one of the best diving spots in the Galápagos.

Spotting Galápagos penguins and marine life around the island.

A remote and historic island blending mystery, adventure, and untouched nature.

Santa Cruz Highlands

Located inland on Santa Cruz Island, the Santa Cruz Highlands are known for their lush forests, volcanic craters, and iconic giant tortoises roaming freely. Ideal for hikers, bird watchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Known For

Exploring the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos), large volcanic sinkholes surrounded by lush forest.

Walking through the Giant Tortoise Reserve to observe these ancient creatures in their natural habitat.

Visiting Lava Tunnels, subterranean lava formations perfect for exploration.

Spotting rare bird species in the highland forests.

A lush and biodiverse area blending volcanic landscapes with rich wildlife.

Baltra Island

Located just north of Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island is home to Seymour Airport (GPS), the main entry point for most visitors to the Galápagos. The island itself is largely barren but serves as a key transportation hub. Ideal for travelers entering or leaving the Galápagos.

Known For

Arriving at Seymour Airport, the gateway to the Galápagos.

Taking a ferry to Santa Cruz Island for further exploration.

Spotting land iguanas and other wildlife near the airport.

Viewing coastal landscapes and arid vegetation during short layovers.

A vital and strategic island blending transportation with Galápagos wildlife encounters.

Puerto Velasco Ibarra

Located on Floreana Island, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is the only settlement on the island, known for its small population and simple way of life. This village offers a glimpse into the remote lifestyle of Galápagos inhabitants. Ideal for adventurous travelers, divers, and solitude seekers.

Known For

Exploring nearby Black Beach, a quiet volcanic sand beach.

Visiting Cerro Alieri, a small mountain with endemic plants and unique wildlife.

Interacting with the small local community and learning about their history.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with rays, sharks, and sea lions.

A tranquil and secluded village blending rustic island life with natural beauty and history.

Top Stays*

  • Budget
  • Mid-Range
  • Luxury

Hotel Albemarle (Isabela Island)

Located on the pristine white-sand beach of Isabela, this mid-range hotel offers Spanish colonial-style architecture, comfortable rooms, and a beachfront location ideal for exploring nearby wildlife.

Hotel Solymar (Santa Cruz Island)

Known for its central location in Puerto Ayora, this waterfront hotel provides a comfortable stay with great views, a pool, and easy access to the Charles Darwin Research Station and nearby attractions.

La Casa de Marita (Isabela Island)

This family-owned boutique hotel offers an intimate stay with a blend of charm and comfort, located right on the beach with spacious rooms and personalized service.

Pikaia Lodge (Santa Cruz Island)

This eco-friendly luxury lodge offers incredible views of the Galapagos landscape from its hilltop location, combining adventure with top-notch service and modern amenities like infinity pools, spa services, and fine dining.

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel (Santa Cruz Island)

Nestled on a private beach, Finch Bay is the only beachfront eco-hotel in Puerto Ayora, offering luxury accommodations with sustainable practices, plus kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife excursions.

Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel (Isabela Island)

Overlooking the beach and wetlands, this boutique hotel offers luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views, ideal for those seeking tranquility while still being close to Isabela's wildlife attractions.

Disclaimer* Please keep in mind that the definition of budget categories may vary, and the prices and ratings of hotels can fluctuate. Hotel prices and availability can vary based on the time of year, special events, and other factors. Always do your research, compare prices and read recent guest reviews to find the best accommodation that suits your budget and preferences.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Galapagos Islands largely depends on your preferences for weather, budget, events and crowd levels. Also, it depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Here's a breakdown of the different seasons:

Warm & Wet Season (December–May): This is the best time for snorkeling and diving, with warmer waters, calmer seas, and excellent underwater visibility. It’s perfect for seeing marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks, as well as lush landscapes and active land animals. December–March are peak months with more tourists and higher prices, while April–May offer great weather with fewer visitors.:

Cool & Dry Season (June–November): The park experiences colder waters due to the Humboldt Current, bringing nutrient-rich conditions that attract diverse marine life, including whale sharks. It’s the best time for birdwatching, as species like blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses engage in nesting and mating rituals. Sea conditions can be rougher, but this is a quieter time with fewer tourists, except for the July–August high season when prices increase.:

Disclaimer: Please note that the event dates and details can change, so it's advisable to check with official event websites and local sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Travel Readiness

Travel Advisory

Stay informed about potential travel risks and safety considerations before embarking on your journey. Travel advisories provide essential information about security concerns, health alerts, natural disasters, and other important updates. We recommend reviewing the latest travel advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.​

TRAVEL.STATE.GOV/TRAVEL.GC.CA

Travel Entry Requirements

Before traveling, ensure you meet the entry requirements for your destination. These requirements may include vaccination records, visas, and other travel documentation. Requirements vary based on nationality and recent travel history. For the latest information, visit the official government website for your destination.​

LEARN MORE

Currency

When traveling, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local currency. Before you go, check the current exchange rates and consider exchanging some money in advance. Many destinations also accept major credit cards and digital payments, but it’s a good idea to carry local. Below is a quick guide to the official currencies used in this destinations:​

U.S. Dollar (USD)

Language

Understanding the local language can enhance your travel experience. While many destinations have English-speaking locals, knowing a few key phrases in the native language shows respect and can be very helpful. Here’s a quick overview of the official and widely spoken languages in this destinations:​

Spanish (official)

Timezone

Knowing the local time zone of your destination helps you plan your itinerary, stay connected, and avoid scheduling mishaps. Many destinations also observe daylight saving time, so it’s important to check for seasonal changes. Below is a quick reference for common time zone(s) in this destinations:

Galapagos Time (GALT), UTC -6

How To Get Around

Always consider the best mode of transport depending on your destination and the distance you need to cover:

Inter-Island Flight

The easiest and quickest way to travel between the different islands in the Galapagos is by taking domestic flights. There are a few local airlines that operate daily flights between the main islands such as Baltra, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. Make sure to book your flights in advance, as availability can be limited.

Ferry

If you prefer to travel by boat, there are public ferries that operate between the islands as well. Ferries are a more budget-friendly option compared to flights, but they can be less reliable in terms of schedules and availability. Be prepared for potential delays and cancellations.

Water Taxi

In some cases, water taxis can be a convenient way to get around smaller islands or for short excursions. You can usually find water taxi services at the main ports on each island.

Guided Tour

Many tourists opt to join guided tours to explore the Galapagos Islands, as they often include transportation between islands, accommodations, and activities. This can be a hassle-free way to see the highlights of the archipelago.

Rental Bike or Car

On some of the larger islands like Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, you can rent bikes or cars to explore at your own pace. Keep in mind that the infrastructure on the islands may be limited, and roads can sometimes be rough or unpaved.

Walking

One of the best ways to explore the Galapagos Islands is by walking. Many of the main towns and tourist sites are within walking distance, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of the islands up close.

Calendar

5/12 5/13 5/14 5/15 5/16 5/17 5/18

Day 1: Sat, May 12
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 2: Sun, May 13
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 3: Mon, May 14
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 4: Tue, May 15
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 5: Wed, May 16
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 6: Thu, May 17
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 7: Fri, May 18
6:10 A.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3:00 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

5:30 P.M

Land in Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

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