It is the most famous living museum in the world. The Galapagos Islands attract more than 250 thousand tourists every year. If this destination is in your 2020 plans you should take note of these responses that we have collected in our trips. Galapagos in 100 questions was born in a first version in 2017. In 2019, on a new trip, we reached 200 questions and answers. This 2020 we returned and we updated the information with new data.
1. Which airlines fly to Galapagos?
Currently Tame, Latam and Avianca have flights departing from Quito and Guayaquil to Galapagos
2. How many flight hours are there from mainland Ecuador to the islands?
Two hours of flight
3. What is the Galapagos schedule?
Galapagos has one hour less difference with the Ecuadorian continental territory.
4. What is the average cost of an air ticket to Galapagos? Purchased online the cost of a ticket for an Ecuadorian could range from $ 200. For a foreigner it is over $ 350.
5. As the flights last two hours, is there lunch service?
Not as part of the ticket. Most airlines only serve snacks. Latam only gives water and sells food on board. It has sales service on board. Only accept cash or credit card payment.
6.-What airport does most tourists arrive at?
6.-What airport does most tourists arrive at?
In 2018, 182,037 foreigners and 93,780 nationals arrived at the Balym Seymour airport. That is the main port of entry to Galapagos, above San Cristobal, the capital.
7. At what times is the largest movement concentrated in Baltra and San Cristobal?
The largest number of flights is between 09:00 and 14:00. They are round trip flights. There are no night flights.
8.-What day are the most flights?
At Baltra airport, the day with the most flight movement is Sunday. There are up to 9 flights.
9. Are there inter-island flights?
Yes. Emetebe and Fly Galapagos make flights between islands.
10. Do these inter-island flights arrive and depart from the same airports as commercial flights?
Yes, they enter and leave the same airports.
11. Where do these airlines that make interislas flights have offices?
They have offices in Santa Cruz and Guayaquil.
About the requirements to enter Galapagos
12.- What requirements are required for foreign tourists to go to Galapagos?
Have acquired the traffic control card; round trip ticket by any means, book in one or more accommodations or tourist accommodation establishments legally authorized to spend the night.
13. If someone residing in the Galapagos Islands invites an Ecuadorian or foreigner to spend the night in his house, what requirements must he meet?
Since November 1, 2018, the invitation letter requirement for national or foreign tourists entering Galapagos and staying as a guest of a permanent or temporary resident in the province of Galapagos has entered into force.
14. How long can a visitor be in Galapagos with the invitation letter?
The time determined in the Special Regime Law sets 60 days a year.
15. What format should the invitation letter have?
The invitation letter is available on the website of the Governing Council of the Special Galapagos Regime (www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec).
16. Which of these requirements will be enforceable for national tourists?
Round trip ticket and hotel reservation will be required. The reservation of the ticket must be printed or on the cell phone.
17. Where will compliance with the requirements be controlled?
In the office of the Government of Galapagos of the airports of Quito and Guayaquil.
18. Is it necessary to have health insurance to go to Galapagos?
The Ecuadorian Government tried to demand health insurance from foreigners. It was going to take effect on November 1, 2018, but it was postponed.
19. If insurance is no longer required to travel to Galapagos, is it advisable to take one on your own?
Galapagos has a basic hospital infrastructure. Social security and Ministry of Health. It is not to attend specialties. That is why it is recommended to take out insurance on your own.
20. When a tourist has a medical emergency, how is the transfer of Galapagos to continental Ecuador coordinated?
When urgent cases are presented, patients are usually transferred on FF.AA. aircraft.
Payments to enter the archipelago
21. Does a tourist pay any additional value to the ticket to enter the Galapagos?
Yes. You must cancel an item for the entry card. The value is 20 dollars for Ecuadorians.
22. How much do foreigners have to pay to enter the Galapagos Islands?
Foreigners must pay 100 dollars. The value is paid before checking on the airline, in Quito or Guayaquil.
23. What document is delivered at the time of canceling for that entry card?
They give a kind of primer that must be filled out, signed and delivered upon arrival at the Galapagos airports.
24. Should the entry card be kept to leave Galapagos?
Yes. On leaving you must give half of the card that the agent delivered upon arrival at the airport.
25. Does the entrance to the protected areas of the Galapagos National Park have a cost?
7. At what times is the largest movement concentrated in Baltra and San Cristobal?
The largest number of flights is between 09:00 and 14:00. They are round trip flights. There are no night flights.
8.-What day are the most flights?
At Baltra airport, the day with the most flight movement is Sunday. There are up to 9 flights.
9. Are there inter-island flights?
Yes. Emetebe and Fly Galapagos make flights between islands.
10. Do these inter-island flights arrive and depart from the same airports as commercial flights?
Yes, they enter and leave the same airports.
11. Where do these airlines that make interislas flights have offices?
They have offices in Santa Cruz and Guayaquil.
About the requirements to enter Galapagos
12.- What requirements are required for foreign tourists to go to Galapagos?
Have acquired the traffic control card; round trip ticket by any means, book in one or more accommodations or tourist accommodation establishments legally authorized to spend the night.
13. If someone residing in the Galapagos Islands invites an Ecuadorian or foreigner to spend the night in his house, what requirements must he meet?
Since November 1, 2018, the invitation letter requirement for national or foreign tourists entering Galapagos and staying as a guest of a permanent or temporary resident in the province of Galapagos has entered into force.
14. How long can a visitor be in Galapagos with the invitation letter?
The time determined in the Special Regime Law sets 60 days a year.
15. What format should the invitation letter have?
The invitation letter is available on the website of the Governing Council of the Special Galapagos Regime (www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec).
16. Which of these requirements will be enforceable for national tourists?
Round trip ticket and hotel reservation will be required. The reservation of the ticket must be printed or on the cell phone.
17. Where will compliance with the requirements be controlled?
In the office of the Government of Galapagos of the airports of Quito and Guayaquil.
18. Is it necessary to have health insurance to go to Galapagos?
The Ecuadorian Government tried to demand health insurance from foreigners. It was going to take effect on November 1, 2018, but it was postponed.
19. If insurance is no longer required to travel to Galapagos, is it advisable to take one on your own?
Galapagos has a basic hospital infrastructure. Social security and Ministry of Health. It is not to attend specialties. That is why it is recommended to take out insurance on your own.
20. When a tourist has a medical emergency, how is the transfer of Galapagos to continental Ecuador coordinated?
When urgent cases are presented, patients are usually transferred on FF.AA. aircraft.
Payments to enter the archipelago
21. Does a tourist pay any additional value to the ticket to enter the Galapagos?
Yes. You must cancel an item for the entry card. The value is 20 dollars for Ecuadorians.
22. How much do foreigners have to pay to enter the Galapagos Islands?
Foreigners must pay 100 dollars. The value is paid before checking on the airline, in Quito or Guayaquil.
23. What document is delivered at the time of canceling for that entry card?
They give a kind of primer that must be filled out, signed and delivered upon arrival at the Galapagos airports.
24. Should the entry card be kept to leave Galapagos?
Yes. On leaving you must give half of the card that the agent delivered upon arrival at the airport.
25. Does the entrance to the protected areas of the Galapagos National Park have a cost?
Yes. It is a unique item that is paid upon entering the airport of Baltra or San Cristobal. It costs $ 100 for foreigners and
$ 6 for Ecuadorians or foreigners residing in Ecuador. In this 2020 these values are maintained.
26. Do children under 12 pay less to enter the protected area of the Galapagos National Park?
$ 6 for Ecuadorians or foreigners residing in Ecuador. In this 2020 these values are maintained.
26. Do children under 12 pay less to enter the protected area of the Galapagos National Park?
Yes. Foreign children under 12 pay 50 dollars.
27. Do visitors who live in countries of the Andean Community and Mercosur area have any benefits?
27. Do visitors who live in countries of the Andean Community and Mercosur area have any benefits?
Yes. They have a reduction in the entrance to the protected areas of Galapagos. They do not pay 100, but 50 dollars. The Galapagos climate.
28. What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?
The hottest and rainiest season is from December to April, with a minimum average temperature of 22 ° C and a maximum of 31 ° C.
29. In what months does it usually rain in Galapagos?
From January to March there is usually rainfall in the islands.
30. What kind of clothes are you advised to wear to Galapagos?
28. What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?
The hottest and rainiest season is from December to April, with a minimum average temperature of 22 ° C and a maximum of 31 ° C.
29. In what months does it usually rain in Galapagos?
From January to March there is usually rainfall in the islands.
30. What kind of clothes are you advised to wear to Galapagos?
The Galapagos climate allows you to wear light clothes, especially for the walks that must be done to visit places.
31. Is there a cold season in Galapagos?
The “cold” season runs from May to November, with minimum average temperatures of 19 ° C and maximum temperatures of 27 ° C.
32. Are there places to buy light clothes in Galapagos?
Yes, but obviously with a higher price than in the continent.
Traveling with pets
33. Can I travel with pets to the Galapagos Islands?
The entry to Galapagos of domestic or wild animals is restricted. Dogs and cats cannot travel with a tourist.
34. Can a tourist enter plants to Galapagos?
No. The entry of seeds, plants, buds, bulbs, products and by-products of plant and animal origin through a port not authorized by the competent authority is considered a violation.
35. What fine is paid if one enters animals or plants without authorization?
These infractions are sanctioned with a fine of between sixteen to thirty unified basic salaries that are paid in the province of Galapagos.
36 How is the entry of plants, food or animals to the islands controlled?
On the plane, cabin crew deliver a document that must be filled out and stating that these prohibited items are not being
entered.
37. Is there physically any control at airports?
And it is. The bags go through X-ray equipment to detect if
food, plants or other items are not allowed.
38. What kind of controls are being carried out in Ecuador's
airports by the coronavirus?
Epidemiological control personnel are at the airports of Quito
and Guayaquil informing passengers about the coronavirus.
They are also pending suspicious patients. This was activated
from the detection of a patient with possible infection of
coronavirus.
39. Are there any controls in the Galapagos airports?
Yes, Ministry of Health staff is informing passengers about the care and protocols that must be followed.
40. Is it necessary to wear masks to avoid possible contagion?
Although Galapagos airport staff is wearing masks, this is not an obligation for passengers.
Mobilization
41. When one arrives at Baltra airport, what transport is taken to go to Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora)?
From Baltra you must take a bus to go to the Itabaca canal, which is the connection point to Santa Cruz Island.
42. How much is paid to go from the Baltra airport to the Itabaca canal?
The service since 2018 is provided by a bus company called Lobito. You pay 5 dollars per passenger, from Baltra to the Itabaca channel.
43. Do you provide luggage service at Baltra airport?
Yes, when one pays the 5 dollars to go from Baltra to Itabaca, that value includes the luggage service.
44. When one arrives at the Itabaca Canal, what service is taken to cross to Santa Cruz Island?
The service is provided by a ferry, which charges $ 1 to cross the canal. The journey takes about 5 minutes.
45. Are there buses in Santa Cruz, the most tourist island of Galapagos?
There is a bus cooperative that transfers passengers from the Itabaca Canal, on Baltra Island (where the airport is), to Santa Cruz. The transfer costs 5 dollars and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
46. Can I take buses to go back to the airport?
Buses leave from Santa Cruz to the Itabaca Canal at 07:00, 07:40, 08:00 and 08:40.
47. Is there a taxi system in Galapagos?
Yes, but in reality it is white trucks that provide taxi service. They serve the airport and the populated area.
48. How much does a taxi charge from the Itabaca Canal to Santa Cruz?
The Itabaca canal race to Santa Cruz costs $ 25.
49. How much do races to tourist places cost?
In the urban area, the shortest race costs $ 1.5. The value increases when you take a taxi to go to the tourist sites that are outside the populated area, in the so-called upper part.
50. What rate do taxis have?
Depending on the tourist places. An average rate is around $ 25 outside the urban area.
51. Is there a fixed rate to know the cost of the races?
Yes. Each taxi driver is obliged to carry the fare in a visible place.
52. Can an agreement be reached with the taxi driver to improve the value of the race?
Yes. There are taxi drivers who wait for tourists on the site or agree to pick it up at a specific time. Some are flexible to negotiate a lower rate
53. Can I put together groups to go in a taxi?
It is better to do so that the rate is distributed. In the vans four passengers can go. And in the morning there are usually many tourists on the street interested in sharing taxis.
54. Is the San Cristóbal airport close to the populated area?
Yes, unlike Baltra, San Cristóbal airport is close to the populated area.
55. Is there a taxi service from San Cristóbal airport to the populated area?
Yes, there are white vans that provide the service. There are travelers who choose to walk to the populated area. But if you go with luggage and children it is better to take a van.
56. What fee should be paid from the San Cristóbal airport to the populated area?
Do not pay more than 3 dollars.
57. Are there hotels that have a tourist transfer service to the airport?
Yes. There are medium and large hotels that provide free shuttle service.
58. How long is it advisable to be at the Galapagos airports?
If a traveler will leave Baltra, he must plan the departure well. Minimum must leave three hours before the trip from Puerto Ayora. And if you leave from San Cristobal, an hour before the flight may be appropriate.
Currency, preferable in cash
59. What is the official currency of Ecuador?
For 20 years Ecuador left Sucre to adopt the dollar as the official currency.
60. Do you accept credit cards in restaurants and hotels?
In Galapagos they like to work in cash. Small businesses and even some medium-sized downtown avenues only accept cash payments. But there are some gourmet restaurants that accept cards.
61. Do you accept 100 dollar bills in Galapagos?
In Ecuador simple tickets are used. In business they preferred payments with bills of up to 20 dollars.
62. Should I accept scratched, sealed or scribbled bills?
In Ecuador this type of tickets circulates and they are accepted in the shops.
63. Is there local currency in Ecuador?
31. Is there a cold season in Galapagos?
The “cold” season runs from May to November, with minimum average temperatures of 19 ° C and maximum temperatures of 27 ° C.
32. Are there places to buy light clothes in Galapagos?
Yes, but obviously with a higher price than in the continent.
Traveling with pets
33. Can I travel with pets to the Galapagos Islands?
The entry to Galapagos of domestic or wild animals is restricted. Dogs and cats cannot travel with a tourist.
34. Can a tourist enter plants to Galapagos?
No. The entry of seeds, plants, buds, bulbs, products and by-products of plant and animal origin through a port not authorized by the competent authority is considered a violation.
35. What fine is paid if one enters animals or plants without authorization?
These infractions are sanctioned with a fine of between sixteen to thirty unified basic salaries that are paid in the province of Galapagos.
36 How is the entry of plants, food or animals to the islands controlled?
On the plane, cabin crew deliver a document that must be filled out and stating that these prohibited items are not being
entered.
37. Is there physically any control at airports?
And it is. The bags go through X-ray equipment to detect if
food, plants or other items are not allowed.
38. What kind of controls are being carried out in Ecuador's
airports by the coronavirus?
Epidemiological control personnel are at the airports of Quito
and Guayaquil informing passengers about the coronavirus.
They are also pending suspicious patients. This was activated
from the detection of a patient with possible infection of
coronavirus.
39. Are there any controls in the Galapagos airports?
Yes, Ministry of Health staff is informing passengers about the care and protocols that must be followed.
40. Is it necessary to wear masks to avoid possible contagion?
Although Galapagos airport staff is wearing masks, this is not an obligation for passengers.
Mobilization
41. When one arrives at Baltra airport, what transport is taken to go to Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora)?
From Baltra you must take a bus to go to the Itabaca canal, which is the connection point to Santa Cruz Island.
42. How much is paid to go from the Baltra airport to the Itabaca canal?
The service since 2018 is provided by a bus company called Lobito. You pay 5 dollars per passenger, from Baltra to the Itabaca channel.
43. Do you provide luggage service at Baltra airport?
Yes, when one pays the 5 dollars to go from Baltra to Itabaca, that value includes the luggage service.
44. When one arrives at the Itabaca Canal, what service is taken to cross to Santa Cruz Island?
The service is provided by a ferry, which charges $ 1 to cross the canal. The journey takes about 5 minutes.
45. Are there buses in Santa Cruz, the most tourist island of Galapagos?
There is a bus cooperative that transfers passengers from the Itabaca Canal, on Baltra Island (where the airport is), to Santa Cruz. The transfer costs 5 dollars and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
46. Can I take buses to go back to the airport?
Buses leave from Santa Cruz to the Itabaca Canal at 07:00, 07:40, 08:00 and 08:40.
47. Is there a taxi system in Galapagos?
Yes, but in reality it is white trucks that provide taxi service. They serve the airport and the populated area.
48. How much does a taxi charge from the Itabaca Canal to Santa Cruz?
The Itabaca canal race to Santa Cruz costs $ 25.
49. How much do races to tourist places cost?
In the urban area, the shortest race costs $ 1.5. The value increases when you take a taxi to go to the tourist sites that are outside the populated area, in the so-called upper part.
50. What rate do taxis have?
Depending on the tourist places. An average rate is around $ 25 outside the urban area.
51. Is there a fixed rate to know the cost of the races?
Yes. Each taxi driver is obliged to carry the fare in a visible place.
52. Can an agreement be reached with the taxi driver to improve the value of the race?
Yes. There are taxi drivers who wait for tourists on the site or agree to pick it up at a specific time. Some are flexible to negotiate a lower rate
53. Can I put together groups to go in a taxi?
It is better to do so that the rate is distributed. In the vans four passengers can go. And in the morning there are usually many tourists on the street interested in sharing taxis.
54. Is the San Cristóbal airport close to the populated area?
Yes, unlike Baltra, San Cristóbal airport is close to the populated area.
55. Is there a taxi service from San Cristóbal airport to the populated area?
Yes, there are white vans that provide the service. There are travelers who choose to walk to the populated area. But if you go with luggage and children it is better to take a van.
56. What fee should be paid from the San Cristóbal airport to the populated area?
Do not pay more than 3 dollars.
57. Are there hotels that have a tourist transfer service to the airport?
Yes. There are medium and large hotels that provide free shuttle service.
58. How long is it advisable to be at the Galapagos airports?
If a traveler will leave Baltra, he must plan the departure well. Minimum must leave three hours before the trip from Puerto Ayora. And if you leave from San Cristobal, an hour before the flight may be appropriate.
Currency, preferable in cash
59. What is the official currency of Ecuador?
For 20 years Ecuador left Sucre to adopt the dollar as the official currency.
60. Do you accept credit cards in restaurants and hotels?
In Galapagos they like to work in cash. Small businesses and even some medium-sized downtown avenues only accept cash payments. But there are some gourmet restaurants that accept cards.
61. Do you accept 100 dollar bills in Galapagos?
In Ecuador simple tickets are used. In business they preferred payments with bills of up to 20 dollars.
62. Should I accept scratched, sealed or scribbled bills?
In Ecuador this type of tickets circulates and they are accepted in the shops.
63. Is there local currency in Ecuador?
There are also coins
with Ecuadorian characters that
have the same value as the dollar fractions.
64. Are there international banks in Galapagos?
In Ecuador, the Pichincha and Pacific Ecuadorian banks operate with branches and ATMs that accept international cards from the Cirrus and Maestro network.
65. Can the fees to enter the Galapagos National Park be paid by credit card?
In the two airports of Galapagos, only this item can be paid in cash.
66. Are there ATMs at the airport to get money?
Yes, but it is preferable that you carry cash from the continent.
Favorite island
67. What island is recommended to visit in Galapagos?
Santa Cruz Island is the most visited, despite not being the capital. That island reaches more than 50% of tourists who go to Galapagos.
68. From which island can I start the tours?
Santa Cruz Island is advisable as a base for travel. Being in the center of the Archipelago there is an opportunity to obtain lower costs to go to other islands.
69. How much does it cost to travel to other islands of tourist interest?
There are boats or fibers that take tourists from one island to another.
Tickets cost from $ 25 and the journey takes about two hours, for example between Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela.
70. At what time is it advisable to travel?
There are boats that leave from 07:00 in the morning. There are also departures services at 2pm.
71. How safe are the boats?
The boats are yacht type, with capacity for about 20 people. Some have three engines to make the trip faster.
Gastronomy, local and international
72. How much does a cheap lunch cost in Galapagos?
In popular dining rooms a lunch ranges from 5 or 6 dollars.
73. Are fast food chains recognized in Galapagos?
64. Are there international banks in Galapagos?
In Ecuador, the Pichincha and Pacific Ecuadorian banks operate with branches and ATMs that accept international cards from the Cirrus and Maestro network.
65. Can the fees to enter the Galapagos National Park be paid by credit card?
In the two airports of Galapagos, only this item can be paid in cash.
66. Are there ATMs at the airport to get money?
Yes, but it is preferable that you carry cash from the continent.
Favorite island
67. What island is recommended to visit in Galapagos?
Santa Cruz Island is the most visited, despite not being the capital. That island reaches more than 50% of tourists who go to Galapagos.
68. From which island can I start the tours?
Santa Cruz Island is advisable as a base for travel. Being in the center of the Archipelago there is an opportunity to obtain lower costs to go to other islands.
69. How much does it cost to travel to other islands of tourist interest?
There are boats or fibers that take tourists from one island to another.
Tickets cost from $ 25 and the journey takes about two hours, for example between Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela.
70. At what time is it advisable to travel?
There are boats that leave from 07:00 in the morning. There are also departures services at 2pm.
71. How safe are the boats?
The boats are yacht type, with capacity for about 20 people. Some have three engines to make the trip faster.
Gastronomy, local and international
72. How much does a cheap lunch cost in Galapagos?
In popular dining rooms a lunch ranges from 5 or 6 dollars.
73. Are fast food chains recognized in Galapagos?
No. Neither KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut or McDonalds have a presence in the archipelago. However, there are businesses that sell a similar offer, under local brands.
74. Are there restaurants with gourmet offer?
74. Are there restaurants with gourmet offer?
Yes, especially in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), on the main
avenue Charles Darwin.
75. Is there a restaurant with direct ocean view?
75. Is there a restaurant with direct ocean view?
One of the most recognized is in front of Puerto Ayora. This
is going by taxi (costs $ 0.80). It is called New Angermeyer
Point and has an ocean view. There national and international
cuisine dishes are sold.
76. How many restaurants are there in Galapagos?
The Galapagos Tourist Observatory records 153 bars and restaurants.
77. Is there a supermarket on the islands?
In Galapagos there are not the three main supermarket chains that operate in continental Ecuador (Supermaxi, Mi Comisariato and Tía), but there is a local supermarket called Proinsular, which is stocked in Puerto Ayora.
78. Are Galapagos prices the same as in Ecuadorian continental soil?
76. How many restaurants are there in Galapagos?
The Galapagos Tourist Observatory records 153 bars and restaurants.
77. Is there a supermarket on the islands?
In Galapagos there are not the three main supermarket chains that operate in continental Ecuador (Supermaxi, Mi Comisariato and Tía), but there is a local supermarket called Proinsular, which is stocked in Puerto Ayora.
78. Are Galapagos prices the same as in Ecuadorian continental soil?
No. Prices are higher. A bottle with water that costs $ 0.50 in continental territory, in Galapagos it ranges between $ 1.50 and $ 2. A gallon of water can cost $ 3.50.
79. Can I bring food from the mainland to Galapagos?
You cannot carry perishable food in your luggage. Only packaged or canned foods are allowed.
80. How do you control the entry of food to the islands?
In the airports of Quito and Guayaquil, the bags are subjected to scanning to detect perishable foods or species that are being introduced. When you arrive in Galapagos, you also check your hand luggage.
81. Are there food stores at the ecological airport of Baltra? There are stores that sell snacks and drinks.
79. Can I bring food from the mainland to Galapagos?
You cannot carry perishable food in your luggage. Only packaged or canned foods are allowed.
80. How do you control the entry of food to the islands?
In the airports of Quito and Guayaquil, the bags are subjected to scanning to detect perishable foods or species that are being introduced. When you arrive in Galapagos, you also check your hand luggage.
81. Are there food stores at the ecological airport of Baltra? There are stores that sell snacks and drinks.
82. Do Galapagos have coffee shops? Santa Cruz Island has coffee shops. The newest is the 1835 Cofee Lab cafeteria. It offers Galapagos coffee. It is on the main avenue. Another is on the terrace of the Proinsular supermarket.
Hosting for all budgets
83. How many accommodations are there in Galapagos?
According to the Tourist Observatory there are 315 lodging establishments in the Archipelago.
84. How long are the accommodation rates in Galapagos?
On the islands there are lodging options, in modest hostels, ranging from $ 20 to $ 25 per night.
85. Are there luxury hotels in Galapagos?
There are different luxury lodging options. The night costs in those hotels between 133 and 500 dollars.
86. At what time are the average income at the hotels?
Hosting for all budgets
83. How many accommodations are there in Galapagos?
According to the Tourist Observatory there are 315 lodging establishments in the Archipelago.
84. How long are the accommodation rates in Galapagos?
On the islands there are lodging options, in modest hostels, ranging from $ 20 to $ 25 per night.
85. Are there luxury hotels in Galapagos?
There are different luxury lodging options. The night costs in those hotels between 133 and 500 dollars.
86. At what time are the average income at the hotels?
The average admission is at 3:00 p.m. and the departure at 12:00 p.m.
87. What are the best known luxury hotels in Galapagos? Among the best-known luxury hotels in Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal are Sol y Mar, AngerMeyer Water Front, Royal Palm Hotel, Red Manerove, Finch Bay Galapagos, Iguana Crossing, Golden Bay Hotel, Galapagos Tortuga Bay.
88. What is the average nightly rate at these hotels?
87. What are the best known luxury hotels in Galapagos? Among the best-known luxury hotels in Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal are Sol y Mar, AngerMeyer Water Front, Royal Palm Hotel, Red Manerove, Finch Bay Galapagos, Iguana Crossing, Golden Bay Hotel, Galapagos Tortuga Bay.
88. What is the average nightly rate at these hotels?
Rates range from $ 133 to $ 411 a night, depending on the season.
89. How can I get to know the cheap and well-located hostels?
In the web portal of the Municipality of Santa Cruz there is a tool that allows to know the location of hotels and hostels.
90. How do I know which hostel has a good reputation?
In forums like Tripadvisor there are comments that can help travelers make a decision based on the experiences of others. Travelers give good comments from Captain Max in Santa Cruz; the hostel Sula Sula in Isabela and Laura's house in San Cristobal. Also Marita's house and The Great Turtle reap praise.
91. Are there hostels with shared rooms?
Yes, in Galapagos properties have been developed that now offer shared rooms, such as a hostel.
92. To submit the entry requirement, can reservations be made on search engines such as Booking?
Yes, the Government Council office accepts reservations made through search engines. They must be printed.
93. If I made my reservation through a search engine and separated it with a credit card, should I understand that the establishment accepts that form of payment?
You should check with the hotel. Most accept the reservation by card, but do not charge you with that mechanism. Upon arrival there are hotels that charge you for the stay in cash.
94. Do hotels accept payment in parts or do they charge you for the entire stay?
In Galapagos there are hotels that prefer to pay for the entire stay at the time of arrival.
95. If the hotel asks me to pay by bank transfer, is that system safe?
For the new requirement that is required to show the reservation before traveling there are hotels that to ensure the reservation ask the guest to pay by bank transfer. To be sure, try to find out if the establishment is authorized as a hosting site.
Stay time
96. What are the migratory and residence categories in Galapagos?
There are four categories set by current law:
a) Permanent resident.
b) Temporary resident.
c) Tourist.
d) Passer.
97. How is the immigration status of a resident or tourist identified?
Any person entering Galápagos as a tourist or passerby must have the transit card that is issued upon entering.
98. How long can I stay as a tourist in Galapagos?
Tourists can stay in Galapagos for up to sixty non-extendable days in the year, counted from the date of their first entry.
99. What happens if I stay longer than allowed?
It enters an irregular condition and may be subject to expulsion.
100. If someone falls in love with a Galapagos resident and marries, what immigration status do they acquire?
The law grants the temporary resident immigration status to or to the co-worker of a person who has permanent residence, for a period of ten years, counted from the date on which the corresponding temporary residence application is submitted.
101. Are there penalties when marriages are detected for convenience?
It will be sanctioned with a fine of fifty unified salaries that are paid in Galapagos who marry or form de facto union with a person who does not have the permanent resident immigration category, with the intention of obtaining such immigration status
102. As a temporary resident do I acquire an obligation in Galapagos?
All temporary residents of Galapagos over 12 years, as well as new permanent residents are required to participate in a training course on "Conservation of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development".
103. At what time does a person acquire permanent resident status?
This immigration category is granted to people whose father and / or mother has permanent residence. Also to the spouse of a permanent resident person, provided that at least ten years have elapsed from the date they were married. The person (s) of a permanent resident person, provided they are in fact in union for at least ten years.
104. I want to be a fellow in the Galapagos, could I obtain emporary resident status?
Volunteers and fellows entering Galápagos to provide their services within conservation, research, training, education or social assistance programs executed by duly registered public institutions or private nonprofit entities can obtain temporary residence for up to a maximum period of one year. year, renewable for only one occasion.
105. If I travel to Galapagos for a sports competition, do I have any special status?
Professionals from all branches, athletes and artists who enter Galapagos to deal with matters related to their own profession or trade can have the status of passer-by and can be for a period not exceeding ninety days in a year.
106. Can anyone be expelled from the Galapagos Islands?
The law establishes forced exits when an infraction is committed.
107. If someone has been forced out of the Galapagos, can they return?
Anyone who has been subject to forced departure from Galapagos because of the commission of one of the infractions provided for in the Law, may not return until two years after said departure has been made effective.
Contact with animals
108. Can I approach animals to take pictures?
People can take pictures with animals only two meters away from them.
109. I want to take a drone to take aerial shots. Is that allowed?
89. How can I get to know the cheap and well-located hostels?
In the web portal of the Municipality of Santa Cruz there is a tool that allows to know the location of hotels and hostels.
90. How do I know which hostel has a good reputation?
In forums like Tripadvisor there are comments that can help travelers make a decision based on the experiences of others. Travelers give good comments from Captain Max in Santa Cruz; the hostel Sula Sula in Isabela and Laura's house in San Cristobal. Also Marita's house and The Great Turtle reap praise.
91. Are there hostels with shared rooms?
Yes, in Galapagos properties have been developed that now offer shared rooms, such as a hostel.
92. To submit the entry requirement, can reservations be made on search engines such as Booking?
Yes, the Government Council office accepts reservations made through search engines. They must be printed.
93. If I made my reservation through a search engine and separated it with a credit card, should I understand that the establishment accepts that form of payment?
You should check with the hotel. Most accept the reservation by card, but do not charge you with that mechanism. Upon arrival there are hotels that charge you for the stay in cash.
94. Do hotels accept payment in parts or do they charge you for the entire stay?
In Galapagos there are hotels that prefer to pay for the entire stay at the time of arrival.
95. If the hotel asks me to pay by bank transfer, is that system safe?
For the new requirement that is required to show the reservation before traveling there are hotels that to ensure the reservation ask the guest to pay by bank transfer. To be sure, try to find out if the establishment is authorized as a hosting site.
Stay time
96. What are the migratory and residence categories in Galapagos?
There are four categories set by current law:
a) Permanent resident.
b) Temporary resident.
c) Tourist.
d) Passer.
97. How is the immigration status of a resident or tourist identified?
Any person entering Galápagos as a tourist or passerby must have the transit card that is issued upon entering.
98. How long can I stay as a tourist in Galapagos?
Tourists can stay in Galapagos for up to sixty non-extendable days in the year, counted from the date of their first entry.
99. What happens if I stay longer than allowed?
It enters an irregular condition and may be subject to expulsion.
100. If someone falls in love with a Galapagos resident and marries, what immigration status do they acquire?
The law grants the temporary resident immigration status to or to the co-worker of a person who has permanent residence, for a period of ten years, counted from the date on which the corresponding temporary residence application is submitted.
101. Are there penalties when marriages are detected for convenience?
It will be sanctioned with a fine of fifty unified salaries that are paid in Galapagos who marry or form de facto union with a person who does not have the permanent resident immigration category, with the intention of obtaining such immigration status
102. As a temporary resident do I acquire an obligation in Galapagos?
All temporary residents of Galapagos over 12 years, as well as new permanent residents are required to participate in a training course on "Conservation of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development".
103. At what time does a person acquire permanent resident status?
This immigration category is granted to people whose father and / or mother has permanent residence. Also to the spouse of a permanent resident person, provided that at least ten years have elapsed from the date they were married. The person (s) of a permanent resident person, provided they are in fact in union for at least ten years.
104. I want to be a fellow in the Galapagos, could I obtain emporary resident status?
Volunteers and fellows entering Galápagos to provide their services within conservation, research, training, education or social assistance programs executed by duly registered public institutions or private nonprofit entities can obtain temporary residence for up to a maximum period of one year. year, renewable for only one occasion.
105. If I travel to Galapagos for a sports competition, do I have any special status?
Professionals from all branches, athletes and artists who enter Galapagos to deal with matters related to their own profession or trade can have the status of passer-by and can be for a period not exceeding ninety days in a year.
106. Can anyone be expelled from the Galapagos Islands?
The law establishes forced exits when an infraction is committed.
107. If someone has been forced out of the Galapagos, can they return?
Anyone who has been subject to forced departure from Galapagos because of the commission of one of the infractions provided for in the Law, may not return until two years after said departure has been made effective.
Contact with animals
108. Can I approach animals to take pictures?
People can take pictures with animals only two meters away from them.
109. I want to take a drone to take aerial shots. Is that allowed?
To use drones, you must have an authorization from the Galapagos National Park.
110. Can I make footage on the islands?
Filming for work and commercial purposes must be authorized.
Surf in the haunted
111. In Galapagos could you camp?
There are areas for camping, but it is only allowed with prior
authorization.
112. What are the sites allowed to camp in Galapagos?
In this link you can see the enabled sites.
113. Can you smoke or drink on camping sites?
No, it is not allowed to drink or smoke at camping sites.
The authorities make controls.
114. Can I do water sports?
Water sports are allowed in some areas of beaches.
115. Is it allowed to surf in Galapagos?
Yes. It is an activity that is being prioritized to boost tourism.
116. What time is ideal for surfing in Galapagos?
The best is the warm season, which runs from December to
April.
117. What place is ideal for surfing on San Cristobal Island?
Punta Carola, located fifteen minutes walk from Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno, is one of the favorite places for surfers.
There is also La Lobería beach, where the waves go from right to left.
118. On Santa Cruz Island, what places are recommended for
surfing?
La Ratonera, Bazán, Piedra Ahogada and Tres Picos are
suitable places for this sport, but the best known is Tortuga
Bay (Playa Brava).
119. At what time is it advisable to surf in Tortuga Bay (Playa
Brava)?
It is better to take advantage of the morning. Access to that
beach starts at 06:00.
120. Where can you surf on Isabela Island?
Some places to surf on this island are El Faro, Barahona,
El Hospital and Los Túneles.
121. What places are ideal for snorkeling in San Cristobal?
There are several sites in the provincial capital. It can be done
in Bahía Rosa Blanca, Bahía Sardina or in the surroundings
of the Sleeping Lion.
122. Can snorkel equipment be rented or do they come with
the tour that one acquires?
Usually the whole team deliver it at the time of the snorkeling
tour.
123. Does snorkeling need to know how to swim?
It is preferable, in the open sea. But there are guides that help
beginners. They wear buoys and vests to motivate them in
this experience.
124. Do the beaches of Galapagos have a rocky surface?
In Galapagos there are all kinds. There are beaches with rocky
surface, but these are usually used for snorkeling because
there are usually several marine species.
Souvenirs
125. Is it allowed to take sand, stone or a snail as a souvenir?
No. That is sanctioned in Galapagos. You cannot take
elements of the ecosystem.
126. Do Galapagos sell cheap souvenirs?
As in any tourist place there is a variety of souvenirs on the
islands. There are options from $ 1.5.
127. Where can you get souvenirs?
On Charles Darwin Avenue there are shops where you can
buy souvenirs at a good price.
128. Are there official Galapagos souvenirs?
At the Charles Darwin Foundation station there is a shop with souvenirs about Galapagos: backpacks, clothes, stuffed
animals.
129. Where can you get literature on Galapagos?
In the Charles Darwin Foundation several scientific and high
books on Galapagos are distributed. The funds go to the foundation, which conducts research.
130. Is there a special stamp or stamp to have as a souvenir of
my visit to Galapagos?
Yes, at the Charles Darwin Foundation they place a distinctive
stamp on the passport. In return you can leave a voluntary
contribution.
Favorite Beach
131. Where is the most beautiful beach in Galapagos?
It is on Santa Cruz Island. It is called Tortuga Bay.
132. How do you get to Tortuga Bay?
There are boats offered on the boardwalk of Puerto Ayora
that lead to Tortuga Bay. They cost $ 20, round trip.
133. Are there boat schedules that lead to Tortuga Bay?
They take the travelers in the morning and pick them up at
noon.
134. And you can walk to Tortuga Bay?
To walk to Tortuga Bay you can take a road that is two blocks from the Malecon, along Baltra Avenue. The trail is 2.5
kilometers to Tortuga Bay. The tour takes about 40 minutes.
135. Do I have to register my entry to Tortuga Bay?
Yes, before entering Tortuga Bay there is a checkpoint in the
Galapagos National Park. There they will ask you to register your name and the hotel where you are staying.
136. Is there a time to enter Tortuga Bay?
Admission is from 06:00 to 18:00.
137. Do you rent umbrellas and chairs at Tortugas Bay?
No. It is a virgin beach.
138. Do you sell food in Tortuga Bay?
There are no food stalls in Tortuga Bay. Only at the checkpoint, before entering, they sell water and soda.
139. Can I enter Tortuga Bay with drinks or food?
Yes, but you must carry waste bags and then you must take them yourself.
140. What animals do you see in Tortuga Bay?
Depending on the date you will see marine iguanas, blue footed boobies and sea lions.
141. Are there other beaches on Santa Cruz Island?
Yes. Close to Puerto Ayora is Los Alemanes beach. It is reached by taxi.
142. Is the beach of the Germans big?
It is small, but warm.
143. What is close to the Germans beach?
Walking through a path you can reach Las Grietas, a well-known tourist site where you can snorkel.
144. What other beach is near the town?
The closest to Puerto Ayora is the beach of Charles Darwin station. It is next to that station. From there you can have a population profile.
145. Until what time can you access that beach?
Until 18:00. It is guarded.
146. Are there animals on the beach of the station?
Yes. On the rocks you can see crabs and marine iguanas. Giant tortoises
147. Where is George, the most famous turtle in the Galapagos?
The turtle George, the most famous of the Galapagos, is exhibited dissected in a station of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center that is 10 minutes from the town of Puerto Ayora.
148. Is it necessary to meet a requirement to enter to observe
the turtle George?
The entrance to the room where George is exhibited must be
done in a group of 10.
149. Is there a limited time to see George?
Yes. Tourists are given about 6 minutes to observe George
dissected.
150. Can the George turtle be photographed?
Photos are allowed, but without flash.
151. Is there another famous copy after George?
Diego is now the most popular living giant tortoise of the
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. It is a player that has helped conserve its species.
152. Does the entrance to the Fausto Llerena Turtle Breeding
Center cost?
Access is free to the Turtle Breeding Center, where you can
see specimens of giant turtles.
153. Can you access the Charles Darwin station?
Since 2016 the foundation has an exhibition hall. There is a
whale's skeleton, natural history collections are also exhibited. There is also a marine world room, with several facilities.
154. At what times are the rooms open?
The Charles Darwin showroom opens from 08:00 to 12:30
and from 14:30 to 17:30. The Mundo Marino room opens
from 07:30 to 17:00.
155. Where else can giant turtles be observed?
In the upper part of Santa Cruz Island you can see giant
turtles. They even pass the road.
156. Are there other recreational sites to see giant turtles?
In Santa Cruz there are ranches or farms that have giant
turtles on their farms. Thus, for example, in the Manzanillo
ranch there is an important colony.
The animals of the islands
157. What attractions does Isabela Island have?
Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos archipelago, is the habitat of an important penguin community. On this island
shaped like a seahorse inhabits the only non-flying cormorant on the planet.
158. What are the animals in Floreana?
The island has a lagoon with a colony of flamingos that are
the attraction. You can also practice snorkeling and diving.
Look at the map to get an idea of the animals you find by
island.
159. What animals are on San Cristobal Island?
There is an important community of sea lions. In Punta Pitt
there are red-footed boobies.
On the island there are also beaches with white sand.
30 minutes from the island is the great Sleeping Lion, an
icon of the islands.
160. What are the attractions of the Spanish island?
It has large colonies of seabirds: boobies, cormorants, frigates,
seagulls. The island, which is accessed by a path, is full of marine iguanas.
161. What species are trhee o an Santa Cruz island?
In Santa Cruz it is possible to see giant turtles and sea lions
taking a rest on the boardwalk. Near the docks it is possible
to see manta rays swimming and other fish.
162. What are the animals that Seymor Norte has?
This island has the photogenic blue-footed boobies and
frigates.
Made in Galapagos
163. Are there Galapagos own products?
Yes. The best known is the Galapagos coffee, which is sold
with its own brand.
164. Where is Galapagos coffee sold?
It is sold in the Proinsular supermarket and other stores
in downtown Puerto Ayora.
165. What other products are sold in Galapagos?
On the island a brand of yogurt is produced and water is
packaged with its own brand.
Luxury expeditions
166. What luxury cruise options are there in Galapagos?
There are cruises that offer expeditions in Galapagos on different itineraries.
Some include 15 islands with packages that vary from 5 to 16 nights. Others include the possibility of going to Quito or Machu Picchu in Peru.
167. How much does a luxury basic cruise cost?
There are cruises that offer options from 5 days and four
nights. Metropolitan
offers tours of the northern Galapagos Islands with packages
from $ 3,388. These walks include Las Bachas beach (Santa Cruz), Caleta Bucanero (Santiago), Puerto Egas, for diving and swimming. They also go through the island Rábida, Bartolomé, Genovesa and San Cristobal.
168. How much does a seven day package on a cruise cost?
A seven-day package on a cruise ship like Celebrety Cruises
could range from $ 4,399 to $ 4,699, touring islands like Isabela, Santiago, Bartolomé, Seymor, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.
169. Do cruises include air tickets and fees?
When a tour is hired, the traveler must consider whether
it includes a ticket. There are cruises that do not include the air ticket to and from the Galapagos or the cost of admission to the Galapagos National Park or the immigration control card. Neither alcoholic beverages nor tips.
170. What days do the cruise ships depart and from which
islands do the routes depart?
There are cruises that have itineraries that go from Saturdays
to Wednesdays, but that varies. Most of them leave from Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island.
171. Are there cheaper offers to explore Galapagos?
In Galapagos there are also companies that offer yacht
expeditions, smaller units than cruise ships. Companies like
Royal Galapagos offer itinerraries on yachts, 4 days and 3 nights, for $1.473 per person.
Tour on my own
172. From which island is it more advisable to take tours on
your own?
In Santa Cruz it is advisable to make a base to hire a tour
on your own. Most of the operators are based on that island,
which is in the center of the archipelago.
173. At what times do the boats leave for other islands?
From Santa Cruz, the boats leave at 6 and 7 in the morning.
In the afternoon they offer departures from 14:00. The passage by section costs
25 dollars.
174. How much do the tours that you hire on your own cost? It depends on what you want to see. There is a full day tour that can cost from 100 to 180 dollars. They include some aquatic activity such as snorkeling or diving.
175. What time do these daily tours leave? They usually leave at 07:00 and return at 14:00 or 17:00.
176. Are the departures of the tours that are hired punctual? Yes. The agencies cite tourists at 07:00 to explain the route and deliver the equipment that will be used. They usually wait only 30 minutes to leave.
177. Are the tours done in groups of how many people? There are tours that take between 10 and 25 people.
178. Are there guides on daily tours? Yes, the tours have guides endorsed by the Galapagos National Park.
179. Are the tours guided in English or Spanish? The guides are bilingual. They usually translate in English and Spanish.
180. Do guides enter with users when there are activities
such as snorkeling?
Yes. There are guides who are prepared for that.
181. Do daily tours include costumes for sports activities?
Yes, that value already includes the loan of suits or masks.
182. Are lunches or snacks included in tour costs?
Most tours include lunch and snacks.
183. What lunch options are offered on the tours?
The tours offer about three alternatives: fish, chicken and
vegetarian.
184. What does the tours not include?
The tours do not include the cost of the taxi drivers ($ 1)
that are paid when one arrives on an island of Santa Cruz and
the transfer of the yacht to the pier is needed.
185. Is there an extra fee that the islands charge tourists?
Isabela Island charges an entrance fee of $ 5 to tourists.
This is paid separately from the tour.
186. How much does it cost to go to the famous sleeping
lion that appears a lot in the photos?
The emblematic site is 30 minutes of navigation from San
Cristobal Island, the capital of Galapagos. Tours are offered
at $ 130 and usually include a visit to a beach.
187. Is there a tour on San Cristóbal Island that allows you to
explore the Sleeping Lion and other points at the same time?
Yes. The tour is called Galapagos 360. It costs $ 150. This
allows you to explore the surroundings of the island and
see points such as Bahía Rosa Blanca, Punta Pitt, Bahía
Sardina and the famous Sleeping Lion.
188. Does the 360 tour snorkel?
Yes. Includes snorkeling in three places. The most famous is
the Sleeping Lion. There you snorkel for an hour.
189. How much does a snorkeling tour cost?
A tour, for example, from Santa Cruz Island to Pizón Island
costs $ 130 and there is an opportunity to snorkel alongside
sea lions and see sharks on the reefs.
190. Where can I see the list of operators that offer tours of
the islands?
Only on Santa Cruz Island there are more than 50 agencies
that offer tourist services. The list can be found in the web
portal of the Municipality of Santa Cruz.
191. What is the cost of the cheapest tour to an island?
The cheapest tour ranges from $ 100 to $ 120 and is to Santa
Fe Island, near Santa Cruz.
192. What is offered on Santa Fe Island?
That tour includes snorkeling activities, experiential fishing
and a nearby beach.
193. How much do the tours to dive with sharks cost?
Shark diving tours cost between $ 150 and $ 160. They are
performed on Seymour Island.
194. Do you need experience to dive in the Galapagos Islands?
The tours offer diving for beginners and experienced. The
instructors train you first with talks before leaving.
195. At what time are the diving tours carried out?
They usually start at 07:00 and end at 14:00
Banned plastics
196. What plastic products are prohibited to wear or use in
Galapagos?
Since May 22, 2018, the sale and use of sorbets in the Galapagos Islands are prohibited.
197. Can plastic t-shirt sleeves be used and introduced in Galapagos?
From June 21, t-shirt covers will be banned.
198. What other items are prohibited in Galapagos?
As of July 21, the foam containers and from August 21,
non-returnable plastic bottles.
199. Is the ordinance prohibiting the use of these plastic objects only for residents?
The ordinance states, in its article 3, that the regulations are
“mandatory” for “permanent, temporary residents, tourists and passersby”.
Energy and connectivity
200. What type of current is there in Galapagos?
In Ecuador, the common voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
201. Do hotels on the islands have a 220V connection?
Yes, there are hotels that have 120V and 220V connections.
202. Do I need to bring adapters to the Galapagos Islands?
The plugs and plugs are of type A / B. They are not with round holes or of type C / I as in some Mercosur countries.
203. Is the internet connection in Galapagos good?
Galapagos is about 1,000 km from mainland Ecuador, so
the internet connection is not the same. It is somewhat slow
and irrelevant. In the populated areas work is being done on the connection of broadband service to give better
connection to private businesses.
205. Are there cyber cafes or internet rental sites?
Yes, on the main islands there are internet rental sites.
206. How is the connection in hotels and restaurants?
The wi-fi connection in hotels, restaurants and internet cafes varies depending on the establishment, but bandwidth is
limited in some places.
207. Do Baltra and Cristóbal airports have free Wi-Fi?
No. Only the VIP lounge of the Seymour airport in Baltra has Wi-Fi for its users.
208. Is there fiber optic in Galapagos?
No. The government has plans for it.
209. Are airports to buy cell phone chips at airports?
Yes, at the Quito and Guayaquil airports there are chip sales options for local cell phone access.
210. Is there film material about Galapagos that helps me define places to visit?
If very good. Roberto Ochoa, diver and apneist, has developed film material from the depths of Galapagos. Santiago Uribe has a video recorded with a drone, which shows Galapagos from the air. This video won a festival.
110. Can I make footage on the islands?
Filming for work and commercial purposes must be authorized.
Surf in the haunted
111. In Galapagos could you camp?
There are areas for camping, but it is only allowed with prior
authorization.
112. What are the sites allowed to camp in Galapagos?
In this link you can see the enabled sites.
113. Can you smoke or drink on camping sites?
No, it is not allowed to drink or smoke at camping sites.
The authorities make controls.
114. Can I do water sports?
Water sports are allowed in some areas of beaches.
115. Is it allowed to surf in Galapagos?
Yes. It is an activity that is being prioritized to boost tourism.
116. What time is ideal for surfing in Galapagos?
The best is the warm season, which runs from December to
April.
117. What place is ideal for surfing on San Cristobal Island?
Punta Carola, located fifteen minutes walk from Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno, is one of the favorite places for surfers.
There is also La Lobería beach, where the waves go from right to left.
118. On Santa Cruz Island, what places are recommended for
surfing?
La Ratonera, Bazán, Piedra Ahogada and Tres Picos are
suitable places for this sport, but the best known is Tortuga
Bay (Playa Brava).
119. At what time is it advisable to surf in Tortuga Bay (Playa
Brava)?
It is better to take advantage of the morning. Access to that
beach starts at 06:00.
120. Where can you surf on Isabela Island?
Some places to surf on this island are El Faro, Barahona,
El Hospital and Los Túneles.
121. What places are ideal for snorkeling in San Cristobal?
There are several sites in the provincial capital. It can be done
in Bahía Rosa Blanca, Bahía Sardina or in the surroundings
of the Sleeping Lion.
122. Can snorkel equipment be rented or do they come with
the tour that one acquires?
Usually the whole team deliver it at the time of the snorkeling
tour.
123. Does snorkeling need to know how to swim?
It is preferable, in the open sea. But there are guides that help
beginners. They wear buoys and vests to motivate them in
this experience.
124. Do the beaches of Galapagos have a rocky surface?
In Galapagos there are all kinds. There are beaches with rocky
surface, but these are usually used for snorkeling because
there are usually several marine species.
Souvenirs
125. Is it allowed to take sand, stone or a snail as a souvenir?
No. That is sanctioned in Galapagos. You cannot take
elements of the ecosystem.
126. Do Galapagos sell cheap souvenirs?
As in any tourist place there is a variety of souvenirs on the
islands. There are options from $ 1.5.
127. Where can you get souvenirs?
On Charles Darwin Avenue there are shops where you can
buy souvenirs at a good price.
128. Are there official Galapagos souvenirs?
At the Charles Darwin Foundation station there is a shop with souvenirs about Galapagos: backpacks, clothes, stuffed
animals.
129. Where can you get literature on Galapagos?
In the Charles Darwin Foundation several scientific and high
books on Galapagos are distributed. The funds go to the foundation, which conducts research.
130. Is there a special stamp or stamp to have as a souvenir of
my visit to Galapagos?
Yes, at the Charles Darwin Foundation they place a distinctive
stamp on the passport. In return you can leave a voluntary
contribution.
Favorite Beach
131. Where is the most beautiful beach in Galapagos?
It is on Santa Cruz Island. It is called Tortuga Bay.
132. How do you get to Tortuga Bay?
There are boats offered on the boardwalk of Puerto Ayora
that lead to Tortuga Bay. They cost $ 20, round trip.
133. Are there boat schedules that lead to Tortuga Bay?
They take the travelers in the morning and pick them up at
noon.
134. And you can walk to Tortuga Bay?
To walk to Tortuga Bay you can take a road that is two blocks from the Malecon, along Baltra Avenue. The trail is 2.5
kilometers to Tortuga Bay. The tour takes about 40 minutes.
135. Do I have to register my entry to Tortuga Bay?
Yes, before entering Tortuga Bay there is a checkpoint in the
Galapagos National Park. There they will ask you to register your name and the hotel where you are staying.
136. Is there a time to enter Tortuga Bay?
Admission is from 06:00 to 18:00.
137. Do you rent umbrellas and chairs at Tortugas Bay?
No. It is a virgin beach.
138. Do you sell food in Tortuga Bay?
There are no food stalls in Tortuga Bay. Only at the checkpoint, before entering, they sell water and soda.
139. Can I enter Tortuga Bay with drinks or food?
Yes, but you must carry waste bags and then you must take them yourself.
140. What animals do you see in Tortuga Bay?
Depending on the date you will see marine iguanas, blue footed boobies and sea lions.
141. Are there other beaches on Santa Cruz Island?
Yes. Close to Puerto Ayora is Los Alemanes beach. It is reached by taxi.
142. Is the beach of the Germans big?
It is small, but warm.
143. What is close to the Germans beach?
Walking through a path you can reach Las Grietas, a well-known tourist site where you can snorkel.
144. What other beach is near the town?
The closest to Puerto Ayora is the beach of Charles Darwin station. It is next to that station. From there you can have a population profile.
145. Until what time can you access that beach?
Until 18:00. It is guarded.
146. Are there animals on the beach of the station?
Yes. On the rocks you can see crabs and marine iguanas. Giant tortoises
147. Where is George, the most famous turtle in the Galapagos?
The turtle George, the most famous of the Galapagos, is exhibited dissected in a station of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center that is 10 minutes from the town of Puerto Ayora.
148. Is it necessary to meet a requirement to enter to observe
the turtle George?
The entrance to the room where George is exhibited must be
done in a group of 10.
149. Is there a limited time to see George?
Yes. Tourists are given about 6 minutes to observe George
dissected.
150. Can the George turtle be photographed?
Photos are allowed, but without flash.
151. Is there another famous copy after George?
Diego is now the most popular living giant tortoise of the
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. It is a player that has helped conserve its species.
152. Does the entrance to the Fausto Llerena Turtle Breeding
Center cost?
Access is free to the Turtle Breeding Center, where you can
see specimens of giant turtles.
153. Can you access the Charles Darwin station?
Since 2016 the foundation has an exhibition hall. There is a
whale's skeleton, natural history collections are also exhibited. There is also a marine world room, with several facilities.
154. At what times are the rooms open?
The Charles Darwin showroom opens from 08:00 to 12:30
and from 14:30 to 17:30. The Mundo Marino room opens
from 07:30 to 17:00.
155. Where else can giant turtles be observed?
In the upper part of Santa Cruz Island you can see giant
turtles. They even pass the road.
156. Are there other recreational sites to see giant turtles?
In Santa Cruz there are ranches or farms that have giant
turtles on their farms. Thus, for example, in the Manzanillo
ranch there is an important colony.
The animals of the islands
157. What attractions does Isabela Island have?
Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos archipelago, is the habitat of an important penguin community. On this island
shaped like a seahorse inhabits the only non-flying cormorant on the planet.
158. What are the animals in Floreana?
The island has a lagoon with a colony of flamingos that are
the attraction. You can also practice snorkeling and diving.
Look at the map to get an idea of the animals you find by
island.
159. What animals are on San Cristobal Island?
There is an important community of sea lions. In Punta Pitt
there are red-footed boobies.
On the island there are also beaches with white sand.
30 minutes from the island is the great Sleeping Lion, an
icon of the islands.
160. What are the attractions of the Spanish island?
It has large colonies of seabirds: boobies, cormorants, frigates,
seagulls. The island, which is accessed by a path, is full of marine iguanas.
161. What species are trhee o an Santa Cruz island?
In Santa Cruz it is possible to see giant turtles and sea lions
taking a rest on the boardwalk. Near the docks it is possible
to see manta rays swimming and other fish.
162. What are the animals that Seymor Norte has?
This island has the photogenic blue-footed boobies and
frigates.
Made in Galapagos
163. Are there Galapagos own products?
Yes. The best known is the Galapagos coffee, which is sold
with its own brand.
164. Where is Galapagos coffee sold?
It is sold in the Proinsular supermarket and other stores
in downtown Puerto Ayora.
165. What other products are sold in Galapagos?
On the island a brand of yogurt is produced and water is
packaged with its own brand.
Luxury expeditions
166. What luxury cruise options are there in Galapagos?
There are cruises that offer expeditions in Galapagos on different itineraries.
Some include 15 islands with packages that vary from 5 to 16 nights. Others include the possibility of going to Quito or Machu Picchu in Peru.
167. How much does a luxury basic cruise cost?
There are cruises that offer options from 5 days and four
nights. Metropolitan
offers tours of the northern Galapagos Islands with packages
from $ 3,388. These walks include Las Bachas beach (Santa Cruz), Caleta Bucanero (Santiago), Puerto Egas, for diving and swimming. They also go through the island Rábida, Bartolomé, Genovesa and San Cristobal.
168. How much does a seven day package on a cruise cost?
A seven-day package on a cruise ship like Celebrety Cruises
could range from $ 4,399 to $ 4,699, touring islands like Isabela, Santiago, Bartolomé, Seymor, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.
169. Do cruises include air tickets and fees?
When a tour is hired, the traveler must consider whether
it includes a ticket. There are cruises that do not include the air ticket to and from the Galapagos or the cost of admission to the Galapagos National Park or the immigration control card. Neither alcoholic beverages nor tips.
170. What days do the cruise ships depart and from which
islands do the routes depart?
There are cruises that have itineraries that go from Saturdays
to Wednesdays, but that varies. Most of them leave from Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island.
171. Are there cheaper offers to explore Galapagos?
In Galapagos there are also companies that offer yacht
expeditions, smaller units than cruise ships. Companies like
Royal Galapagos offer itinerraries on yachts, 4 days and 3 nights, for $1.473 per person.
Tour on my own
172. From which island is it more advisable to take tours on
your own?
In Santa Cruz it is advisable to make a base to hire a tour
on your own. Most of the operators are based on that island,
which is in the center of the archipelago.
173. At what times do the boats leave for other islands?
From Santa Cruz, the boats leave at 6 and 7 in the morning.
In the afternoon they offer departures from 14:00. The passage by section costs
25 dollars.
174. How much do the tours that you hire on your own cost? It depends on what you want to see. There is a full day tour that can cost from 100 to 180 dollars. They include some aquatic activity such as snorkeling or diving.
175. What time do these daily tours leave? They usually leave at 07:00 and return at 14:00 or 17:00.
176. Are the departures of the tours that are hired punctual? Yes. The agencies cite tourists at 07:00 to explain the route and deliver the equipment that will be used. They usually wait only 30 minutes to leave.
177. Are the tours done in groups of how many people? There are tours that take between 10 and 25 people.
178. Are there guides on daily tours? Yes, the tours have guides endorsed by the Galapagos National Park.
179. Are the tours guided in English or Spanish? The guides are bilingual. They usually translate in English and Spanish.
180. Do guides enter with users when there are activities
such as snorkeling?
Yes. There are guides who are prepared for that.
181. Do daily tours include costumes for sports activities?
Yes, that value already includes the loan of suits or masks.
182. Are lunches or snacks included in tour costs?
Most tours include lunch and snacks.
183. What lunch options are offered on the tours?
The tours offer about three alternatives: fish, chicken and
vegetarian.
184. What does the tours not include?
The tours do not include the cost of the taxi drivers ($ 1)
that are paid when one arrives on an island of Santa Cruz and
the transfer of the yacht to the pier is needed.
185. Is there an extra fee that the islands charge tourists?
Isabela Island charges an entrance fee of $ 5 to tourists.
This is paid separately from the tour.
186. How much does it cost to go to the famous sleeping
lion that appears a lot in the photos?
The emblematic site is 30 minutes of navigation from San
Cristobal Island, the capital of Galapagos. Tours are offered
at $ 130 and usually include a visit to a beach.
187. Is there a tour on San Cristóbal Island that allows you to
explore the Sleeping Lion and other points at the same time?
Yes. The tour is called Galapagos 360. It costs $ 150. This
allows you to explore the surroundings of the island and
see points such as Bahía Rosa Blanca, Punta Pitt, Bahía
Sardina and the famous Sleeping Lion.
188. Does the 360 tour snorkel?
Yes. Includes snorkeling in three places. The most famous is
the Sleeping Lion. There you snorkel for an hour.
189. How much does a snorkeling tour cost?
A tour, for example, from Santa Cruz Island to Pizón Island
costs $ 130 and there is an opportunity to snorkel alongside
sea lions and see sharks on the reefs.
190. Where can I see the list of operators that offer tours of
the islands?
Only on Santa Cruz Island there are more than 50 agencies
that offer tourist services. The list can be found in the web
portal of the Municipality of Santa Cruz.
191. What is the cost of the cheapest tour to an island?
The cheapest tour ranges from $ 100 to $ 120 and is to Santa
Fe Island, near Santa Cruz.
192. What is offered on Santa Fe Island?
That tour includes snorkeling activities, experiential fishing
and a nearby beach.
193. How much do the tours to dive with sharks cost?
Shark diving tours cost between $ 150 and $ 160. They are
performed on Seymour Island.
194. Do you need experience to dive in the Galapagos Islands?
The tours offer diving for beginners and experienced. The
instructors train you first with talks before leaving.
195. At what time are the diving tours carried out?
They usually start at 07:00 and end at 14:00
Banned plastics
196. What plastic products are prohibited to wear or use in
Galapagos?
Since May 22, 2018, the sale and use of sorbets in the Galapagos Islands are prohibited.
197. Can plastic t-shirt sleeves be used and introduced in Galapagos?
From June 21, t-shirt covers will be banned.
198. What other items are prohibited in Galapagos?
As of July 21, the foam containers and from August 21,
non-returnable plastic bottles.
199. Is the ordinance prohibiting the use of these plastic objects only for residents?
The ordinance states, in its article 3, that the regulations are
“mandatory” for “permanent, temporary residents, tourists and passersby”.
Energy and connectivity
200. What type of current is there in Galapagos?
In Ecuador, the common voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
201. Do hotels on the islands have a 220V connection?
Yes, there are hotels that have 120V and 220V connections.
202. Do I need to bring adapters to the Galapagos Islands?
The plugs and plugs are of type A / B. They are not with round holes or of type C / I as in some Mercosur countries.
203. Is the internet connection in Galapagos good?
Galapagos is about 1,000 km from mainland Ecuador, so
the internet connection is not the same. It is somewhat slow
and irrelevant. In the populated areas work is being done on the connection of broadband service to give better
connection to private businesses.
205. Are there cyber cafes or internet rental sites?
Yes, on the main islands there are internet rental sites.
206. How is the connection in hotels and restaurants?
The wi-fi connection in hotels, restaurants and internet cafes varies depending on the establishment, but bandwidth is
limited in some places.
207. Do Baltra and Cristóbal airports have free Wi-Fi?
No. Only the VIP lounge of the Seymour airport in Baltra has Wi-Fi for its users.
208. Is there fiber optic in Galapagos?
No. The government has plans for it.
209. Are airports to buy cell phone chips at airports?
Yes, at the Quito and Guayaquil airports there are chip sales options for local cell phone access.
210. Is there film material about Galapagos that helps me define places to visit?
If very good. Roberto Ochoa, diver and apneist, has developed film material from the depths of Galapagos. Santiago Uribe has a video recorded with a drone, which shows Galapagos from the air. This video won a festival.
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