TRAVEL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Travel Information
- Depends on the assigned flight, please be sure to arrive at Mariscal Sucre Airport airport or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (domestic departures) two hours in advance.
- Check your luggage at Sicgal counter (Inspection and Quarantine System for the Galapagos Islands).
- Please note that you must bring your original passport with you. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Luggage restrictions: a 23kg regular size check in luggage and an 8kg carry-on bag are allowed per person.
Arrival at Baltra Galapagos Island or San Cristobal Galapagos Islands
- Check your luggage at Sicgal counter (Inspection and Quarantine System for the
Galapagos Islands) - Present the Transit Control Card.
- Pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee.
- Go directly to luggage inspection.
- Our guides will be waiting for you at the Baltra Airport holding a sign with the name of your cruise
RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Time difference
The time in Galapagos is six hours earlier than Europe and one hour earlier than the Ecuadorian mainland.
Necessary Documents
Every tourist must travel with his/her original passport to Galapagos. For us to organize your trip, please send us the following information, which is of utmost importance:
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Full name and any special requirements
Taxes*
Tourists are required to pay three types of taxes:
- The Galapagos National Park charges $100 Children pay half the adult rate.
- The transit control card costs $20.
- Tourists traveling from a country that is a member of the Andean Pact# pay a special rate:
The Galapagos National Park charges $50 children pay half the adult rate. - There are no discounts for students, children or senior citizens.
- The dock tax is $5 on Isabela Island, and the airport tax is $15 for flights between islands. (It does not apply aboard a cruise).
Purchases in towns and on board
The time in Galapagos is six hours earlier than Europe and one hour earlier than the Ecuadorian mainland.
- Cash and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted in towns.
- On board ships, it is best to pay in cash.
- Only on Santa Cruz Island at Puerto Ayora, it is possible to obtain cash at a bank or an ATM.
- If you need to use credit cards for onboard purchases, please ask about this beforehand.
Airports
The fastest way to reach the Islands is by air. There are two intercontinental airports in the next islands:
- Baltra Island
- San Cristobal and is also known as The Baquerizo Moreno Port.
- On Isabela Island, there is a landing area available only to inter-island flights for small planes.
At this time, GALAPAGOSVACATION.COM operates in Baltra and San Cristobal airports.
Airlines
TAME, AVIANCA/AEROGAL and LAN are the airlines that fly to the Galapagos Islands.
Baggage
- Airline regulations recommend traveling with a suitcase having a maximum weight of 23 kg. Plus one small lightweight carry-on bag (8 kg).
- Trading boats (dock -to-dock) accept one 40-lb. suitcase plus one carry-on bag
- Inter-island flights accept 20 lbs. plus a small carry-on bag.
Schedule Changes in Galapagos
The ship captain reserve the right to change the itinerary of their cruises and packages of land visits due to unforeseen circumstances, changes in National Park regulations, weather conditions, etc. +
* Taxes are subject to change without previous notice and function according to national and local governmental regulations.
# Member of the Andean Pact: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.
+ These decisions are strictly related to the safety of our passengers and to protecting the conservation of the Islands.
F.A.Q. – Frequently Asked Questions
What to take to galapagos?
Remember that the Galapagos Islands are out of the mainland and include a number of very interesting activities such as walking, swimming, and snorkeling. Consequently, we recommend taking:
- Comfortable lightweight informal clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.What to take to galapagos?
- Taking a bathing suit, T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, hat or cap, insect repellent, and sunblock.
- Sports shoes good for walking over lava and rocky surfaces, and sandals for walking in water.
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For the cool months:
- A water repellent jacket or poncho and lightweight pants (not jeans) are essential.
- A water repellent jacket or poncho and lightweight pants (not jeans) are essential.
Other important items:
- Lip balm, eye drops, medicine (pills or patches) to counteract seasickness
- Plastic bags to protect cameras or electronic equipment
- Camera and binoculars
Are drones allowed in Galapagos?
Drones are NOT permitted by tourists and are against the rules imposed by the Galapagos National Park Authority.
Is there potable water in galapagos?
The water supply system in the Islands is not made of potable water. Although the water is desalinated, it serves only for showers and baths. Therefore, it is not appropriate to drink it straight from the water tap.
Visitors should buy bottled water in order to drink, as well as refill these bottles in the water dispensers that some hotels may have available for their guests.
Is smoking allowed on board or on the islands?
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