Can I use miles or points?

Yes. LATAM partners with Delta and other SkyTeam airlines. Availability is tight — book 6+ months out. Expect to pay 25,000-35,000 miles round trip plus $120-150 in taxes. Often not worth it unless you have miles expiring.

What if my flight is canceled?

Weather delays happen, especially afternoon flights. Airlines rebook you on the next available flight at no charge. If that's the next day, they do not cover hotels. Travel insurance that includes trip delay coverage pays out after 6-12 hours depending on policy.

Should I book one-way or round trip?

Round trip is almost always cheaper — sometimes $100+ less than two one-ways. Only book one-way if your itinerary is genuinely uncertain. One-way flexibility is not worth the premium on this route.

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Yes. Both airlines require printed confirmation at check-in. Mobile boarding passes are not accepted on Galápagos flights. Print before you leave your hotel. Most hostels and hotels print for free or $0.25-0.50.

Can I fly the same day I arrive internationally?

Not recommended. If your international flight delays even slightly, you'll miss your Galápagos connection and lose the ticket. Spend at least one night on the mainland. Use it to adjust to altitude if flying through Quito.

Which airline is better — LATAM or Avianca?

LATAM has more flights and slightly newer planes. Avianca prices lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Service is nearly identical. Pick whichever has better times and price for your dates. Both are reliable.

How to Book a Domestic Flight from Ecuador to Galápagos

Only two airlines fly from mainland Ecuador to Galápagos: LATAM and Avianca. Book directly through their websites 2-3 months ahead for the best prices ($250-400 round trip). You must fly from either Quito or Guayaquil — Guayaquil is closer and often cheaper.

Pick Your Gateway City. All Galápagos flights leave from Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). Guayaquil is 90 minutes closer and flights run $20-50 less on average. If you're arriving internationally, factor in connection time — Quito requires at least 3 hours between flights, Guayaquil needs 2.5 hours minimum.
Choose Your Galápagos Airport. Two airports serve the islands: Baltra (GPS) on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristóbal (SCY). Baltra gets more flights and is closest to Puerto Ayora, the main hub. San Cristóbal works if you're starting your trip there or taking an island-hopping tour that begins on San Cristóbal. Most first-timers fly into Baltra.
Book LATAM or Avianca Directly. Only LATAM (latamairlines.com) and Avianca (avianca.com) fly this route. Book directly on their websites — third-party sites add fees and complicate changes. LATAM flies more frequently. Avianca often prices lower midweek. Check both. Use incognito mode or clear cookies before searching.
Time Your Booking Window. Book 8-12 weeks out for lowest fares. Prices jump inside 6 weeks and skyrocket inside 2 weeks. July-August and December-January are peak season — book 3-4 months ahead for those periods. Shoulder months (April-May, September-November) offer better prices and easier booking.
Check Baggage Allowances. Both airlines allow one checked bag (23kg/50lbs) and one carry-on. Galápagos flights enforce these limits strictly. If you're traveling long-term through South America, consider storing excess luggage in Quito or Guayaquil. Most hotels offer storage for $1-2 per day.
Add the Transit Control Card Fee. You'll pay $20 cash at the airport for a Transit Control Card (Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito or TCT) before checking in. This is separate from your ticket. Bring exact change in USD. The line moves slowly — arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure.
Plan Your Return Carefully. Return flights fill faster than outbound flights. Book both directions at once. Morning flights out of Galápagos are more reliable (less weather delay risk). If you have an international connection the same day, take the earliest Galápagos departure possible and allow 4-5 hours in Quito or Guayaquil.

Can I use miles or points?: Yes. LATAM partners with Delta and other SkyTeam airlines. Availability is tight — book 6+ months out. Expect to pay 25,000-35,000 miles round trip plus $120-150 in taxes. Often not worth it unless you have miles expiring.
What if my flight is canceled?: Weather delays happen, especially afternoon flights. Airlines rebook you on the next available flight at no charge. If that's the next day, they do not cover hotels. Travel insurance that includes trip delay coverage pays out after 6-12 hours depending on policy.
Should I book one-way or round trip?: Round trip is almost always cheaper — sometimes $100+ less than two one-ways. Only book one-way if your itinerary is genuinely uncertain. One-way flexibility is not worth the premium on this route.
Do I need to print my boarding pass?: Yes. Both airlines require printed confirmation at check-in. Mobile boarding passes are not accepted on Galápagos flights. Print before you leave your hotel. Most hostels and hotels print for free or $0.25-0.50.
Can I fly the same day I arrive internationally?: Not recommended. If your international flight delays even slightly, you'll miss your Galápagos connection and lose the ticket. Spend at least one night on the mainland. Use it to adjust to altitude if flying through Quito.
Which airline is better — LATAM or Avianca?: LATAM has more flights and slightly newer planes. Avianca prices lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Service is nearly identical. Pick whichever has better times and price for your dates. Both are reliable.