How to Plan a Trip to the Galapagos Islands

Planning a trip to the Galapagos requires choosing between a multi-day liveaboard cruise or a land-based island-hopping itinerary. You must book your transit and permits at least 6 months in advance, as the park strictly limits daily visitor numbers and logistics are complex.

1. Choose your travel style. Decide if you want a cruise or a land-based trip. Cruises cover more remote islands unreachable by day boats but cost more. Land-based trips allow you to stay on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, or Isabela and take day excursions, offering more flexibility but less range.
2. Secure your flights. Book flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to either Baltra (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY). You must fly into these airports to enter the national park.
3. Pay the entry fees. Before arrival, ensure you have $20 USD for the Transit Control Card (TCT) purchased at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, and $200 USD cash (as of recent changes) for the National Park entrance fee at the Galapagos airport.
4. Book inter-island transport. If going land-based, book 'lanchas' (speedboats) between islands in advance. These cost roughly $35 per leg and run on set schedules, usually early morning or afternoon.

Do I need a guide to see the animals?

Yes, to visit most protected areas within the National Park, you are legally required to be accompanied by a certified park naturalist guide.

Can I use credit cards on the islands?

Larger establishments accept them, but always carry USD cash for small shops, national park fees, and boat transfers.