Do I need a passport to visit the Galapagos Islands?
All travelers are required to have passports with a remaining validity of at least 6 months beyond their travel dates. There is no age restriction for visiting the Galapagos Islands.
Do I need travel insurance for my Galapagos Islands cruise?
Travel Insurance, while not being mandatory, is highly recommended to have, as it will protect you against unforeseen problems with your flight connections and the possibility of missing your cruise/tour. Please refer to our Terms and Policies section to review our refund policies. The Galapagos Islands do not receive international flights.
How much does it cost to visit the Galapagos Islands?
This protection must continue to preserve the uniqueness of Galapagos for future generations. One of the most important entry requirements is the National Park Fee. Upon arrival to the islands, a park officer will collect this National Park fee of $100 US. (Cash only, no travelers’ checks.) Everybody must pay a park entrance fee of $100.00.
Can you bring pets to the Galapagos Islands?
Once in the archipelago is important to keep in mind that the Galapagos face a very serious threat from non-native plants, and invasive species. As a result , there are strict controls at the airport to prevent any pets, food, plants, or agriculture from making its way to the Enchanted Islands.
Are visas required for the Galapagos Islands?
Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands welcome tourists from every country, and U.S citizens do not require a visa unless they plan to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days.
What are the requirements to enter Galapagos?
A COVID-19 vaccination card with QR code or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing the traveler received a complete series of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Galapagos, or proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding the flight to ...
Can anyone go to the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are open to tourists. Cruises and tours are operating. Ecuador is open to travel and officially resumed international flights on June 1, 2020.
Do US citizens need visa for Ecuador?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. Those planning a longer visit must obtain a visa in advance. Travelers who stay in Ecuador beyond the allowed entry time may be barred from re-entering Ecuador in the future.
How much does it cost to enter Galapagos?
100 USD per personThe Galapagos National Park Entrance fee is levied on all visitors to the islands. The Galapagos entry fee is currently 100 USD per person (reduced to 50 USD for children under 12 years old). This fee must be paid, in cash, at the your airport of arrival.
Do you have to pay to enter Galapagos?
All tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must pay an entry tax to visit the archipelago. The amount of this entrance fee depends on the age and nationality of the tourist. Most foreign tourists over the age of 12 pay $100, while children pay $50.
What should you avoid in the Galapagos Islands?
Don't forget Galapagos National Park (GNP) rules Do not use flash photography. Do not leave the trail. Keep your distance – please keep at least two metres away from all animals and NEVER touch them no matter how tame they appear. Don't feed the animals.
Is Galapagos Islands worth it?
The Galápagos Islands are well worth visiting. It's one of the most unique landscapes on earth, and there's nowhere else in the world you can find the incredible endemic species such as the Giant Tortoise, Darwin Finch, and Galápagos Fur Seal.
Do cell phones work in the Galapagos?
Yes, there is some cell phone coverage in Galapagos, but it is scarce and usually rather poor quality.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Ecuador?
If you are a citizen of India and want to visit Ecuador, then you don't need a visa in advance. Though, in order to get visa on arrival traveller should have financial documents, passport with validity of 6 months and two blank pages, a return ticket, and travel insurance.
Which countries can enter Ecuador without visa?
Ecuador is an associated member of Mercosur. As such, its citizens enjoy unlimited access to any of the full members (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and other associated members (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Peru) with the right to residence and work, with no requirement other than nationality.
Is Ecuador safe for American tourists?
Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, armed robbery, and express kidnapping (where criminals enter a taxi or other vehicle and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs), is common.
Can you do the Galapagos without a tour?
First off, yes, you can visit the Galapagos Islands without a tour. This is the most important myth to dispel, as there are four islands that tourists can reside on without being on any sort of tour. These islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal (a.k.a. Chatham), Isabela, and Floreana (a.k.a. Charles or Santa Marta).
Are the Galapagos Islands safe to visit?
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most secure places in the world in terms of personal safety and health. To preserve the archipelago, the islands were declared a National Park back in 1959.
Can I fly to the Galapagos Islands?
The only way for travelers to get to the Galapagos Islands is by air. Travelers must fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Island. It is not possible to cruise from mainland on a tourist-class ship, and there is no road or ferry service.
How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?
3 daysBy sea it takes 3 days to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Boats depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Most often these are cargo ships with basic accommodations not matching the luxury cruises in the archipelago.
Why are the Galapagos Islands so tame?
The Galapagos Islands feature an amazing diversity of animals, many endemic, which are unusually tame due to lack of predation and many years of protection . This protection must continue to preserve the uniqueness of Galapagos for future generations.
When was the Galapagos quarantine system established?
Therefore to prevent further incursions, the Galapagos inspection and quarantine system (SICGAL) was established in 2000.
Do you lose your tax receipt for Galapagos National Park?
Do not lose your park tax receipt; boat captains need to record it. A 50% reduction in the national park fee is available to children under 12. The entrance fee helps fund the maintenance of the parks and other national projects. The park entrance fee is distributed as follows: 40% Galapagos National Park; 20% Galapagos Municipalities;
How to get a transit card for Galapagos?
Before taking your flight to the Galapagos Islands, either from Quito or Guayaquil, you must go to the offices of the Government Council of the Special Regime of Galapagos that are located at the departure airports to obtain the Transit Card. These offices will verify that you have completed the prior registration form (and if you have not already done so, they will make you fill it out at the moment) and will check your luggage to verify that you do not carry any of the restricted products. This check on your luggage is done BEFORE sending it to the hold, that is, before you deliver it to the counter of your flight. Do not worry, since at the airport they know very well that you have to do this before you can board, so the hostesses of your airline will indicate where you should do the procedure before they start their procedure. That is why we recommend going with a good margin of time even if it is a domestic flight.
What is the best camera for a Galápagos trip?
Sports camera: definitely the best accessory and must pack to have great memories of your Galápagos trip. There’s a few cameras available on the market, some are more expensive like the GoPro and others very affordable like Apeman. This option is very good because they are water resistant, very small so easy to carry and you can adapt them to all the activities you’ll do.
Do you need a round flight to the Galapagos Islands?
Before landing to the Galapagos Islands you’ll need a ccomodation bookings and round flight tickets. This will be required at the airport to allow your entrance. There are many situations where you can improvise on your Galapagos, but not with this.
Is Galapagos a protected place?
The Galapagos Islands is worldwide know tourist destination, but it is also a protected Natural Park. In order to maintain this natural jewel, the institutions has established a protocols for visitors. The procedures are really simple, but it is good to know them before arriving to the islands, to avoid unnecessary delays in enjoying your holidays.
Can you fly to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador?
There’s no direct flights from outside Ecuador to Galápagos. Always, there’s a mandatory stop either on Quito orGuayaquil Airport. This is to ensure that all passengers go through the luggage revisions, since Galapagos airports don’t have the technology and equipment to perform the exhaustive revision, so it’s done before you depart there. Also, to avoid anything harmful mistakenly enter the Galapagos Islands.
Do you need a mask to snorkel in the Galápagos?
Your own snorkeling mask: Is the best way to make the most out of your Galápagos Trip. There’s a lot of amazing beaches in Galápagos where you can snorkel on your own and by having your mask you won’t need to rent it. Also, if you do any snorkeling tour, the price will include the mask but we do think it’s better to have your own to avoid using one that has been used (disinfected) by others or that you may not find comfortable. There’s many options with different prices, here’s our recommendations:
How old do you have to be to go to the Galapagos Islands?
There is no age restriction for visiting the Galapagos Islands. However, some cruises, specially yachts and small boats, do not accept children under the age of 6 years old. Larger boats and cruise ships may be more accommodating to younger guests, some even offering special activities and services for them.
What are the rules for visiting Galapagos Islands?
National Park rules. All travelers must obey the following regulations while in the Galapagos Islands National Park. Failure to comply with these rules may result in sanctions by the Ecuadorian government. Keep a distance of 2 meters from wildlife including your cameras. Do not touch or feed the fauna.
Can you cruise the Galapagos Islands?
All boats cruising the Galapagos Islands must endure a rigorous process of approval on many technical and logistical aspects to be allowed to operate in the National Park.
Can you take luggage on the islands?
Therefore, all passengers visiting the islands will not be allowed to take along with them, or in their luggage, any of the type of objects described above. This regulation is effective as of June 2018.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Travel Insurance, while not being mandatory, is highly recommended to have, as it will protect you against unforeseen problems with your flight connections and the possibility of missing your cruise/tour. Please refer to our Terms and Policies section to review our refund policies.
Do the Galapagos Islands have international flights?
The Galapagos Islands do not receive international flights. The airports from the mainland cities of Quito or Guayaquil receive all international flights in Ecuador. It is recommended to stay in either of these cities at least for night prior and after your cruise.
What to know before going to the Galapagos Islands?
Your Galapagos travel checklist: What to know before you go. written by Elizabeth Zahur October 17, 2017. There’s never a bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Its location near the equator means it experiences year-round warm temperatures, and, unlike other wildlife destinations, extraordinary animals can be seen any time of the year.
Can you drink tap water in the Galapagos Islands?
Buy a good reusable water bottle. Tap water isn’t safe to drink in the Galapagos Islands. As contaminated water can cause an upset stomach and traveller’s diarrhea (and, in some cases, more serious conditions like cholera and hepatitis A), drink only purified, filtered water.
What is the best way to pay for a trip to the Galapagos Islands?
Cash is the best way to pay. Despite credit cards are the most common payment method around the globe, the Galapagos Islands due to it’s condition of isolated islands faces the problem of telecommunication. Internet in Galapagos is provided via Satellite which makes it quite slow and unstable. Although there are places that take debit ...
Why are there strict controls at the Galapagos airport?
As a result , there are strict controls at the airport to prevent any pets, food, plants, or agriculture from making its way to the Enchanted Islands.
How long is a tourist visa valid in Ecuador?
After booking your trip, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date from Ecuador. Upon being granted permission to enter the country, visitors will be given a 12-x tourist visa which is good for 90 days.
Where to go after leaving the airport in Puerto Ayora?
However, everything has been well thought and organized. After you leave the airport you will find shuttles that will take you to the Itabaca Channel , where a ferry will take you to the other side of the channel. Here you can either hire private transportation or take a line bus to take you to Puerto Ayora.
Do you need health insurance to travel to Galapagos?
Upon your arrival in Galapagos, at the airport immigration office, you must present health insurance details – which must be valid throughout your stay in Ecuador. Ok, so now you know what to do before traveling to the Enchanted Islands, one of the most wonderful and pristine places in the world.
Is it worth visiting the Galapagos Islands?
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is an adventure worth planning for. The Islands are full of mystery and majesty, with new discoveries surprising guests daily as a matter of course. Making the trip to Ecuador and the islands also has its fair share of surprises as the small country’s infrastructure differs from other parts of the world. Use this guide for some frequently asked questions about Ecuador and the Islands to make sure that your journey is smooth sailing and one to remember fondly.
