How to Visit the Galapagos Islands: Everything you need to know

Visiting San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands was undoubtedly the most magical experience I have ever had. Aside from the strange yet beautiful landscape, the presence of so many incredible creatures that don’t exist anywhere else in the world was absolutely surreal. And while I’m not the kind of person who typically likes to visit the same place twice, I would go back to the Galapagos in a heartbeat.

With so much beauty to discover, it’s no wonder that the Galapagos Islands are heavily regulated and protected. I think this is part of why so many people think they’re far away and inaccessible when they’re just a few hours flight from North America!

So if you’ve been dreaming of swimming with sea lions, snorkeling with sea turtles, and spotting blue-footed boobies, here’s everything you need to know to make that dream come true.

Where are the Galapagos Islands?

For some reason, I used to think the Galapagos Islands were off the coast of Africa (sorry, geography teachers). But they’re actually 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean! They’re pretty much a straight shot south from Louisiana. Ecuador claimed the islands in 1832, shortly after the people won their independence from Spain.

How do I get to the Galapagos Islands?

Line of people boarding a LATAM airplane on San Cristobal Island — *Boarding our LATAM Airlines flight in the Galapagos*

We used LATAM (one of Delta’s “sister” airlines) to fly to Ecuador and the Galapagos. However, you can also book flights through Avianca.

With that said, only two airports in the world fly directly into the Galapagos Islands: the José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and Quito International Airport. And while you can book flights to the Galapagos from Quito, you’ll likely stop in Guayaquil anyway before continuing to the islands.

You can access both airports from major South American and U.S. hubs but cannot take an international flight directly to the Galapagos Islands. However, it’s really not a bad trip. For example, flying from Miami, FL, to Guayaquil takes about 4.5 hours. The flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal Island is less than 2 hours, which means you could make the whole journey in less time than it takes to go from the east to the west coast of the U.S.

Airplane wing over the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador — *Leaving the Guayaquil Airport for San Cristobal*

As far as landing in the Galapagos, you can choose from two airports, Galápagos Ecologic Airport and Airport Isla San Cristobal. Where you land will largely depend on what activities you plan to do. San Cristobal is the closest island of the group, but it’s a bit sequestered from the others. Galapagos Ecologic Airport on Baltra may be a better choice if you want to island hop.

And since you’re probably wondering, no, you cannot cruise into the Galapagos from the mainland. Instead, you’ll fly to one of these airports and meet your cruise at the docks.

What do I need to enter the Galapagos Islands?

Sea lions lounging on the sand in the Galapagos Islands — *Sea Lions on San Cristobal*

While booking flights to the Galapagos Islands is pretty straightforward, things get a little bit trickier when it comes to actually stepping foot there.

The Ecuadorian government has pretty hefty restrictions to help protect the islands’ ecosystems. But that’s why I’m here to walk you through it all.

A Hotel Reservation

To control the number of tourists on the island at a given time, the government requires all visitors to have a confirmed reservation at a hotel (or address with friends) for the duration of their stay. So book your hotel early to ensure you get one that coincides with your flight schedule.

Transit Control Card/ Ingala Card

sun setting over san cristobal island in the Galapagos Islands — *Puerto Baquerizo Moreno* *at sunset*

All visitors will also need a TCT, which is part of the government’s efforts to control the flow of tourists onto the islands. They check this mandatory card at the Quito and Guayaquil airports before you depart for the islands, and you’ll need to pay $20 per person for it (cash only). To get the TCT card, you must provide your passport, flight info, and Galapagos hotel reservation at the TCT booth at the airport. There is an online service you can use to get the TCT registered a day early, but you still have to pay at the airport.

Be sure to keep this card because they check it when you arrive and leave.

Biosecurity Baggage Inspection

Anyone traveling to the Galapagos Islands has to put their bag through a special inspection at the airport. Before giving it the all-clear, the staff verifies that your luggage has no invasive plants, bugs, live animals, seeds, etc. They will also seal your bag to ensure you don’t add anything after the scan, so get everything you need out first!

Once your flight takes off, your carry-on luggage will also get a dose of insecticide.

Biosecurity Questionnaire

Puerto Chino on San Cristobal Island — *Swimmers at Puerto Chino*

During your flight to the islands, each passenger will receive a questionnaire. This is another biosecurity measure to ensure that you’re not purposely or accidentally bringing any invasive or harmful elements into the islands. It will ask you about contact with animals, any food you have packed, and even whether you have plastic. (Note: plastic bottles and bags are not allowed in the Galapagos Islands, so be sure to bring reusable options.)

They’ll check this questionnaire at the airport along with your passport.

Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee

Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos Islands — *Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos* *Islands*

In addition to a Transit Control Card, all visitors will also need to pay the GNP entrance fee, which is $100 per adult and $50 per child (under the age of 12). This is a fairly hefty fee and must be paid in cash. If you are an Ecuadorian national, you’ll only pay $6 and $3 respectively. But for everyone else, you need to be prepared with cash on hand for this large fee.

You’ll pay the entrance fee at a special counter at the airport as soon as you arrive. Every visitor goes through a check-in process where they verify your passport and biosecurity questionnaire and then collect your fee before allowing you to claim your luggage.

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Closing Thoughts on Visiting the Galapagos Islands

When it comes down to it, visiting the Galapagos is as simple as booking a hotel and flight, filling out a couple of forms, and withdrawing extra cash from the ATM! It is really not difficult–you just have to follow the proper procedures, and everything will go smoothly.

If you’re even remotely interested in visiting the Galapagos Islands, do it! I cannot recommend them enough. They are unlike anywhere else in the world, from the landscapes and wildlife to the fact that they are one of the safest places in the entire world.

I will never forget the amazing time we had there, and I’m sure the same will go for you if you visit.

Helpful Links for Your Trip Planning

To wrap things up, I wanted to share a couple of links.

First, if you don’t want to plan your own trip or want to tag the Galapagos Islands onto a longer trip around Ecuador, I recommend Exoticca. We used them for our 12-day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos and had a wonderful time. I’ve written a full review of the experience in this blog post. It wasn’t 100% perfect, but we loved them enough that we just booked a second trip to Iceland in April.

And from now until January 9, 2024, they’re giving referrals $200 off their first booking! After that, you can still get $100 off when you book through my link: https://www.exoticca.com/us/referral/COCHRAN13678983. This isn’t sponsored, but I also get travel credit toward Exoticca if you book through my link.

And finally, here are a few posts I wrote about our time on San Cristobal Island and Ecuador in general. If you want a better idea of the fun things you can do in the Galapagos, be sure to check them out!

If you’d like to subscribe to the blog to get posts like these as soon as they come out, fill out the form below. It’s completely free, and you’ll also get first access to exclusive perks, like $200 off your Exoticca trip (wink wink) and other special discounts.

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