Galápagos

How to get to the islands

The first idea to understand when talking about visiting the Galapagos is that there is no direct flight to the islands.

To access the archipelago you must buy a ticket to Quito or Guayaquil and then continue with another flight to the Galápagos. Either to the airport of Baltra Island or to the airport of San Cristobal Island.

The company we used for this trip was Avianca  and then we used Aerogal, an Avianca company on the Quito – Galápagos stretch.

The Latam and Taca also operate to Galapagos.

The flight from Quito to Galápagos lasts about 1h50min and the difference in time between the continent and the archipelago is 1 hour less for Galápagos compared to Quito (in relation to Brasília time, it is 4 hours less).

After buying the ticket “Brasil” (any destination) to the final destination Galápagos (obviously, as I said, you will make stops) and make this journey to the archipelago you will arrive at Baltra, the main gateway (main airport of the islands ).

• • Baggage inspection fee Quito or Guayaquil Airport (mandatory) – $ 20 per person;
  • Entrance fee to Galapagos – 50 dollars per person (for South Americans) (for other nationalities – 100 dollars per person);

  From the airport of Baltra you will take a free bus (urban bus style) to the port of Baltra (around 30 minutes you will be in this port), from this port you will take a ferry (1 dollar per person) to cross to Santa Island Cruz (crossing lasts 10 minutes).

After this crossing, you “take” another bus (executive style minibus – 2 dollars per person) and go to the other “tip” of the island, Puerto Ayora. This part is the busiest and most inhabited part of this island. Where you find accommodations, restaurants, shops and banks. This bus ride takes about 1 hour.

After reaching Puerto Ayora you have completed the mission!

It is already in the heart of the archipelago, as it is from this island that daily bulls depart for the other islands and attractions of the Galápagos and from where you can catch boats to spend days on other islands that are also famous and attractive, such as Isabela Island and San Cristobal Island.

It is also on the island of Santa Cruz where you can go on diving cruises, liveaboards .

In this style of travel, very famous and sought after by divers, the traveler spends 1 week or more on board specialized boats focused on diving tourism.

For a better use of local tourism, it is advisable to stay at least 5 days in Galápagos.

Also check out our posts about Galapagos:

Complete Galapagos Tour – The Enchanted Islands

10 things to do on Santa Cruz Island – The central Galapagos island