Skip to content 
The Galapagos Islands, a captivating archipelago off the coast of Ecuador, beckon travelers with their unparalleled natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife. Known for inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, these islands offer a unique opportunity to observe at very close proximity species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The secluded nature of the Galapagos makes it a coveted destination for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and a deeper connection with nature.
How to Get to Galapagos: The Complete Guide
However, reaching this remote paradise requires careful research, planning, and booking. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate how to get to the Galapagos Islands. We promise that, by thoroughly reading through the following, you will have everything you need to know for a seamless and smooth journey there.
Flights to Ecuador
Getting to the Galapagos Islands involves two crucial yet straight forward steps, each of which is paramount to guaranteeing you get there. Be aware that there are no international cruise liners or bridges that offer service to the Galapagos. Flying in is the only option.
- First, you must fly to mainland Ecuador. The capital city of Quito or the major city of Guayaquil will serve as your primary entry points. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each of them offers:
- Quito: The capital city of Ecuador is nestled high up in the Andes. It offers stunning landscapes along with rich cultural and historical experiences.
- Guayaquil: Ecuador’s largest city. Provides a vibrant urban backdrop with easy access to nearby coastal attractions.
- From either of these cities, you’ll then need to catch a domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands.
- From Ecuador, you’ll take a domestic flight to either Baltra Island or San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. These two are the only Galapagos Islands Airport options you can fly into from mainland Ecuador.
So, to summarize: While arranging your flights to the Galapagos Islands, you’ll need to begin by booking an international flight to Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). Following that, when it comes to how to get to Galapagos from Ecuador, you’ll then need to book your domestic flight to Galapagos.
Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and KLM offer international flights to Quito and Guayaquil from various cities worldwide. You can find direct flights from the United States from Miami, New York (NYC), and Houston, while European travelers can fly from Madrid or Amsterdam.
Pro Tip: We recommend staying at least a night or two in Quito or Guayaquil before departing to the Galapagos so as to: a.) make sure you have ample time to get to Ecuador in time for your Galapagos flight (in the rare event of any flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage, etc.), and b.) relax and maybe even enjoy the city you stay in for a bit, particularly Quito!
Knowing how to get to the Galapagos from NYC in the US or Madrid in Europe, for example, requires first securing a flight to either Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport or Guayaquil’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. Both cities offer different experiences before your Galapagos adventure. While Quito is famous for its high-altitude Andean landscapes and cultural charm, Guayaquil offers a coastal city vibe with slightly more convenient access to the Galapagos in terms of flight time.
Booking your flights well in advance is highly advisable, especially during peak travel seasons (holidays such as Christmas or New Year, Summer Break, etc.). Worth having a look at are travel packages that bundle flights and cruise tours, as these often offer better value and convenience. Be sure to ask our Destination Experts if that interests you!
How to Get to Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil
Once in Ecuador, in either the city of Quito or Guayaquil, you’ll need to then book a domestic flight to the Galapagos. LATAM and Avianca are the primary airlines operating these routes, with flights departing daily to the airports of Baltra and San Cristobal in Galapagos. Most of their flights depart early in the morning. Securing a seat during your preferred travel period often requires booking several months in advance, especially if you plan to fly to your preferred Galapagos Islands airport during the high season.
NOTE: Departures from Quito often include a brief stopover in Guayaquil, with a total flight time of about 2.5 hours. Direct flights from Guayaquil to Galapagos take approximately 1.5 hours. Wondering how far the Galapagos are from Ecuador? The archipelago resides in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles (~1,000 km) west of Ecuador’s coastline.
Choosing the best flight itinerary to the Galapagos will depend on your travel preferences. If you prefer a more direct journey, flying from Guayaquil is a great option due to shorter domestic flight times. However, if you’re interested in exploring Ecuador’s cultural and historical sites, flying from Quito could enhance your travel experience. Consider factors like budget, time constraints, and desired layover activities when deciding on how to get to Galapagos!
Also, keep in mind that flight prices fluctuate based on the season, with peak travel periods typically seeing a higher Galapagos trip cost. Roundtrip fares from Quito average around $555, whereas flights from Guayaquil are slightly cheaper at approximately $450. Knowing how to get to the Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil can save you money and time, depending on your travel preferences.
And again, Booking early, or even as part of a Galapagos cruise package deal, can help secure your preferred travel dates and potentially lower prices!
Essential Flight Tips for Getting to the Galapagos
To ensure a smooth journey to the Galapagos, consider the following tips:
- Booking Strategies: Reserve your flights as part of a travel package to save money and simplify arrangements. Many tour operators, including Yacht La Pinta, offer packages that include flights, a Galapagos cruise, and guided tours.
- Packing Tips: Avoid baggage restrictions, particularly weight limits, as excess luggage can include additional fees. Pack essentials like lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Travel Preparation: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your flight to the Galapagos to accommodate any potential delays, cancellations, or lost luggage. This also allows you to explore the local attractions and culture if you’re interested in doing so.
- Knowing how to get to the Galapagos from Ecuador smoothly will involve keeping these finer details in mind, guaranteeing a stress-free trip!
Important Additional & Mandatory Travel Fees
Traveling to the Galapagos entails specific fees that support conservation efforts throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re set on visiting the Galapagos, it’s important to know that you’ll be required to pay the following:
- $20 Transit Control Card. This will need to be paid at the airport prior to departing from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos. This fee helps monitor tourist movement and helps fund conservation efforts throughout the delicate ecosystem.
- Keep this item safe, as it might be requested once more upon departure from the islands.
- Upon arrival in the Galapagos, a $200 National Park Entrance Fee will need to be paid. This money goes directly towards funding conservation projects and local community initiatives.
Both these fees need to be paid in cash, so plan accordingly!
Required Travel Documents
Ensure you have all necessary travel documents ready before embarking on your Galapagos adventure. A valid passport is essential, and it should be valid for at least six months past your planned departure date from Ecuador.
While most tourists do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days, verifying requirements based on your nationality before traveling is crucial. Health insurance is recommended, as medical facilities on the islands are limited, and travel insurance can cover emergencies.
Choosing the Optimal Galapagos Airport
We know we already mentioned this previously, but it’s important to reiterate that your choice of airport in the Galapagos can significantly impact your travel plans. Baltra Island’s Airport is ideal for those planning to explore Santa Cruz Island’s nearby attractions and/or embark on a Galapagos cruise (Note: All of La Pinta’s itineraries begin and end at Baltra Island), as it offers straightforward access to the central region of the archipelago.
San Cristobal Island’s airport provides direct access to the eastern region of the archipelago, which is known for its rich history and diverse wildlife.
So, definitely consider your itinerary and the location of your accommodations and/or Galapagos cruise when selecting your arrival airport! Understanding such Galapagos Island airport logistics will definitely help optimize your travel plans!
Global Routes to the Galapagos Islands
Still, wondering how to get to the Galapagos Islands from cities like New York or other major hubs? Don’t forget that first you’ll need to fly into Ecuador! That’s right: Connecting to the Galapagos from anywhere in the world involves flying to Ecuador first. Direct flights to Quito or Guayaquil are available from major cities in North America, Europe, and South America. Planning your layovers is crucial for a smooth transition, and adding a day or two in Ecuador allows you to enjoy its cultural and natural attractions.
Given our travelers often ask us most about how to get to Galapagos from NYC, here’s the quick lowdown: Most routes from New York involve flying to Miami or Houston first, followed by a connecting flight to Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito or Guayaquil, a quick domestic flight will take you directly to the Enchanted Isles!
Preparing for Your Journey Back Home
As you prepare to leave the Galapagos, it’s important to understand the departure process to ensure a smooth return home. Start by confirming your flight details at your selected Galapagos airport beforehand to accommodate time for check-in and security procedures.
The Galapagos Islands airport process is a rather straightforward system like most other airports, but it can involve additional steps like baggage and security checks. Consequently, it is highly recommended that you pencil in enough time before your departure flight to clear these procedures! We recommend at least adding an hour or two.
Remember to keep your Galapagos Transit Control Card handy, as it might be requested as part of the check-in process, too. Be mindful of strict baggage rules and inspections to avoid carrying any prohibited items—such as native flora, fauna, or even seashells!—out of the islands.
In case you’re nervous about what things you shouldn’t take with you from the Galapagos, have a look at our handy list below:
Galapagos Baggage and Prohibited Items Upon Departure
- Baggage Rules: Be mindful of strict baggage rules. Check with your airline for specific weight and size limitations.
- Prohibited Items: Avoid carrying any prohibited items out of the islands. This includes:
- Native flora and fauna
- Seashells
- Coral
- Volcanic rocks
- Any biological samples of any kind
- Souvenirs: Ensure your souvenirs are permissible. Generally allowed items include:
- Locally made crafts
- T-shirts and other clothing items
- Packaged food products (subject to customs regulations)
- Photographs and postcards
Inter-island Travel:
If you find yourselves on inhabited islands in the Galapagos that don’t have an airport with service back to the Ecuadorian mainland, such as Isabela Island or Floreana Island, be sure to pencil in enough time to make it to Santa Cruz or San Cristobal. Ideally, it’s best to spend a night on either of the latter two islands to guarantee you can make it to the Galapagos airport on time.
Transportation to the Airport:
- From Santa Cruz: If you’re departing from Baltra, take a bus or taxi (25-30 mins) to the Itabaca Channel from Puerto Ayora. Once there, you’ll take a quick ferry ride across the channel, followed by another shuttle bus to the airport (~10-15 mins).
- From San Cristobal: Taxis are readily available to take you to the airport from the town itself (5-10 mins).
Select the Ideal Flight Path to the Galapagos
Once you’ve figured out how to get to the Galapagos Islands, the rest of your adventure awaits! Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid photographer, or an intrepid explorer, every moment in this extraordinary archipelago will be filled with awe and wonder. Start picturing yourself walking alongside sunbathing marine iguanas, snorkeling with playful sea lions, or hiking to panoramic vistas that take your breath away!
With careful planning and the insider tips provided in this guide, we promise you’ll be able to hit the ground running and make the most out of your time in this once-in-a-lifetime destination that’s packed with adventure, discovery, and pure wonder.
From the moment you step foot on these volcanic shores, you’ll understand why the Galapagos Islands hold such legendary status among travelers. It’s a pristine paradise where wildlife thrives in its natural habitat and landscapes remain untouched by time. With this comprehensive guide at your fingertips, you’re not just equipped for a trip—you’re ready for a life-changing journey. Whether you’re drawn to the incredible biodiversity, the crystalline waters, or the rugged beauty of the islands, the planning you’ve done—starting right here—ensures that your experience will be as seamless as it is unforgettable. Get ready to create memories that will stay with you forever.
Book your Galapagos adventure today with Yacht La Pinta to guarantee a smooth and unforgettable journey!
