Travel Guide of Galapagos Islands in Ecuador by Influencers and Travelers

The Galápagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere.

Pictures and Stories of Galapagos Islands from Influencers

20 pictures of Galapagos Islands from Andy Brunner, Magdalena Kula Manchee, Mackenzie Weber and other travelers

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How to visit Galapagos Islands ?

To get there, you'll first need to fly to Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. From there, you can catch a flight to either Baltra or San Cristobal, the two main islands with airports. Keep in mind that flights to the Galapagos are limited, so it's best to book well in advance. Once you've arrived, you can explore the islands by taking a cruise or staying on the inhabited islands and organizing day trips.

It's essential to book certain things in advance when visiting the Galapagos. Due to strict regulations to protect the environment, the number of visitors to the islands is limited. Therefore, it's highly recommended to book your cruise, tours, and accommodations well in advance to secure your spot. Also, purchase the Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20) and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100) upon arrival.

The costs of visiting the Galapagos can be quite high due to its remote location and strict regulations. A budget trip, including a land-based tour and accommodations, can cost around $150-$200 per day, while a more luxurious experience on a liveaboard cruise can cost over $500 per day.

Some of the best things to do in the Galapagos include snorkeling or diving with sea lions and marine iguanas, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, observing giant tortoises in the wild, hiking up Sierra Negra Volcano, and exploring the lava tunnels of Santa Cruz Island.

For dining options, try out these local favorites: The Rock in Puerto Ayora offers delicious seafood with an Ecuadorian twist, and Calypso in Puerto Villamil serves up locally sourced dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. For a more upscale dining experience, head to Il Giardino in Puerto Ayora, known for its Italian-Ecuadorian fusion cuisine.

When it comes to accommodations, consider staying at a budget-friendly option like the Galapagos Eco-Friendly Hotel in Puerto Ayora or the La Casa de Marita on Isabela Island. For a more luxurious experience, check out the Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora or the Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel on Isabela Island.

Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting Floreana Island, one of the least-visited islands in the archipelago. Here, you can explore the mystery of the Floreana's early settlers, learn about the island's intriguing pirate history, and visit Post Office Bay, where sailors and explorers have been leaving mail for each other since the 18th century. Additionally, you can snorkel at Devil's Crown, an underwater volcanic cone teeming with marine life.

In conclusion, the Galapagos Islands offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. Be sure to plan and book in advance, and embrace the natural wonders and unique wildlife that await you in this isolated paradise.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Galapagos Islands

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1 - Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is one of the Galápagos Islands with an area of 986 km² and a maximum altitude of 864 metres. Situated in the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is the second largest island after Isabela.

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2 - North Seymour Island

   26 km away

North Seymour is a small island near Baltra Island in the Galápagos Islands. It was formed by uplift of a submarine lava formation. The whole island is covered with low, bushy vegetation. The island is named after an English nobleman, Lord Hugh Seymour. North Seymour Island has an area of 1.9 square kilometres and a maximum altitude of 28 metres. This island is home to a large population of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.

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3 - Birdwatching | Santa Cruz, Ecuador

   11 km away

The island with the largest number of endemic birds in Galápagos. Perfect for nature & exploration lovers. Easy to access, low difficulty activities, ideal for families, children & senior citizens.

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4 - Galapagos

   28 km away

The Galápagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere.

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5 - Bartolomé Island

   44 km away

Bartolomé Island is a volcanic islet in the Galápagos Islands group, just off the east coast of Santiago Island. It is one of the "younger" islands in the Galápagos archipelago.

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6 - Snorkeling | Puerto Ayora

   14 km away

Exclusive yacht trip to Bartolome Island in the Galapagos. Enjoy a landing excursion to observe the landscapes, and timed snorkeling on the golden beach near the Pinnacle by www.cigtours.com

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Learn More about Galapagos Islands

Off the Pacific coast, the Galapagos Islands are one of the world's most fascinating natural sanctuaries.

A trip or cruise to the Galapagos Islands gives you the chance to see how species have evolved without human disturbance. Composed of 13 islands forming a marine reserve classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site,

The Galapagos are home to iguanas, impressive reptiles considered the most primitive in the world!

You can also see the famous giant tortoises that gave their name to the archipelago, countless birds such as blue-footed boobies, and a huge variety of fish

It is difficult to leave Ecuador without an excursion to the Galapagos Islands.

• About 1000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland coast, the Galapagos archipelago is composed of 3 large islands, 7 small islands, and 47 rocky islets.

They owe their fame to Charles Darwin who stayed there in 1835 and made their singular fauna the cornerstone of his theory on "The origin of species by natural selection".

• The archipelago forms a large-scale laboratory for the study of unique flora and fauna in the world. For those who love diving, they offer the possibility of discovering a great variety of marine animals and living an unforgettable experience.

The Galapagos Islands are also full of beautiful landscapes: alternating black volcanic rocks and lush green and red vegetation, they deserve their nickname of enchanted islands.

The Galapagos Islands: a very special archipelago

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 1000 km from the South American continent, these nineteen islands and the marine reserve that surrounds them are a living museum and laboratory of evolution.

Seismic activity and active volcanism still illustrate the processes that formed these islands.

These combined mechanisms, as well as the extreme isolation of these islands, allowed the development of a unique fauna that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection following his five-week visit in 1835 aboard the Beagle.

The Galapagos Islands cover more than 45,000 square kilometers, 97% of which are now protected by the Galapagos National Park created in 1959.

• A constellation of volcanic islands, the Galapagos Islands are an internationally renowned diving destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Galapagos Islands

Where are The Galapagos Islands ?

Pacific Ocean

• Located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1000 km from the South American continent, these nineteen islands and the marine reserve that surrounds them constitute a living museum and laboratory of evolution unique in the world. 

Why visit the Galapagos Islands ?

The Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, and a visit to this archipelago is a dream come true for nature lovers. The islands deploy a unique ecosystem in the world.

An exceptional fauna

The fauna is unique in the Galapagos National Park. Among the most famous animals, we can mention the giant tortoises, the lizards of different colors, the sea lions, and the iguanas
The archipelago is also home to 58 species of birds of which 28 are endemic
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 Frigatebirds, finches with various beaks, albatrosses, birds of paradise, or blue and red-footed boobies are some of the most sought-after bird species by visitors.

The Galapagos Marine Reserve offers the spectacle of an impressive living underwater flora and fauna. Among the most surprising mammals are the fur seal, the humpback whale, and the Galapagos shark. The reserve also counts more than 300 species of fish, enough to make all experienced divers dream.

A magnificent flora

In addition to a very rich fauna, sometimes endemic, the Galapagos Islands are also home to an incredibly varied flora! There are more than 850 species of plants of which 228 are endemic. Each island has its characteristics in terms of plants, which is explained by the difference in relief and climate between each of the islands.

On the coasts, there are some species such as mangrove, purslane, or myrtle, which are rather aquatic, while inland and in arid areas, we generally find lichens and cacti.

   Where to Stay near Galapagos Islands

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   More Travel spots to explore around Galapagos Islands

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