So the travel bug has bit you again, this time you are headed to the Galapagos Islands. Congratulations!
In order for you to have an amazing trip, you’ll need to start planning out the details. But where do you start?
Here are a few tips on how to start planning your Galapagos Islands vacation.
1. Figure Out Your Flights
Unfortunately, your dreams of a nonstop flight to the Galapagos won’t happen.
You’ll have to use a connecting flight in either the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International airport (GYE) or the Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) in Ecuador.
The GYE airport will have more flight options available but the UIO airport might be a better choice if you want to extend your trip and spend a day or two sightseeing in the area.
If you want to fly in-between the islands, the carrier you’ll need to use is Emetebe Airlines. Note that there are other forms of travel in-between islands like by sea, however, this may cause issues if you easily experience sea sickness by boat.
Try to book as far in advance your flights and other accommodations to get the best deals. Occasionally, you can find last-minute deals right before your trip.
2. Understand the Fees Needed for Your Galapagos Islands Vacation
You’ll need to expect to pay fees for touring the Galapagos. Every tourist coming through to the islands will have to pay the same fees.
Any international visitor will need to pay a fee of $100 and an additional Transit Control card (TCT) fee of $20 per person.
The TCT card helps aid in tracking the visitors who’re making trips to the islands. You can pick it up at the airport when you land and you’ll turn the card in at the end of your trip.
If you are getting to the islands via cruise ship, check with them beforehand to make sure that they will be handling your TCT cards.
Here are the fees and where they go to.
- 40% goes towards the Galapagos National Park
- 5% goes towards the Galapagos Marine Reserve
- 10% goes towards Consejo Provincial de Galapagos
- 5% goes towards the Ecuadorian Navy
- 25% goes towards the Galapagos municipalities.
- 5% goes towards the inspection and quarantine services.
- 10% goes towards INGALA for Galapagos Immigration
These fees will go towards different conservation efforts in the Galapagos.
3. Pick Your Sights and Tours
The Galapagos Islands are an area that has world-class diving opportunities. You’ll be able to see a multitude of different kinds of fish and animals while you are swimming around underwater.
Many diving trips normally leave from the Peurto Ayora area.
A popular trip for visitors to take is about a small cruise or a yacht boat around the Galapagos Islands. This is a great way to be able to relax while taking in all the islands have to offer.
The itineraries offer many activities like sightseeing, local animal viewing, and even hiking close to the volcanic landscapes that are popular around this area.
This will help immerse yourself in the natural environment that the Galapagos that you have come to the islands for.
Visit this homepage for more information on tours in the Galapagos.
4. Where to Stay
There are many different types of places to stay during your stay in the Galapagos. That includes bed and breakfast’s, luxury hotels, rural hostels, inns, or even camping accommodations.
Keep in mind that larger accommodations are often located in the larger cities and not in the more rural areas. Deciding how you want to spend your vacation will help determine what kind of lodging you should stay in.
5. What to Bring With You
It is important to know what to bring with you on this trip far from home. Consider bringing some of these items to make your trip more enjoyable.
Don’t skimp on your SPF supply. This area of the world gets a lot of sun and you need to be ready for the inevitable hot weather climate. The location of these islands on the equator makes for the heat to be amplified which is something some visitors might not be used to, especially if you are from the north.
Try to invest in sunscreen that is water-resistant so that it won’t wash away during any water-related activities.
Because of the same reasons, you’ll need to bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun as much as possible.
If you are planning on exploring the waters while snorkeling or swimming around, you might want to consider getting water clothing that has SPF built in and you can swim in. Your back will be completely exposed to the sun while swimming so it’s best to protect what’s directly under the sun’s rays.
If you find yourself particularly susceptible to motion sickness and are planning activities with a boat involved, don’t forget medicine to combat the illness.
Going to the Galapagos will normally require quite a bit of walking. It’s a good idea to bring sturdy shoes that are comfortable enough for you to walk long distances in.
That being said, you’ll want to also bring sandals or flip-flops for relaxation and any boat or water activities.
Make sure that you have enough cash on your while traveling on excursions and in any transportation services etc. for tips. There will be ATM’s available to you but they might not always be properly stocked.
For those reasons, you won’t want to be stuck without any money. It is best to make sure you always have a little stashed away for emergencies.
Make Lifelong Memories
A Galapagos Islands vacation is a once in a lifetime trip that has the opportunity to be a memory yourself and your family will never forget.
Planning all the details well in advance will help guarantee you a fun and carefree trip to explore one of the world’s most beautiful wonders.
Swiss 123 has lots of information and tips that are perfect for anyone who has the itch to travel the world.
Take a look at our blog for more tips to satisfy your wanderlust.
