FAQs about Galapagos: Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?
Other related frequently asked questions
If you are taking a Galapagos Cruise or package, it is best if you book your domestic flights to/from Galapagos from Quito, Guayaquil or mixed route along with your cruise. This because cruises/tours must follow a pre-approved itinerary by the National Park’s Authorities, and all start their itinerary with specific arriving flights to the Islands, and cannot wait for stragglers arriving on different flights other than the one used by the rest of the group.
Catching a cruise when arriving on different flights that are delayed or arrive on different timings can be very expensive and in some cases, impossible, causing distress and unwanted non-refundable trip cancelations.
For this reason, all operators recommend booking your domestic flights along with your cruise or tour to align with the operation and avoid any issues. Get full details on logistics and traveling to the Galapagos.
You can visit the Galapagos any time of the year as there is always something wonderful happening in the Islands, especially with wildlife’s behavior and natural events.
From mid-June to early-December you have a mixture of warm and rain (afternoon showers), and Ocean waters are warmer and calmer due to the “El Niño” current. From mid-December to early-June is the cool/dry season on land and Ocean, especially because of the passing of the “Humboldt” current through the Archipelago.
For domestic flights to/from Galapagos, each passenger is allowed to bring one piece of luggage of no more than 20 kilos plus one hand luggage or backpack of no more than 10 kilos. Each passenger can also brink on plane’s cabin 1 small purse, handbag or camera-bag.
If excess on luggage occurs, the fee will be charged and paid directly at airline’s counter at the moment of check-in after checking space on cargo area on the plane to Galapagos.
First, you must get to Ecuador Mainland. Make sure you arrive to Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your departure to the Galapagos; there are no direct connections with international flights and flights to Galapagos Islands depart from mainland Ecuador early in the morning from Quito and/or Guayaquil.
Visitors arrive by plane from Mainland (flight takes about 2 ½ hours) with three main Airlines: AVIANCA, LAN and TAME and arrive to Galapagos to one of its two Airports: One in Baltra Island and one in San Cristobal.
There are no established tipping guidelines for all cruises, you should decide the amount to tip your guide and crew based on your level of satisfaction with the services provided on board and while on excursions.
On Luxury and First class cruises it is recommended to tip $15-$20 p.p. for the guide per day and the same amount per day for the whole crew. On Midrange and Economy class cruises it is recommended to tip $10-$13 p.p. for the guide per day and the same amount per day for the whole crew.