Tips to visit the Galapagos Islands

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Thinking of traveling to this magical place? We leave you several tips to visit the Galapagos Islands, where we will review important details that you must take into account for this adventure.

Post written by Sil Instagram: @smc_sock
With photos by Sil and Nicolás

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How to get to Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands have two main airports, one on the island of Baltra, another on the island of San Cristóbal, which have daily flights to the islands early in the morning. The supply of airlines are between Tame, Latam and Avianca. These flights always have as their starting point the cities of Quito or Guayaquil in continental Ecuador with a duration of approximately 2:30 hours and the last flight is until 1 pm.

Do I need insurance to visit Galapagos?

Ecuadorians or residents do not require health insurance to visit the islands, but soon all foreign tourists must present health insurance for the duration of your stay. Equally, It is always recommended to take out health insurance on each trip since being treated in a foreign country can be very expensive..

What is Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are one of the best known places by national and international tourists and it is certainly a unique place to visit.. It should be clarified that the archipelago is a group of more than 13 main islands and many islets and that not all islands are accessible to the public.

They have become world famous for being home to unique species such as the giant tortoises that bear the name of the islands., which weigh more than 400 kilos.

What's more, you can visit them all year, since the climate varies only in two seasons, the hottest and most humid from December to June with isolated drizzle rains. And from July to December being the driest climate, but at the same time cooler with the temperature of the water begins to drop and it is the route of migratory species such as whales, sharks or dolphins.

How are the visits in Galapagos?

It must be clarified that this tour on the islands is always accompanied by naturalist guides designated by the national park, and there are strict rules to keep everything in place by not touching anything on the islands including plants or animals. You cannot bring food to any of the excursions and always be in the group. It's quite an active tour, with walks up to 2 hours on natural paths under the sun or the heat of the weather, to then have limited free time on a beach to do water activities. You can bring water containers as there is a ban on the use of single-use plastics (bottles, bags, etc.). It may sound a bit strict, more the necessary measures have been taken to preserve this natural paradise in the best way, thus reducing plastic waste and always trying not to introduce anything foreign in this unique natural environment.

Accommodation in Galapagos: cruise ship or island hotel?

There are several places in the archipelago that are only accessible by cruise ships as sailing distances can take several hours.. Having said that, If the plan is to visit the islands further west, the best option will always be to go on a cruise. While it seems that the cruise can be one of the most expensive options, will pay off a lot in time savings, meals and activities, since while one is on board busy with any activity (for example having dinner or lunch) the ship is moving to the next visit point. Likewise, you won't have to think about meals, or hire additional activities that are offered in many places on the islands such as beach snorkeling, open sea snorkeling, kayaking or walks through the islands since they will all be included.

Budget for Galapagos from mainland Ecuador

If you are already in Ecuador, and you have enough time to make a visit to Galapagos, This price guide can help you to better organize your trip. Take into account that this guide is focused on prices of the 2019 according to government rates this year.

Additional Recommendations

• Wear hot weather clothes, light fabrics, shorts, sandals, hats, Water shoes. Likewise, there are intermittent light rains, for these it is recommended to wear a waterproof windbreaker.
• There are no landing ports on any island. When you arrive at the places of visit, you disembark in natural places, some on rocks or sand; others land on the beach where the tourist gets off in water and that is when water shoes are the best option.
• Do not miss the opportunity to snorkel in the islands. The marine variety of the archipelago makes it unique, and animals don't run away when they see humans, rather they are curious and that is when you can take unparalleled photos.
• Bring plenty of sun protection, many hours are spent outdoors and it is always advisable to re-apply sunscreen after each water activity.
• Bring cash, although there are ATMs on the main islands, if you go on a cruise your only chance will be at the airport ATMs.
• If you want to help even more to conserve the islands, respect the rules without knocking, move or take anything from visiting sites, we want this place to be preserved and admired by us and all future visitors.
• If you have time and budget, visit as many islands as possible, since each of them houses different types of flora and fauna.

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