How to get to Galapagos: Comprehensive Guide

Discover how to get to Galapagos. Traveling to the Galapagos Islands takes some planning, given how far the archipelago is from the mainland. Let’s get straight to the point: There are no boats, cargo ships, international cruises, or bridges that provide access to the remote Galapagos Islands. The only way to get to the Galapagos Islands is via a domestic flight that departs from mainland Ecuador, either from the capital city of Quito or the coastal city of Guayaquil.

How to get to Galapagos: Travel Route

As a result of the above, answering the question of how to get to Galapagos really only comes down to three simple steps:

Step 1: Getting to Ecuador first from wherever you are in the world

Step 2: Deciding on what city in Ecuador you want to depart to the Galapagos from

Step 3: Deciding on what airport in Galapagos you wish to arrive in

Step 1 will likely involve browsing through travel booking sites and/or consulting with your preferred travel agency to find the best rates and most convenient connections.

Cities around the world that offer direct flights to Ecuador are:

When it comes to Step 2, there is usually a rather minimal price difference between flying into Quito and Guayaquil from any of the above cities. However, one thing to note is that the majority of flights from the above cities are non-stop to Quito, while flying into Guayaquil usually entails at least one or more layovers.

The biggest and most popular international airport to fly into/out of in Ecuador is Quito, while Guayaquil is the country’s second most popular international airport. The reason for this is that Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is frequently visited by tourists from around the world due to the rich and stunning historical area it harbors. This makes Quito a beautiful, convenient, and hassle-free addition to any Galapagos trip!

Also, regarding Step 3 when it comes to how to get to Galapagos: Baltra (GPS) is the preferred and most popular airport to fly into in the archipelago due to its central location, while San Cristobal (SCY) is often seen as a back-up alternative. Deciding on which one you want to fly into will likely come down to your cruise departure point, general itinerary, and/or interests. Avianca and LATAM are the only airlines that offer flights to the Galapagos

Flying to Galapagos from Ecuador: Choosing Your Departure City

Again, cost might be the biggest factor in deciding on this. Time might be the second biggest factor, in which case Guayaquil can be viewed as providing the fastest connection to the Galapagos (but only if you view saving 15 minutes of flight time as being “faster” than Quito). Guayaquil can also be viewed as the more affordable option (but only if you see savings of around USD $50, on average, as more affordable).

However, if money nor time are an issue, and you’re looking to get the most out of your flight to Ecuador, then it’s definitely worth examining the pros and cons of stopping in either city before jetting off to the spectacular Galapagos Islands. Why? Simply because both cities provide excellent opportunities to further explore Ecuador’s rich culture and gorgeous landscapes before (or even after) your Galapagos journey!

Flights from Quito to the Galapagos

Quito Airport Name: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Departures to Galapagos: Daily, in the morning.

Average airfare to Galapagos: $350, roundtrip.

Flight Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes, non-stop.

Quito makes for an excellent and easy pit stop on your way to the Galapagos, which is something we highly recommend having as it’s a good idea to at least add one night to your journey to Galapagos trip as a “safety buffer” in the rare event that there be any unexpected delays with your flight(s) to Ecuador, luggage, etc.

Between either option of cities to enjoy a layover in on your way to Galapagos, Quito offers one of the best medleys of things to do, specifically when it comes to immersing yourself in Ecuador’s rich culture and history. Here’s a quick shortlist of what makes the Ecuadorian capital such a standout departure point for getting to Galapagos:

• The capital of Ecuador is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with one of the best-preserved historic quarters in all of Latin America.
• Quito has a brand-new metro, allowing visitors to easily reach distinct parts of the city in no time.
• The city enjoys temperate weather throughout the whole year, thanks in large part to the higher altitude. It is also flanked by stunning volcanoes, mountains, and gorgeous Cobblestone streets, churches, and spectacular plazas and parks add to Quito’s picturesque charm.
• With an extended layover in Quito, visitors can enjoy trips to nearby attractions outside of the city, such as: The Middle of the World Monument, cloud forests, hot springs, and much more.

Flights from Guayaquil to the Galapagos

Guayaquil Airport Name: Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)

Departures to Galapagos: Daily, in the morning.

Average airfare to Galapagos: $300, roundtrip.

Flight Duration: 2 hours, non-stop.

Guayaquil serves as a convenient stopover on your way to the Galapagos, particularly if you’re looking for a straightforward transit experience. As always, we recommend adding at least one night to your itinerary as a “safety buffer” in case of any unexpected delays with your flight(s) to Ecuador, luggage, or other logistics.

Between the two main options for a layover before heading to the Galapagos, Guayaquil offers a more modern, coastal atmosphere with a focus on commerce and urban development. Here’s a quick shortlist of what makes Ecuador’s largest city a viable departure point for reaching the Galapagos:

• The city features a scenic riverfront promenade known as the “Malecon 2000,” which offers a pleasant place to stroll, dine, and take in views of the Guayas River.
• Visitors can explore Las Peñas, a small colorful historic neighborhood known for its art galleries, cafes, and panoramic views from Santa Ana Hill.
• Guayaquil’s hot, humid, and tropical climate provides a contrast to the Andean highlands’ cooler weather.
• With an extended layover, visitors can take short trips to nearby attractions like the Parque Seminario (home to the famous land iguanas), the coastal mangroves, cacao farms, or even the beaches along Ecuador’s Pacific coastline.

Important Considerations When Flying to Galapagos

Ultimately, your choice of city in Ecuador should match your travel style, length of stay, and interest in exploring each one’s unique offerings. Again, there are travelers who see them as mere “steppingstones” to quickly arrive at and then get out of on their way to Galapagos. However, we’ll reiterate one last time how much we highly recommend staying at least one night in either one of them for a much more comfortable trip to Galapagos.

Something else worth knowing is that the only two airlines that provide service to Galapagos from mainland Ecuador are:

• Avianca
• LATAM

These two airlines fly into either one of the following two Galapagos airports:

• Seymour Airport (GPS) is an airport serving the island of Baltra (and connects to Santa Cruz Island via water taxi and then bus or private transfer service). NOTE: This is the most popular arrival airport for Expedition Cruise departures.
• San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is an airport further south in the archipelago, located on the island of San Cristobal.

Mandatory Fees & Required Documents

• A Transit Control Card (TCT) is required for all travelers and must be obtained at the airport before boarding your flight. Price: USD $20.
• A Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee must be paid upon arrival in the islands. Price: USD $200 for foreign adults.
• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required for most travelers.
• More often than not, proof of your return to mainland Ecuador will be requested.

Baggage Restrictions & Biosecurity Checks

• Airlines may have specific baggage weight limits, especially for flights to the islands (often 50lb/20kg for checked luggage). Be sure to double-check with your airline. By packing thoughtfully and adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be ready for an exciting and environmentally conscious adventure in the Galapagos Islands.
• The Galapagos Islands have strict biosecurity regulations whereby fresh produce, seeds, and certain animal products are strictly prohibited. Bags are also thoroughly inspected before your departure to the islands.

How can I travel to the Galapagos Islands from anywhere in the world?

To recap:

1. Fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). These are the only cities with direct flights to the Galapagos.
2. From either of these cities, book a connecting flight to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY) with Avianca or LATAM.

PRO TIP: Allow yourself extra time for required procedures, including purchasing the Transit Control Card (TCT) and baggage inspection at the airport before departing to Galapagos from mainland Ecuador.

Returning Home: What to Plan For

First of all: Congratulations on making it and enjoying the Galapagos Islands! As, all good trips must come to an end, and so we wish you well on your travels back home, or wherever it is your journey takes you after Ecuador!

The best thing about how to get to Galapagos and then leave the archipelago is that it’s super straightforward: Return to Quito or Guayaquil and execute your journey from there onwards! If you have connecting flights in either of these cities, allow at least 3-4 hours between flights to smoothly go through customs, baggage claim, and then check-in.

But don’t forget: Consider a stay in Quito or Guayaquil to make your time in Ecuador even more fulfilling!