How to Get to the Galápagos Islands
Located about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos are a unique and protected destination that requires a bit of planning to reach.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling to the Galápagos Islands, including flights, entry requirements, and tips for a smooth journey.
Where Are the Galápagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of 18 main islands and numerous smaller islets located in the Pacific Ocean. The two main gateways for travelers are Baltra Island (near Santa Cruz Island) and San Cristóbal Island.
Step 1: Fly to Ecuador’s Mainland
If you're not in mainland Ecuador yet, getting there is your first step. You can fly into one of Ecuador’s two main international airports:
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito – Ecuador’s capital city, located high in the Andes.
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil – the country’s largest city and a major Pacific port.
Both airports have international connections from North America, Europe, and South America. Due to flight schedules, most visitors arrive in Quito or Guayaquil and spend the night near the airport before flying to the Galápagos the next morning.
Need a place to stay? We’re happy to recommend excellent hotels and hostels near the airport to make your trip as smooth as possible. Contact us for more information.
Step 2: Take a Domestic Flight to the Galápagos
From Quito or Guayaquil, you’ll take a domestic flight with Latam or Avianca airlines to either Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) airports. Many travelers choose to arrive at one airport and depart from the other to make visiting multiple islands more convenient. The flight takes approximately 2 hours.
While there are some non-stop flights from Quito to the Galápagos, most include a stopover in Guayaquil. During this stop, passengers remain on the plane for about 45 minutes as it refuels and boards or de-boards other travelers before continuing to the islands.
You may be asked to show your return ticket when checking in for your flight to the Galápagos. You'll also need to have your Transit Control Card (TCT), which you can obtain online or at the airport and costs $20.
When you arrive at the Quito or Guayaquil airport, you'll need to send your luggage through biosecurity screening to prevent introducing invasive species to the islands. A plastic security tag will be attached to your checked bags to prevent them from being opened, so be sure to remove anything you’ll need before this step.
We recommend you arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight to avoid delays during peak travel times.
Step 3: Arriving in the Galápagos
Upon arriving in the Galápagos, here's what to expect:
Pass through immigration
Pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee: $200 USD per person for international visitors ($100 for children under 12), payable in cash only
Submit your "Sworn Declaration of Goods" form and pass through an additional biosecurity scanner
Wait for canine inspection or for officials to indicate you can collect your luggage
Once you've collected your luggage, you can continue on. If you've flown into the San Cristóbal Airport (SCY), you'll only be about 1 km (0.6 miles) from town. You can get there by taxi ($3-5), bus, or walking if you're traveling light.
If you've flown into Baltra Airport (GPS):
Buy a bus ticket: $5 per person (10-minute ride to Itabaca Canal)
Luggage is automatically transferred to the ferry
Board the ferry across the canal: $1 per person
Collect luggage and take a bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora (approx. 45 minutes)
We’re happy to arrange private transportation with one of our trusted taxi drivers. This service is included in our vacation packages.
Tips for a Smooth Trip to the Galápagos
Here are a few key tips to help you travel confidently, responsibly, and stress-free.
Book flights early – Flights to the Galápagos can fill quickly, especially during high season (June-August, December-January). Be sure to book early, particularly if your travel dates aren’t flexible.
Pack light and smart – Airlines have strict luggage weight limits (generally 23 kg / 50 lbs), and traveling between islands is easier with lighter bags. If you plan to take inter-island flights, be sure to check their specific weight limits beforehand. Check out our recommended packing list for guidance.
Bring cash – Entrance fees must be paid in cash, and not all businesses in Galápagos accept cards. There are ATMs on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela islands that you can withdraw money from for a small fee, typically $2.50 to $4.00 per withdrawal (plus any additional fee your bank charges). The ATM on Isabela is not always reliable, so we recommend bringing sufficient cash if you’re planning to stay there.
Respect the environment – The Galápagos are fragile, and their infrastructure is overwhelmed by the number of visitors. Follow park rules and your guides’ advice to protect the wildlife. Before arriving, remove any extra packaging from items you bring so you can properly dispose of or recycle it off the islands.
Plan ahead – To make sure you don’t miss out on the activities you’re most excited about, it’s best to book tours in advance—especially during peak seasons or if your travel dates are limited. The most popular tours often fill up quickly. Booking through a trusted local agency can help ensure availability and give you peace of mind.
Getting to the Galápagos may involve a few extra steps, but the journey is well worth it. By planning ahead and knowing what to expect at each stage, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re island-hopping, cruising, or diving into nature, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Have questions or want help customizing your trip? Contact us — we’re Galápagos-based and happy to assist you.