Galapagos tours and travel - Getting there

First you must get to Ecuador, for flight information to Ecuador please see our Ecuador section. Make shure you arrive in Ecuador at least 1 night before your departure to the Galapagos, there are no direct connections with international flights. Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from mainland Ecuador only in the mornings.

We can assist you with your Galapagos pre and post tour arrangements around Ecuador (trip extensions, hotel bookings, airport transfers, etc.). If you are booking a cruise your space on the flight to the Islands is automacally booked with your cruise space on your boat. for more information please contact us and we will assist you with your arrangements.  

There are two airports which receive flights from mainland Ecuador , but no international flights to Galapagos. The most frequently used airport is at Baltra, across a narrow strait from Santa Cruz , the other at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal . The two islands are 96 km apart and on most days there are local flights in light air­craft (Cesna planes) between them, as well as to Puerto Villamil on Isabela. There is also irregular boat ser­vice between Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Villamil and Floreana.

All flights originate in Quito and make a long stopover in Guayaquil (see flight info page for pricing). Same prices apply regardless of whether you fly to San Cristobal or Baltra; you can arrive at one and return from the other. The ticket is valid for 21 days from the date of departure. Independent travellers must get their boarding pass (pre-chequeo) for outward and return flights 2 days before departure. This is especially critical during high season and from San Cristobal at all times.

Airport transfer Two buses meet flights from the mainland at Baltra: one runs to the port or muelle (10 mins, no charge) where the cruise boats wait; the other goes to Canal de Itabaca, the narrow channel which separates Baltra from Santa Cruz . It is 15 mins to the Canal, free, then you cross on a small ferry for US$0.70, another bus waits on the Santa Cruz side to take you to Puerto Ayora in 45 mins, U$ 1.50. If you arrive at Baltra on one of the local inter-island flights then you have to wait until the next flight from the mainland for bus service, or you might be able to hire a taxi. The airport in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is within walking distance of the town, but those on pre-arranged tours will be met.