I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to the Galapagos Islands numerous times. Based on all these trips, I’ve compiled this itinerary and budget for visiting the Galapagos islands.
The Galapagos is one of the most expensive destinations to visit and I recommend you use this itinerary and budget to know how much money you should save up so that you can stay for at least 7 days.
GALAPAGOS PHOTOS
Bartolome Island
Cerro Orchilla
Rancho las Primicias
Las Grietas
Isla Pinzon
Isabela Beach
Cabo Rosa
Playa Brava
Isla Santa Fe
Muro de las lagrimas
Original photos by ChokoTrip ©
7-DAY ITINERARY IN THE GALAPAGOS
Here’s an itinerary that will maximize your time in the Galapagos Islands while you experience some of its best spots.
Day 1: Arrival to Santa Cruz on Baltra island. Visit the Tortoise Reserves of Las Primicias or El Chato (to see the Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat) and then indicate to be dropped off at the Charles Darwin Station. If there’s time, go and see the German Beach – Playa de los Alemanes (to get there, you need to go back to the harbour and go by boat) and then walk along a pathway which takes you to Las Grietas
Day 2: Tour of Bartolome Island. 6am to 5pm
Day 3: Ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island leaving at 7am
Day 3: Arrival to Isabela Island. 9am
Tour of Cabo Rosa Tunnels. 11am to 5pm
Day 4: Rent a bicycle and make your own way to ‘El muro de lagrimas’ (Wall of Tears) then to ‘Pozo de los Flamingos’ (Flamingo Pond), ‘Centro de Crianza de tortugas’ (Tortoise Breeding Centre) and to ‘Piscina Natural Concha de Perla’ (natural swimming pool of Concha de Perla)
Day 5: Ferry from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island. 6am
Day 5: Arrival to Santa Cruz. 8am
Day 5: Visit las Grietas and then from midday go to Tortuga Bay beach
Day 6: Tour of Pinzón Island. 8am to 3pm
Day 7: Return to Quito/Guayaquil
7-DAY BUDGET IN THE GALAPAGOS
Below you’ll find a budget for 6 nights and 7 days on the Galapagos Islands, an ideal budget for a trip without spending a lot, and a great way to explore the best of the best of the Galapagos.
US$ 250: Flight for Ecuadorians and residents of Ecuador from Guayaquil/Quito to Baltra (Santa Cruz)
US$ 500: Flight for non-Ecuadorian tourists from Guayaquil/Quito to Baltra (Santa Cruz)
US$ 6: National park entrance fee for Ecuadorians / children under 12 pay half
US$ 50: National park entrance fee for the Andean and Mercosur community / children under 12 pay half
US$ 100: National park entrance fee for all other foreign tourists / children under 12 pay half
US$ 20: TCT card (migration card) / Children also pay $20
US$ 2: Ferry service from Baltra to Santa Cruz, round-trip
US$ 10: Bus from the Santa Cruz pier to Puerto Ayora, round-trip
US$ 150: Lodging for 6 nights per person (including breakfast)
US$ 50: Taxi to the giant tortoise reserves of Las Primicias, el Chato and Charles Darwin
US$ 1.50: Round trip boat, passing by Playa Los Alemanes and Las Grietas
US$ 5: Entrance fee to Las Primicias
US$ 5: Entrance fee to el Chato
US$ 30: Round trip taxi to Garrapatero beach
US$ 135: Tour of Pinzón Island from Santa Cruz Island
Between US$ 287: Tour of Bartolome island from Santa Cruz Island
US$ 60: Ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela island – round trip / Under 6s pay half
US$ 5: Entrance fee for Isabela island for Ecuadorians
US$ 10: Entrance fee for Isabela Island non-Ecuadorians
US$ 125: Tour of Cabo Rosa tunnels from Isabela Island
US$ 20: Bicycle rental on Isabela island
US$ 60: Dinners for 6 nights per person
US$ 25: Lunches for 5 days per person
It is advisable to take cash (US dollars) because many tourist establishments do not accept card payments and there are limited numbers of ATMs (cash machines) on the islands, just Banco Pacifico, Banco Bolivariano and Banco Pichincha.
Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Related
Interested in a trip in October. We will be in Cusco October 14-17.