FAQs

It is absolutely safe to visit the Galapagos Islands which has been open to international tourists since August 2020. We received the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council on August 19th 2020 to recognise the global standardised health and hygiene protocols adopted here. The adult population on the Galapagos Islands are now all fully vaccinated against Covid 19. Between August and December 2020, we had over 15,000 visitors to the Galapagos. The number of tourists particularily from the US has steadily risen since May 2021 as more and more people are fully vaccinated against Covid 19. Since April 2022, our tourist numbers have increased to more than pre pandemic levels

With effect from the 16th February 2023 the below entry requirements are in place for International tourists.

Ecuador - International tourists

- Valid passport or travel document

- Return air ticket to/from Ecuador

- Completion of an online Traveler's Health Declaration Form (one per person) prior to boarding a flight to Ecuador only if you have any covid symptoms like a high temperature.

- Travel insurance certificate with medical cover (mandatory)

Galapagos - International tourists

- Valid passport or travel document

- Return air ticket to/from the Galapagos Islands

- Electronic boarding pass

- Travel insurance certificate with medical cover (mandatory)

- Payment of Galapagos entry fees for the Transit Control Card (in Quito or Guayaquil airports) and Galapagos National Park fee (on arrival at Baltra or San Cristobal airports). Pre- registration for the Transit Control Card can be completed online 24 hours before the flight

The World Health Organisation published the below public advice in June 2020 which is excellent.

In Ecuador the Ministerio de Inclusion Economica y Social released their Coronavirus Prevention Plan as a visual aid. The 7 point plan details the following advice:

1) Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and use alcohol or gel after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

2) Cover your face when coughing.

3) Avoid sharing drinks.

4) Avoid physical contact.

5) Maintain social disctance and good ventilation.

6) Use a face mask.

7) If you have Covid 19 symptoms seek medical advice as soon as possible.

To travel to the Galapagos, you will need to take a flight from mainland Ecuador. You can fly either from the capital city Quito or the coastal city of Guayaquil.

You will need a domestic flight to either Seymour Airport in Baltra (just north of Santa Cruz Island) or San Cristobal Airport using one of the following airlines: Avianca, Equair or LATAM. These all operate daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil with return flights costing around $500.

The Galapagos Islands are a great place to visit all year around as they lie on the equator line so the climate is subtropical. In terms of wildlife highlights, January is a great time to see nesting green turtles, with land birds and sea lions breeding or nesting between February and April and giant tortoises hatching between October and December.

There are only 2 seasons here, the warm season which runs from December to June and ‘the Garua’ season which runs from July to November.

During the warm season air temperatures can vary from the high 70’s F to the low 90’s F with up to 90% humidity and brilliant sunshine, this can be broken by periods of rain. The peak tourist season for southern hemisphere summer holidays is December to February so flights and accommodation are higher then.

The Garua season is cooler and more overcast with air temperatures rarely exceeding 75 F. The peak tourist season for northern hemisphere summer holidays is June to September so flights and accommodation are higher then.

Products, by-products and derivatives of animal and plant origin that are transported to the Galápagos province must comply with the general rules and specific requirements established by the Agencia de la Bioseguridad y Cuarantena para Galapagos (ABG).

Prohibited items include certain fruits like oranges, certain animal and dairy products.

Restricted items include fruits like peaches, some dried fruits and vegetables like garlic, seeds and plants and other animal and dairy products.

Permitted items include fruits like strawberries, certain seafood and dairy products and a number of herbs, spices, cereal and grains such as chick peas and rosemary.

We will send you the full list when you book your experience.