How to Get to Galapagos?

If you’re thinking about how to get to Galapagos, it’s crucial to understand that air travel is the only mode of access for visitors looking to head to this once-in-a-lifetime destination. Contrary to some assumptions, there are no boats, cargo ships, or cruises that offer service to the Galapagos. The islands are located about 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the mainland, meaning there’s no bridge connecting them to the Ecuadorian mainland. Therefore, the journey to the Galapagos Islands means you must fly to them. This also means you will need to stop in either Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador before flying to the archipelago, as there are no direct international flights to Galapagos—you must grab a domestic flight in Ecuador first.

When planning your adventure and considering the logistics of getting to the Galapagos Islands, know that only two airlines, LATAM and Avianca, offer flights to this destination.

And be aware: Getting to the Galapagos Islands is just the first step of the journey! Once you understand the flight routes and entry requirements, planning the length and structure of your stay will become an essential part of making the most out of your time in the Enchanted Isles.

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into all the things you need to know about how to get to the Galapagos Islands!

Why is flying from Ecuador the only option for how to get to Galapagos?

When it comes to the Galapagos Islands and how to get there, a recurring question we’re asked is: Why is it that the only flights allowed to fly to the Galapagos need to originate from one of two mainland Ecuadorian cities: Quito or Guayaquil?

This regulation exists for several important reasons. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands require rigorous checkpoints in Quito and Guayaquil to screen travelers for prohibited items and verify necessary documentation, ensuring the preservation of the islands’ delicate ecosystem. Additionally, designating Quito and Guayaquil as the only gateways limits flights to the archipelago to smaller aircraft. This approach minimizes the environmental footprint of air travel, safeguarding the pristine nature of this unique destination.

Regarding return flights, visitors can just as easily fly back to Quito or Guayaquil. Upon arrival in either of these cities, travelers can get to their connecting flights to subsequent international destinations.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands: Trajectory & Airports

With proper planning, reaching the Galapagos Islands is a smooth and rewarding process. Don’t forget: Since there are no direct international flights to the Galapagos, a stopover in mainland Ecuador is required. Consequently, your journey there will have to begin with a flight into either Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, depending on your preferences or flight availability.  However, this required layover offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Ecuador’s vibrant culture and history before continuing to the islands. So, definitely consider penciling in a couple of extra days in the capital of Quito, if you can!

If you’re wondering how to get to Galapagos from NYC, for example, you’re in luck—direct flights are offered from this city, and several more. Numerous international airlines offer direct flights to these two cities in Ecuador from major cities around the world, including (but not limited to): New York, Houston, Panama City, Madrid, and Amsterdam.

For reference, here’s a look at the airports you’ll be able to arrive at in Ecuador that will help answer the question “How do you get to the Galapagos Islands?”:

Getting from Quito to Galapagos

Flying into Quito? Make sure you’re landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (IATA code: UIO).

How long does it take to get to the Galapagos Islands? The duration of the flight from Quito to Galapagos is usually about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Before checking in for your domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands, travelers departing from Quito must go through customs, biosecurity protocols, and immigration. Some flights from Quito may have a short layover in Guayaquil. How to get from Quito to Galapagos? Daily flights from Quito make access to the Galapagos Islands a relatively easy experience.

Getting from Guayaquil to Galapagos

Flying into Guayaquil? Make sure you’re landing at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (IATA code: GYE).

The duration of the flight from Guayaquil to Galapagos is slightly shorter, being approximately two hours. Before checking in for your domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands, travelers departing from Guayaquil must go through customs, biosecurity protocols, and immigration just like in Quito. With several airlines offering daily flights, getting to Galapagos Islands from Guayaquil becomes relatively straightforward and hassle-free experience.

Airports in Galapagos

If you’re contemplating how to get to the Galapagos Islands, it’s important to note that two main airports serve the archipelago. The first is Seymour Galapagos Airport, located on Baltra Island—a primary gateway for those wondering how to get to the Galapagos. The second airport is San Cristobal Galapagos Airport, in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. As for how to get to Galapagos from Ecuador airports? From Quito or Guayaquil, you’ll simply board a domestic flight to the airport of your choice in the Galapagos.

The two airports in the Galapagos you can fly into are:

Seymour Airport

• Seymour Airport (IATA code: GPS). Provides access to Santa Cruz Island/Puerto Ayora Town.
  • Island: Baltra

Seymour Galapagos Airport (GPS) is located on Baltra Island in Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago. This airport provides an excellent gateway to the Galapagos Islands’ extraordinary wildlife, as it’s located right next to the major and central island of Santa Cruz. Getting to this island from the airport involves a shuttle bus, a ferry ride, and then a taxi or shared bus service into the town of Puerto Ayora. Sound like a lot? Don’t worry! It’s pretty straightforward and easy.

This particular Galapagos Islands airport is notable for its strong environmental commitment. The airport has become the world’s first “green” airport, running primarily on wind and solar energy. The airport designers used sustainable materials and integrated renewable energy sources to fulfill operational needs.

San Cristobal Airport

• San Cristobal Airport (IATA code: SCY). Provides access to Puerto Baquerizo Town.
  • Island: San Cristobal

San Cristobal Galapagos Airport (SCY) is located just a few minutes away from the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which also happens to be the capital of Galapagos. San Cristobal Airport is smaller than Seymour Airport, but it serves an essential function as the initial entry point for many visitors interested in experiencing the southeastern region of the Galapagos Islands. This airport consists of a modest terminal building with check-in booths, a baggage claim area, and waiting spaces at the airport. There are a couple of businesses and restaurants here too.

Selecting the Best Airport for Your Galapagos Adventure

Choosing the ideal airport for your Galapagos adventure is crucial for a seamless travel experience. 

Your choice of Galapagos airport will usually hinge on factors such as: your tour options (expedition cruise departure spot), your hotel booking, and/or what islands and wildlife you’re hoping to see. Upon arrival at either of these airports in Galapagos, getting around is very straightforward, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife that make the Galapagos so unique. So, don’t worry: How to get to Galapagos is really not that hard, especially when it comes to deciding on what island you’ll fly into!

Seymour Airport, located on Baltra Island, is the primary hub for travelers heading to Santa Cruz Island and is often used for those embarking on an expedition cruise around the archipelago. Its proximity to the major and central town of Puerto Ayora also makes it a convenient choice for travelers looking to enjoy the numerous expedition hotels, visitor spots, and laidback island life. The process of reaching Santa Cruz involves a short transfer by shuttle and then a ferry.

On the other hand, San Cristobal Airport is situated in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, offering direct access to the eastern region of the archipelago. This airport is perfect for travelers focused on land tours or who wish to explore San Cristobal’s rich history and wildlife diversity without the additional transfer steps required at Baltra.

When selecting an airport, aligning your choice with your travel itinerary is essential. Seymour Airport is the ideal arrival point if your adventure involves an expedition cruise. Conversely, if your plans include staying in San Cristobal, flying directly there will save time and simplify logistics. By choosing the airport that best suits your itinerary, you can ensure a smoother transition into your Galapagos journey, maximizing your time spent enjoying the island’s unique offerings.

Essential Tips & Baggage Allowance

When preparing for your journey to the Galapagos Islands, several essential tips can help streamline your travel experience. First and foremost, booking your flights well in advance is crucial, particularly during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas, New Year’s, spring break, and local Ecuadorian holidays) when seats tend to fill up quickly.

Our biggest recommendation is to consider purchasing a travel package that includes flights, accommodations, and tours, as this can offer better value and minimize the hassle of coordinating logistics separately.

Be mindful of the costs involved, such as round-trip flights from mainland Ecuador, which typically range between $400 and $600, and (IMPORTANT!) additional fees like the $20 Transit Control Card and the $200 National Park Entrance Fee,* which must be paid upon arrival in the archipelago. Moreover, packing light will help you adhere to baggage restrictions (to avoid additional fees) and will make it easier to get through the biosecurity checkpoints (crucial for protecting the Galapagos’ delicate ecosystem).

As you plan your flights, remember the importance of spending at least a night in Ecuador before continuing to Galapagos. This allows you to have a buffer in place for any unexpected delays in your international travel and will enable you to explore the rich cultural landscapes of Quito or Guayaquil. Both cities offer unique experiences: Quito is renowned for its historical charm and Andean backdrop, while Guayaquil provides a vibrant urban environment with coastal attractions.

It’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your Galapagos flight due to the additional procedures required at the airport, which we’ll get into in the next section.

Additionally, as we’ve already mentioned: Choosing the right island for your Galapagos arrival will depend on your itinerary and what you’re hoping to see/do in the archipelago. Understanding these logistics and planning accordingly will ensure a seamless trip, allowing you to focus on the extraordinary wildlife and scenery awaiting you in the Enchanted Isles!

BONUS TIP: Travelers who have more time available often benefit from longer programs that allow access to multiple regions of the archipelago. These extended or “combined” itineraries provide an ever deeper and more fulfilling understanding of the islands’ diverse ecosystems and landscapes.

* NOTE: Metropolitan Touring can cover all these fees and logistics when you purchase your Galapagos tours with us!

Departing from Ecuador to Galapagos: Required Documentation & Fees

When figuring out how to get to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador, there are several requirements and restrictions you’ll have to account for:

1. Transit Control Card (TCC): Before leaving for the Galapagos Islands, you will be required to purchase this mandatory card in either Quito or Guayaquil at the airport. This is a necessary requirement that’s been implemented to control migration and tourism to the islands. Be sure to hold onto the card, as it is occasionally requested upon departing from the Galapagos.

2. National Park Entrance Fee: The Galapagos National Park (GNP) requires that all visitors entering the archipelago pay this obligatory fee, the funds of which go towards the protection and conservation of this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fees are as follows:

• Foreign tourists (non-Ecuadorian residents) over the age of 12: USD $200.
• Foreign tourists (non-Ecuadorian residents) under the age of 12: USD $100.

Baggage Allowance in Galapagos

Every passenger flying to the Galapagos Islands should be aware of their baggage allowance. These allowances are typically the following, but be sure to check with your airline beforehand:

• Each passenger can typically check in one piece of luggage that should be at most 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Passengers can also bring one carry-on piece of luggage, which cannot exceed 22 lbs (10 kg) in weight.
• Travelers must direct themselves to the Agency for Biosecurity for Galapagos (ABG) counter, where all checked and carry-on luggage is scanned and tagged. This procedure is to verify that you are not taking any items or biological material (like plants, seeds, animals, etc.) that could endanger the islands’ biodiversity and delicate ecosystems.

IMPORTANT: Verify your baggage allowance with your airline!

Perks of booking your Galapagos Trip with Metropolitan Touring

We guarantee that when you fly to the Galapagos with us, your baggage will arrive on the islands alongside you. This guarantee is essential because airlines sometimes remove luggage from the airplane due to weight limitations. However, when they’ve booked with us at Metropolitan Touring, our guests’ luggage has a unique tag that guarantees it stays on the plane with you.

We also offer both shared and private transfer services between leading hotels in Quito (Hilton Colon, JW Marriott, Casa Gangotena) and Guayaquil (Oro Verde Guayaquil, Wyndham Guayaquil, Hilton, UniPark, Courtyard) and their respective airports.

Lastly, we offer a Cruise Departure Guarantee. This means your cruise will only depart once you have safely arrived in the archipelago. Occasionally, flights can encounter delays, but our team is always on standby to make sure you are swiftly shuttled to your cruise once you’ve landed in Galapagos.

Departing from Galapagos back to Ecuador: Logistics, Required Documentation, and Fees

When figuring out how to get to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador, there are several steps and procedures to follow:

1. Transit Control Card (TCC): Before leaving the Galapagos Islands, you might be asked to present the Transit Control Card given to you previously. This is a necessary step to control migration and tourism to the islands.

2. Baggage Inspection: The Agency of Biosecurity (ABG) inspects all bags destined for Ecuador at the airport to prevent biological material (like plants, seeds, animals, etc.) from leaving the islands.

3. Airport Check-in: After the inspection, you can check in for your flight. It’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight due to these additional procedures.

4. Connecting Flights: If you have a connecting flight on Ecuador’s mainland (as is generally the case), ensure enough time between flights to pass through customs and immigration. For those planning a more extensive journey, combining the Galapagos with mainland destinations offers greater flexibility in terms of flights, schedules, and overall travel logistics.

What is the best way to get to Galapagos?

The answer to this question will again depend on your itinerary and what you’re hoping to see and do. In conclusion, getting to the Galapagos is a unique yet exciting journey that will begin with a flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. These airports in Ecuador serve as the primary gateways for flights to the Galapagos Islands.

Don’t forget: The Galapagos Islands are served by two main airports, Seymour Airport on Baltra Island and San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal Island. Due to its central location, Seymour Airport is often considered the main air-travel hub for the Enchanted Isles. The choice between the two airports, however, will come down to what your reservation and tour plans look like in the archipelago.

And while understanding how to get to the Galapagos is key to planning a successful trip, don’t forget that the overall experience is shaped by how much time you dedicate to exploring the islands! Longer cruise itineraries allow for a deeper and more fulfilling journey across the archipelago.

Whether you’re venturing on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or returning to relive the wonder of the Galapagos, we’re confident you now have everything you need to know for getting there and ultimately enjoying the islands’ stunning natural beauty and fascinating fauna. Safe travels!