Ecuador's Last Wild Eden
The Galapagos Islands, located in Ecuador, offer a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty within the Galapagos Archipelago. Renowned for its extraordinary Galapagos wildlife, including iconic species such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas, the region is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Metropolitan Touring provides expert-guided tours through the Galapagos National Park, ensuring visitors experience the islands’ pristine ecosystems responsibly. From snorkeling with sea lions to exploring volcanic landscapes, the Galapagos Islands promise unforgettable encounters with diverse animals and breathtaking scenery. Their eco-friendly practices and seamless itineraries make exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site both enriching and sustainable.
On this page, we’ll provide a general overview of what to expect from this iconic destination and concisely answer as many of those “why, what, how, when, and where” questions as possible! By the way, if you want to know more about the Galapagos with respect to history and weather, please be sure to head on over to our Galapagos information page.
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) west of mainland Ecuador, and straddle the equator between 1°N and 2°S. They form a province of Ecuador and consist of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets — all of volcanic origin, some still actively erupting today.
The archipelago sits at the convergence of three ocean currents — the cold Humboldt from the south, the warm Panama from the north, and the deep Cromwell from the west — a meeting that explains why penguins and tropical sea turtles share the same coastline. It is this isolation, born from the islands’ position over a volcanic hotspot, that allowed evolution to take such different paths here from anywhere else on the planet.
Tip: Wait to book your flight until you know how you want to visit the Galapagos. Don’t worry, though, because that’s what we’ll help you figure out on this page!
The Galapagos archipelago is home to more than 9,000 species — 97% of its reptiles and roughly 80% of its land birds are found nowhere else on Earth. On a single visit, you can encounter giant tortoises older than your grandparents, marine iguanas that dive into the Pacific to graze, blue-footed boobies performing their slow courtship dance, the world’s only equatorial penguin, and flightless cormorants whose ancestors traded sky for sea. These are the species that built Darwin’s theory — and they still walk past your boots today.
There is no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands — only different islands, depending on when you arrive. The archipelago has two seasons, and each one rewrites the experience. December–May brings warm waters and green landscapes ideal for snorkeling. June–November brings cooler currents, dramatic skies, and the most active wildlife of the year. Choose the season that matches what you came to see.
December–May: Warm Waters & Green Landscapes
Water temperature: 22–25 °C (72–77 °F)
Best for: snorkeling, diving, families with children, photographers chasing green hillsides
Wildlife highlights: giant tortoises nesting on Santa Cruz, marine iguanas in mating colors, sea turtles laying eggs, land bird courtship in full performance
Light tropical rains — usually short, almost always afternoon — turn the highlands a sudden, luminous green. Seas are calm. Underwater visibility is at its best around this time of year. This is the season most travelers picture when they imagine the Galápagos.
June–November: Active Wildlife & Cooler Waters
Water temperature: 18–21 °C (64–70 °F)
Best for: birdwatching, whale and shark sightings, travelers who prefer cooler, drier weather
Wildlife highlights: waved albatrosses on Española (April–December), blue-footed boobies displaying, whale sharks at Wolf and Darwin (July–November), peak whale activity August–September
The Humboldt Current pushes cold, plankton-rich water up from Antarctica. The result is a cooler, mistier archipelago where wildlife activity intensifies — feeding, breeding, migrating. The landscape turns dry and ochre, but the ocean is the busiest you will ever see.
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a dream for many travelers, and getting there is easier than you might think. To travel to the archipelago, visitors must first fly to one of two major international airports on Ecuador’s mainland:
These two award-winning airports offer numerous daily domestic flights to the Galapagos Islands, most of which depart in the early part of the day.
This is why we strongly recommend spending at least one night in Quito or Guayaquil before heading to the islands.
LATAM and Avianca, operate daily flights to the Galapagos. Plane tickets to Galápagos run roughly $400–$600 round trip in economy, depending on the season. On arrival, you will pay two government fees: the INGALA Transit Control Card ($20 USD, paid at your departure airport in Ecuador) and the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee ($200 USD for non-resident adults, paid in cash on arrival). Both fund conservation, ranger salaries, and biosecurity inside the park.
Flights to the Galapagos Islands arrive at either the Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on the island of Baltra or the San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on the island of San Cristobal. Your choice of airport will largely depend on your itinerary for exploring the islands.
The Galapagos archipelago, part of Ecuador, boasts over a hundred islands scattered across 3,040 square miles (7,900 square kilometers) — almost the size of Mississippi or Greece — but only 14 are open to visitors, most commonly explored by cruise. What makes this region truly extraordinary isn’t just its vastness or biodiversity, but that within the archipelago, no two islands are alike. Each is shaped by a different volcano, formed at a unique time, and home to its own community of species that have arrived, adapted, and stayed. For first-time travelers eager to discover these wonders, the eight most-visited islands offer a rewarding introduction to the Galapagos’ unparalleled variety of ecosystems and unforgettable experiences.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, the following are the Top 8 Galapagos Islands we recommend visiting:
The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 — Ecuador’s first protected area — covering 7,882 km² across the archipelago, more than 97% of the islands’ land. Around it, the Galapagos Marine Reserve protects 198,000 km² of ocean, one of the largest marine sanctuaries on the planet. UNESCO declared the entire archipelago a World Heritage Site in 1978, the first natural site in the world to receive that designation.
Charles Darwin spent five weeks here in 1835 aboard HMS Beagle. His observations of finch beaks, mockingbirds, and giant tortoises across the islands seeded what became, twenty-four years later, On the Origin of Species. The Galapagos remain the only place on Earth where you can walk in his exact footsteps — many landing sites are unchanged in the nearly two centuries since.
These activity options in the Galapagos accommodate various levels of ability, ranging from relaxing strolls along pristine beaches to biking to the nearby visitor spots on the inhabited islands.
Whether it’s the iconic wildlife ambling around or volcanic scenery, simply stepping out your door to admire the wonders surrounding you is the first step in doing something here. The second? Making sure it’s fun and fulfilling. Here’s a look at your options for doing the latter while in Galapagos:
When planning your trip to the islands, it’s essential to understand your budget and travel preferences. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve provided estimated costs for travel in 2026. Please note that these prices may vary depending on your itinerary and accommodation option(s).
| Category | Approximate Cost | What’s Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Galapagos Cruise/Expedition Vessel | USD $4,500–9,000 per guest | Accommodation, guided tours, meals, activities. |
| Expedition Hotels | USD $500–1,000 per night | Luxury rooms, eco-friendly settings, meals. |
| National Park Entrance Fee (obligatory) | USD $200 for adults, USD $100 for children under 12 | Access to the Galapagos |
| Transit Control Card (obligatory) | USD $20 per person | Registration for entering the Galapagos |
Factor in additional costs like airport transfers, gear rentals (e.g., snorkeling equipment), and gratuities for guides and crew.
Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and specific itinerary For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult with one of our trusted Destination Experts!
Exploring the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and understanding the costs upfront allows you to fully enjoy its unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.
Galapagos travel rewards travelers who pack with intent. The archipelago sits on the equator, but ocean currents make the air cooler than you would expect — and the volcanic terrain demands real footwear. The list below is the same one we send to our travelers before every departure. Pack it, and nothing essential gets left on the mainland.
Travel paperwork & fees you will pay on arrival
Wide brimmed hat with strap*
Keep your hat from flying away and protect your ears and neck.
Cotton T-shirt
Stay fresh during all activities.
Expedition shirt
With rollable sleeves to help keep a comfortable body temperature.
Convertible cargo pants
Remove the lower part of your pants when it gets too warm.
Water shoes with non-slip soles
Walk safely on all types of terrain.
Small back-pack
Don't forget your sunblock, sunglasses, camera, and reusable water bottle.
Water bottle (provided on cruises)
We provide you with a reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated!
Ziploc-style bags for medications
We have a doctor on board 24/7, however, bring any prescriptions or medications you may need.
Dry bag
Keep your valuable items dry at all times.
Waterproof See-through Phone Pouch
Get ready to take pictures above and below water while protecting your phone!
There are two ways to experience the Galapagos — by sea, aboard an expedition yacht that moves with you between islands, or by land, from a hotel inside the National Park. For over 70 years, Metropolitan Touring has centered its company around exceptional travel experiences. Regardless of your preferred travel style, the team responsible for your journey will remain consistent: we are Ecuadorian, owner-operated, and based in the islands year-round.
Stay at Finch Bay — our hotel inside the National Park on Santa Cruz — and explore the islands on day excursions—the slower, more flexible way to discover the archipelago.
Our featured experiences include the Galapagos Islands and Quito Expedition, as well as our Family Expedition Cruise.
Explore our popular itineraries: Galapagos Northwest Islands of Fire Cruise and 9-Day Islands of Fire Cruise.
Still wondering about the differences? Here’s a concise comparison table detailing the differences between land-based and sea-based experiences of the Galapagos:
| Aspect | Land-Based Experience | Sea-Based Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hotels and lodges on inhabited islands (e.g., Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela). | Cabins on expedition cruises or liveaboards. |
| Flexibility | Travelers can customize day tours and explore at their own pace. | Fixed itineraries maximize daily exploration, with overnight navigation to remote locations. |
| Access to Sites | Limited to day tours within a manageable radius of inhabited islands. | Access to remote islands and visitor sites in the Galapagos National Park not reachable by day tours, offering a more comprehensive experience. |
| Cultural Interaction | Opportunities to engage with local communities and learn about Galapagos life on inhabited islands. | Less interaction with local communities and towns, focused instead on wildlife and nature. |
| Wildlife Encounters | Day trips provide access to Galapagos wildlife but may be limited by travel time to visitor sites. | Closer proximity to a greater variety of unique species, with much more time in prime wildlife locations. |
| Regulations | Must adhere to Galapagos National Park rules and be accompanied by certified guides for all National Park visits. | Same regulations apply; guides must accompany visitors at all visitor sites and during all activities. |
| Convenience | Ideal for travelers prone to seasickness or those seeking a more relaxed, on-land base. | Efficient exploration due to overnight navigation. Covers more islands and sites in less time. |
| Cost | Generally more budget-friendly, with savings on accommodations and day trips. | Typically more expensive but includes accommodation, meals, activities, and prime access to remote and iconic areas. |
Nevertheless, seeing a greater portion of these islands is completely manageable when you opt for a sea-based experience and tour of the Galapagos Islands aboard a Galapagos cruise. Interestingly enough, navigating to certain archipelago islands can take several hours! But this is why Galapagos cruises typically travel to a new island at night, allowing you to make the most of your time at each new visitor site. It’s also why our cruise itineraries are divided into different archipelago regions.
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that requires careful planning. We have compiled a selection of the questions we get asked the most regarding the Galapagos and visiting the National Park and Marine Reserve. Read our answers below!
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 1,000 km (620 miles) west of mainland Ecuador and straddle the equator. They form part of Ecuador and consist of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets — all volcanic in origin.
The Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, an archipelago province located in the Pacific Ocean 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian coast.
The Galápagos are known for wildlife found nowhere else on Earth — giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and the world’s only equatorial penguins — and as the place where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 97% of their land protected as a National Park.
You fly first to mainland Ecuador, into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), then take a roughly two-hour domestic flight to either Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) airport in the archipelago. LATAM, Avianca, and Equair operate the routes. On arrival, you pay an INGALA card ($20) and the National Park Entrance Fee ($200 USD).
Both seasons offer remarkable experiences. The hot season (December–May) brings warm waters of 22–25 °C, ideal for snorkeling, plus calm seas and green landscapes. The dry season (June–November) is cooler at 18–21 °C, with the most active wildlife of the year — including waved albatrosses, whale sharks, and peak whale activity in August–September.
Ecuador owns the Galapagos Islands. They have been an Ecuadorian province since 1973, and the Galápagos National Park — Ecuador’s first protected area — was established in 1959, covering 97% of the archipelago’s land.
Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos in September 1835 aboard HMS Beagle and spent five weeks studying finches, mockingbirds, and giant tortoises across the islands. He noticed each island had its own variations of the same species — a pattern that, twenty-four years later, became the foundation of On the Origin of Species (1859) and modern evolutionary biology.
Yes. Approximately 33,000 people live in the Galápagos Islands across four inhabited islands: Santa Cruz (the largest population, around 18,000), San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana. Only 3% of the archipelago’s land is designated for human settlement — the remaining 97% is protected as a national park.
“Melissa has been fantastic! She answers all my questions, gets back to me quickly, and has mapped out a wonderful trip for us. I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received.”
– Mary Kabat
We'll call you back within 5 minutes.
