Situated in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are a genuine earthly paradise.
Welcome to the mesmerizing world of the Galápagos Islands, an exceptional part of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are renowned for their pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and marine life, and they have inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Get set for an unparalleled adventure that will reveal the islands’ outstanding beauty and leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands offers a unique opportunity to experience nature in its purest form. Located in the Pacific Ocean and part of Ecuador, these islands are renowned for their exceptional wildlife, including giant tortoises, iguanas, and sea lions that inhabit sandy beaches. Bird enthusiasts can appreciate diverse bird species, making it a paradise. Moreover, the Galapagos Islands provide some of the world’s best expedition cruise experiences. With pleasant weather all year round, they are an ideal destination at any time. These islands are a dream come true for those interested in biology and wildlife. They are also easily accessible with daily flights departing from mainland Ecuador.
The Galápagos Islands, a captivating destination on our planet, are a part of Ecuador, nestled in the northwestern part of South America. This archipelago is a group of 19 major islands sprawled across a massive area of around 17,000 square miles (45,000 square kilometers) in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are approximately 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coastline. A two-hour flight from mainland Ecuador will transport you to the stunning Galapagos Islands.
Tip: Wait to book your flight until you know how you want to visit the Galapagos.
Visiting the Galápagos 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: Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport(UIO) or Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE). These two award-winning facilities offer numerous daily domestic flights to the Galapagos Islands, the bulk of which depart from the mainland in the early part of the day. This is why you will need to spend at least one night in either Quito or Guayaquil on your way to the Islands. Flights to Galapagos arrive at either the Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on the island of Baltra or the San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on the island of San Cristóbal.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most pristine destinations in the world. The main reason for this is that 97% of their total land area comprises the Galapagos National Park (GNP). The other 3% is designated for the human population. The GNP is the principal authority responsible for the well-being of the park and its delicate ecosystems.
As such, every itinerary and site visit are approved in advance by the GNP. This means that all expedition vessels—whether operating a day-tour or a live-aboard—are subject to the parameters, schedules, and limitations established by the GNP.
This is important to remember and makes a big difference when planning your visit to the Enchanted Isles. You see, to venture into the Galapagos National Park, visitors must be accompanied by a Park-certified naturalist guide—someone with the training and wherewithal to keep both visitors and wildlife safe at all times.
Conversely, this means that to see the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Island, you really should visit the GNP. After all, the 3% of the archipelago designated for human residents does not offer visitors a true experience of this remarkable destination.
For more useful information, be sure to check out our Galapagos information page.
Cruises to the Galapagos with Metropolitan Touring offers luxurious all-inclusive cruises featuring various multi-guided adventures. Their fleet comprises the five-star vessel Santa Cruz II and yachts La Pinta and Isabela II, all led by experienced crews and professional teams.
We have curated detailed 2024-2025 itineraries catering to individuals, groups, and families with a range of Park-approved activities.
The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel is an exceptional and luxurious hotel on the beachfront of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. It offers an unparalleled blend of seclusion and natural beauty that sets it apart from other hotels in the Galapagos. The hotel’s serene ambiance, modern swimming pool, and proximity to nature make it the perfect choice for a relaxed and upscale experience. The hotel offers guests a range of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a garden, and a shared lounge. Recognized as one of National Geographic’s ‘Unique Lodges of the World, the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel is the ultimate destination for those seeking a comfortable and immersive stay in the Galapagos.
The Finch Bay Galapagos Restaurant is a culinary hotspot in the Galapagos, nestled within the award-winning Finch Bay Hotel. This culinary hotspot offers a unique taste of the archipelago’s local gastronomy, sourcing only the freshest and finest ingredients to prepare meals with love and creativity. The restaurant’s menu features fresh, native produce from the waters of the Galapagos, providing customers with a truly authentic experience. It’s no wonder customers have rated it 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, ranking it as one of the top restaurants in Puerto Ayora. The restaurant’s location amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of the Galapagos provides a holistic approach to well-being, making it more than just a place to eat. Come and experience the delicious food and serene atmosphere of the Finch Bay Galapagos Restaurant for yourself.
The best way to experience the Galápagos Islands is via Galápagos National Park-approved activities! These are offered as part of our land- and sea-based tours and accommodate various levels of ability from easy walks along pristine beaches to light sailing aboard glass bottom boats, from moderate paddling aboard sea kayaks to careful hiking along volcanic shorelines, and on to more demanding activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. Each activity is rewarding and designed to enrich your experience of the archipelago’s incredible wildlife!
It’s quite simple: The more iconic species you see on the Galapagos Islands, the more rewarding and memorable your experience will be!
With the help of our knowledgeable Galapagos Expedition Leaders, Guides, and Biologists, and the feedback of our Guests, we’ve put together a list of the 15 most iconic species you will want to experience while exploring the Galapagos. Please have a look at some of them below!
When planning your trip to the islands, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your budget and travel preferences. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve provided estimated costs in 2024. Please note that these prices may vary depending on your itinerary, but you can trust that we’ve done our research to provide you with accurate information.
Conditions apply.
Note: This change will be effective in August at USD 200, so please remember this when planning your trip to Galapagos.
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
Roll sleeves up and down to keep a comfortable body temperature
Convertible cargo pants
Remove the lower part of your pants when it gets too warm
Water shoes with non-slippery soles
Walk safely on all terrains
Small back-pack
Don't forget you sunblock, sunglasses, camera and reusable water bottle
Water bottle (provided on board)
We provide you with a reusable water bottle. Keep hydrated!
Ziplock with medicine and sickness pills
We have a doctor on board 24/7. But bring any medicine specific to your needs
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!
Not to mention, the Galapagos are home to islands that are so young that they’re still forming! The lack of a human presence, too, has allowed the uninhabited islands in the National Park to remain in a near-pristine condition. Visiting any of them on an Expedition Vessel or on a Galapagos tour gives explorers the chance to witness something that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “a land before time.”
In the case of the price tag on select Galapagos Cruises and Expedition Hotels, logistics, staffing, equipment, and specialized training all amount to providing explorers with the best-in-class experience possible, no expense spared.
The Galapagos National Park Rules exist as part of the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the archipelago as much as possible and not disturb the species that have made it their home.
Failure to comply with any of these will result in sanctions, so always keep them in mind!
Questions? Need help deciding?
Have a chat with our Destination Experts that have enjoyed our Galapagos itineraries!