When we began to investigate what the Enchanted Islands have to explore and discover, we were completely fascinated and want to know them without a doubt, but the next question we ask ourselves is How much does it cost to travel to the Galapagos? The cost of traveling to the Galapagos Islands can vary depending on the time of the year , the duration of the trip, the activities you want to do, etc…
But don't worry! We help you clarify all your doubts regarding costs so that you can plan those long-awaited vacations without financial surprises and be fully prepared. In general, the main expenses to consider when planning your trip to these magnificent islands are airfare from the mainland to Galapagos, the entry fees to the Galapagos National Park, which are mandatory. The current fee for foreign tourists is $200 for adults and $100 for children under 12 years old.
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What is the cheapest month to travel to Galapagos?
Galapagos is a sought-after tourist destination during all months of the year, there is always a large influx of tourists on its different islands, however the cheapest months to travel to Galapagos are usually during the low season, which generally corresponds to the months of April. , May, September and October, during these months tourist demand tends to be lower and it is possible to find better offers on flights and activities.
On the other hand, the months from December to February and June to August are considered high season in Galapagos, with a greater flow of tourists, but it is possible to find a greater variety of activity and excursion options. Be sure to check weather conditions and service availability before planning your trip.
Prices of flights to Galapagos
Flight prices to the Galapagos Islands vary depending on the airline, season, how far in advance tickets are purchased, and the city of origin. Keep in mind that there are two main airports in the Galapagos Islands: Seymour Airport in Baltra (GPS) and San Cristobal Airport (SCY).
Average prices for flights from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos usually range from $250 to $500 per person. roundtrip, If you are interested, you may find special offers or promotions at certain times of the year.
Cost of admission to Galapagos
The cost of entry to the Galapagos National Park depends on the nationality and age of visitors. It is important to note that these prices are subject to change, so we recommend checking the most up-to-date information when planning your trip. You should also consider that entry to the Galapagos National Park is regulated and controlled by the relevant authorities to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the islands.
Updated entry fees for 2025 are:
- Foreign tourists (adults): $200
- Foreign tourists (children under 12 years old): $100
- National tourists or residents in Ecuador: $30
Price of food in Galapagos
Most things in Galapagos must be imported since it is an island, which results in higher prices compared to the mainland. However, you can't leave Galapagos without first enjoying a delicious traditional lunch or its excellent craft beer.
Tentatively you can find a basic breakfast starting at $5, lunches between $6 and $15 and finally dinner between $10 and $15.
We advise you to pack certain snacks of your choice such as tuna, cookies or snacks that allow you to save as you will not easily find stores on the islands, and if you do, they may have prices double what you find on the mainland.
The best food dishes in Galapagos
- Lobster ceviche $25
- Fried Brujo fish $30
- Seafood rice $25
- Grilled tuna with chimichurri $20
- Canchalagua ceviche $15
Tours and excursions in Galapagos
Your visit to the Galapagos will not be complete if you do not do at least one of the following tours Which set off from the main Islands, Santa Cruz Isabela, and San Cristobal It is very important that you take this activity into account when planning and budgeting your trip because it will be a wonderful experience where you will have the opportunity to snorkel in beautiful places and swim with sea lions, turtles, and harmless sharks in hidden places where you can only go accompanied by a naturist guide.
Santa Cruz offers the daily Bay Tour, where you can visit the surroundings of the island, explore the sea lion colony, shark channel, love channel, dog beach, and the crevices. You can go snorkeling and hiking.
Tour to Bartolome Island, you will be able to see the magnificent landscapes that the island offers and its iconic Pinnacle, enjoy snorkeling with colorful fish and penguins.
Tour to North Seymour Island, it is home to birds such as male frigatebirds with their red breasts, blue-footed boobies and yellow land iguanas, the tour includes excursion and snorkeling.
If you decide to explore the Enchanted Islands by cruise, these types of activities are usually included in the itinerary so you won't have to worry about surcharges, check out some of our cruises:
Transfer cost between islands
If your plan is to travel between the main islands, you must do so on boats called ferries, which have a capacity of 24 to 32 passengers. If you already have your itinerary planned, it is best to book your tickets in advance.
Cruises usually visit the different islands during the journey according to the activity itinerary, so it is the best option if your idea is to visit the main islands on your visit to Galapagos without having to pay an extra (somewhat high) for transportation.
Extra expenses
It's no surprise that on every trip you take, you realize you forgot something or simply fell in love with a souvenir you saw. Maybe you also want to stay connected and get a mobile internet plan, or suddenly crave something delicious. Always keep a budget in mind for those little extras that aren't planned but become necessary at the most unexpected moment.
Budget summary for traveling to Galapagos
The Galapagos is known for being a somewhat expensive tourist destination due to its remote location and also its status as a protected national park, we present a general estimate of the costs that you should take into account for a trip to the Enchanted Islands.
- Round trip air tickets
- Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park
- Accommodation per night
- Food
- Internal transportation, to different islands or certain points of interest.
- Activities, whether snorkeling, diving, hiking, each have an additional cost.
Exploring the Galapagos on a cruise saves you a lot of the hustle and bustle that you would normally have to do if you decide to stay on the island, since the essentials such as food and accommodation are included, and from the moment you book it you will have your complete itinerary with the activities you want to do, without surprises along the way, such as not finding a ticket to visit another island or a lot of other setbacks.
