From the World to the Galapagos Islands | How to Get to Galapagos

From the World to the Galapagos Islands

How to Get to Galapagos – From the World to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is known for being an isolated archipelago. A lot of people want to know how to choose a tour to the islands. Galapagos Islands are composed of around 19 islands. There are also small islets around the area as well. It is a World Heritage site and the inspiration for the Theory of Evolution by Charles Darwin. In the time of Charles Darwin, the islands are accessible by ships alone. However, modern visitors have the option to arrive on the islands by jet.

So… How to Get There?

Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito

It should be noted that there’re no direct international flights landing right in Galapagos Islands. But there are daily flights to the islands coming from the cities of Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador. Guests from overseas start their Galapagos travel in either of the two cities.

Starting with the cities of Guayaquil and Quito, there are flights connecting mainland Ecuador to various cities across the United States and Europe. For example, there are direct flights to and from American cities such as Miami, New York, Atlanta, and Houston. In addition, for European travelers, direct flights are available from Ecuador to Madrid and Amsterdam.

Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO)

So, your first destination should be Ecuador, either Quito or Guayaquil. Once you are in Ecuador, you can continue your Galapagos trip from either Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayquil.

You can arrive to on of the two airports on the islands, which are the airports on Baltra Island and San Cristobal Island. There are flights bringing visitors to the islands daily.

Once you have landed in Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to hotels or cruises in the part towns. When planning to take a cruise in the Galapagos Islands, it is recommended that you book your flights with the cruise. This will ensure that you get to the port on time, and don’t risk missing the departure of the cruise.

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil (GYE)

Taking a cruise on a small yacht is the best way to see the islands and the wildlife. The national park restricts boats off up to 100 passengers only. However, beaches can be overloaded when 100 people disembark at the same time. That’s why it is recommended to go on small boats that can take 16 to 32 passengers at a time.

If you have any questions on how to choose a tour, you should consult with a travel agent. That way you can arrange the details of your itinerary in the Galapagos Islands. The time it takes to get from Quito to the Galapagos Island is around two and a half hours. But if you start from Guayaquil, it will be a much short flight. Once you get to mainland Ecuador, you are only a couple of hours away from seeing sea lions, tortoises, and other marine animals.