The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers west of Ecuador. They are known for their unique biodiversity and dreamlike landscapes that you can only find in the Galapagos Islands. In addition, they offer a unique ecotourism experience for visitors, as well as a wide variety of tourist activities, such as hiking, diving and snorkeling, wildlife viewing and boat excursions.
The Galapagos Islands were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and as a protected destination, special permits are required to access certain areas. It prevents them from being overexploited and allows us to enjoy an unspoiled and unique environment. Read on and discover all the things to do in the Galapagos Islands, as well as other interesting travel tips.
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What are the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands?
1. Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is the main town and tourist center to visit on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands. The city is famous for its unique biodiversity, with a wide variety of endemic species of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Moreover, as the most important urban center in the Galapagos. It has a wide variety of services, such as stores, bars, restaurants and accommodation for all budgets. Puerto Ayora is also the starting point for many excursions and tours on the island. It is therefore one of the most practical areas where to stay.
There are many tourist activities to do in Puerto Ayora, including snorkeling, scuba diving, biking, jungle walks and animal watching. In short, Puerto Ayora is an essential stop for any traveler interested in enjoying the biodiversity and unique nature of the Galapagos Islands.
2. Punta Estrada
Punta Estrada is one of the most visited neighborhoods of Puerto Ayora. It has some of the most interesting tourist attractions of the island. An example of it is the Playa de los Alemanes. Its especially beautiful because of the rows of volcanic rock that emerge from the sea and reach the beach, making it a unique place. It also includes the Mirador de la Bahía, an idyllic place where you can observe the bay in a panoramic view.
However, for many the most impressive thing about Punta Estrada is “Las Grietas”. This is a protected area where you can only enter with a guide. It is a series of cracks in the rock that have formed over millions of years due to the erosive force of the sea. The crevices offer a unique swimming experience, with crystal clear turquoise waters and tropical fish swimming around. The ideal place to get out a snorkeling gear.
3. Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is a beach of unique beauty located on Santa Cruz Island. It is one of the must-see beaches on your trip to the Galapagos Islands. With its crystal clear waters and white sand, it’s a popular place for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing in the sun. Also, if you are passionate about nature, you should know that it is home to many endemic species of marine animals. They include black turtles (to which it owes its name), marine iguanas and tropical fish.
The beach is a refuge for numerous wild animals. So, it is important to respect the rules to preserve the ecological balance and be environmentally friendly. To access Tortuga Bay you must follow a trail of about 2,5 kilometers from the town of Puerto Ayora. The entrance is free of charge.
4. The Tunnels, one of the best things to do on Isabela Island and in the Galapagos Islands
One more wonderful island to visit in the Galapagos Islands is Isabela Island. There you should go to “The Tunnels”, one of the most impressive areas of the archipelago. The Tunnels is an area, as its name suggests, formed by solidified lava tunnels that have been formed over the centuries due to the erosion of the rock by the waves.
Besides observing the natural beauty of the place, you can swim in the tunnels, snorkel, watch the marine life that inhabits them, such as tropical fish and starfish, among other species. Visiting the tunnels is a unique and exciting experience that you cannot miss on your trip to the Galapagos Islands. Of course, as you would expect, it is a protected area that can only be visited on a guided tour. Excursions last between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the company, and prices range from approximately 70€ to 150€.
5. Concha Perla, on Isabela Island
And if you travel to Santa Isabela, in addition to visiting Los Túneles, you would also stop at Concha Perla. It is a beach with clear and calm waters where you can swim and snorkel surrounded by penguins, turtles, fish and even a sea lion. It is located very close to Puerto de Villamil, the main town of Isabela Island. And you can walk there in about 15 minutes by a nice wooden path surrounded by vegetation. Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive places you can see in Galapagos Islands. You’ll be glad to know that the entrance to this beach is free.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do around the Galapagos Islands
Quito, capital city of Ecuador
The distance between Quito and the Galapagos Islands is 1391km, so, to say that Quito is in the surroundings of the islands is not quite correct. However, if your destination is the Galapagos Islands it is more than likely that you will have to make a stopover in the capital of Ecuador. Our advice is to take advantage of it to see and discover this beautiful city.
Quito is a city full of history and culture. It is famous for its beautiful colonial architecture and stunning mountain views. Its Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to colonial churches and beautiful old squares. The Metropolitan Park is one of the city’s largest parks and offers panoramic views and picnic areas. Other tourist attractions include the Panecillo, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the Museo de la Ciudad and the Cable Car. These are just a few of the many attractions that Quito offers visitors. But this vibrant city has so much more to uncover.
Where to eat in Galapagos Islands?
Ecuadorian cuisine is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and African influences as well as the use of seasonal products. Some of its typical dishes include ceviche, locro de papas, seco de carne, rice with stew and churrasco, among others.
In the Galapagos Islands, typical dishes are based on fresh fish and seafood, such as fish ceviche, seafood salad and rice with seafood. In addition to tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya and mango.
- IslaGrill: A fabulous Ecuadorian cuisine restaurant in Punta Estrada overlooking the sea and its turtles, sea lions and other species. Excellent grilled meats, abundant dishes. and helpful staff. Price range: 14-37€
- The Rock Galapagos: This is one of the most famous pubs in Santa Cruz. The ideal place to dine or just have a cocktail or one of their craft beers in a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Price range: 7-13€
Where to stay in Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a destination with a wide range of accommodation where you will have no problem finding a place to stay that suits your needs and budget. In this paradise-like place you can find everything from 5-star luxury hotels for more than 700€ a night, to modest accommodations for just 30€.
- Ikala Galapagos Hotel: A fabulous 4-star hotel in Puerto Ayora, a very convenient location for getting around and making plans in Galapagos. Rooms at Ikala Galapagos Hotel overlook the hotel pool and terrace, and are spacious, comfortable and modern. The hotel also has a restaurant and breakfast included. Average price per night: 277€
- Cactus: A simple but very nice little hotel with everything you need for a comfortable vacation and rest after a long day of experiences in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, 500 meters from the beach of Los Marinos. At Cactus they take care of every detail and the staff is friendly and helpful. In addition, buffet, continental or American breakfast is served every morning and is included in the price. Average price per night: 73€
What should I know before traveling to the Galapagos Islands?
- The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar (USD).
- Always carry cash on you, not all stores accept credit cards.
- The Galapagos Islands are a fairly crowded destination, plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The islands are wet and have uneven terrain, so it is important to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
- Wear appropriate clothing for rain. The Galapagos Islands have a humid climate and it can rain at any time, so it’s important to bring adequate rain gear.
- Always have mosquito repellent at hand.
- Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals and do not disturb them.
- Keep the Islands clean and don’t throw trash outside the dumpsters. This will help to preserve the natural beauty of the islands and their biodiversity.
- Galapagos does not have a potable water supply to the houses.
How to organize the things to do in the Galapagos Islands
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers what to see in the Galapagos Islands.
If you have doubts on how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Galapagos Islands
The climate of the Galapagos Islands is tropical and dry, with an average annual temperature of between 20ºC and 30ºC. There is a rainy season from December to May and a dry season from June to November. Trade winds can affect the climate and temperature, although in general, the islands have a warm and pleasant climate throughout the year.
The dry season, from June to November, is considered the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands if you are looking for warm, sunny weather. It is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, as the water is clearer and it is easier to see marine life. However, if you are interested in seeing turtle nesting, the best time is from December to June.
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