Islands in Galápagos, Ecuador
Galápagos Islands
Wildlife stays calm around people: sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and reef sharks. Suits nature lovers on a set budget; flights, park fees and tours make it Ecuador's priciest place.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,500–5,500Comfortable, one person · $3,500–5,500Details
- Value for money5/100Better value than 4% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MayWarmest: Mar, 29°CDetails
- Internet219 MbpsFixed broadband, Ecuador medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland tap water is brackish and untreated for drinking; buy bottled or use refill stations.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundInter-island speedboatWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels and tour offices, often with a surcharge; ATMs are few and sometimes empty.Details
Where to stay in Galápagos Islands
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | Most services, tours, restaurants; the usual first base |
| Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal) | Calmer, sea lions in town, cheaper than Ayora |
| Puerto Villamil (Isabela) | Beach town with sand streets, tortoise and snorkel tours |
Apps that work in Galápagos Islands
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ECU 911: Emergency calls and panic button
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis (white pickups in towns) charge fixed fares; agree them first. Hotels and tour operators arrange airport and boat transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ecuador.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels and tour offices, often with a surcharge; ATMs are few and sometimes empty. Carry cash for taxis, markets and small restaurants.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs take foreign cards but charge a fee and have modest limits. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Sit-down restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; extra is optional. Tip guides, drivers and Galápagos boat crews.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in chains; local QR apps like DeUna need an Ecuadorian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Arriving overland from Colombia or Peru, bring an apostilled criminal record certificate or accept a database check; air arrivals are exempt.
- Galápagos: get the USD 20 Transit Control Card online before the flight and pay the USD 200 park fee in cash on arrival.
- Galápagos visitors must show a hotel booking or host letter, a return flight and travel health insurance.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Claro or Tigo stores in malls sell prepaid SIMs with passport registration; Claro has the widest coverage. Tigo also sells eSIMs. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ecuador
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.