Islands in Galápagos, Ecuador
Internet in Galápagos Islands: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Galápagos Islands?
Median fixed broadband in Ecuador is 219 Mbps and mobile is 64 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café and hotel wifi is slow and often drops; plan on light work only, with a data SIM as backup.
Getting online in Galápagos Islands
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre is patchy; most rentals use satellite or slow links, roughly $40–80 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Café and hotel wifi is slow and often drops; plan on light work only, with a data SIM as backup. |
| Outages | Power and internet cuts happen, especially on Isabela |
| Tourist SIM | Claro or Tigo stores in malls sell prepaid SIMs with passport registration; Claro has the widest coverage. Tigo also sells eSIMs. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Claro, Tigo (formerly Movistar) |
| Monthly data plan | $15–25 ($15–25) |
Coworking in Galápagos Islands
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in South America
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Galápagos Islands?
Median fixed broadband in Ecuador is 219 Mbps and mobile is 64 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café and hotel wifi is slow and often drops; plan on light work only, with a data SIM as backup.
Which SIM card should I get in Galápagos Islands?
Claro or Tigo stores in malls sell prepaid SIMs with passport registration; Claro has the widest coverage. Tigo also sells eSIMs.
Can I use an eSIM in Ecuador?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Galápagos Islands
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Going to Galápagos Islands solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Galápagos Islands meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Ecuador
- Claro
- Tigo (formerly Movistar)
- Galápagos National Park Directorate
- Charles Darwin Foundation
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.