Ecuador - Galapagos Islands Land-Based Intro and Budget

A wildlife and nature heaven, where can you find such a place full of surprises? Beautiful volcanic islands with unique species and geological formation - The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador   

Bartolome - The most picturesque spot to visit among the Galapagos Islands 

A quick snap shot of the trip

5-day solo land-based trip to Galapagos Islands, Ecuador in March 2017
Islands stayed: Santa Cruz, Isabela

Estimated Cost per Person including airfare (in USD) ~ $1200 

• Flights: ~400 USD (not including any other international flights that will take you to Quito or Guayaquil)
• Quito (UIO) <--/--> Isla Baltra (GPS) 

• Lodging: ~100 USD
• 2 nights at Galapagos Best Home Stay at Ana Maria (Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz) via Airbnb
• 3 nights at Posada del Caminante (Puerto Villamil on Isabela) via HostelWorld

• Tours / Attractions: ~300 USD
• Day tour to Bartolome
• Day tour to Los Tunneles
• Day tour to Volan Sierra Negra

• Food: ~150 USD
• Lunch and dinner

• Transportation: ~ 100 USD
• Taxi
• Bus
• Ferries between Santa Cruz and Isabela
• Water taxi

• Misc.:~150 USD
• Entrance fee and airport tax to Galapagos Islands
• Shopping, etc.

By the pier of Santa Cruz

Safety

Galapagos Islands are quite safe to travel. It is touristy and a quite simple and relax environment compare to big cities like Quito. As a female solo traveler, I felt safe walking around at night by myself.

Money and Currency

The currency is USD. Similar to the mainland in Ecuador, credit cards are not widely accepted. Even if cards are acceptable, you will be charged for a percentage surcharge. Therefore, it's important to carry an ATM card and/or bring cash with you. There is ATM machine at Puerto Ayora on the Santa Cruz island. However, there is no ATM machine at Puerto Villamil on Isabela island. 

One hundred dollar bill and fifty dollar bill are acceptable. I used one hundred dollar bill to pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the Isla Baltra airport and used fifty dollar bill to pay for hostel stay.   

Tips and Suggestions

• Galapagos Islands are highly regulated as to what you can bring in and out of the islands and in between islands. Please check out the official IGTOA website 
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. The sun is brutal there at the Galapagos Islands. It is very easy to get sunburned. The mosquito is notorious, especially in the evening or late afternoon. Remember to spray yourself before heading out to see sunset or having dinner.
• If you are looking for cheaper tours, try not to book anything far in advance. There are last minute tours, which allow you to bargain. They will likely tell you that there is one last spot on the boat for you to push you to buy. However, I found this be a common tactic, which if you check with couple tour companies and they will all say the same thing. Always check a few tour companies and compare prices as you stroll around in downtown Puerto Ayora. The entire Ave Charles Darwin is full of tour company. 
• March is a good time to visit. The water is warmer and the water is calmer. Although it is the rainy season, it was always sunny when I was there. The weather forecast on Apps or internet is not so accurate when it comes to the Galapagos Islands. As the water is warmer, it is especially good for snorkeling and diving.
• It is hot there, so make sure you stay hydrated the whole time. Most hostels will offer free purified water. You just need a couple empty bottles with you. 
• Allow yourself extra time / day if you are traveling via ferries between Santa Cruz, Isabela or San Cristobal. The ferries don't run very often and sometimes things can get disorganized. Check out more logistics information on the transportation post. 

Sleepy marine iguana