FAQs about Galapagos: What are land visits like?

Land visits are a recommended alternative if not taking a sailing cruise in the Galapagos; you spend the nights at a comfortable Hotel and every day you have day-trips whether on the same Island or take a yacht to a nearby Island where you will enjoy different activities like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming always surrounded by amazing and untamed Wildlife and breathtaking scenarios, accompanied by a certified Bilingual professional Guide to make your experience on each site more enjoyable each day.

Other related frequently asked questions

When do we have to pay?

For cruises and tours, we have flexible payment policies:

  • Tours booked from 91 days or more, small 30% deposit is requested to pre-confirm, 70% balance is needed 90 days before tour dates.
  • Tours booked 90 days or less, complete payment is needed to confirm your trip.
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Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?
All visitors entering Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are prompted to present original Passport when entering, with at least 6 months of validity; citizens from most Countries do not require a Visa to enter Ecuador and the Galapagos, but do confirm this with your local International Affairs Office to confirm if you require to get a Visa to travel to Ecuador.
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What is the smoking policy on board the boats?
Cruises have strict policy on smoking on board: is prohibited in almost all social areas, dining rooms and cabins in cruises, but most of them do allow to smoke on designated areas in the sundeck prior request from passengers to the guide or cruise director. Smoking is strictly prohibited on inhabited islands and visitor sites during a cruise.
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When is the best time to travel to Galapagos?

You can visit the Galapagos any time of the year as there is always something wonderful happening in the Islands, especially with wildlife’s behavior and natural events.

From mid-June to early-December you have a mixture of warm and rain (afternoon showers), and Ocean waters are warmer and calmer due to the “El Niño” current. From mid-December to early-June is the cool/dry season on land and Ocean, especially because of the passing of the “Humboldt” current through the Archipelago.

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How to get there?

First, you must get to Ecuador Mainland. Make sure you arrive to Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your departure to the Galapagos; there are no direct connections with international flights and flights to Galapagos Islands depart from mainland Ecuador early in the morning from Quito and/or Guayaquil.

Visitors arrive by plane from Mainland (flight takes about 2 ½ hours) with three main Airlines: AVIANCA, LAN and TAME and arrive to Galapagos to one of its two Airports: One in Baltra Island and one in San Cristobal.

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How important is the itinerary?
Different cruises offer different departures and itineraries in the Galapagos, you can choose from 4, 5, 8 up to 15 days itineraries on almost every category; the more days you spend on the islands, the more incredible sites you will be able to visit! No itinerary visits the same spot twice!
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