Getting To Galápagos Islands

Getting To The Galápagos

The Galápagos are accessible only by air from mainland Ecuador. Flights depart from Quito (3h) and Guayaquil (2h) to two island airports: Baltra (next to Santa Cruz) and San Cristóbal. LATAM and Avianca operate the routes. All visitors must connect through the mainland — there are no direct international flights to the islands.

• Quito (UIO) → Baltra (GPS): 3h
• Guayaquil (GYE) → Baltra: 2h
• Multiple daily flights from both cities; book LATAM or Avianca well ahead

Getting Between Islands

Inter-island transport is by speed boat (lancha) or light aircraft. Speed boats connect the main inhabited islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela) in 2–2.5 hours and cost $30–35 each way. The more remote islands (Española, Fernandina, Genovesa) are only accessible on organised live-aboard cruises.

• Santa Cruz ↔ San Cristóbal: speed boat 2h, ~$35
• Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela: speed boat 2.5h, ~$35
• Remote islands: live-aboard cruise only — typically 7–14 night expeditions

Galápagos Entry Requirements

All visitors must present a valid passport and a TRANSIT CONTROL CARD (TCT) issued by the immigration authority before boarding the flight to the Galápagos on the mainland. This card is now obtained online; your airline may check for it at check-in.

• TCT must be obtained online before flying — do this 24–48h in advance
• No fresh food, meat, plant material, or soil may be brought to the islands
• Certain products (fragrances, aerosol sprays) are inspected on arrival