Why travelers love it
Los GemelosTwin pit craters in the Santa Cruz highlands.Santa Cruz highlandsMisty farmland where wild giant tortoises graze.Charles Darwin Research StationConservation centre with tortoise breeding programmes.Tortuga BayLong white sand beach reached by a 2.5 km paved path.Las GrietasNarrow lava crevice filled with clear brackish water.North Seymour IslandSmall island with frigatebird and blue-footed booby colonies.
Top attractions
1 Galápagos itinerary
Galápagos questions
Is 5 days enough for the Galápagos?
Yes, 5 full days covers Santa Cruz and Isabela by land, but book your flight out of Baltra for the morning after day 5. A cruise reaches more remote islands.
How much is the Galápagos entry fee?
There is a national park fee and a Transit Control Card, both paid in cash. Fees have risen recently, so check the official current amount before you fly.
Do you need a guide in the Galápagos?
Yes, most national park sites need a licensed naturalist guide. Some areas near towns, like Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas, are open without one.
Is a cruise or land-based trip better?
A land-based trip costs less and suits people who get seasick. A cruise reaches more islands with less travel time.