Travel guide · Ecuador
Galápagos: what to see and when to go
The Galápagos Islands, around 1,000 km off Ecuador, are a living laboratory of evolution where sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies show no fear of people. Snorkelling with turtles, penguins and sharks is part of everyday life.
What to see and do in the Galápagos
Santa Cruz
Giant tortoises in the highlands and the white sand of Tortuga Bay.
Isabela
Volcanoes, flamingos and the world's only tropical penguins.
Kicker Rock
Snorkel with sharks, turtles and rays around a sea rock off San Cristóbal.
North Seymour
Nesting blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds with red throat pouches.
Cruise or island-hopping
A cruise reaches the remote islands; land-based trips cost less.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Nov – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 13 hr, 30 min | ≈ €610 · See flights |
| New York | 6 hr, 45 min | ≈ €410 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 6 hr, 45 min | ≈ €400 · See flights |
| Dubai | 20 hr, 15 min | ≈ €770 · See flights |
| Singapore | 24 hr, 15 min | ≈ €860 · See flights |
| Sydney | 16 hr, 45 min | ≈ €690 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €980 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Ecuador
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Good for
- nature · sea · wild
- How long to stay
- 6–10 days
- Where to stay
- Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal for land-based trips; or a small cruise ship.Find a place to stay in the Galápagos
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Galápagos, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €610 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the Galápagos (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the Galápagos and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Nov – Apr. Average highs range from 22° in September to 28° in March.
How many days do you need in the Galápagos?
6 to 10 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the Galápagos cost?
Accommodation runs at around €120 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €980 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 13 hr, 30 min.
Where should you stay in the Galápagos?
Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal for land-based trips; or a small cruise ship.
