Discover the islands that inspired Charles Darwin.
Over that time, the archipelago evolved into a home for an all-star cast of plants and animals.
Sometime in the 1800s, some swashbuckling pirates and intrepid explorers started arriving in the Galapagos Islands.
Credit: DC_Colombia/Getty Images
Since then, word of these islands and their magnificent beauty has steadily grown.
As amazing as you think the Galapagos Islands will be, they routinely exceed expectations.
Best Time to Visit
There’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands.
Jessie Reeder/Getty Images
No matter what time of year you go, the adventure is sure to be unique and wonderful.
June through December are the cooler and drier months.
Water temperatures vary throughout the year because of the powerful ocean currents in the archipelago.
Getty/Barry Lewis
Between June and December, the colder currents dominate and the water temperature dips low.
Some species are seasonal, and many exist only on specific islands.
For example, the waved albatross, also called the Galapagos albatross, is not a full-time resident.
Getty Images/Mauricio Handler
These birds just show up for mating in the spring and summer.
Flights from the U.S. are plentiful to both cities.
It’s also home to ample museums, shopping, and restaurants to easily fill a few days.
Getty Images/Westend61
Steamy Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, is at sea level, so altitude is not an issue.
However, the hotel and restaurant selection is much more limited in Guayaquil.
San Cristobal Airport is on the island of the same name.
Courtesy of Ecoventura
A trip to the Galapagos Islandscan be pricey.
However, it’s easier to craft a less expensive experience if you choose to be land based.
Live-aboard boats come in a range of price points, too.
Courtesy of Finch Bay Hotel
However, all but the most bare-bones boats still add up to more than a land-based vacation.
This means passengers wake up in a new destination ready for a full day of exploration.
Boat Tours
Most live-aboard boats offer five- to eight-day itineraries, with set departure dates and routes.
pxhidalgo/Getty Images
Routes are dictated by Galapagos National Park officials to mitigate crowding and environmental stress.
Smaller boats also tend to have more character and history.
In addition, two naturalists take guests onshore and explain every animal and plant in great detail.
Getty Images/Layne Kennedy
Scuba divers who want to focus on underwater adventures have a few options in the Galapagos Islands as well.
TheGalapagos Sky,Galapagos Aggressor III,andGalapagos Masterare live-aboard boats that were designed specifically for scuba divers.
Note that these are for experienced divers only.
guenterguni/Getty Images
For example, the 19-roomGolden Bay Galapagosis situated right on the harbor of San Cristobal Island.
Meanwhile, theAngermeyer Waterfront Innis right on Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
The hotel’s newest room has been cleverly fashioned inside a beached wooden boat.
Getty Images/WestEnd61
Dive boats, in particular, tend to fill up fast because there are so few of them.
Another top option isIlla Experience Hotel, a 10-room boutique hotel in the city’s central San Marcos neighborhood.
AtUrko, chef/owner Daniel Maldonado stays focused on showcasing Ecuadorian ingredients and flavors.
Photon-Photos/Getty Images
Go for the tasting menu to get a full sense of what he callscocina local.
Visitors can get into the exhibition hall, gardens, and public library.
Meanwhile, the province’s capital is located on San Cristobal Island.
Bird-watchers are especially fond of Genovesa Island, where frigatebirds and red-footed boobies are frequently spotted.
For Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants, the sparsely vegetated Fernandina Island is another popular spot.
It’s best to have the essentials with you.
These include sturdy closed-toe walking shoes with durable soles.
However, you will also wantsandals or flip-flopsto wear in towns and on boats.
Leave the heels at home, especially if you’ve booked a boat-based itinerary.
You’ll also be glad to have rain gear and good weather protection for your camera.
You will be traveling on boats and in dinghies, and rain showers can occur at any time.
Health and Comfort
Stock up on lots ofinsect repellantand water-resistant, high-SPF sunscreen.
We also recommend purchasingreef-safe sunscreento help protect the coral, animals, and waters around the islands.
A hat with a brim for sun protection during land excursions is also recommended.
When water temperatures are colder, a wet suit will be provided.
If you have fins, a mask, and a snorkel that you love, bring them with you.
Snorkeling gear is provided, but the quality and cleanliness vary.
Seas are generally calm, and boat captains take great care in choosing protected anchoring spots.
However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring some Dramamine with you.
Prescription preventions like scopolamine patches work well, too.
Note that scopolamine is generally not available for sale in Latin America.
Credit cards are also often accepted at shops and restaurants.
The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar.
Here are some of our recommendations of what to read and watch to prepare for your trip.
