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How to Visit the Galapagos on a Budget

How to Visit the Galapagos on a Budget

The Galapagos Islands don’t need much of an introduction as they are probably one of the most desirable destinations for travelers. The wildlife and the amazing scenery are incredible and you won’t be bored even if you visit it more than once.

In fact, I’m actually dying to revisit the Galapagos again soon, whether it’s a luxury or budget trip.

While many people are turned away by the high price of the cruises offered by tour companies, I’ve done Galapagos without a cruise. It was totally a budget trip to the Galapagos as there are ways to visit different islands without breaking the bank.

How to Visit Galapagos on a Budget: Without a Cruise

Galapagos on a budget

Do you want to visit me?


Find Cheap Flights to the Galapagos Islands

If you’re planning on visiting the Galapagos Islands you shouldn’t skip the mainland of Ecuador as well. It offers plenty of attractions and you won’t be disappointed. Not without a reason, Ecuador is probably my favorite country in South America and I’ve been almost everywhere on that continent.

The only way to get to the Galapagos is to fly to one of two airports – Baltra and San Cristobal. Flights leave from Guayaquil or Quito (with a layover in Guayaquil), so my best tip would be to start in one of these cities.

The best way to score a cheap flight is a last-minute purchase 2-5 days before your departure. There are ALWAYS flights available and by making a last-second purchase at a local travel agency, you might be able to save up to $200.

The flights aren’t cheap and I’m not going to lie, the minimum you are going to spend is around $350, so every possible discount makes a difference.cheap trip to the Galapagos

Where to Go in the Galapagos on a Budget?

If you decide to skip a pricy cruise and explore Galapagos independently, you don’t need to be confined to just one island.

People actually do live in the Galapagos – about 25,000 of them! Many of them run guesthouses and hotels, so there’s plenty to choose from. 

You can easily maneuver between local islands by small boats. Ferries between the islands are only $30 each, and you can find accommodation and activities for a lot less on land.blue footed boobie


Getting to Puerto Ayora from Baltra Airport

Baltra is a tiny island located right next to Santa Cruz Island with nothing but an airport. No matter if you’re going on a cruise or want to stay on the mainland, you need to get to the capital of the Galapagos – Puerto Ayora.

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After you pay your statutory $100 fee at the airport for entry to the national park, you can proceed to the minibusses that will take you to the ferry terminal. Both the 10-minute ferry ride and the minibus are $1. But right after you’ll have to pay $10 for transportation to Puerto Ayora.

There are a couple of big bus companies to choose from and the price is set, but if you feel like you don’t want to spend your first hour in the Galapagos on a big bus there are also many taxis waiting.

The whole process is very smooth and there is no need to stress about it. The bus can drop you off at your hotel or at the port, whichever you choose.

seals Galapagos

Interacting with friendly locals!


Where to Stay on a Budget in the Galapagos

Staying in Puerto Ayora will give you a unique opportunity to interact with the locals and see a town invaded by iguanas and seals. This cute little town has a great nightlife, a lot of local and international restaurants, and plenty of things to do in and around!

There are lots of places to recommend in Puerto Ayora, but Captain Max B&B is an affordable funky spot. Some rooms even have a hammock in addition to a bed.

There is also a lovely guesthouse called Galapagos Best Hostel which was basic but even cheaper. The Canadian owner and his local wife were both extremely helpful and he gave every new person a tour around town right upon arrival.

When in San Cristobal, there’s Galapagos Sunset House, just opposite the pier.  

For Isla Isabela, your best bet would be Hostal Cerro Azul. It’s a pretty good place to stay given that there aren’t as many options on Isabela, as elsewhere in the Galapagos.

Puerto Ayora


Enjoy Free Activities

There are plenty of free activities in the Galapagos. Not only they’re enjoyable, but also will save you a bunch. I was able to spend a few days without having to pay extra for anything but meals and drinks.

In Santa Cruz Island:

Wildlife Spotting

You’ll be amazed by the amount of wildlife just hanging out everywhere. You can stroll around Puerto Ayora and see seals and iguanas hanging out at random spots. 

I highly recommend visiting a fish market in the morning to see a bunch of giant pelicans trying to catch a piece of fish.iguana in Galapagos

wildlife Galapagos Islands

Tortuga Bay

I was advised to go there by a friend and it was easily my favorite spot on the island. I saw some people doing tours there, which was absolutely not necessary. 

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Tortuga Bay is an isolated white-sand beach with turtles and iguanas swimming around. You can even meet blue footed boobies there. The hike there is long and has no facilities, so don’t forget to bring a bunch of water, snacks, a towel and everything else you might need.tortuga bay

Las Grietas

Las Grietas is just a short detour from Tortuga Bay. It’s a geological formation of natural pools. The water is freezing there if you ask me, but if you’re jumping in like local boys you’ll get used to cold temperature pretty quickly.

It gets pretty busy in the afternoon with groups, so you might want to come early enough. 

Personal Tip: Walking away from Las Grietas you’ll see a pier full of boats. On the left side of it there are many sea lions and turtles swimming around and this is where local companies offer tours.

If you bring your own snorkel, you can ask some locals where is the best spot to jump in. No need to go far to experience it!

free things to do in the Galapagos

Charle

A walking distance from Puerto Ayora downtown you’ll see Charles Darwin Research Station. It’s your to-go spot to see the giant tortoises, that Galapagos is known for. 

Unfortunately, Lonesome George has passed away in 2012, but there are other big guys to see there, along with a museum.

giant tortoise

In San Cristobal:

La Loberia

Imagine a beach full of sea lions sunbathing! La Loberia is easily one of the top favorite spots of many travelers. You can swim, snorkel, even surf there if waves are big enough. 

You can walk there for about 30 minutes, or take a $3 taxi to reach the beach. If you want to swim, you might want to rent a wetsuit.la Loberia galapagos


Book Last Minute Excursions

A lot of travelers come to the Galapagos without a plan, so purchasing a last-minute 1 or 2-day cruise isn’t a problem. Moreover, booking them in Puerto Ayora and not on the mainland will save you a lot of money. Sometimes up to 50% off!

Tours range from $80 to $150, including lunch and snorkeling or kayaking. The bigger cruise ships usually stop on the bigger islands but smaller day cruises will allow you to visit the tiny uninhabited islands with even more fascinating scenery.

During my excursions to Isla Plazas I had a chance to wander around the wildlife with only 10 other people. Isla Plazas is an amazing place with a surface resembling Mars – red sand and rocks, with plenty of blue-footed boobies that are not as easy to spot as one might think.

Isla Plazas

Isla Plazas – very Mars looking place!

 

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Total Budget for Galapagos Islands Trip

It’s hard to say exactly how much one would spend in the Galapagos Islands. Including the flight, I suggest having at least $850 for 5 days, excluding diving (diving is between $150-200 per dive, so keep this in mind).

The most expensive thing on the islands is food, but it’s still only 70% as expensive as in Europe or the US. If you’re still considering opting for a Galapagos cruise instead of the mainland on a lower budget, do it. 

Perhaps include a few more days at the end of your trip and take some time to explore the local towns.SDC12671


Other Important Tips for Visiting Galapagos

1. Get Yourself Some Good Sunscreen

My most important tip for visiting the Galapagos Islands may sound a bit silly but believe me, you’ll thank me for it later. Use sunscreen everywhere! The intensity of the sun in the Galapagos is different than anywhere else in the world.

I actually did use SPF-50 sunblock! I wasn’t sunbathing, I wasn’t even fully exposed to the sun. It was just a simple walk around town in my t-shirt, plus an hour or two of kayaking at Tortuga Bay. It seems like my sunblock didn’t matter as I had severe burns pretty much all over my back and arms!

My skin looked horrifying! Because of my tight schedule, I had to spend over 20h on planes with my back stuck to the seat. Every time I got up it looked like I left another human on the seat – that’s how much skin I was losing!

sunburn Galapagos

Blame Galapagos! 😉

2. Arrange your Travel Insurance

For sunburns and other complications, it’s useful to have travel insurance. The easiest and the most reliable travel insurance is World Nomads Travel Insurance. Get it before your trip to avoid unnecessary troubles that might ruin your holidays!

3. Bring Your Own Snorkeling Equipment

Galapagos has wildlife everywhere. In many spots, including entrance free places there will be people who rent snorkeling equipment for a fee. If you want to save up, you might want to bring your own snorkeling equipment. You can get a cheap foldable one like this on Amazon.

Any questions about visiting Galapagos on a budget? 

Tracy Bennett

Friday 31st of January 2020

It’s been a long time coming and a lot of planning but we’re finally going to Galapagos this June and after reading your blog my excitement levels have just rocketed!! Your info regarding the sun is invaluable to me as I’ve had skin cancer so have to be very careful. Looks like I’ll be using the SPF ‘blanket’ for this trip!! Thank you Anna for all your blogs and tips, they are always so informative ?

chacha

Monday 2nd of September 2019

Hi Anna;

Thank you for the information.

Me and my husband are planning a budget trip to Galapagos Islands and we are looking for information on how to get to smaller islands (the ones that do not have an airport) like Isla Fernandina, Floreana and Pinzon.

Are the boats to get us to smaller islands or we have to book day trips?

Thank you.

Anna

Monday 2nd of September 2019

I know that it's not possible to visit Fernandina Island from a land-based tour I'm afraid. Not sure about others, but technically you could ask around whether someone could take you there.

sarahmats

Thursday 25th of July 2019

What time of year did you visit? Do you think November is a good time? Or should I stick to the more reliable January?

Thanks

Anna

Thursday 25th of July 2019

I went in January. November is a good time to visit though.

Barbara

Sunday 18th of March 2018

Nice post, sorry about the sunburn!

I would suggest adding a little information about park rules, especially for people who are not working with guides on the inhabited islands. The main rule to be concerned with is that of not touching animals or getting too close or feeding them. Even if locals ignore this, they are still breaking the rules inside the park and put the animals and the environment at risk. You must not be closer than 2 meters (about 6 feet) at any time from all wildlife. I'm sure we all want this wonderful and fascinating paradise to last - don't feel that you don't make a difference, because you do! We all do.

So with that in mind, I hope everyone has a wonderful trip!

Laura

Thursday 23rd of November 2017

Super helpful, thanks so much!

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