www.galapagospark.org
www.discovergalapagos.com
www.aboutgalapagos.com/
We went to 4 islands:
1. Isla Baltra -- very small island where the airport is located
2. Isla Santa Cruz -- has the most developed town (Puerto Ayora) in the archipelago
3. Isla Floreana -- boasts about tales of the history of the earliest settlers
4. Isla Isabela -- largest island with 5 intermittently active volcanoes
First Step: When planning your trip, you need to decide what your budget will be. Depending on your budget, you'll be able to plan either a cruise for the entire trip, or hotel-based island-hopping day tours. We decided not to take a cruise, but to stay in a hotel and take day trips to the islands. You can find hotel accommodations in any price range, and then schedule your day trips as you wish. This cuts down considerably on the price compared to the cost of a cruise.
Second Step: Decide what time of year you want to go. We went in the cool-dry season (June to December). During that time of year, there is a weather phenomenon known as "garúa" (which means drizzle). It is a fine mist which we like because it cools you off during the sunny days. The warm-wet season (January to May) is a busier time because of the vacationers during Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. The high tourist season (and high cost) runs December to April, and July and August.
Third Step: Research air fare and schedule your flights. You can fly to the Galapagos Islands (Isla Baltra) from Cuenca, Quito or Guayaquil. If you are an Ecuadorian citizen or a legal resident (you have your Cedula), then go to the following website to book your air travel: www.despegar.com. (It is a much cheaper way to travel if you have your Cedula.)
Fourth Step: After you have made your airline reservations, then you need to pre-register with the Ecuadorian government. To protect the Galapagos Islands, the Ecuadorian government has strict regulations on what activities can be performed, and how long visitors can stay. So you'll need to pre-register before you leave on your vacation at the website: www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec
Click on "pre-registro" in the left-hand column. The next screen, click "Pre-Registro Turistas", and then complete the registration process. You will then be in the system. Do this about 7 to 10 days before your trip.
Galapagos Registration Window |
Inspection and Quarantine Window |
The airport is on Baltra, just north of Santa Cruz |
So now you've finally made it to the Galapagos Islands! You are now on Isla Baltra, which was used as an air base by the United
States in World War II. Baltra (also known as South Seymour) is now a navy base
for Ecuador. This remote island is the main entry point for most cruises of the
Galapagos Islands. On the island, there is a large population of sea lions and
blue-footed boobie birds.
Galapagos "taxi" |
After getting your luggage, you'll board a bus that will take you to the boat that goes across the channel to the Isla Santa Cruz. First made famous by Darwin's
explorations in the 19th century, today Santa Cruz is home to the Charles
Darwin Research Station. Perhaps the island's most famous resident was Lonesome
George, the last Galapagos tortoise of its kind, that died in June of 2012. Also located here is Cerro
Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.
The next blog post will be about Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz, and the house we stayed in.
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