The Galapagos islands have become a haven for travelers and backpackers alike. The island destination has now become famous in the whole world because of its very unique flora and fauna which you can experience in person. You can interact with the very playful sea lions and huge sea turtles up close and personal. Each of Galapagos’ 19 islands has their own kind of landscape, which means having their own adventures and experiences fit for everyone who visits the island destination.
The perfect time to go
It depends on what you want to do in the island. Peak seasons for tourists are from June to August, and December to January, where tourists from the North Hemisphere want to warm themselves up because of the cold winter season.
Experience Galapagos with unique tours
You cannot visit most of the islands without seeking the assistance of a Galapagos National Park-licensed tour guide. Day trips to some of the islands can be booked at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, the center of tourism. However, you can appreciate the beauty of Galapagos onboard a cruise on a small yacht.
These small yachts, however, can become fully booked fast during peak seasons. That is why it is recommended to book at least a few months before you visit the Galapagos Islands to avoid hassles and disappointments.
How to get to Galapagos Islands
Your first stop is getting into Mainland Ecuador by means of flying to Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, or at Guayaquil. It is recommended to fly directly to Guayaquil as it is nearer to the islands and can save you a few bucks since flights from Quito has a stopover here before going to Galapagos. You may need to book an overnight stay on the mainland as most of the Galapagos flights commence early in the morning or in the evening.
From mainland Ecuador, you can fly to the Galapagos via Baltra Island. From Baltra island, you have to take a bus and a ferry en route to Santa Cruz Island, the destination’s central tourist hub. A lot of tour companies do not include flights in their package prices but you can ask about booking flights through the cruise company you’re considering selecting.
What to do
Animal watching
Get up close and personal with marine animals like the albatross and penguins that are endemic to the Galapagos. It is suggested to do the watching before 6 AM to avoid heat and huge crowds.
Snorkeling or Diving
The best dive spots at the Galapagos can be found on Wolf and Darwin Islands. They are home to various marine species like hammerhead and whale sharks, eagle rays, large schools of various fishes and so much more. You can also swim with the cute sea lions and pacific sea turtles.
Hiking
If you are tired of doing aquatic adventures, then you can venture into hiking and land adventures. Galapagos’ dried lava beds along the most active volcanoes are the best places for you to trek.
Aside from these, you can also do kayaking, surfing and even working on farms and habitat restoration.
What you need for your Galapagos Adventure
Being a tourist at the Galapagos Island is basically the same as the other tourist destinations. Here are some of the basic stuff you will need for the whole duration of your Galapagos trip.
- Waterproof cameras (preferably action cameras)
- dry bags
- binoculars
- swimsuits, masks and fins
- sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- long sleeved shirt or rash guards
- reusable water bottles
- quick dry clothing
- motion sickness medicines
- rain gear
- trekking shoes
- enough money (preferably cash)
With all the gifts Galapagos can offer to everyone, your really need to put it at your Galapagos. Hope to see you soon at the sunny and majestic Galapagos Islands!