50 tips for traveling to the Galapagos on your own

50 tips for traveling to the Galapagos on your own

When I put my feet on the Galapagos Islands for the first time I felt I had just turned a dream. I could not believe that he had finally reached one of the destinations most overwhelming nature of the entire planet. And my stay there did not mean abate one iota my expectations, because what I found even more impressive than it could have imagined. I had always wondered if it was possible to travel to the Galapagos on your own without getting a kidney on the road, which today can answer with a resounding YES and in capital letters. Having rested the back and taken notes of everything that happened in this wonderful adventure among sea lions, giant tortoises and sharks is time to put my bit and can provide information as useful as possible so that travelers can take it into account time to visit the enchanted islands. To do this I have compiled a list of 50 tips useful for Galapagos travel on your own, with which put some light to a special destination.

Iguana Santa Fe (Galapagos)

What is the best time to go to Galapagos, how to move, what to see and do, prices, essential trips, vaccinations, precautions to consider and ultimately, multiple topics of interest when preparing a trip to the archipelago in the Charles Darwin was based to develop his well-known theory of evolution of species. Take pen and paper, here comes a stack of tips for traveling free to Galapagos we should keep in mind.

Getting to Galapagos

- Several airlines Galapagos communicate with the mainland, either from Quito or Guayaquil. We use LAN, the same with which traveled to Ecuador from Spain. The islands are Baltra International Airport and San Cristobal, whose IATA code is SCY GPS and respectively. While Baltra is the most frequented and the most flights arrive, given its proximity to Santa Cruz, San Cristobal trying to position itself as an important basis from which to move to other islands.

- In low season prices of airline tickets can be around 300-500 euros return. A single journey comes to cost approximately 200 euros. Advisable to book flights in advance to avoid their price may rise too expensive and even further a journey that is expensive in itself.

- In the Galapagos flights departing from Quito (or vice versa) the airplane performs technical stop in Guayaquil. No need to get off the plane, unless required for some specific reason or because the sections have been purchased separately.

How to go to airport Baltra Puerto Ayora

- As if we go to Galapagos by San Cristobal we can reach the harbor walk so close it is, if we do it for Baltra (which is most usual) we must do more, although nothing is difficult.

Buses from different airlines collected after each flight passengers, who leaves just 10 minutes on the pier of the island. There is a water taxi that charges just $ 1 Itabaca crosses the channel (just 200 meters wide) to definitely go to the island of Santa Cruz. Once we have passed to the other side we have two options, or take a pick-up that works as a taxi which costs $ 18-20 journey to Puerto Ayora (best together with other people to share and pay less) or wait for a local bus which charges just $ 2 a tour for which you need an hour away.

Documentation Required (and fees)

To enter Galapagos passport with which Ecuador has entered necessary. All Latin American countries and the European Union and the United States need no tourist visa. The only exceptions are Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba and Honduras. The maximum stay allowed in the country is 90 days.

- When going to take a plane from Quito or Galapagos you must prepay at the airport rate traffic control Galapagos has a cost of $ 20 on the stand INGALA (National Institute of Galapagos), so more is not enough time to go. It is necessary that we carry with us at all times during the trip to the islands because they could pedírnosla. It is best to have it in the passport until finally abandon the Galapagos archipelago so you do not miss or we will not forget and we put a fine. This card is valid for 3 months.

- Nothing more land in Galapagos, either in Baltra or San Cristobal, must pay 100 US dollars in hand as National Park entrance fee. It is a rate that applies to foreigners who visited the islands and also should be with us for the journey. As a curiosity I can not forget to say that national Ecuadorians pay only $ 6 per this concept. Fifteen times less than foreign visitors ...

What is the best to travel to Galapagos

- One of my biggest concerns when he would travel to Galapagos even before document myself on this destination, was about the possibility of islands independently, for free, without having to hire a cruise of 6000 euros 5 days yacht ( there are many). Much of the information that comes in internet is focused on an audience of very high purchasing power who do not want to worry about anything in terms of organization and, above all, let them. But what about those who wish to travel on our own Galapagos? Can we go it alone in this hot spot?

The answer is yes! Of course you can travel independently to the Galapagos Islands without having to engage the cruise hipermegacaros agencies sell us. A very common way is to put our base in one of the largest inhabited islands (or several) such as Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal, with sufficient infrastructure in terms of hotels, places to eat or companies they hire excursions day. And from there we can plan not only tour the islands where we are but also accessible nearby islands in the distance and you take local agencies.

- Cruises several days, mostly luxury that come to haunt an average not lower than 3000 dollars, have the advantage that they are the only ones who can reach more remote islands (Finch, Darwin, etc.) Isabela or inaccessible places that one can not approach otherwise. Have this permission with the local agencies that do not have exclusivity and offer visitors much appreciate Galapagos, most of the American and British market. They include all meals, excursions, snorkeling daily and the possibility of waking up in areas where no one person kilometers away.

- Both the cruise as with day trips in advance has its rewards, especially if you go in high season (July or August) in which many European or American visitors come to the islands taking advantage of the summer holidays. There are not many places and may exhaust even the easiest trips made at any time of year.

- There is a "last minute" concept for cruise ships, especially when it is not peak season. You can get a better price if we are in the islands and a boat out in a day or two. For it is best to ask in different agencies on ships that have not been completed and are coming out. very interesting discounts, that no bargains can appear.

- The majority agency in Ecuador and can be arranged from luxury cruise stays on the islands as a base, as we did, is Metropolitan Touring. They work very well and working methods premium quality above all else.

Moving between Islands

- Communication between inhabited islands are done through what they call "fibers", which are boats that leave or return every day at the same time their respective port. The most common routes are those linking Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) with San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), Santa Cruz, Isabela (Puerto Villamil) or Floreana (Puerto Velasco Ibarra).

- The price of the fibers becomes about $ 30 and the trip can be booked in advance and in person at any travel agency the different ports communicated in this way. To do the day before is enough, although in high season is even more sure in case. There are usually no problems but better not bring surprises.

- The schedule of the fibers should question them if there are any changes but usually always between 6:00 and 7:00 the back and between 14:00 and 15:00 return. It is intended to go to an island, make an early tour and return to our base point. Later boats leave not because it is forbidden to be sailing at night, which falls at about 18:00. The main routes (Santa Cruz to Isabela or San Cristobal) come to last about 2 hours.

Schedules of some of the most important fibers Galapagos:

Santa Cruz - San Cristobal at 7am and 2pm

San Cristobal - Santa Cruz at 7am and 3pm

Santa Cruz - Isabela at 7am and 2pm

Isabela - Santa Cruz at 6am and 2pm

Santa Cruz - Floreana at 8am

- It's good to go with time to the fibers if we carry luggage with us as we review it to prevent us to pass food, vegetables, seeds, etc. Protectionist measures with the environment seem exaggerated but entirely necessary for the environmental impact of tourism is minimal.

- As for the uninhabited islands or protected areas (actually more than 90% of the archipelago is) is required to always go with a guide or authorized personnel. This requires the excursion of the day, unless we do not have any problem because we have signed up for a cruise where everything is included and planned. That is, to Santa Fe Island, South Plaza, and many can only go in an organized recruiting him at a travel agency or part of the route of a possible cruise that we've targeted.

- In the boats or fibers between islands, even in motor boats for excursions we use it is very simple seasick if we are not very used to them. The rough sea can cause the boat is moving too much. If we are easy dizziness it is best not to eat anything (or minimum) before leaving. There are pills that can be effective to alleviate the effects, but better than other caffeinated then not stay sleepy.

- It is possible to cover in plane flights traveling between islands (Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz) in a substantially shorter time than that required boats and at a price of around $ 100 (one way).

- If we want to move on island where we are (inhabited, of course) there are taxis that are actually pick-ups that take us where we tell them. They are not expensive, maximum charging us $ 2 in a short and being able to negotiate a route with them. Of course, as they are unmetered, we should not get on a taxi without agreeing the price beforehand. So we avoid surprises and misunderstandings.

The accommodation in Galapagos

- In the Galapagos Islands, unlike what one might believe beforehand, there is accommodation to suit all budgets. From hostels, bed & breakfast and pensions to $ 40 a night (not usually include breakfast) hotels rewarded for its location, comfort and service as Finch Bay in Puerto Ayora or Iguana Crossing in Isabela, which are the most exclusive (can get to cost more than $ 200 a night).

- One can find very modest rooms almost on the fly (it happened to us upon arriving in San Cristobal with Casa Laura, where we were treated great) or afford a good fad if not hired cruise yore and want to make a hotelazo category as those mentioned above, which are most probably the best in the whole archipelago.

Places to see on a route for your account to Galapagos

- One of the best excursions for snorkeling in the Galapagos having chance to see hammerheads is on San Cristobal Island. This is the sleeping lion or kick rock, a huge rock split in half that not only surrounds but is crossed by two major cracks. The possibility of encountering various species of marine fauna is huge, but many divers and non-divers come to try to observe the elusive and impressive hammerhead shark. But even without seeing this animal worth since the scenario has everything to make your experience spectacular.

- If for some reason you visit San Cristobal must not stop going under any circumstances to Lobería. It is a beach where sea lions (there called sea lions) share the sand and water to people in complete harmony. You can go by taxi (pick-up type) for $ 2 or walk (it is across the airport).

- To see giant tortoises there are hatcheries in Isla Santa Cruz (the famous Darwin Station), San Cristobal and Isabela, but nothing comparable to observe them in freedom. For much of the year (except July and August) in the highlands of Santa Cruz hundreds of members of the largest species of land turtle on our planet they are found on farms as El Manzanillo ($ 3 admission) o Chaco. In July and August down to lower areas to lay their eggs, so they do not look so easily.

Isabela if the tour in the wall of tears is much chance of seeing giant tortoises walking free.

- From Santa Cruz you can make quite a few trips to other uninhabited islands not too far. My advice is that we can not allow ourselves Santa Fe, South Plaza Island (and we can not this be so, because North Seymour) and Bartholomew. No trip or route that do to the previous except that we will not believe what our eyes are seeing will resemble.

- Santa Fe is special because it has an endemic species of iguana a very pale skin color impossible to see on other islands and because swimming with sea lions is the best that can be done around the Galapagos. (Ojo, because the landing is wet as it has no spring or similar).

- South Plaza Island (the north is closed to visitors) is one of the most impressive places scenically speaking archipelago. Its controlling vegetation, in addition to the characteristic giant cactus, is a plant called sesuvium that reddens the entire floor of the island (except in July and August that changes color and do not call much attention) making it a indescribably photogenic place. It is ideal for numerous species of birds (the swallow-tailed gulls nest on the ground), sea lions and, above all, yellow land iguanas.

- In Isabela, Puerto Villamil reaching (not the same surround the island on a cruise), the day trip is capitalized TUNNEL. Is an area where the remains of lava open walls in the ocean and the water is as still as a perfect pool to swim with turtles, sea lions, sharks and observe different bird colonies (on those rocks nesting boobies or blue-footed penguins are many). Probably the sleeping lion in the case of the best snorkeling can be done on the islands without cruise.

- Bartolome Island is one of the most superlatives in the archipelago of the Galapagos sites. Volcanic and free of vegetation can reach the top in a wooden walkway and observe incredible panoramas. If possible, it should land on Santiago island and observe the rivers of petrified wash (something offered).

Respects and Precautions

- The magic of Galapagos Islands is that you can observe the animals to an unusual closeness, since they have no fear of man. That does not mean that they alter or disturb or, of course, they are eating. The impact would be very serious and the National Park includes large fines to anyone who dares disturb that balance that allows the islands are a sanctuary of nature. Galapagos is not a zoo, rather a wildlife paradise that care should scrupulously.

- If you are in the sea see sea lions are they who bring us. They are so curious that they will do with security. Try not to touch them but be with them and let them surround us, we pass below or just observe us. It is the best of snorkeling with sea lions.

In large groups there is always an alpha male (the largest member) that controls his harem and offspring, so if we see one of these animals emits a noise like a bark'd better keep his distance from those those who want to protect (s jealous, especially of men). He will warn us once, twice or even three times. But I do not play with me a fourth ...

- Giant tortoises are very scary and hide under the carapace when they see us coming. Since his ear is not very fine best to approach or photograph them without being scared it is to go back or sides and if we face any casual, keep them a safe distance.

- The Galapagos sea water is quite cold, especially when they are going to be many minutes inside while doing snorkeling. If we hire a tour is not asking us pay more (or rent a good price) a wetsuit with which menguaremos the effects of water temperature. For the tour of the lava tunnels in Isabela I think is essential not cold freeze or may not be in the water with sea turtles thinking when going out instead of enjoying what we're seeing.

- Let us try to always be accompanied when we are doing snorkeling or diving in the Galapagos (although this applies to anywhere on the planet). If something happens there is nothing better than having someone on our side to help or to ask for help. It is also not advisable to stay away from places that we recommend the park guides, who are well aware of the environment and its dangers.

Do we need VACCINES FOR TRAVELING TO GALAPAGOS?

Vaccines in Iran

- To travel to the Galapagos Islands there is no mandatory vaccine and recommended are the same as always should have put (Hepatitis A + B, tetanus, etc.). Moreover it never hurts to be vaccinated for yellow fever or typhoid.

With regard to vaccines theme, whatever area of ​​the world that visit, it is best that we consult a doctor right or read the recommendations give us the Ministry of Health of our country and act accordingly.

- We can not forget to bring a good mosquito repellent (especially if we are in the rainy season) to avoid bites. In this sort of thing better safe than sorry.

Money in cash and use of credit cards

- The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. Almost all business transactions (agencies, restaurants, hotels) are often made with cash, although some (few) accept credit cards as a payment method. The most accepted in Galapagos credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, while American Express is hardly used.

- The only bank in the islands is Banco del Pacifico and Banco Pichincha from which you can get cash at its ATMs and, if necessary, change euros to dollars (in San Cristobal, for example, we tried this service ). To do any paperwork the banking hours are 8:00 to 15:30 and Saturdays from 9:30 to 12:30. ATMs are operational, as is normal, 24 hours a day, although it is not strange to see them damaged or out of funds.

Travel in Galapagos with SAFE!

- Travelling with insurance is essential to be protected from possible problems, especially if they are doctors. Therefore we require one that has good coverage, good service leave you not thrown to the minimum necessary to forward the money as quickly. Even taking into account the possible cancellation of airline tickets for any inconvenience happen before the trip.

In my case I always use the Travel Insurance IATI, which offers a much higher than average coverage, care is personalized, covers Galapagos Islands and, particularly, I think it's the roundest of all I've found so the model moment. Hire Travel Insurance IATI a 5% discount to readers of the corner of Sele (if you click on the image appears the discount applied).

Galapagos travel with children

- Galapagos is a popular destination for family travel prepared. Children are not only a great place to learn to respect nature with the ability to see close to many animals, but also everything is very well prepared so that they too are the protagonists. Infrastructure is the most appropriate and there are many both Ecuadorian and foreign families which are beyond the enchanted islands to spend their holidays.

Galapagos islands is undoubtedly a perfect trip to do with children.

POTPOURRI TIPS

- Find Internet is possible in the main ports (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Puerto Villamil) and some hotels or restaurants. Another thing is that the quality of the data is quite poor. To speak for whatsapp or raise barely a photo to Twitter or Facebook you can avail ourselves. Skype works with some difficulty because the signal on the islands is very low.

- Plugs both Galapagos and Ecuador are all type A with males or flat vertically aligned legs (as in USA). Hotels and boats use 110-volt current / 60 cycles.

- The sunscreen is essential. Let us not forget that we are also in the line of Ecuador and the sun burns much present although a very cloudy day. Especially when snorkeling we can not forget we hit cream to be protected and not burn us skin.

- Galapagos is a haven of peace with so minimal crime rates that can tomártelo calmly. It is a very safe destination. You have more chance that you swipe a sea lion portfolio that really make a thief

- To avoid getting lost in regard to animals that we see in the archipelago should previously documented on the local fauna. Sell ​​plastic guides or brochures in which select species that we are seeing for irlas after crossing out of our list. also I suggest reading the article 10 species of animals to see and photograph in Galapagos with leading members that we run into in the enchanted islands.

- If you do not want to toil away more than necessary to go on a budget we can use for lunch or dinner to supermarkets in the main ports of the islands. Although quite rare gender walk can get us out of any trouble, as the restaurants in town are somewhat expensive (although not impossible).

- No need to carry with us the snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) as they always put the agencies to which the various excursions (the neoprene not always, and you can also rent) are contracted. Towel better take ours, just in case, because sometimes put them and others do not.

Resouce: http://www.elrincondesele.com/50-consejos-practicos-para-viajar-a-galapagos-por-tu-cuenta/#sthash.enid7PYg.dpuf