How to visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget!
Last updated on June 15th, 2026 at 05:23 am
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The Galapagos on a budget? Is it possible?
The answer is Yes, you can! And that is despite the fact that they are a ‘hot destination’ and not a place you would generally call cheap!
The Galapagos can be visited on a much tighter budget than you would imagine. In fact, not really any more than other destinations in South America. You might not get to see quite so many species, or quite so many islands, as people on a cruise or doing a lot of day-trips (which is the costly bit). But you definitely can see an awful lot on a budget!
This post will show you how to keep to a tighter budget but still see soooo much in the islands. If you are really careful with your accommodation and food costs, and are happy to bus and walk, you can do this on around $50 a day once you are there. That includes ferries for visiting the three main islands and doing everything that is available for free or very cheap. I cover how to do it in the following sections….
When to visit the Galapagos Islands for best value
How to get to the Galapagos on the cheap
Costs you cant avoid when visiting the Galapagos Islands 🙁
Where to stay in the Galapagos on a budget
Volunteer for an extended and authentic stay on the islands (and its cheap)
When to book trips and how to get the best deals in the Galapagos
What you can do for free on the Galapagos Islands – covering each of the three main islands
How to get around the Galapagos on a budget – transport
Quick Travel Tips for the Galapagos
Frequently asked questions about travel to the Galapagos
When to visit the Galapagos Islands for best value
You can visit the Galapagos at any time of year. It is close to the equator and there is always always something to see. There are special times for certain things. For example, April / May for the migration of the Waved Albatross. But on the whole it doesn’t matter too much.
However, there is a high and low season! And if you want to get more choice, and possibly cheaper accommodation and tours then avoid high season. (It will be more peaceful anyway!) High season is June to August and late December- early January. Basically this is summer and Christmas in the northern hemisphere.
Visiting from Feb to May or Sept to early Dec is ideal if you want the off-season prices!
How to get to the Galapagos on the cheap
Again you have to pay the price to get there, and your only option is flying. However use Skyscanner and booking.com (flights) to find the best fares available – and book well ahead as you can usually find something cheaper if you do.
Also consider where you fly from – Quito or Guayaquil. Check which is cheaper to get to and cheaper to fly from.
Importantly, to save money check if the cost to fly into San Cristobal is the same as flying into Santa Cruz. If it is then fly into San Cristobal and out of Santa Cruz. This way you get to see at least two islands. And, it will save you the cost of a 45 min bus/ferry/taxi journey from the airport to Santa Cruz, and a ferry fare from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal, and quite a few hours of time. Definitely worth it if the fares from the mainland are the same or similar!
Costs you cant avoid when visiting the Galapagos Islands 🙁
- Before flying you have to pay a Transit fee. At the time of writing this is $20 and for this you get a TCT Galapagos card (tarjeta de control de transito). Don’t lose it!
2. When you arrive in the Galapagos you also have to pay a National Park fee. This money goes toward conservation of the very things you are coming to see – the wildlife and stunning scenery and flora of the islands. It gives you access to the National Parks for 60 days. The current fees are US$200 per person for adult international visitors(unless you are from another Souoth American country – then its US$100 per person. It is also $100 for children .
3. Credit card fees – you can’t avoid them if you use your credit card. Agencies will often slap a 4% to 10% credit card processing fee on top of the cost. So bring as much cash as you are comfortable with and check the cheapest way to withdraw money at the few ATMs there are on the islands.
4. Isabela Island has an extra $10 entry fee at the time of writing – although this may go up too. But its worth it!
5. Water taxis from the ferry to shore – these are cheap but an added cost when traveling between the islands!
Where to stay in the Galapagos on a budget
There are a few options to consider
Hostels and hospedajes
The easiest cheap options is, of course, to stay in hostels and hospedajes (rooms in private homes). Each island has some and they range in price from about $25-$65 upward. If you are traveling solo then a hostel dorm bed is usually your best bet. If you are two, then a hospedaje / hostal usually gives better value for money – private room and often a private en-suite.
Always check if they include a fan or aircon and hot water, as well as drinking water!
Also check out what the hostels/guest houses offer for free or cheap e.g. bikes, SUPs, kayaks, pick up from airports etc. There can be some really good savings there – especially if they have a bike you can borrow to get to some of the more distant sights.
Check out options on booking.com, and, Hostelworld. You can often get slightly different prices for the same place. Also check the number of beds for a room if you are booking a hospedaje / hostal. It can be quite cheap if there are 2-4 of you as many private rooms have more than one bed.
I have provided some highly rated budget options in the Where to stay section further down the page.
Volunteering
The cheapest option is to volunteer – e.g. with Workaway (see the next section). I love doing this as you get to really learn about local life and its usually an all round great experience if you do this.
Camping is only allowed in a few specific sites on the three main islands – but it can be done. You have to get a permit from the Galapagos National Park’s offices at least 48 hours before you camp. I have written a whole post on camping in the Galapagos with more details.
Volunteer for an extended and authentic stay on the islands (and its cheap)
You can volunteer at the Charles Darwin Center – food and accommodation is covered, but the minimum timeframe is 3 months.
However, the best option for volunteer work is probably to look through all the options on sites like Workaway. There are quite a few from working in an animal shelter, to working on a farm or with families helping with kids and housework.
(If you use this link, you will get 1 month subscriptions extra for free on Workaway (and so will I) – its really worth it!)
This way you get your accommodation and some or all meals (depending on the job) in exchange for around 20 hours work a week. That gives you plenty of time to explore the islands as well as get to know insider life and tips! I found opportunities on all three of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. Honestly, if you have the time, this is brilliant.
When to book trips and how to get the best deals on the Galapagos
Land based trips
Full day trips to other islands generally cost from $175 – $400 but a few can be a bit more and, as always, diving trips are more expensive. If you book trips before you go you may end up paying a slight premium, but it does mean you wont miss out. I had to wait a few times to get on a trip I wanted, but I had plenty of spare days so it was fine. Judge for yourself what will work for your timeframe!
However, you can always ask about last minute deals in the evening for the next day. This may give you a discount of around $30 – possibly without asking. Obviously that is less likely to happen in high season.
If you can get a group together then do try and bargain for a group rate. Also if you have enough cash, see if you can bargain for a cash price – but don’t count on it.
Cruise based trips
If you are on a budget you are most likely going to be land based – but it can work out with a cruise if you want to get to distant islands you cant get to via day trips e.g. Genovesa, Western Isabela, and Fernandina. There are also agents that specialize in last minute cruise bookings at significantly cheaper rates so its worth considering.
Because ship operators dont want to sai with empty cabins, they hand out discounts to specialized brokers to sell off the remaining spaces. If you book between 1 to 4 weeks before you leave, you can often grab 30-50% off standard rates. Check with these agencies:
Or if you walk down the main street in Puerto Ayora near the pier, for boats departing in the next 48 to 72 hours try:
- Moonrise Travel Agency
- Galapagos Seaways / New Ocean Galapagos:
Notes:
- Look closely at the Itinerary – not Just the price. $1,200 cruise isn’t a good deal if it only sails to the central islands which you can easily visit from land – its best for far flung islands. Although, if it is going to close by islands, still check the cost of any day trips to the locations and compare the overall costs.
- Cash is king – avoid any 4-10% credit card processing fees.
- If you are traveling solo, ask for a “Single Supplement Waived” deal. Many ships will let a solo traveler buy a single berth at the last minute without forcing them to pay double for the private room, or they will pair you up with another solo traveler of the same gender.
What you can do for free on the islands
You don’t even have to go on a day trip to see an awful lot on the islands and animals for free!
However, I do suggest budgeting to do at least two day trips. These are my top picks – one for each island:
- Isabela – a trip to Los Tuneles (if I only chose one it would be this one)
- San Cristobal – a trip to Kicker Rock
- Puerto Ayora – a trip to North Seymour Island – during frigate mating season
However for free you can see blue footed boobies, thousands of sea lions and marine iguanas, lots of bird species, turtles, rays, penguins and little reef sharks. All that plus a lot of spectacular scenery and beaches.
These are the things you can do for free on each of the three main islands:
Santa Cruz
For more details on these free activities, head to 13 unmissable wild things to do on Santa Cruz – the Galapagos Islands. However, in brief, this is what you can do for free……
- See all the wildlife in town – watch the fun at the fish market where the wildlife beg for scraps, see the rays and sharks from the malecon (pier), and look for fish and turtles in the Laguna las Ninfas.
- Head to the highlands and see the huge sinkholes – los gemelos (free to view). Visit the lava tunnels (some have a small fee or there is a smaller free one off the road to Baltra).
Note that if you are not going to Isabela and want to see tortoises in their natural state the best option is to visit the Reserva Ecológica Cerro Mesa. It has a sinkhole you can walk down into, and a walking track to a great viewpoint of the island, plus tortoises – not as many as El Chato or the others but enough! And it costs less than the other reserves. - Walk to the the stunning Playa la Tortuga. Its a beautiful walk through the cactus laden landscape. And the iguanas might wander along the picture perfect beach to the lagoon with you. When you get to the lagoon, snorkel and see reef sharks, maybe turtles, rays and baby hammerhead sharks!
- The small beaches by the Charles Darwin Research Center (Playa de la Estacion and Playa La Ratonera) are perfect for snorkeling when its not windy / rough. Pick your moment and enjoy!
- On the way to Las Grietas is Playa de los Alemanes. It’s another lovely snorkel, swim and sunbathing spot where you can see reef sharks etc. (It does cost $1 for the ferry across the bay.)
Note: You can also swim at the amazing Las Grietas. This was free back in the day but there is now a charge for foreign visitors. The walk there goes past a lagoon and you may like to just walk to the entrance anyway. - Finally, if you can get to Playa El Garrapatero it is worth it for another wildlife spot with flamingos, sea lions, iguanas, and good snorkeling.
San Cristobal
More details on these free activities are in my post The 12 best wild things to do on San Cristobal in the Galapagos! In short, this is what you can do for free……
- Walk around town – especially the waterfront. Watch the beautiful orange and blue Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling in the rocks, and the sea lions up to all sorts of mischief in and out of the water. They are amusing – and they are everywhere!
- Hike to Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint through amazing cacti and volcanic landscapes seeing plenty of birds on the way.
- Swim with sea lions at Muelle Tijeretas – just below Cerro Tijeretas.
- Read about the local flora and fauna and history of the islands at the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre.
- Swim at Playa Punta Carola with sea lions and turtles and hang out on the beach with marine iguanas. You will also see blue-footed boobies and pelicans at the lighthouse.
- Watch the sunset with the sea lions at Playa Mann.
- Climb El Junco, walk around the crater rim, and spend some time watching the frigate birds cleansing ritual. It is 19km out of town but take the local chiva (see in the section “How to get around” below) or try getting a group to share a taxi or try hitching. You could also walk of course!
- Swim at Playa Puerto Chino. Its a beautiful beach with plenty of wildlife that you reach via a lovely paved walkway through interesting cactus. Again, it is 24km out of town but try getting a group to share a taxi or try hitching – especially if you are going to camp out. Again you can also take the local chiva most of the way there leaving about a 7km walk.
- Camping at Puerto Chino beach! Yes you can camp at this beautiful beach with lots of sea lions, turtles, pelicans, iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Perfect!! Read more in How to camp on the Galapagos Islands!
- Visit the only free tortoise breeding center or reserve on the islands – the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado. Its between El Junco and Playa Puerto Chino so spend a day getting to all three places the cheapest way you can. They are all free once you are there and all very worth your efforts.
- Snorkel at La Loberia beach with lots of fish and turtles – plus the resident sea lion colony. Its about 3km from town so easily walkable, bikeable, or a cheap taxi ride.
Isabela
14 brilliant wild things to do on Isabela Island in the Galapagos gives more detail. You can see a ton of wildlife here – in fact at times its hard to get past the sealions! A big bonus is the roaming giant tortoises. In summary, you can do all these things for free on Isabela…..
- Hang out at the little port and just chill with the sea lions – if they will give you any space!
- Walk down to Concha de Perla – stepping over all the iguanas on the boardwalk to get to it. This lagoon is absolutely lovely to swim in. You will quite likely be joined by a marine iguana or two, as well as turtles, crabs, little sharks and rays and penguins. Don’t stay close to shore if you want to see all these animals – and take your time there.
- Walk, swim and play on the beaches around town and out of town – long and lovely. Enjoy the sunsets with the pelicans!
- Wander through the wetlands close to town – see plenty of birds including pink flamingos.
- Walk or bike along the Camino de Tortugas Gigantes to the Wall of Tears. You will see giant tortoises here in their natural habitat. Enjoy the hill viewpoints both at the wall and on the way there. Note that it is a long hot walk so I would definitely spend money on a bike!
- Camp at the Volcano Chico and get your volcano fix without a tour. You can also bike up to the volcano and request permission beforehand from the park office to go into the volcano area without a tour. Try it – it has worked in the past although there is no guarantee. Read more in How to camp on the Galapagos Islands!
- Visit the fun little church in town – Iglesia Cristo Salvador – and enjoy the wildlife murals and windows!
How to get around the Galapagos on a budget
You cannot hire a car or motorbike in the Galapagos so these are your options. There are some good ways to keep costs down here!
- The main town on each island are all very walkable!
- Hire a bike or check if your accommodation has one available to borrow. This will generally be cheaper than taxis, for example, I covered all over the highlands on Santa Cruz with a bike (an e-bike to be honest)! In fact I think I only took a taxi once – when a group of us shared the cost. On Isabela it is a no-brainer – especially to get to the wall of tears.
- Speaking of taxis! These can be a good way to go if you have a group to split the costs – more so on Isabela or San Cristobal than Santa Cruz!
- There are also very cheap public buses in Santa Cruz that take you to towns of Santa Rosa and Bellavista in the highlands and from there you can walk to the tortoise reserves like El Chato. The fare is currently generally a few dollars!
- On San Cristobal and Floreana there are local chivas (an open-air wooden bus built onto a truck chassis). On San Cristobal the chiva runs a few times a day from the town center up to the farming communities of El Progreso and Soledad – near El Junco. This can be a cheap way to do some of the Highland tour yourself. From there it is not such a long walk to the Galpagueria or Puerto Chino beach!
- Getting between the islands is by far the cheapest by ferry! You can fly on small planes between the three main islands (not Floreana) but fares are obviously much higher than ferries. Ferries on the other hand are around $35 one way between Santa Cruz and either Isabela or San Cristobal, and around $50 to Floreana.
- Finally, you can hitch-hike if you are comfortable with this.
How to eat on the cheap
1. First up you can bring some food from the mainland with you which will save a bit of money – but you need to make sure you don’t bring anything on the restricted list – like fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and honey. Basically processed and tinned food is generally ok, as are snacks.
2. You can also look for cheap accommodation that allows you to cook – always a saver. There is a small supermarket in Puerto Ayora and grocery stores on all the islands to buy staples from.
3. Each island has local markets with cheaper local produce as follows:
Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
- The Fish Market (El Mercado de la Planta) – This is the famous open-air market right on the main waterfront. Its not only fun to watch the animals but you can buy good fresh seafood here at decent prices.
- The Produce Market (Mercado Municipal) – This is away from the tourist strip on Avenida Baltra. itis a covered hall where local farmers bring in fresh pineapples, avocados, veggies etc.
Tip – Go on Saturday morning early (7am) when it is big and you get the best choices!!
San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal has the best, cleanest, and most traditional indoor municipal market of all three islands – the Mercado Municipal San Cristóbal (a few blocks up from the waterfront). There are two levels
- The Ground Floor (Produce & Fish) – The main floor is packed with stalls run by local highlands families who sell amazing local fruits, giant blocks of local cheese, and household goods. There is a small dedicated section for the morning’s fresh fish catch. It is open daily from 7am-6pm – give or take.
- The Upper Floor (The Food Court) – The top floor has a local comedor (food court). This is an absolute paradise for budget travelers and backpackers. Local cooks serve incredible, massive traditional breakfasts and $5 USD almuerzos (lunch specials). Almuerzo is ususally a fresh hot soup, a massive plate of fresh fish or chicken with rice and beans, and a freshly squeezed juice!
Isabela Island
Because Isabela is the least developed island, its market scene is limited. They have a small building called the Mercado Municipal de Isabela (located just north of the main downtown).
- Isabela doesn’t have major local farms to sustain it. So virtually all fruits and vegetables arrive on a massive cargo supply ship from the mainland once a week. You have to find out what day the cargo ship arrives when you get into town (the locals always know). There will be no fresh fruit and veg one day and the next – its all there. You need to buy then! It wont be cheaper but at least you can buy fruit and veg to make your own meals.
- Just like San Cristóbal, the area right around the market has small kiosks serving almuerzos. This is the cheapest place to eat on this more expensive island.
Important note: Don’t try and take fresh fruit and vegies from one island to the other – it is strictly forbidden and your bags will be checked!
4. Eat out on the cheap! Eating out in the Galapagos doesn’t have to be expensive. (It can be of course!) Walk away from the main tourist areas and always ask the locals the best spots for a good cheap meal. I found some great cheap meals on all the islands by doing this!
And of course look for the almuerzos – it is the equivalent of your main meal and you wont need much else after that. As said – on San Cristobal and Isabela, at the local market is the best place to start. In Puerto Ayora ask around, but there is one excellent place for your evening meal – Los Kioskos!
At night los Kioskos opens up on Charles Binford St and here you can find good affordable dinners. It does appeal to tourists so check prices and quality before you choose your meal! But its the cheapest evening meal you will get. Note that a few of the kiosks also open up at lunchtime for the almuerzo!
Summary – Galapagos on a budget
Following these guidelines for how to visit the Galapagos on a budget will still give you plenty of opportunity to see the wildlife the islands are famous for as well as much of the incredible volcanic and cactus-strewn scenery. For more information on each of the islands and all the things you need to know before you book your trip or leave to the Galapagos check out the Related Posts below.
Things to pack for the Galapagos
- Cash – for small business and operators often charge an extra 4-10% for credit card purchases.
- Sunscreen (reef safe – I like ocean potion) and hat.
- Good and comfortable walking / hiking shoes.
- Mosquito repellent (deet free) – during rainy season in particular. Its needed against horseflies as well – especially at sunset! Also lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection.
- A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste, which is heavily discouraged on the islands.
- Your camera and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone. You’re going to be snapping pics a lot!
- Rash suit, wetsuit (if prone to cold), and swimsuit. Water shoes can be useful too.
- A sand-free quick drying towel.
- Seasickness medication if you are that way inclined – like me!
Quick Travel Tips for the Galapagos
- Fly to the easiest airport arrival ever: Its a great option to start your trip by flying into San Cristobal, and flying out of Santa Cruz! It saves you an extra backtracking ferry ride! Also, in Santa Cruz the journey from the airport takes an hour and involves multiple buses and a ferry, but San Cristóbal’s airport (SCY) is right on the edge of the main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and you can literally walk into town in 10-15 minutes, or take a quick 2-minute pickup-truck taxi for a couple of dollars!
- Don’t bring fresh food, nuts or seeds: They will be confiscated. Also do not try and take any of these things between the islands when you are there – they will be confiscated again!
- Bring your snorkel gear: There are plenty of snorkeling day tours and free options as well. Its best to have your own gear that you know fits and works!
- Cheap eats: Visit the markets for cheap meals and fresh produce! Also look for the almuerzo (large lunch for a set basic price) at local restaurants.
- Keep to the Sea Lion distance rule: While they might look cute and clumsy, the sea lions on San Cristóbal are wild animals. Alpha bulls can guard their territories aggressively, especially during mating seasons. Always keep 2 meters (6-foot) between you and them – and never get between a sea lion and the water!
- Bring cash: There are some reliable ATMs on Santa Crua and San Cristobal, but they can run out of cash near the end of the week. Bring US dollars in cash – especially small bills ($5, $10, $20) for taxis, eating out etc.
- No car or scooter hire: You cannot hire a car or scooter in the Galapagos. There are basic pick up trucks / taxis that can take you wherever you need to go. A lot of places are easy to walk to too.
- Camping is possible: You can camp on the island – read How to camp on the Galapagos Islands for more info!
Frequently asked questions about travel to the Galapagos
Q: Is it better to fly into San Cristóbal or Baltra (Santa Cruz)?
A: If you are doing an independent island-hopping trip, the absolute best strategy is to fly into San Cristóbal and fly out of Baltra (or vice versa). This saves you from an extra (often unpleasant) boat ride backwards just to catch your flight home, saving you time and money. Personally I would fly into San Cristobal first, and if I had the money fly to Isabela next, then go to Santa Cruz.
Q: What is the best way to get to Puerto Ayora from Baltra Airport?
A: After landing, you take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel ferry dock. You then pay for a ferry to cross the channel to Santa Cruz (a 10-minute boat ride). Once on Santa Cruz, you can either take a local public bus to town or hire a white pickup-truck taxi which works out about the same price if there is a group of you. It takes around 45 minutes. Have $20-30 cash for the journey.
Alternatively book a Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises.
Q: How much is the Galapagos National Park entry fee now?
A: The standard entrance conservation fee is $200 USD per foreign adult ($100 for children under 12). This must be paid in cash as soon as you arrive. No credit cards are accepted at the park gates.
Q: Is it better to stay on Santa Cruz or book a cruise?
A: A land-based stay on Santa Cruz is significantly cheaper, gives you total freedom over your daily schedule, and gives you access to excellent restaurants and nightlife. A cruise is much more expensive but allows you to reach highly isolated, uninhabited islands that land-based tourists are legally barred from visiting. You can do a mix of both – although I was very satisfied with visiting the all the islands you can stay on without a cruise.
Q: Are there functional ATMs and card services in the Galapagos?
A: Yes, there are ATMs on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. But sometimes they run completely out of cash e.g. during busy weekends or when tour boat groups arrive. Credit cards are accepted at high-end spots, but cash is needed for day to day things. Take plenty of cash for Isabela as card services there are much more unreliable.
Q: Can I see wildlife without a guide or expensive day trips?
A: Yes, absolutely – there are plenty of sealions, blue footed boobies and marine iguanas around especially in Isabela and San Cristobal. You can also see penguins, giant tortoises, and flamingos on these islands without a tour.
Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: No – and its best to clean your teeth with filtered or bottled water too.
Q: How bad is the WiFi and internet connection in the Galapagos?
A: It has dramatically improved! Older travel guides will tell you the internet situation is bad, but Starlink has rolled out across the islands now and most hotels, hostels, and restaurants in the main towns have fast, reliable WiFi. However, still keep these things in mind:
*The cell service drops out quickly outside of the main town limits.
*Even with Starlink, hotel networks are shared among dozens of guests. Speeds can drop noticeably in the evenings when everyone returns from tours and hops online at the same time.
*Its still best to download any big items that you need before you fly.
Q: Are drones allowed in the Galapagos?
A: No. Flying recreational drones is strictly illegal throughout the entire Galapagos National Park, including the beaches and towns of Isabela, to protect the native birdlife and wildlife from stress. Only specialized commercial cinematographers with pre-approved, expensive permits from the National Park Directorate are allowed to operate them.
Where to stay in the Galapagos
Book a hotel with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld on each of the islands.
As always there is a lot of choice, but these recommendations are a good place to start. They all have very high review ratings!
Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz Island
Budget / hostel – Galapagos Dreams or Hostal Vista al Mar
Good Value – Lonesome George Ecolodge, or Coral Apartments, or Maytenus Galapagos
Puerto Villamil and Isabela Island
Budget – Hostal Galapagos by Bar de Beto, or OASIS JENY Apartamento
Great Value – Galápagos Isabela Hotel Loja (4 beds) or Hotel StarFish, or Casa Almendro
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and San Cristobal Island
Budget / hostel – Casa Alexita or Casa Puka
Good Value – Hostal Gosen or Hostal Pimampiro (for small families or couples / friends), or Hostal La Posada De Jose Carlos
Plan your trip checklist
These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!
All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. Safety wing is particularly good if you are from the USA. As I am not, TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld – I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – DiscoverCars are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are my top picks – one for each island:
- Puerto Ayora – a trip to North Seymour Island
- Isabela – a trip to Los Tuneles
- San Cristobal – a trip to Kicker Rock
Thanks so much if you used one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!
Related Posts – Galapagos on a budget
How to camp on the Galapagos Islands!
15 things not to miss in the Galapagos Islands
The 12 absolute best wild things to do on San Cristobal in the Galapagos
4brilliant wild things to do on Isabela Island in the Galapagos
10+ fantastic wild things to do on Santa Cruz – the Galapagos Islands
How long do I need in the Galapagos Islands? Plus 7, 10, 14 and 20 day itineraries!
