The Galapagos Islands (Spanish: Islas Galápagos; officially Archipiélago de Colón 'Columbus Archipelago') are an archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 1000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast. The extraordinary nature of the islands are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage and are protected by the Galápagos Islands National Park. The word Galápago (Spanish for 'beaded saddle', among others) refers to the turtle shell, which in some subspecies of the Galápagos giant tortoise is bulging in the neck area like a saddle. It was the Galapagos that had a profound impact on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. As fascinating to visitors as it was to Charles Darwin in the 19th century and the early explorers of the 16th century is the fearlessness that the animals have retained due to the lack of natural enemies on the islands. Sea lions, marine lizards, pelicans, penguins, birds - a huge range of animals can be observed in their species only in the Galapagos.
Tourism is now the biggest source of income in the Galapagos, but at the same time the biggest threat to the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife of the archipelago. Entering the islands and navigating the waters are strictly regulated and controlled by the National Park Administration based in Puerto Ayora. The following types of travel are suitable for visiting:
There are approximately 80 vessels authorized for tourist traffic in the waters of the Galapagos. The cruises are more economical and cheaper than the more ecological and exclusive choice of a sailing tour.
Island hopping involves the use of public speedboats to travel from island to island. The exact cost depends on still available places and desired class and form of the trip.
Services: Travel/flight from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos (Baltra), program with full board, accommodation in double room, transfers.
Not included: Entrance fees (approx. USD 100,- p.p), island fees (approx. USD 10,- p.p.) drinks in hotels, accloholic drinks.
Galapagos adventures and trips, prices per person (double room/cabin, min. 2 persons) - typical tours:
Galapagos Experiences and Travels, each price per person (double room/cabin, min. 2 persons) - typical tours:
Contact us: If you are interested, please click on this option. Ideally, you should book your trip at least 6 months before the planned date. We then clarify the still open places with the respective providers (ships / hotels) and calculate the exact price of the additional program to send you our special offers.
Costs: Starting from USD 1,950- / € 1.750,- per person