All transfers
Private transport
English speaking guide
Entrance fees
Hotel based in twin bed room accommodation
Noted meals

Not Included:

Domestic and international flights
Galapagos entrance fee ($100.00 per pax)
Airport taxes
Extras - Tips and personal expenses
Machu Picchu entrance fee ($40.00 per pax)
Train ticket Cusco-Machu Picchu-Cusco (Vista Dome: $113.00 - Back Packer: $73.00 per pax)

****International Airfare Not Included. Available Upon Request****

Machu Picchu - Galapagos
Machu Picchu entrance fee. Train tickets and air tickets rates may vary without any previous advice from Peru Rail or the airlines respectively. Galapagos itinerary my vary according with the Galapagos yacht choice (tourist or first class).

Day 1 - Lima
Lima arrival. Transfer to the hotel of your choice.

Day 2 - Lima - Cusco - Urubamba
Early morning transfer to the airport and flight (40min) to the city of Cusco the ancient Capital of the Inca Empire. After arrival we start our tour driving northeast towards the Incas Sacred Valley. First we will visit to the same name. In the afternoon we will visit to the impressive fortress of Ollaytantambo Hotel. (B).

Day 3 - Machu Picchu - Cusco
After breakfast transfer to Ollanta Station. From here we start a 1 hour train ride along an impressive canyon dug out by the Vilcanota River on its impetuous way towards the Amazon Rainforest basin. After our arrival in Aguas Calientes Town a 20 min bus ride will take us to the entrance of the citadel the world famous Machu Picchu where we make a guided tour around the amazing ruins. Return to Cusco.(B).

Day 4 - Cusco
In the morning we will visit Cusco’s nearby ruins: Sacsayhuaman - Quenqo and Tambo Machay. In the afternoon you will have free time to enjoy the city and do some last shopping. Hotel.(B).

Day 5 - Cusco - Lima - Quito
Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima from where we will take our flight to the city of Quito - the capital of Ecuador. Arrival in Quito and transfer to your hotel. In the evening we enjoy a night City tour of the old Town. Hotel. (B).

Day 6 - Quito
In the morning we take the telesferico (cable car) for an enjoyable ride up to the Cruz Loma hill (3900m) from where we get a splendid view of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. In the afternoon we visit to the monument on the Equator Line. Hotel.(B).

Day 7 - Quito - Otavalo - Quito
Full day tour to visit the town of Otavado home of the laborious Otavalo Indians. Visit to Cuicocha Lake - San Antonio de Ibarra and Peguche. Hotel in Quito. (B).

Day 8/9/10 - Quito - Galapagos
Transfer to the airport and flight to Galapagos. Starts a 4-day cruise in one of our boats. Itinerary will depend of the chosen boat. (B-L-D).

Day 11 - Galapagos - Quito
In the morning last visit in Galapagos and then transfer to Baltra to take your flight back to Quito. Hotel.(B).

Day 12 - Quito
Transfer out - End of services.

For more information, please go to: 12 Days - Machu Picchu & Galapagos

Includes:

For more information, please go to: http://www.allcheapfares.com/Vacations/1418/12-Days—Machu-Picchu–Galapagos?

It is currently reported that there are over 400 different species of fish roaming the Galapagos islands surrounding waters with 17% endemic to this area only.

Just as amazing as the animals on dry land the marine life in the waters that surround the Galapagos islands is spectacular. Many large marine animals are to be seen, from the colourful parrot and damsel fish to the larger moray eels and manta rays the Galapagos waters are full of life, a picturesque scene is painted as the Galapagos marine life swims graciously in the archipelagos protected sea.

Five examples of the varied marine life are as follows, there are over 12 species of sharks with no known attacks on man, 2 species of hammerheads, 5 species of rays (stingrays, golden ray, marbled ray, spotted eagle ray and manta rays), 18 types of morays, the more common tiger shark, black-tip shark and the whale and gray reef shark. The marine mammals frequenting the water ocean are the dolphins along with their extended family the bottle-nosed and common species. The whales species include the Brydes whales, pilot whale, Minke whale, blue whale and Cuviers whale who traverse the complete island range although Fernandina and Isabela Islands are considered hot spots for viewing these whales. In addition there are numerous starfish, urchins and crustaceans as well as sea cucumbers bobbing around.

GALAPAGOS MARINE LIFE VIEWING, SNORKEL AND DIVE

If you snorkel or dive breathtaking marine life encounters will put you up close with white tipped reef sharks, hammer head sharks, whale sharks, Galapagos marine turtles and other interesting swimmers as the playful sea lions that pull on your fins as you swim by.

Half the experience in the Galapagos is below sea level, and for many the main reason to visit Galapagos, it is the number 1 dive site around the world for a good reason.

Marine life in the Galapagos is “friendly” and is not afraid nor offensive to humans, they swim by as if you were invisible.

MARINE FAUNA

Crabs:
 
Sallylightfoot crab, Fiddler crabs, Ghost crabs, Hermit crabs. Usually found amongst the rocks along the shoreline, on the beach, and on the black lava rocks.

Sea Shells

Green Sea Urchins:

Round sculptured skeletons are composed of a series of interlocking plates. Often seen on beaches.

Pencil Sea Urchins:
 
Have pencil shaped spines. Found usually washed up on beaches, spines are poisonous.
Chiton

Sea Stars:

Refered to as star fishes found all around the Galapagos, many varieties can be spotted.

Octopus

Sponge

Coral (Black and White)

Lobster (Red and Blue)

White tipped reef shark:

Found many times while your snorkel. Mainly found off Santa Cruz island by Black Turtle Cove and within grottos or caves. They feed at night and sleep during the day. Usually found resting at the bottom on the sand.

Galapagos shark:
 
Found all around the archipelago. May be found while snorkelling.

Hammer head shark:
 
Usually found when diving by gordon’s rocks, outside devil’s crown, off Darwin and Wolf; just to name a few amonst the many dive sites.
Whale shark

Port Jackson shark

Whales:

Orca, Minke, Bryde’s, Sperm and Humpback whales can be spotted. Usual spottings are at Bolivar channel between Isabela and Fernandina islands and Punta Abermarle (northern Isabela island).

Pilot nose dolphin:
 
found all around the archipelago, more commonly located of the coast of Isabela and Fernandina islands in the Bolivar channel.

Mullet

Grouper

King Angelfish:
 
black coloring with vertical white stripes and a orange yellow tail. Usually found near rocks at most snorkelling sites.

Creole fish:

Red belly usually found by reefs such as the Devil’s crown.

Damselfish:

yellow-tailed damselfish, sergeant major (yellow and silver body with dark stripes), giant damselfish (blue with large fins). Found throughout the whole archipelago easy to spot while snorkelling.

Flying fish:

Also known as gliding fishes. Usually spotted while cruising. Hard to see.

Yellow-tailed Grunts:
 
Usually seen at Devil’s crown at Florean island. Swim in schools.

Hieroglyphic Hawkfish:
 
Colorful in complete camouflage of stripes and bands. Hides amongst rocks and easily spotted at most snorkelling sites.

Moorish idols:

Vertical black, white, and yellow bands, with a long white dorsal fin. It is one of the most beautiful fish in the archipelago.

Moray Eels:

Look like a large brown snake. Usually are in caverns and crevices. Can be seen when snorkelling.

Parrot fish:

In the Galapagos you may find these near Coral reefs, the types of parrot fish found are the blue-chin parrotfish, azure parrotfish, bicolor parrotfish, and the bumphead parrotfish. There teeth have the form of a parrot’s beal.

Concentric Pufferfish:
 
Puffed up and usually found in shallow waters, there skin is poisonous.

Yellow-tailed surgeonfish:
 
They travel in schools and can easily be spotted while snorkelling. Grey body with a brightly colored yellow tail.

Yellow Bellied Triggerfish:
 
Have contrasting black and yellow coloring, usually found in reefs and rocks.

Wrasses:

Rainbow wrasses with multicolor stipes, sunset wrasses with orange to pink heads, and streamer hogfish with bumpheads; these three are the most common amongst the many assortment of these fishes.

Rays:

Cow-nosed rays, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, sting rays. Usually spotted at Black Turtle Cove, open ocean, and in some cases under the flour sand at Floreana island, depending on the species. All can be seen while snorkelling.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/archipelago-marine-life-islands

Reptiles

There are 27 species of reptiles found on the Galapagos divided in five families as follows: snakes, geckos, Iguanas, lava lizards and, the giant tortoises.

Giant Tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus)

The Galapagos and the Seychelles are the sole islands housing giant tortoises while the Galapagos name originates from the Saddleback tortoise meaning galápago or saddle.

14 subspecies of this wonderful ancient has been located on the islands and 11 survive to this day. The most senior tortoise lives in the Darwin Research Station and is purported to be a grand 170. Longevity results through perhaps a stress free lifestyle as all their life consists of is eating, mating and sleeping with no predators at large in addition to nesting during February to May when the females prepare to lay their eggs which take between 3 to 8 months to hatch.

Today the Darwin Research station is helping to increase the current 15,000 population of giant turtles and along with the Santa Cruz tortoise reserve on San Cristóbal housing the highest population of all islands the captivity approach is working effectively.

Marine Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

The pacific green turtle mates around December-January and lays its eggs from 80 up to over 100 in a hole in the darkness of night with Floreana beach being a popular area for the laying of their eggs.

Marine Iguanas (Amblyrynchus cristatus)

This iguana is the only marine lizard on earth and is getting on to 10 million years of existence and are usually seen in large groups around the lava rock formations. Their skin has adapted through its dark black hues to the ferocious suns that rage down in the Galapagos and also acts as camouflage and in addition can dive down to 20m with its well developed flat tail and has been timed at staying underwater for up to an hour, as well as fish the iguanas also feed on seaweed. The only other color type of the same species may be found on Española who display shiny green and red coloration.

Land Iguana (Conolphus pallidus or subscristatus)
 
These iguanas feed most of the time with yellow flora and fruits of the islands such as prickly cactus pear and exist in two major forms, namely; Conolphus subcristatus which has yellow-orange coloration on Santa Cruz, Plaza, Isabela and Fernandina islands and secondly conolphus pallidus, which is decorated with brown and whitish coloration but is found only on Santa Fé.

Birds
 
There are around 29 types of land birds in the islands and 70% are endemic while such birds as the lava gull, swallowtail gull, Galapagos penguin and the waved albatross are actually endemic and found no where else. There are 19 main types of sea birds that proliferate the islands and many believe the birds were the first colonizing animals to populate these distant, remote lands.

Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

These penguins surface around 5-7 am in the early morning and are considered the most northerly of their species while they live and breed mainly on Isabela and Fernandina islands they can also be found on Bartolome and parts of Santiago Island and have current populations of around 2000.

Flightless Cormorant (Nannopetrum harrisi)
 
As well as being an extremely rare variety of bird life with no flying ability it will spread its wings and makes out it’s about to takeoff but is not troubled by any predators and has become essentially a “lazy winged bird” yet it compensates with great swimming ability, it is found only on Fernandina and Isabela islands on the westerly coastline.

Waved Albatross (Dimeda irrorata)

This is the biggest bird inhabiting the islands with an incredible 2.5m wing span and is a cousin also of the puffin bird. As well as being endemic only found on Española island and no where else on earth. After the April-December mating season it will hover and glide over the Pacific ocean as well as the distant Asian countries coastlines before returning for the intricate breeding and courting dances concocted through exotic dance rituals and fencing battles with fellow males, although once the mate is found they will only practice monogamous relations with their partner.

Frigatebirds

Varieties include the Great, Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) and Fregata minor and all possess great wing spans similar in length to the former mentioned Albatross while in addition they have long forked tails with angled wings increasing their aerodynamics potential and speed levels.
They land near to other birds and hassle them for food due to the loss of plumage preventing them to land in the sea and seek their pray although they have been known to catch small fish on the waters surface with their hooked beaks.

During mating times they display their large red sac under the throat and inflate it with balloon style effects while moving frenetically its spreading wings, do note the best time to witness this is during March-April on the islands of Genovesa and San Cristóbal or North Seymour, the latter is all year round.

Boobies

Typical on the islands are the three types of Boobies, these are the red-footed, blue-footed and the masked booby(Nazca booby) while the name was given to them for the levels of tameness and fearlessness with humans.

Of the three the most populated variety is the Blue-footed booby called Sula nebouxii and usually lays multi eggs making it the only one to do this of the three, they catch the fish by sky diving and also have exquisite courtship dances as many birds on these islands also display.

The Red-footed booby known as Sula sula nests in the trees and is a light brown colored bird with the largest colony nestled on Genovesa island.

The Masked booby also known as Sula dactylactra has white plumage and a black mask surrounding the eye and is the heavier set of the three varieties and nests on the ground like its blue-footed related family, while it fishes in the middle of the other two types.

Mammals

The main mammals on the islands are rats, sea lions, seals and a couple of bat species as the islands have been always segregated from any Pacific main lands. Some however, are under more threat due to man importation of donkeys, dogs, black rats and goats.

Sea Lion.(Zalophus californianus)

Related to the Californian family species there is an abundance of sea lions throughout the whole Galapagos islands who parade in large colonies on the rocks and coastlines on all the islands. The beaches are patrolled by the males who will protect female groups of 30 and over, you will be able to differentiate from the female sea lions as the former have domed foreheads and are much larger in size and protect their territory of up to 100 sq. meters and involves protecting their young offspring in addition to attacking invaders. Mating season is around May-January and is a time of heavy guarding and responsibility for all the males. Sea lions especially the females will playfully swim with you as well as surfing large waves and are found mainly on South Plaza, Santa Fé, Rábida, James Bay (Santiago island), Española, San Cristóbal and Isabela.

Fur Seals (Arctocephalus galapaoensis)

Sea lions as well as Fur seals have with their attractive pelts made it a very hunted and near extinct creature due to greedy whalers and skin hunters but luckily many have survived due to hiding under rocks and sheltered areas such as lava cracks in Santiago island and Puerto Egas. The fur sea lion is much smaller than the sea lion and has larger rounded moist eyes and pointed noses with more significant ear formations.

Marine Life

It is currently reported that there are over 400 different species of fish roaming the Galapagos islands surrounding waters with 17% endemic to this area only.

Five examples of the varied marine life are as follows, there are over 12 species of sharks with no known attacks on man, 2 species of hammerheads, 5 species of rays (stingrays, golden ray, marbled ray, spotted eagle ray and manta rays), 18 types of morays, the more common tiger shark, black-tip shark and the whale and gray reef shark. The marine mammals frequenting the water ocean are the dolphins along with their extended family the bottle-nosed and common species. The whales species include the Brydes whales, pilot whale, Minke whale, blue whale and Cuviers whale who traverse the complete island range although Fernandina and Isabela Islands are considered hot spots for viewing these whales. In addition there are numerous starfish, urchins and crustaceans as well as sea cucumbers bobbing around.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-wildlife

The Galápagos were discovered by chance in March 10, 1535 when Dominican Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and his lieutenants after the conquest of the Incas, while performing an administrative mission for the Spanish Monarch Carlos V. The bishop’s ship stalled when the winds died and strong currents carried him out to the Galápagos. In his account of the adventure, addressed to Emperor Carlos V, Berlanga described the harsh, desert-like condition of the islands and their trademark giant tortoises. He wrote about the marine iguanas, the sea lions and the many types of birds. He also noted the remarkable tameness of the animals that continues to thrill and delight modern visitors.

The islands are believed to date back to six million years ago as a result of volcanic activity generated beneath the ocean’s floor. They were uninhabited, although Thor Heyerdahl in 1963 reported findings of pottery of South American origin that suggested earlier contacts, a theory that appears to still be controversial. The archipelago was used as hiding place by the English pirates that pilfered the Spanish galleons carrying gold and silver from South America to Spain.

The islands first appeared on maps in about 1570 in those drawn by Abraham Ortelius and Mercator. The islands were called “Insulae de los Galopegos”  (Islands of the Tortoises).

The first Englishman to visit Galápagos was Richard Hawkins, in 1593. From then until 1816 many famous pirates visited the archipelago.

Alexander Selkirk, whose adventures in Juan Fernández Islands inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe, visited the Galápagos in 1708 after he was picked up from Juan Fernández by the privateer Woodes Rogers. Rogers was refitting his ships in the islands after sacking Guayaquil.

The first scientific mission to the Galápagos arrived in 1790 under the leadership of Alessandro Malaspina, a Sicilian captain whose expedition was sponsored by the King of Spain. However, the records of the expedition were lost.

In 1793, James Colnett made a description of the flora and fauna of Galápagos and suggested that the islands could be used as base for the whalers operating in the Pacific Ocean. He also drew the first accurate navigation charts of the islands. Whalers killed and captured thousands of the Galápagos tortoises to extract their fat. The tortoises could also be kept on board ship as a means of providing of fresh protein as these animals could survive for several months on board without any food or water. The hunting of the tortoises was responsible for greatly diminishing, and in some cases eliminating, certain species. Along with whalers came the fur-seal hunters who brought the population of this animal close to extinction.

Ecuador annexed the Galápagos Islands on February 12, 1832, naming it Archipelago of Ecuador. This was a new name that added to several names that had been, and are still, used to refer to the archipelago. The first governor of Galápagos, General José de Villamil, brought a group of convicts to populate the island of Floreana and in October 1832 some artisans and farmers joined.

The Voyage of the Beagle brought the survey ship HMS Beagle under captain Robert FitzRoy to the Galápagos on September 15, 1835 to survey approaches to harbors. The captain and others on board including his companion the young naturalist Charles Darwin made a scientific study of geology and biology on four of the thirteen islands before they left on October 20 to continue on their round-the-world expedition. The governor of the prison colony on Charles Island told Darwin that tortoises differed from island to island, and when specimens of birds were analysed on return to England it was found that many different kinds of birds were species of finches which were also unique to islands. These facts were crucial in Darwin’s development of his evolution theory, which was presented in The Origin of Species.

José Valdizán and Manuel Julián Cobos tried a new colonization, beginning the exploitation of a type of lichen found in the islands (Roccella portentosa) used as a coloring agent. After the assassination of Valdizán by some of his workers, Cobos brought from the continent a group of more than a hundred workers to San Cristóbal island and tried his luck at planting sugar cane. He ruled in his plantation with an iron hand which lead to his assassination in 1904. Since 1897 Antonio Gil began another plantation in Isabela island.

Over the course of a whole year, from September 1904, an expedition of the Academy of Sciences of California, led by Rollo Beck, stayed in the Galápagos collecting scientific material on geology, entomology, ornithology, botany, zoology and herpetology. Another expedition from that Academy was done in 1932 (Templeton Crocker Expedition) to collect insects, fish, shells, fossils, birds and plants.

During WWII Ecuador authorized the United States to establish a naval base in Baltra island and radar stations in other strategic locations.

In 1946 a penal colony was established in Isabela Island, but was suspended in 1959.

Park status

The first laws protecting the islands were written into law during 1934. In 1959 the islands became a national park, and the Galapagos National Park was established in 1968 to preserve the biodiversity. A total of 97% of the land space of the islands was set aside for this purpose, with the remaining 3% for use by people.

UNESCO declared the Galápagos Islands Humanity Natural Heritage in 1979 and, six years later, a Biosphere Reserve (1985), which has resulted in an even greater interest at the international level. In 1990 the archipelago became a whale sanctuary, and in 1998 a marine reserve was created in the surrounding waters, totaling 133,000 km2. The marine reserve became part of the UNESCO National Heritage site in 2001.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-history

The following section gives you parameters based on allowed activities for visitors to the Galapagos Islands.

Tourism:
 
The Galapagos is one of the few sites in the world where tourism is orientated distinctly around the nature, constituting a educational activity.

Tourism in the Galapagos was started in 1969 with the arrival of the first tourist boat the “Lina A”, and today it is the principal force of the economy of the region and responsible for the principal changes in structure of the insular space.

The areas of the National Park that are established for public use are found clearly marked and distributed in almost all of the main islands of the archipelago. There are 54 land sites to visit and 62 marine sites. Most of the sites are accessed by sea and for this tourism has principally developed to be carried out in organized groups, with an authorized guide, that arrive at visitor sites on board tourist boats. Furthermore there exists sites in the four populated islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana), with land access, where it is permitted to visit without a guide.

Visitors to the PNG (Galapagos National Park) require the presence of one or more guides, the same that help the PNG in the work of control and vigilance of the visitor sites, a job of great importance considering the size and dispersion of the archipelago and the high cost of management.

A system of fixed annual itineraries for the tourist trips have been organized, these itineraries are carried out taking into account the capacity of burden of each site, limiting the anchorage in account of size and number of boats and fragility of the site.

There exist various tour agencies, both nationally and internationally, that offer a great quantity of tourist services at different prices, however for more information you can contact the Galapagos Chamber of Tourism.

Guides:

The Naturalist Guides of the Galapagos National Park are highly qualified people without being functionaries of the PNG, that have assumed responsibility to hire their services to conduct visits to the Park and to guide people in the knowledge, interpretation and conservation of resources.

They offer services of information and interpretation of the resources of the Park to the visitors.
They assume control of the visitors and their belongings and are solely responsible for them and the affects they could have on the ecosystem of the Park.
They comply with and help enforce the legal rules and other technical-administrative dispositions that the National Park emits relative to preservation and conservation.
They cooperate in the patrols of the National Park and Marine Reserve of the Galapagos to ensure conservation and rational use of resources.
They cooperate in monitoring systems of areas of the National Park and Marine Reserve of the Galapagos.

Forms of Tourism

Cruises: These constitute the main part and are carried out in large boats with a capacity from 8 to 100 passengers, the passengers stay on board the boats for the trip that have durations of 3 to 8 days although cruises of 21 days are possible.

Day Tours: The visitors can stay in hotels available in the populated Ports and daily travel to different visitor sites of the Park, returning at the end of the day.

Bay Tours: Activities available in the Ports that consist of short trips using small boats with outboard motors.

Daily Diving Tours: A variation on the Bay Tours in which available boats are equipped with diving gear, most of the dive shops are located on Santa Cruz Island

Navigable Dive Tours: A variation on cruises with access to marine sites far from the populated centers.

Non-Guided Sites: These sites are for recreational purposes and are near to populated centers

Scientific Research & Investigations:

The GNP authorizes studies and scientific investigations by means of permits and subscriptions of agreements when the activity to be carried has a forecasted plan of which the execution will exceed six months.

If the studies or investigations require the collection of species, specimens, constitutive elements, samples or materials, the GNP determines the quantity, physical and biological conditions, times and places of collection, qualifications of methods, instruments of collection, means of transport and permitted processes.

The collection, internal movement and exportation of specimens or constitutive elements of endemic species is prohibited, except in the case of authorized scientific investigation that are of transdental importance to the survival of a species. The authorization is given by the Director of the Park, after corresponding analysis of each case, without harm and in account of the the remaining required authorizations of the Laws and international agreements.
The persons carrying out the studies or investigations must provide the GNP, without charging, with 10 copies of the publication in Spanish (castellano), without harm to comply with the remaining stipulated regulations in the permitted document or agreement.

The movement and exportation of specimens or constitutive elements of established organisms for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), are authorized by the Director of the Galapagos National Park.

Filming & Documentaries:

It is permitted to carry out filming and documentaries of a scientific, educational and cultural nature and in this form, commercial nature as well.

Requirements: Formal application form in which the character of the filming must be specified, its objectives etc. We require to know the exact date of arrival and the exact dates of the proposed itinerary. For filming of a commercial nature, the producers pay the rights of filming and provide the guarantee as soon as it is established.

Depending on the time of duration of the filming, the group must pay rights of filming and give a banking guarantee in the name of the Galapagos National Park, emitted by the Banco del Pacifico. This guarantee will be given back once the copies of the finished production have been received in a stipulated period of time by both parties.

GALAPAGOS BIRD WATCHING: The Galapagos islands are a bird watcher’s dream — especially if you’re set on seeing and identifying all 13 Darwin Finches (endemic to the islands), the waved Albatross, the flightless Cormorant and countless other jewels of the islands. Bring your highest magnifying binoculars and best camera lenses.

GALAPAGOS SEA KAYAKING: What better way to get up close and personal to Blue Footed Boobies, sea lions and more than with an adventure sea kayak? Rent them from The Red Mangrove Inn if staying at Puerto Ayora or ask for a cruise boat that carries them.

GALAPAGOS SCUBA DIVING: Listed as one of the top diving spots in the world, diving in The Galapagos is an adventure come true. Whale Sharks, White Tips, Hammerheads, Garden Eels, Sea Lions, whales, schools of colorful fish, corals, and crystal clear water characterize a typical adventure day diving in the islands. Go with the best — Scuba Iguana will send you with top Galapagos adventure divers to the best diving spots around the Galapagos islands. For more advanced divers, Scuba Iguana also does adventure live aboard charters to Darwin and Wolf (there you’ll dive to great depths to see the most mystifying animals of the oceans!)

GALAPAGOS SNORKELING: For those of you not ready to emerge themselves 30 meters in the sea, snorkeling in the Galapagos islands is an amazing adventure activity. You’ll see everything from sharks and turtles to penguins and boobies flopping around the water. You can spend hours in the water enjoying the show!

GALAPAGOS HIKING: Few to no places are open to free hiking in the Galapagos, though you can find a few adventure trails on San Cristobol and Santa Cruz. We recommend, though, for all hikes, to go with a Galapagos adventure guide. The Galapagos guides can point out the fascinating details of the islands, turning a beautiful activity hike into an encylopedic experience. Take good walking shoes, lots of water, and don’t wander off! It’s easier to get lost on these islands than you think.

GALAPAGOS SURFING:  Surfing in the Galapagos islands is a rather old activity practiced by locals and visitors. It’s not common, but it can be done. Ask around, and you’ll be sure to find somebody to take you out adventure surfing or body boarding. We include a listing of tour operators that offer this activity in our tour reviews section.

GALAPAGOS BEACHES: If you want to just relax and go to the beach, try out Turtle Bay on SANTA CRUZ island. There are few places a Galapagos adventure tourist can go on his own, and this is one. The beach is magnificent — it has fine,white sand. It’s terrible for snorkeling because of the wind and waves, but it’s great for surfing, body boarding, and catching rays.

GALAPAGOS NIGHT LIFE: A few of the Galapagos islands, SANTA CRUZ in particular, have many clubs to cater to the adventure tourist. There you can get an icey (though pricey) beer and enjoy the Galapagos island atmosphere after an 8 day adventure boat tour. For poetry, live music, and an enchanted evening, we highly recommend Casa del Lago. The owner, Elena, is a Galapagos artist of exceptional taste and invites the most talented musicians, artists, poets, singers, and orators to share their art in her outdoor pub.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-activities

Located on the equator, the Galapagos islands are subject to oceanic currents that influence temperatures on the archipelago. However, the weather is pleasant, at any time of the year.

There are two seasons in the Galapagos. The dry, or garua, season, which runs from July to December. “Garua” refers to the fog and mist that common hangs on the higher elevations during this season. The hot or wet season lasts from January through June, with March and April generally being the wettest months.

Galapagos wildlife calendar
When planning a visit to the Galapagos Islands, decide what you would rather do and see, as not all animals are present at all times of year. This depends greatly on the season and climate.

To assist you we have prepared an Island wildlife activity calendar to tell you what goes on in the Galapagos Islands every month of the year.

January

Beginning of the rainy season
Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain
On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly colored (green & red + black)
The green sea turtles arrive to beaches in the Galapagos for egg laying period
Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island
Both, water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June
Ideal time for snorkeling

February

On Floreana Island greater flamingos start nesting
Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season
Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season
Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island
The highest water temperature reaches 25C (77F). This temperature remains constant until April
Very few penguins are sighted at Bartolome Island (most have followed the cool waters back to the west or near upwelling areas)
Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak

March

The rainy season reaches the highest precipitation (this does not mean it rains everyday)
Sporadic tropical rains, intense sun and hot climate. Air temperature can reach up to 30C (86F). Humidity is high.
Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina
March 21st, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española.
Even the western islands have warm waters where snorkeling is excellent. Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) can be an amazing site. Penguins still active in the water, next to tropical fish! (How bizarre!)
Some shores, specially those facing the north side, can receive deep surge (ola de fondo) coming from the northern currents. Wet landings at places like Puerto Egas, Gardner Bay, Bartolome can sometimes be a challenge.
Snorkelers will remain long periods of time in the water by choice, marine life is very active.

April

Massive arrival of waved albatrosses to Española. Amazing courtship starts.
End of hatching season of the giant tortoises
Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch
Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela
While the rains have ended, the islands quite continue green
Good visibility in the water for snorkelers
Perhaps, together with May, the best months in Galapagos (weather, animals, water temperature)

May

North Seymour’s blue-footed boobies begin their courtship
Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas
Most of marine iguanas’ eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz
Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage
Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs
Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period

June

Beginning of the garúa season
Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places
Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises
South east trade winds return. Currents become a bit stronger. Seas pick up in surge and wave action.
Many red pouches by males of Magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour.
Southern migrants have started their journey towards the north. Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. Some species of cetaceans also follow this pattern of migration.
Some groups of Humpback whales that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador, can reach the Galapagos too.

July

Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española.
Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina.
If you walk along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting.
Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November
Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed, specially off the western coast of Isabela
Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles and subadults.
Water temperature does not reach more than 21C (68F)

August

Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago
Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island
The temperature of the ocean drops to 18C (64F), which obviously varies according to the geographic zones among the islands.
Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands until March
Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Oceans are quite choppy, currents at the strongest levels, surge can be expected along the shores that face west or south
Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and central islands are common places for such sightings.

September

Peak of the cold (garúa) season
The air temperature reaches its lowest levels (19C-66F)
Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome.
Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions’ activities.
Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites.

October

Lava herons start nesting until March
The Galapagos Fur Seals (subspecies of Sea lions) begin their mating period
Blue footed boobies raise chicks all over Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
Giant tortoises are still laying eggs
Days are not always sunny. Garúa can be expected in most locations, except the western islands where most days have a misty start but after few hours of daylight it burns off.
Sunrises in the west can be quite beautiful after the garúa covers only certain locations of the western volcanoes.
Summits are clear, but low-lying fog covers the shoreline.

November

Pupping of sea lions continue.
Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago.
Breeding season for the brown noddies
Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands.
The genus Physalia is commonly seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets. Some can also be seen stranded at the shores of the Flour Beach at Floreana.
Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period
Seas are calm. South east trade winds have decreased strength. Water temperatures are slowly rising.
Generally great weather due to transition between one season and the next one
Good visibility for snorkelers
Sea lion pups (specially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months.

December

Hatching of giant tortoise’s eggs begins and lasts until April
Green sea turtles display their mating behavior
The rainy season begins, all of the plants of the dry zone produce leaves. Galapagos becomes “green”
The first young waved albatrosses fledge
Great weather

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/when-to-visit-islands

Getting around the Galapagos Islands is not dificult at all it actually is the best part of your trip it is fun! — horses, bicycles, sea kayaks, cruise yachts & small ships, ferries, cargo boats, airplanes, buses, taxis, and other public transportation is available. If you are staying in one island, before you go anywhere, make sure you don’t need a Naturalist Guide with you.

Most places in all the islands are prohibited for tourists and travelers who are not accompanied by a Certified Naturalist Guide. There are some transportation systems in place. Santa Cruz has a bus that takes travelers to the airport and up to the sink holes in the center of the island. There are regular ships that transport travelers to islands (check at the docks for arrival/departure times as they vary). The most important thing to keep in mind while you’re getting around on during your Galapagos travels is that they are all protected. Keep on set paths and respect the islands.

There are several ways of getting around the Islands and reaching the visitor sites. We have prepared this section to help you choose the one that is best for you. We include a small briefing on each and some interesting tips to help you plan a better trip.

By boat

Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos, by far is best done by cruise boat, cruising on a liveaboard yacht or small cruise ship. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season). Booking a boat tour with a company in your home country will usually be the most convenient, but is often considerably more expensive.

Boat tours can also be arranged from Guayaquil, Quito, and even from Puerto Ayora. While it is possible to get a last-minute deal, Ecuador tour & cruise operators are not discount houses, and be aware that many budget tours may spend extra time in Puerto Ayora, might not always be on the best boats, and may only visit the inner islands.

In either case, when looking for a tour consider the following:

Number of passengers. Many of the sites in the islands are limited in how many people may visit at any given time, so it is generally best to travel on a boat with fewer passengers (between ten and twenty passengers is ideal).
Itinerary. Fernandina, Isabela, and Genovesa islands are three of the most interesting islands in the archipelago, but many tours skip these islands and visit only the inner islands.
Level of Activity. Landings are only permitted during the twelve hours of daylight, so try to find a trip that takes advantage of daylight hours. In addition, the aquatic life is the highlight of the trip for many visitors, so be sure to find a tour that includes at least one daily snorkel.
Additional costs. Many tours do not include the $100 park entry fee or the cost of a flight from the mainland to the islands (apx. $400 from Quito).
Our Cruise review section has a description of all boats that navigate the Islands, plus there are ratings by real travellers with unbiased reviews

Other Boat options are called day trips / cruises, these are usually combined with a hotel stay program where all meals are included. You cruise by day and sleep on an Island by night (usually Santa Cruz or San Cristobal). If you feel uncomfortable sleeping on a yacht this is your best choice. You can also stay at a Galapagos hotel see options in our hotel review section and book day trips as you go.

There is a third option which is great for adventure travellers. You can decide to hop around the inhabited Islands and visit all the land sites on each. To get around the Islands you can take the local ferry or use local speed boat transfers, details below:

Cargo Ships:

There are some cargo ships running from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal or Isabela Island that charge a minimal fee ($7.00/passenger) to transport people from island to island. They are erratic however and set schedules are not followed, and we don’t guarantee that you’ll get one in the first week on the islands. The trip will generally take 7-8 hours, and so bring a little bit of food and a sleeping pad for the night ahead.

Ask at the Capitania de Puerto (port authority), the office right off of the boat docks, past the park on the Avenida Charles Darwin. They can tell you when boats are leaving for Isabela or San Cristobal. The captains of the boats don’t have to register until 24 hours beforehand, and so you might not know until the very day. Just be ready!

Private Boats:

To move from Santa Cruz to Floreana, Isabela or San Cristobal, you can also pay a private speed boat to take you to the other islands. They usually charge around $30.00 - $40.00. Try to negotiate, especially if there are several of you. Ask at the boat docks and the restaurant Salvavidas in front of the docks. That’s usually where the captains hang out, and they would know who is leaving for another island.

There is a boat service at the Capitanía del Puerto that travels between different islands. Other boat services are offered by Estrella del Mar from Puerto Villamil (Isabela) to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz). Check days and times as well as prices. The trip takes about 61/2 hours. The other is Galamar from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal) to Puerto Ayora on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, returning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (5 1/2 hours), US$40 one way; this boat can also be booked for visits to Floreana and Isabela.

Water taxi:

will transport you from your own yacht to the wharf when required.

Just remember that cargo boats and speedboats cannot take you to any of the visitor sites.

By air

EMETEBE, a local airline, flies a small cesna aircraft between the islands. It flies 3 times/week between Baltra and Isabela (Puerto Villamil) as well as between Baltra and San Cristobal. The price is a little steep, a little over $100.00 one way. If you have the money, and not the time, this is a great way to get from island to island.

You will be restricted to luggage of 30 lbs or less (non-negotiable). Emetebe Avionetas. You can also charter hourly planes between US$450 and US$ 600.

EMETEBE has offices in Puerto Ayora (+593 5 2526177), San Cristobol ((+593 5  2520036) and Puerto Vilamil ((+593 5 2529155). Contact them for details.

By Land

In Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), Floreana (Puerto Velasco Ibarra) and Isabela (Puerto Villamil) you can find anything from taxis and buses to pickup trucks to bicycles and horses for rent. Because these islands have small communities, the traveler has a little more freedom. In Santa Cruz and Isabela, Kayaks can be rented. In all of the aforementioned islands, there are some hiking trails open to visitors without guides.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-transportation

The Galapagos Islands are located in the country of Ecuador in South America. Getting to the islands is quite easy once you have arrived in Ecuador.

In this section we will explain how to get to the Islands from Quito or Guayaquil and just recently from Cuenca. We are assuming you are in Ecuador already. For information on arriving into Ecuador we have created a knowledge base listed at the bottom of this page.

From Quito to the Galapagos Islands:

Most travellers going to the Galapagos Islands use Quito as their departure point. It is the capital city of Ecuador and a very attractive one first in the world to be declared a UNESCO heritage site.

You must arrive in Quito at least one day before your flight to the Islands - there are no direct connections with international flights.

There are 4 daily flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, they all leave in the morning.

Flight schedules Quito - Galapagos

Flights arriving at Baltra airport (just across Itabaca channel from Santa Cruz Island, 1 hour away from Puerto Ayora)

Departure 7h30 am - Arrival 9h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (daily)
Departure 9h30 am - Arrival 11h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 193 (daily)
Departure 8h20 am - Arrival 10h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Monday -Friday) 
Departure 8h45 am - Arrival 10h45 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Sundays)
Departure 9h30 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 034 (Saturdays)

Flights arriving at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport on San Cristobal Island.

Departure 9h15 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Monday & Thursday)
Departure 10h00 am - Arrival 12h00 am TAME AIRLINES flight 195 (Wednesday)
Departure 7h30 am - Arrival 10h45 am  TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (Friday) - additional stop in Baltra before arrival in Puerto Baquerizo
Departure 8h20 am - Arrival 10h15 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Saturday)
Departure 8h20 am - Arrival 10h15 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 022/030 (Sunday)

Return flights 

Flights departing Baltra airport

Departure 12h15 pm - Arrival 16h15 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 192 (daily)
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 14h15 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (daily except Friday)
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 15h30 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 12h00 pm - Arrival 16h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033 (Monday through Friday)
Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 16h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 035/033 (Saturday)
Departure 11h40 am - Arrival 16h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033/029 (Sunday)

Flights departing Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport

Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 16h45 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031(Monday & Thursday)
Departure 12h45 pm - Arrival 16h45 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 194 (Wednesday)
Departure 11h30 pm - Arrival 15h30 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 10h45 pm - Arrival 14h45 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031/029 (Saturday)
Departure 10h45 pm - Arrival 14h45 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031/027 (Sunday)
 
Flight prices & other details

The roundtrip airfare for a flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands has several prices, depending if you are a resident of the Islands, an Ecuadorian citizen, a citizen of the Andean pact or a foreigner.

Residents of the Galapagos Islands $112
Citizens of Ecuador $220
Citizens from the Andean pact $280
Foreign citizens low season (May 1st - June 14th, September 15th - October 31st) $335
Foreign citizens high season (June 15 - September 14th, November 01 - April 30th) $391
It is also important to take note that all Galapagos flights departing & arriving from/in Quito make a stop in Guayaquil. If you are on a budget or just want to visit Galapagos and are not interested in Quito, it is cheaper to fly in and out of Guayaquil.

From Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands:

Budget travellers going to the Galapagos Islands use Guayaquil as their departure point. It is the main port of Ecuador and the gateway to the beaches. It is also cheaper to fly to Galapagos from Guayaquil and a 1/2 hour shorter.

You must arrive in Guayaquil at least one day before your flight to the Islands - there are no direct connections with international flights.

There are 4 daily flights from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, they all leave in the morning.

There is also an option to go by boat from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, yet it is not cheaper nor recommended, we list the details below.

Flight schedules Guayaquil - Galapagos

Flights arriving at Baltra airport (just across Itabaca channel from Santa Cruz Island, 1 hour away from Puerto Ayora)

Departure 9h00 am - Arrival 9h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (daily)
Departure 11h00 am - Arrival 11h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 193 (daily)
Departure 10h00 am - Arrival 10h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Monday -Friday) 
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 10h45 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Sundays)
Departure 11h00 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 034 (Saturdays)

Flights arriving at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport on San Cristobal Island.

Departure 11h00 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Monday & Thursday)
Departure 11h30 am - Arrival 12h00 am TAME AIRLINES flight 195 (Wednesday)
Departure 9h00 am - Arrival 10h45 am  TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (Friday) - additional stop in Baltra before arrival in Puerto Baquerizo
Departure 9h45 am - Arrival 10h15 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Saturday & Sunday)

Return flights 

Flights departing Baltra airport

Departure 12h15 pm - Arrival 14h45 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 192 (daily)
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 14h00 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 12h00 pm - Arrival 14h30 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033 (Monday through Friday)
Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 15h00 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 035(Saturday)
Departure 11h40 am - Arrival 14h10 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033(Sunday)

Flights departing Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport

Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 15h00 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031(Monday & Thursday)
Departure 12h45 pm - Arrival 15h15 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 194 (Wednesday)
Departure 11h30 pm - Arrival 14h00 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 10h45 pm - Arrival 13h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031(Saturday & Sunday)

Flight prices & other details

The roundtrip airfare for a flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands has several prices, depending if you are a resident of the Islands, an Ecuadorian citizen, a citizen of the Andean pact or a foreigner.

Residents of the Galapagos Islands $94
Citizens of Ecuador $180
Citizens from the Andean pact $280
Foreign citizens low season (May 1st - June 14th, September 15th - October 31st) $301
Foreign citizens high season (June 15 - September 14th, November 01 - April 30th) $346

It is important to take not that Galapagos are 1 hour behind continental time in Ecuador, therefore when flying to the Islands you arrive an hour early and when returning you arrive an hour late. The flight time from Quito is 2 hours and from Guayaquil 1 & 1/2 hours.

Boat and Cargo ships from Guayaquil to Galapagos

This is not a cheaper option and you must be prepared to be 3 and a 1/2 days at open sea. If you are lucky you will get a bunk in a cabin, otherwise you must take your own sleeping bag or hammock.

The main purpose for these ships is cargo, therefore the conditions are basic yet bearable. Cargo Ships leave Guayaquil from Muelle Naval Sur (South Navy Pier) every few weeks (you should inquire on the schedules at the Pier), the price for the oneway trip is $150 aprox.

These ships leave cargo at the populated Islands, you can stay onboard for a week paying $50 a day. These boats do not visit any wildlife sites and there are no guides on board.

Ask to see the boat before you make any payments. Contact info:

Marina 91 - Phone +593 4 2397370
Virgen de Monserrat - Phone + 593 4 2296785

From Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands:

Cuenca is a beautiful city and a UNESCO heritage site well worth paying a visit. It is possible to make a connection flight from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands.

You must arrive in Cuenca at least one day before your flight to the Islands - there are no direct connections and no international flights, plus the only way to get to Cuenca is though Quito or Guayaquil. The best way is a scenic tour from Quito across the Andes.

Flight schedules Cuenca - Galapagos

All flights departing from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands make a stop in Guayaquil and change plains.

Flights arriving at Baltra airport (just across Itabaca channel from Santa Cruz Island, 1 hour away from Puerto Ayora)

Departure From Cuenca 8h00 am arrival in Guayaquil 8h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 170. Connexion with flight 193 TAME AIRLINES leaving Guayaquil at 11h00 am arriving in Galapagos 11h30 am. (Daily except on Sunday)

Flights arriving at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport

Departure From Cuenca 8h00 am arrival in Guayaquil 8h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 170. Connexion with flight 195 TAME AIRLINES leaving Guayaquil at 11h30 am arriving in Galapagos 12h00 pm. (Wednesday)
Departure From Cuenca 8h30 am arrival in Guayaquil 9h00 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 081. Connexion with flight 030 AEROGAL AIRLINES leaving Guayaquil at 11h150 am arriving in Galapagos 11h45 am. (Monday & Thursday)

Flight prices & other details

The roundtrip airfare for a flight from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands (returning to Guayaquil) has several prices, depending if you are a resident of the Islands, an Ecuadorian citizen, a citizen of the Andean pact or a foreigner.

Residents of the Galapagos Islands $136
Citizens of Ecuador $222
Citizens from the Andean pact $322
Foreign citizens low season (May 1st - June 14th, September 15th - October 31st) $343
Foreign citizens high season (June 15 - September 14th, November 01 - April 30th) $388

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/getting-to-the-islands

The main purpose of these institutions is to preserve the natural paradise found in the Galapagos archipelago including both the Islands wildlife reserve and marine reserve.

Galapagos National Park rules for visitors
The Galapagos Islands are a very special place. No one who visits them  returns home quite the same; not the scientist who works in the middle of Darwin’s laboratory, nor the casual traveler who discovers a little Eden where animals don’t run away in fear. The islands are unique, and very delicate, and deserve our best efforts to preserve them in their natural state.

To this end, the National Park has published the following rules. It is essential that you respect and follow these directives, that you stay on the marked paths, and that you do not wander off or lag behind your group. You can expect your Galapagos guide to be quite strict in enforcing these rules, as the guides all love these islands and will do anything they can to protect them.

1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals’ social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visitor sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.

The above rules seem quite extensive, yet there is so much more that you can do, so read on and find out about conservation institutions and their work.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-conservation