last edited Dec 11, 2019
Entry Requirements, Money and Budget for the Galapagos
Location Map of Galapagos
Galapagos
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Entry Requirements
People
For a leisure trip, the entry requirements are the same as for the rest of Ecuador. For French, Canadian, and many other nationalities, this means no visa is required, but you must have a passport valid for six months after your planned return date. The only difference is the obligation to pay a $100 entry fee in cash upon arrival in the archipelago.
Boats
For sailors planning to visit the Galapagos with their own yacht, be aware that maritime access and movement within the marine park are highly regulated. It is essential to gather information beforehand, starting with the official Galapagos Park website.
Money and Budget
As in the rest of the country, the US dollar is the currency used in the Galapagos.
Exchange and Payment Methods
Budget
The budget for a trip to the Galapagos is nothing like that for a trip to mainland Ecuador. Many products and services are more expensive, and exploring most of the archipelago requires an organised framework. In short, it can be a costly trip, but it is also unforgettable.
Specifically, for flights, you can expect to pay around $300 to $400 for a round-trip ticket from Quito or Guayaquil at best. Once there, add the $100 entry fee. For discovery cruises, budget roughly $100 per day for a "classic" service with "decent" comfort. For days spent in the archipelago outside of a cruise, plan for an average of $30 to $40 per day.
In summary, for a ten-day trip including 5 or 6 days of cruising, you should budget around $1,200 to $1,400 per person, all included.