Galápagos

Sights

• Charles Darwin Research Station – A breeding centre for giant tortoises in Puerto Ayora.
• Tortuga Bay – A white-sand beach with marine iguanas, reachable on foot.
• Santa Cruz Highlands – Wild giant tortoises and lava tunnels.
• Kicker Rock – A rock off San Cristóbal for snorkelling with sharks and rays.
• Isabela – The largest island, with the Sierra Negra volcano, flamingos and penguins.
• Bartolomé – Pinnacle Rock and a moonscape of lava.

Food & nightlife

• Kioskos in Puerto Ayora – Fish and lobster at street tables in the evening.
• Ceviche – Ecuadorian-style with tomato and popcorn on the side.
• Encocado – Fish or seafood in coconut sauce.
• Ecuadorian chocolate – Cacao from the mainland, often in small cafés.

Day trips

• Liveaboard cruise – Several days island to island, including remote sites.
• North Seymour – Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds up close.
• Española – Waved albatrosses, which nest here roughly from April to December.

Good to know

When to go

December–May

Getting around

Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal; speedboats or cruise ships between islands. Many sites only with a national park guide; always keep your distance from wildlife.

Tipping

Service is usually included – rounding up is a nice gesture.

Power

Plug type A/B, 120 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Plan your trip to Galápagos together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed