The Galápagos Islands are situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, approximately two hours flight from the main Ecuador city of Guayaquil. If you are planning your visit to these uniquely awesome islands, first discovered by Charles Darwin and prompting his theory of evolution, you have a few options depending on your budget and timeframe.
Galápagos Cruises
Boarding a cruise ship to explore the islands in comfort is one of the most popular but expensive ways to see Galápagos. There are over twenty cruise ships that circle the islands and offer tours ranging from 5 – 14 days with most stopping at the main islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Cristobel and Floriana.
Cruising through the islands is quite a luxurious option. Staying on board the ship all your meals, activities and accommodation is included in the price. You have the option of taking day trips out to each island’s main attractions and then returning to your ship’s cabin at night. If you enjoy being on the water and don’t mind the constant feeling of motion whilst you eat and sleep, a Galápagos cruise is a good option. G Adventures offer a range of Galápagos cruises, many of which are currently on sale, that are suited a broad range of visitor ages and budgets.
Overland Tours
If you like to be part of an organised tour group that takes you from mainland Ecuador out to Galápagos and arranges everything whilst you are on tour, an organised tour group may be for you. Overland tours island hop between the main islands and usually include some day trips with others available for an additional fee.
Overland tours utilise hotels and hostels on each of the islands they visit, meaning that you are sleeping on solid ground rather than onboard a cruise ship. If you like to participate in activities with other group members, enjoy eating dinner together and if you are a single, sharing with a room mate, an overland tour is a great option.
Contiki offer overland tours for both Galápagos and Ecuador for backpackers eager to explore Latin America without breaking your budget.
Explore the Islands Yourself
The final option in experiencing the Galápagos Islands is to go it alone. The islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela and Cristobel have many tour agencies in their main streets as well as hostels and hotels available depending on your budget.
Exploring the islands yourself means you have much more time to do the things you want to do. If you love swimming and want to experience the amazing Galápagos snorkelling, you can in multiple places. If you’re a hiker and prefer to walk up volcanoes or through the mangrove areas, you can do that as well. Pahoehoe Galápagos Tours in Isabela Island offer a range of day tours and tour packages. You can swim with sea turtles and manta rays in Los Tuneles, hike Sierra Negra Volcano or ride bicycles out to the Wall of Tears.
It is really very easy to explore the Galápagos Islands yourself with public speed boats available to travel between the islands and many tour agencies happy to book your adventures.
The Galápagos Islands are truly extraordinary place to visit in your travelling life. With so many animals roaming freely and without fear it truly is a unique and beautiful travel destination.
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