32 T e Travel Guide Worldwide travel
Promotional Content • Saturday 28 May 2022 A quick guide to the Galapagos Islands
Did you know that the Galapagos Islands is on thousands of people’s bucket lists? Well, it should be on yours
Galapagos sea lion T
he Galapagos Islands, an archi- pelago located in the Pacifi c Ocean about 600 miles from
Ecuador, is one of the most protected areas in the whole word. But this little piece of heaven still attracts more than 260,000 tourists every year to its incred- ible landscapes, unique endemic wild- life and experiences that visitors will never forget. T ere are four inhabited islands in the Galapagos, from where day tours, snorkel tours and cruises depart regularly to national parks on uninhabited islands that all have their own wildlife, landscape and magic. To get to the Galapagos Islands, you
must fi rst make your way to an airport in Ecuador, either Quito City (UIO) or Guayaquil City (GYE). From there you can fl y to Baltra Island (GPS) or San Cristóbal Island (SCY). It’s highly recommended that you book tours and accommodation prior to your arrival, at least two months in advance. All itineraries are fi xed by the Galapagos National Park, so not all the tours run every day. T e best way to visit is to plan ahead: fi rst research the animals or landscape you would like to see, then, based on that, work out the best
airport for your arrival and depar- ture, then search online for reviews of the tourist spots where your favoured animals are often spotted, or perhaps a chosen landscape location. T en decide if you’d like to book a land- based tour that includes day excur- sions and accommodation, or a cruise, or a combination of both.
Bartholomew Island Land iguana
Travel tips • What to pack: seasickness pills, insect repellent, coat, swimsuit, shorts, camera, T-shirts, sandals or fl ip-fl ops, hiking shoes, sunglasses, cap/hat, sunscreen.
Marine iguana
• What documents to bring: passport, Covid-19 regulation documents/ tests, travel vouchers/tickets, insur- ance documents, airline tickets.
• Transit Control Card: this is a tourist control card and must be purchased before airline check-in and bag drop in Guayaquil or Quito. You must buy this card in the Consejo de Gobierno kiosk located in either airport. T e cost is $20 (£16) per person, regardless of age.
South Plaza island
• X-ray check: all tourists travel- ling to the islands must have their luggage and carry-on bags X-rayed before airline check-in and bag drop. All luggage and carry-on must be inspected by ABG, located next to the Consejo de Gobierno kiosk.
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee: the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park and its Marine Reserve must be paid by all tourists entering the islands in US dollars — and in cash only.
• Local time: -0600; UTC-6; GMT -06:00.
• Currency: the currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is US dollars (USD/US$/$).
• Socket: sockets/plug types are A and B (B compatible with A), 110V.
Blue-footed booby
galapagosalacarte.com T: +1 (855) 808-1977 E:
hello@galapagosalacarte.com
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos penguin
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