Galápagos the Enchanted Islands
Ok here we go… after 15 hours of travel, we are back in the continent we love the most #SouthAmerica
Air Canada flight from Victoria -> Toronto -> Bogota first. Bogota airport had so many sniffing dogs, I silently panicked. Then Avianca flight from Bogota -> Guayaquil, Ecuador. We are now one hop away from the Enchanted Islands.
Guayaquil is such a clean city! It’s also the commercial capital of Ecuador and the most populated city in this beautiful country, also said to be the most dangerous city in Ecuador. But hanging out with these giant lizards in Guayaquil is worth every bit of time spent waiting in the airports and the ‘so called’ risks!
After 3 amazing days in Guayaquil, we were on our way to our final destination: Galápagos . Another Avianca flight from Guayaquil to Baltra island. Now we are here, hanging with Sea lions, giant turtles, birds and such. We never though we could make this trip on our own.
Yes it is possible to Explore Galápagos on your own without expensive packages. Planning, researching and knowing where you want to go is the key. Hope this page will help you plan your trip to these ‘out of this world’ islands. We certainly are planning our next trip here.
About this Enchanted Islands..
The term “Enchanted Islands” was first known in 1589. At that time, navigators gave the Galápagos Islands the name “Enchanted Islands,” because, according to the stories, these “appeared and disappeared”, this happened due to the strong sea currents that hinder access to the islands at certain times of the year.
There are 18 main islands (those with more than 1 km2). Of those, 3 are the most populated and where you can base yourself to explore the rest: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela.
There are only 2 airports (Guayaquil and Quito) that fly to the island’s 2 airports (Baltra and San Cristóbal). This is to monitor and restrict foreign plants and animals coming in-to the islands. You will notice the entire aircraft’s luggage getting fumigated, just before landing.
We flew into Baltra Island and flew out of San Cristóbal. You can do this other way around too.
To enter the Galápagos National Park (all of the islands) as a foreigner you must pay $ 100 of fees + $ 20 for the TCT (Transit Control Card) at the airport of Guayaquil or Quito. remember to keep the TCT until you leave Galápagos, do not lose it! One other thing you should remember is: Never touch wildlife (it is a $40,000 fine for touching a Sea Lion, we were told) and stay 2M away from the wildlife.
Hostels and cabs
Two hour flight from the main-land Ecuador (Guayaquil), we landed on the Balta island. Its an uninhabited island with just the airport (Seymour Airport). From there, you will take a 10 minute bus ride to the ferry, quick 5 minute ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel and you are in Santa Cruz island.
Then to our first stop in the Galápagos, a 40 minute bus ride to Puerto Ayora, the main tourism hub for all of Galápagos. Checked into Hostal Estrella de Mar, for wonderful first 3 nights on the islands. WooHoo we are in Galápagos.
