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Postcard
A Trip to the Galapagos Islands
Date: 09/01/2004Dear International Living Reader,
There is only one place on the planet where you can go to see land and sea iguanas, sharks, seals, and penguins: The Galapagos Islands. From observing masked, blue-footed boobies and giant land tortoises to kayaking with sharks and snorkeling with fur sea lions, a trip to the Galapagos is an unparalleled adventure.
Many dismiss a visit to this archipelago, believing it to be too costly or time prohibitive. But, even with just two weeks in Ecuador, you'll have plenty of time for a trip to the islands.
From Guayaquil, the largest city, the hour-and-a-half flight is your major expense: Roundtrip airfare to the islands from the mainland is fixed at between $340 and $380 on Aerogal. Catch a flight from Quito or Guayaquil (all flights go through Guayaquil) directly to Baltra, the most developed of the islands. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus delivers you to a ferry, which carries you across a straight where yet another bus (just follow the crowd) will take you to the island's main town, Puerto Ayora. If you are on a tour package, your guide will meet you at the airport and direct you along the way.
Booking a tour in advance, while convenient, is certainly not required. There are plenty of tour groups and dive companies in the center of town--you can easily book one-, two-, and three-day island tours upon arrival. Trips to Isla Plasa, North Seymour, and Bartolomé are the best excursions.
For the days you prefer to stay on land, the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay (both part of the Galapagos Islands National Park) are walkable from the center of Puerto Ayora. Tortuga Bay's pristine, open beaches peppered with the spectacular iguanas del marina make it a trip worth taking. If you go to Darwin Station, you'll meet Lonesome George--the oldest, and last remaining, giant tortoise of his kind (the Pinta Island race).
If your itinerary is short, visit Darwin Station or Tortuga Bay on the afternoon that you arrive. Then book a boat trip per day until you fly back to the mainland. Given the number of islands, it would be easy to stay weeks in the Galapagos, but even with a few days on a few dollars, it's a trip worth making.
Maureen O'Driscoll
For International Living
P.S. All visitors must pay a $100 national park entrance fee, payable in U.S. dollars, upon arrival at the airport in Baltra. Have your cash ready.
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