No visa needed!

The most advisable route is to fly from Zurich with a stopover in Quito.

On the outbound journey, you will need to spend the night in Quito. It’s a good idea to allocate two nights to visit Quito, adapt to the new time zone, and explore the city.

For the return trip, you only need a short layover in Quito before flying directly to Europe.

Flights typically cost around €1000-€1100. Here are some example dates:

February 11 to February 17

February 12 to February 23

You can purchase the round-trip flight to Quito now for about €800-900, as prices will increase closer to the departure date. The Quito-Galapagos flight can be purchased separately, and we advise you to secure these tickets as well (around €300).

For the flight from Quito to Galapagos:

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight.

First, queue to get the TDT (Transit Card), which costs $20.

Pass your luggage through a checkpoint to ensure no food with seeds or live animals are brought into the archipelago.

Upon entering the islands, pay a $200 cash fee for the National Park.

Once at the Santa Cruz airport, transportation to Puerto Ayora is well-organized. You’ll need to make several transfers and pay for each section, but the process is straightforward, and you’ll reach your hotel in about 45 minutes:

From the airport to the bus stop: $5

A boat to cross the canal: $1

Taxi to town: $25 or bus: $5

There are numerous options available, ranging from Airbnb rooms starting at €40 to luxury hotels.

In the coming days, we will provide direct links to places we recommend. In the meantime, feel free to explore on your own and check with us for any additional suggestions.

Life in the Galapagos isn’t cheap, but it’s not exclusively for the wealthy either. Restrictions on agriculture, fishing, and tourism drive up prices compared to the rest of Ecuador, yet they are comparable to costs in major European capitals.

Based on our experience, here are some cost estimates in US dollars (1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR, but factoring in commissions, a 1:1 ratio is practical):

Entry procedures: $20 for the TCT (Transit Control Card) + $200 for the national park fee

Budget hostel: Around $40 per night

Meals at local restaurants and kiosks: About $20 for lunch and dinner

Transportation between the main islands: $30 each way per person

Day tours: Between $65 and $150, depending on destination

One-week cruise: Best booked directly in the Galapagos, costing between $1500 and $3000 per week. Cruises are highly recommended but can be expensive

Diving: Approximately $130 for two dives

These estimates should help you plan your budget and get a sense of the expenses involved.

Regarding the weather, there are two main seasons:

• Warm and humid: December/January to June/July

• Cool and dry: June/July to December/January

The wedding will take place during the warm season. Temperatures range between 24°C and 30°C with the possibility of heavy rain. The water temperature is more pleasant, and the sea remains calm.

Of course!

While very expensive organized cruises are available, ranging from $300 to $1000 per person per day (excluding flight and entrance fees), these typically last between 3 days to a week. The main advantage of these cruises is access to islands that are otherwise unreachable. However, the downsides include the rigidity of organized travel and the significant cost.

If you choose to travel independently, you can explore the inhabited islands and take day tours to nearby uninhabited islands. Most tours cost between $65 and $150 and can be booked through numerous agencies in San Cristobal, Santa Cruz or Isabela. Though they might seem pricey, these tours are highly recommended for a complete Galapagos experience.

Here are some tours you might find interesting:

From San Cristobal:

• 360º Tour

• Española Island

From Santa Cruz:

• North Seymour Island

• South Plazas Island

• Bartolomé Island

• Santa Fé Island

From Isabela:

• Sierra Negra Volcano

• Los Túneles

While cities like Quito and Guayaquil are not known for their safety, the Galapagos Islands boast the highest safety rates in Ecuador. The islands are considered a safe destination. You can leave your belongings on the beach (with the usual precautions you would take anywhere) while you swim or snorkel.

Money & credit cards

Ecuador has been using the US dollar as its official currency since 2000.

ATMs and Card Payments: ATMs are available, and credit cards are widely accepted.

Cash requirement: Remember to bring around $230 in cash for entry fees to the islands.

Get a plug adapter for Ecuador

The plugs in the Galapagos Islands (and throughout Ecuador) are American type with two flat pins. If you're traveling from Europe, you will need an adapter.

Voltage and frequency: The voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60Hz. Most cell phones, tablets, cameras, and other gadgets will work without problems. However, for devices like electric razors, epilators, or hair dryers, check the label to ensure compatibility.

Internet on the Islands

Internet connectivity in the Galapagos has improved significantly with the installation of STARLINK about a year ago. This satellite-based service provides fairly fast internet, and Wi-Fi is now reliable in most areas.

SIM Cards: You can buy a SIM card on the island for about $10, but it’s best to disconnect from your phone if possible and use Wi-Fi sparingly.