The Galápagos Islands are only accessible by first flying to mainland Ecuador, before catching a flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From here, you can fly to one of the islands’ two main airports on Baltra and San Cristóbal Islands.
Travellers should note there are a number of mandatory fees when visiting the archipelago. Given that the Galápagos Islands is a national park, travellers must pay an entrance fee in cash of USD$200 dollars or USD$100 for children under 12 years of age, paid upon arrival at the archipelago’s airports. International visitors must also obtain a USD$20 tourist Transit Control Card.
Once safely through the arrivals gate, travellers will be met by a specialist tour guide if they have booked a cruise or a land-based tour – the best recommended method of travelling around the island.
There are also many island-hopping experiences available, such as on small ferries – known as lanchas – which are ideal for small groups of visitors who wish to do more land-based activities and zip easily between the main islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal. Alternatively, mega-yachts offer a more comprehensive journey through the islands but are typically
more expensive.
In any case, visitors still have the chance to delve deep into the coves or reach untouched shorelines with small, motorised dinghies, known as panga rides, that can reach areas inaccessible to larger vessels. This lets travellers have an up-close perspective of the fascinating creatures and intriguing habitats that surround them.
 in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil.){kind=link}