Galápagos travel guide




Galapagos is...
Galapagos isn't...
Our Galapagos Vacations
Galapagos land based adventure vacation
Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater
Ecuador and Galapagos tour
Explore the Andean landscapes in Ecuador and the Galapagos
Budget Ecuador and Galapagos vacation, 23 days
Experience all of Ecuador for travelers on a budget
Flexible Galapagos Islands tailor made tour
Your choice of four to eight-day land-based adventure
Galapagos cruise options, tailor made
The greatest wildlife experiences tailor made
Galapagos activity & wildlife vacation, land based
Tailor-made land-based activity vacation in Galapagos
Costa Rica and Galapagos wildlife vacation
Galapagos wildlife cruise plus Costa Rica nature/beach week
Classic Galapagos Island hopping
Highlights of the Galapagos, discover the main Islands
Galapagos multi activity vacation
An amazing adventure Galapagos Multi-sports
Galapagos activity vacation
Trek, bike, kayak and snorkel on this fantastic adventure
Galapagos Islands cruise, 10 days
A fantastic, in-depth Galapagos experience
Galapagos cruise vacation
Discover rich marine life, abundant bird colonies and stunning landscapes
Galapagos Islands vacation
Home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife
Ecuador highlands tour & Galapagos cruise
Experience Ecuador's stunning highlands and the Galapagos
Galapagos adventure vacation
Unique Wildlife, Snorkeling, Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking
Peru and Galapagos vacation
An inspirational tour combining Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
Galapagos cruise plus Ecuador and Peru
Combine two truly outstanding places in South America
Galapagos & Ecuador vacation for families
Active family vacation in Ecuador and Galapagos
Floreana Island wildlife tour, Galapagos Islands
A wildlife vacation on Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands
Galapagos family vacation
Follow in the footsteps of Darwin on this family vacation
Ecuador and Galapagos Islands luxury vacation
The ultimate trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos
Galapagos wildlife vacation
Follow in the footsteps of Darwin and discover the magic of the Galapagos islands
Galapagos and Ecuador small group vacation
Natural wonders & amazing culture in Ecuador & the Galapagos
Galapagos island hopping tailor made vacation
Hop between islands on this innovative lodge-based vacation
Galapagos cruise and Ecuador tour
Explore the Amazon, Cloud Forest, Andes & the Galapagos!
Galapagos cruise and island hopping vacation
Complete Deluxe Galapagos program; Cruise and island hopping
Galapagos, Bolivia and Peru tour
Galapagos Islands, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia adventure
What we rate & what we don't
Española and Genovesa
Northern islands
Human history
Lava landscapes
Giant tortoises
Volcano hikes
Tranquil beaches
Snorkelling
Two-week cruises
Oversized ships
Charles Darwin Research Station
Our top Galapagos Vacation
Galapagos cruises
Sail in a charming red schooner
Daily departures throughout the year.
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in the Galápagos
As most of the population are recent immigrants and most ingredients are imported, there are few typical local dishes, though the seafood is exceptional.Look out for ceviche, which is different to the Peruvian version. It often contains shellfish marinaded in lime, and is served with popcorn.
Lobster is a local delicacy. Fishing is usually permitted from September-December, but do check if it was harvested sustainably.


People & culture
People from the Galápagos are known as Galapagueños (male) and Galapagueñas (female).
Only four of the islands are populated: Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana and San Cristobal.
Gifts & shopping
The Galápagos is not the best place to purchase South American souvenirs, but beyond the overpriced “I Love Boobies” t-shirts there are a number of craft stalls and high-end jewellers along the waterfront in Puerto Ayora who are making their name on the island.Avoid any items made with black coral and turtle or tortoise shell. These are threatened species, and the products are illegal.
All profits from the Research Centre gift shop are returned to its projects, so buy your books here rather than off Amazon when you return home!


How much does it cost?
Souvenir T-shirts: £21
Bottle of Chilean wine: £4.25
Reduce the cost of your beer – return your bottle to claim your deposit and reduce waste