1

Thank you for sharing; this will prove of great use when I eventually get there, but already it has told me best before July if next year on the way northwards. Muchas gracias.

2

I whink thats cheaper to do it by land. You miss the chance to visit some islands but if you want to Check Santa cruz-San cristobal-Isabela, its better.
I'm going in March and i've booked from My home. We're a couple and the whole trip it's Going to cost 2000 USD per person. We are flying from Argentina (The air tickets costed 900USD per person) and we are staying 13 days. I'm going to pay every hostel 12.5 USD the night and they've kitchen in each room.

3

Thanks for this its really useful info. I was also thinking of missing Galapagos as well due to cost but lately I've been considering it. Were your costs based on 3 sharing? I'm travelling solo in dec/jan and although I'm hoping I'll find someone around who wants to do it as well if I can't, did you by any chance look to see if there was a single supplement cost with your cruise?

Thanks

4

@JOACoisback Yes it's definitely cheaper to stay on one of the islands and do day trips. You just don't get to go to some of the farther spots and there is more day time spent going back and forth on the boat. The cruises are more expensive but you do most of your long navigations at night so you basically spend pretty much the whole day every day exploring islands or snorkeling. We've met people who've had a great time doing day trips though so I'm sure you'll have a good time too. Good luck!

@salbird We shared a twin (bunks) cabin while our friend shared another twin cabin with another girl that booked separately in Quito. We did not know the girl before hand. There was no single supplement. I don't think you'll have issues finding a boat even if you're on your own. There shouldn't be a single supplement as long as you dont mind sharing your cabin with someone.

5

we did land based trips too as we had our 3 year old and 6 year old children with us and didn't want to get stuck on a boat. We only stayed on Isabella island. it was fantastic and we got to see everything we wanted to without the stress and actually got to meet some locals. I got to go diving too which was mind blowing. it was wonderful. will get back there one day for sure.

6

An interesting read, thanks for that. Defintely looking at going to the Galapagos Islands when I get to Ecuador in a month or whenever I get there. The main thing I am wondering is about booking things in advance or just make it up when I get there.

7

I read your newsletter and have subscribed to it. I am planning a trip to Ecuador in May. I want to take the chance of booking in Quito once there. I have trips set up for Amazon, Andes and hiking Machu Pichu. My big question is am I better off going on those trips first then trying to arrange for Galapagos or would I be better off arranging Galapagos when I first get there? I am planning at least 8-10 days for Galapagos.

8

travellingaroundsome:

If you want to save money, booking from home is NOT the way to go. If you have extra time, you should book last minute either in Quito or on the islands themselves.

imaappygal:

Where you go first will depend on your route. I wouldn't plan my trip around the galapagos in particular. I would suggest you lay out the route you want. If you can afford extra time, then booking on the ground is smarter based on our experience. But where you go first will really depend on your trip.

9

I plan on hiking Machu Pichu the first week of May. After that I am headed to the Amazon for a week. I am flying into Quito May 1st and will be spending a few days there before heading out on the hike to adjust to the altitude. I also will be spending time in the Andes, Otavalo, hiking for a few days. I will be in country for the entire month of May so that is why I am wondering if I should book Galapagos before I leave on my hike or wait till I get back to Quito and do it then.