Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
The Galapagos entry fee has been in the news lately after the National Park announced plans to increase the price.
We’ve certainly had a lot of questions about this from our clients, as well as some confusion. So, here’s a short blog post with everything you need to know about the Galapagos National Park Entry Fee.
What is the Galapagos Entry Ticket?
How much does it cost?
When and why is the fee increasing in 2024?
How do you buy a Galapagos Entrance Ticket?
Keep reading for all of the details …
What is the Galapagos Entry Fee?
Do you need to pay to enter the Galapagos islands? Yes, similar to other famous national parks around the world, all tourists must pay an entrance fee to visit the Galapagos.
It does not matter if you have booked a Galapagos Cruise, Land Tour, or Dive Trip, you will have to pay the Galapagos Entry Fee to get into the National Park.
How Much is the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee?
Up to the end of July 2024, the entrance fee for foreign visitors is fixed at $100 USD per person, with discounts for children ($50 for those under 12 years old, free for those under 2 years) and Ecuadorian nationals ($6).
After 1st August 2024, the Galapagos entry fee will indeed increase. The new fee is set to be $200 USD per person, with discounts for children ($100 for under 12 years old, free for under 2 years) and Ecuadorian nationals ($30).
This fee is fixed per person, irrespective of how many days you plan to visit the islands.
There are no discounts available for students.
Why is the Galapagos Entry Fee increasing in 2024?
The Galapagos Park Fee has not changed since 1998. Yes, that’s an incredible 2 and ½ decades at the same entrance price!
So, it’s fair to say that an increase was in fact overdue.
Why now?
The cost of maintaining tourist infrastructure at the islands, while protecting and conserving habitat and animals, has increased over the years.
Put simply, the Ecuadorian government and local Galapagos authorities need more support from tourist visitors to safeguard this amazing UNESCO heritage site for future generations to enjoy.
How to Buy Your Galapagos Entrance Fee?
Galapagos Entry Tickets are purchased at the airport on arrival to the islands. Just follow the queue of tourists as you reach the terminal building.
Very Important: The Galapagos Entry Fee must be paid in USD$ cash. At the time of writing, no other forms of payment are accepted, including credit cards.
Once you have your Galapagos Entry Ticket, be sure to keep it safe. You may be asked to produce the ticket by your Galapagos yacht captain, or at certain visitor sites.
Why is the Galapagos National Park Fee So Expensive?
At first sight, the Galapagos fee might seem excessive, but it’s all relative.
If you consider the fee based on the number of days in your trip then it doesn’t look so bad. For example, on an 8-day cruise, it comes out at just $25 each day.
Similarly, let’s compare the entry fee to the overall cost of your Galapagos cruise or tour. It usually comes out at between 5-10% of your overall Galapagos Vacation expense. Not such a big deal.
Finally, compared to other famous wildlife destinations around the world, the Galapagos fee is quite reasonable. Did you know that entry fees to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania ($70-82 per day) or the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya ($185-285 per day) come out much more expensive for example?
Where Does the Money From the Galapagos Entry Fee Go To?
It should also help to know that the money paid for your Galapagos Entry Fee goes towards good causes. The funds collected go towards Galapagos infrastructure maintenance, habitat preservation, wildlife conservation, local community development, and other national projects.
Here is the current breakdown:
40% to the Galapagos National Park Service.
20% to Galapagos Municipalities.
10% to the National Institute.
10% to Galapagos Local Government.
5% to the National Navy (who patrol the Marine Reserve).
5% to the Ministry of the Environment.
5% to Quarantine and Pest Control.
5% to the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Other Galapagos Entry Requirements
Besides the Galapagos Entry Ticket, you’ll also need the following documents in order to travel to the Galapagos Islands.
Personal ID
All visitors must carry a valid form of ID. For foreign tourists, this should be your passport. For Ecuadorians your cedula ID card.
No visa is required for the Galapagos Islands, other than the immigration stamp or visa that you used to get into Ecuador.
Proof of Booking & Onward Travel
Although not strictly a requirement, we recommend that you have a physical or electronic copy of your cruise, hotel, and flight bookings to hand. Galapagos officials may ask to see this paperwork as proof of your activities and purpose of travel.
Travel Insurance
It is not a strict requirement, but we go highly recommend Galapagos Travel Insurance. Medical insurance in particular will give you peace of mind throughout your trip. Cancellation insurance was also handy to have during the COVID pandemic, or in case of any other unforeseen event that may force you to unexpectedly cancel your trip.
Galapagos Customs Form QR Code
As of 1st December 2024, all tourists are required to travel with a completed customs QR code.
It's a simple online declaration about food products or camping gear that you are carrying with you, and information about any farms or zoos you may have visited within the past 3 days.
Here is the online form: https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaracion.
Remember to produce the QR code BEFORE you travel, ready to present at the airport.
Happy Gringo Travel are the experts in Galapagos Islands travel. With 20+ years of experience helping over 10k clients, and a long list of glowing feedback, your Galapagos Vacation is safe in our hands.
Contact us for a FREE GALAPAGOS TOUR QUOTE or personalized assistance. We also specialize in mainland Ecuador Tours and Amazon Rainforest Trips, as well as Peru and Colombia to complement your Galapagos holiday.
In conclusion, on 1st August 2024, the Galapagos Entrance Fee is increasing for the first time in 25 years.
The Galapagos Entrance Ticket is required by all visiting tourists and goes towards the operation, development, and preservation of the archipelago.
Remember, the fee is payable only in USD$ CASH! So, go prepared, and don’t be caught out.
For ideas on popular Galapagos Land Trips, check out Happy Gringo’s 6-day Galapagos Discovery itinerary, or longer 8-day Galapagos Explorer trip. Both have Galapagos ferry tickets and logistics included, so you can enjoy the trip hassle-free and without problems.
Happy Gringo can also custom-make your Galapagos itinerary, tailoring your vacation to your precise needs.
