Getting to the Galapagos Islands is easy once you know how.

Click on the above link for all the basics you need to know: How to fly to Galapagos, and from where? How to get around the islands? How much luggage can you take to Galapagos? How to get back home again? What processes and controls are there to get to Galapagos?

Land tours begin and end in either Santa Cruz island (Baltra or Puerto Ayora) or San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). Both destinations are served by daily flights from mainland Ecuador.

One of the most frequently asked questions when planning a Galapagos vacation is: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GALAPAGOS?

While Galapagos weather does vary each month, there is no “best” or “worst” time for Galapagos travel. In fact, the Galapagos Islands are a fabulous year-round destination, with a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Even better, there are no Galapagos weather extremes to deal with. No snow or frost, no hurricanes, no extreme hot or cold temperatures.

That said, there are subtle differences in Galapagos weather each month. Trip planners will want to consider the Dry season vs. the wet season. There are also peak vs off-season tourist months to plan around. The famous Galapagos Islands wildlife follow climate seasons for nesting, mating, hatching & parenting - so, there's different action to see each month. Galapagos water temperature also varies through the year, with implications for snorkeling with/without a wetsuit. Each of these Galapagos climate factors can make a difference to your enjoyment of the archipelago.

For more detailed analysis about the subtleties of each month in the Galapagos Islands, check out our When is the best time to visit Galapagos? Blog post.

The Galapagos archipelago boasts 13 major islands, over 40 smaller islands, and many more rocky outcrops.

The overall size of the Galapagos Marine Reserve is huge, covering a protected area of 198,000 square kilometers (76,448 square miles). In fact, it’s the 2nd largest marine reserve on the planet, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Check out our interactive Galapagos Map for an overview of the islands.

In my opinion, the itinerary is the single most important factor in your Galapagos trip planning. Not all tours are created equally, and certain islands are blessed with more diversity of wildlife than others.

A Galapagos land tour can stay overnight on any of the following 3 places:

Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) is the best island for navigable day tours to places like: North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, and Santa Fe.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) wins for excellent visitor sites that you can explore by yourselves without a tour guide.

Puerto Villamil (Isabela) is renowned for its long stretch of golden sand, volcano trekking, and affordable ½ day tours.

Our land tours typically aim to stay 2 or 3 days on each of these main islands, enough time to enjoy the best of what each one has to offer.

Depending on how much vacation time you have, it’s possible to combine 2 or 3 of these islands as a base, or to enjoy a quick holiday to just one of them.

Happy Gringo offer standard itineraries that past clients have loved, as well as personalized trips with itinerary designed just for you.

Expert advice is a big plus before you book your trip. Ask our team of Galapagos experts to help you compare different land tour itinerary options for your dates of travel, and you’ll be sure to make the best choice.

For more information on itinerary planning, check out How to decide which Galapagos Islands to visit?

Galapagos land trips range from 3-4 up to 10+ days, although the sweat-spot for most visitors is 6-8 days.

Don’t forget, the first and last days at the islands are cut short by the flight schedules, so a 4-day trip ends up as just 2 full days in the middle to enjoy, with short activities on days 1 and 4.

For a more detailed answer, check How many days for Galapagos?

Most days on a Galapagos land tour provides opportunity for wildlife watching, short hikes along designated trails, snorkeling, swimming, and beach time.

For specialist activities, you can also include kayaks, SUP boards, diving, biking, horse-riding, & more into your itinerary.

Of course, you’ll also have plenty of free time in the evenings to dine out, explore boutiques, and sample the local night life. This is a big plus for land tours over cruising.

You’ll typically start the day early with breakfast included at your hotel.

Guided activities may last all day, or just ½ day. It will often be a mix of wildlife watching on land (walking trails, beach time) and in the ocean (swim, snorkeling). All activities are accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide.

You could also have free time incorporated into the day, giving freedom to explore by yourselves.

Every evening you’ll be free to enjoy a sunset cocktail, explore dining choices in town, and relax.

Finally, you can retire to the comfort of your hotel bed, ready for more adventures the following day.

Don’t forget, that on a Galapagos land tour, you can choose the level of activities and adventure that you wish. We’ll help you to customize an itinerary for your pace of travel.

All tourist activity, from hotel accommodation to navigable day tours, ferries, and naturalist tour guides are regulated by the Galapagos National Park Directorate.

This ensures that all Galapagos services meet the required safety standards and have the correct permits in order.

Galapagos land tours typically include the following services:

• Meals: all breakfast from day 2 to the final day + lunch on navigable day tours.
• Accommodation in double or twin rooms with private bathroom.
• Excursions as listed in the itinerary, with a certified naturalist bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
• Transfers from airports and docks to hotels.
• Ferry tickets.
• Use of snorkeling equipment during water activities.

Typical Galapagos cruise exclusions are:

• Galapagos National Park Fee $200pp.
• Transit control card $20pp.
• Flights from mainland Ecuador to/from Galapagos.
• Meals not listed in inclusions.
• Activities not listed in inclusions.
• Airport transfers in Quito or Guayaquil.
• Single room supplement.
• Tips for guides.
• Travel insurance.
• Any other personal expenses.

Happy Gringo uses 4 different Galapagos land tour categories: Backpacker, Standard, Comfortable, and Luxury.

Each category represents differences in hotel stars, and standards of service.

With hundreds of Galapagos travel companies out there, how to sort the wheat from the chaff for your Galapagos Islands vacation?

Research is the key for narrowing your options down and making the right choice.

Important things to look for in the best Galapagos Tour companies:

1. How many years has the company been in business? Look for a company with experience and reputation.

2. What do their clients think of them? Check out reviews on 3rd party sites like Trip Advisor, Trust Pilot, and Google Reviews. What is their average review score? How many reviews in total have they received?

3. How good is their online customer service? Are they responsive and helpful from first contact? If not, this can be a red flag.

4. What range of tours & services do they offer? Are their offerings aligned with your vacation needs?

5. Do they support responsible travel & conservation at the islands? Most Galapagos travel agents make ecological promises, but do they really deliver?

For heaps more useful info, please also check out our Galapagos FAQ page.