There are no direct international flights to the Galápagos — every visitor connects through mainland Ecuador. Here’s exactly how to plan the flight, choose the right airport, and know what to expect when you land.
There’s no direct international service to the Galápagos — every visitor, no exceptions, connects through mainland Ecuador first. You’ll fly domestically from either Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO). Guayaquil is the shorter hop — around 1.5 hours — and most Quito-originating flights stop in Guayaquil to refuel and swap passengers before continuing on, so budget extra time if you’re flying from the capital.
Buy your Galápagos Tourist Control Transit Card (TCT) online before traveling to the Galápagos Islands.
Fil your TCT Card Here
Travelers to the Galápagos Islands can complete the required digital goods declaration before their trip using the online QR code.
If you have not done declaration online, or problem with payment you can buy the Galápagos Tourist Control Transit Card (TCT) at counter before traveling to the Galápagos Islands.
Luggage inspection at the airport helps protect the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. Before this you are requested to have online declaration
Self-service baggage check at Guayaquil and Quito Airport, an important step for travelers flying to the Galápagos Islands. When you have this you can drop the at airline counter.
Biosecurity Fumigation on flight before landing.
Pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee
At the airport, you will pay the conservation entrance fee for the protected areas of Galápagos:
CAN includes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. MERCOSUR includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
You will need the online declaration form perviously fill here.
All bags pass through the Galápagos biosecurity checkpoint, where luggage is inspected to help protect the islands from invasive pests and diseases.
A trained biosecurity dog checks travelers’ luggage at the Galápagos airport before passengers collect their bags.
If you’re island-hopping on a land-based itinerary, public inter-island ferries connect Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela daily — a budget-friendly option alongside guided day tours and cruise transport. Crossings can be choppy, so motion-sickness tablets are worth packing regardless of how you get around.
Tell us your base island and dates, and we’ll help you plan the right route in and out.
No — all Galápagos flights are domestic connections from mainland Ecuador, departing from either Guayaquil or Quito (which typically routes through Guayaquil).
Visitors pay a $200 Galápagos National Park entry fee and a $20 INGALA transit control card, both in cash — the transit card is issued before departure at the mainland airport.
Choose based on your base island: Baltra for Santa Cruz-based trips and most cruises, San Cristóbal for trips based in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — it sits directly in town with no ferry transfer needed.
Planning a Galápagos trip can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you choose the right cruise or island-hopping experience based on your interests, travel style, dates, and budget.
Tell us about your travel plans, and we’ll create a personalized Galápagos itinerary tailored to your interests, travel dates, and budget.
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