The easiest way to reach the Galapagos is a short flight from either Quito or Guayaquil international airports in Ecuador. These flights, operated by domestic carriers Aerogal and TAME, land at an airport on Isla Baltra. From there visitors take a one-hour public ferry to Puerto Ayora, on the island of Santa Cruz. There is another small airstrip on the island of San Cristobal. Flights are slightly more expensive from Quito. After arriving, travelers can navigate on their own by taking public passenger boats that call at the islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela. Tickets can be bought with an open return date, allowing the visitor to explore the islands at leisure.
Santa Cruz provides the most convenient base from which to explore the Galapagos. There are plentiful hotels available, as well as tour companies that organize group visits. Most visitors choose to join one of the boat tours of the islands. These tours should be booked well in advance of arrival. The "outer" islands of Fernandina, Isabela and Genovesa offer the most diverse and interesting wildlife but are more difficult to visit. By park regulations, visitors can land only during the daylight hours. Many private tour companies offer "island hopping" packages that bring visitors to several islands over a number of days. There are also dive tours, camping expeditions and a variety of sport activities such as mountain biking, kayaking and snorkeling. Several cruise ships call at Puerto Ayora, remaining a few days and allowing their passengers plenty of time to explore.
For all visitors to the Galapagos, there is a park entry fee. Park rules require you to visit with a guide and to remain with the guide and on the marked trails at all times. The highlights of the Galapagos for nature lovers include the Darwin Foundation research station on Puerto Ayora, the penguin colony on Isabela, a giant tortoise breeding center on Santa Cruz and a visit to a sea lion colony, either on foot or by snorkeling.
The weather in the Galapagos, which lie along the equator, is constant all year long. The best time to visit is during summer and fall, when the weather is cooler, rainfall brings lush vegetation to the mountainsides, and wildlife abounds---giant tortoises, humpback whales, penguins, iguanas, sea lions, cormorants, finches, boobies and many other species, all of which are not yet shy of human visitors. The months from January through May are the warm season, with higher daytime temperatures and less frequent rain.
