1.Entry Requirements – What You Gotta Have
- Valid passport (or national ID for CAN/Mercosur citizens), valid for at least 6 months.
- Visa? Most nationalities don’t need one to visit Ecuador as a tourist — check just in case!
- Round-trip flights and hotel bookings are a must — officials may ask to see them.
- Pre-registration form (TCT): Fill it out online at least 48 hours before your flight, or do it at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil.
- Transit Control Card (TCT): $20, required to board your flight to Galápagos. You’ll go through an inspection too, to make sure you’re not bringing anything invasive.
2. Galápagos Entry Fees (Bring Cash!)
National Park entrance fee:
Foreign tourists 12 and older: $200
Kids under 12: $100
CAN/Mercosur citizens: $100 adults / $50 kids
Pay it in cash at the airport when you land in Galápagos.
3. Step-by-Step: Flying to Galápagos from Quito
Arrive at Quito Airport.
Do the TCT process if you haven’t already online. It takes a few minutes.
Pay $20, get your Transit Card, and go through the special baggage inspection (they’re strict!).
Land in Baltra or San Cristóbal, pay your National Park fee, and hop on your way to the islands.
4. FAQ We See All the Time on Facebook (Yep, we stalked the groups)
“How much do I pay to enter Galápagos?”
“Where do I get the transit card?”
“Can I stay longer than 60 days?”
“Do I have to book everything in advance?”
You can only stay 60 days max per year as a tourist in Galápagos.
You can’t extend it. If you do, you’ll get into trouble — fines or worse.
All bags are checked before your flight to protect the fragile ecosystem. No fresh fruit, seeds, or sneaky pets.
5. Should You Stay in Quito Before or After Galápagos?
Absolutely — you’d be crazy not to!
Staying a couple of nights in Quito’s Historic Center is so worth it:
Walkable streets full of culture, cool cafes, and stunning churches.
Great way to chill and adjust before heading to island life.
Super close to where you handle your Galápagos transit paperwork.
Have more time? Do day trips to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Otavalo, Baños, or Mindo — it’s all nearby.
And the perfect place to stay?
Boutique Hotel in Quito Casona 1914.
Cozy, charming, and right in the heart of the old town. Plus, we’ll help you sort out your Galápagos plans and hook you up with local trips.
6. Side Trips You Can’t Miss (If You’ve Got the Time)
| Spot | Time Needed | Why It’s Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Cotopaxi | 1 day | Volcano, national park, epic views |
| Quilotoa | 1 day | Crater lake, hiking, kayaking |
| Otavalo | 1 day | Indigenous markets, culture everywhere |
| Baños | 1 day | Hot springs, waterfalls, adventure stuff |
| Mindo | 1 day | Cloud forest, butterflies, ziplining |
Easy day trips from Quito. Worth every minute.
7. Why Stay with Us at Casona 1914?
Because we’re not just another place to sleep.
We’re a boutique hotel in Quito with loads of history and a local feel.
We’ll help with Galápagos paperwork and give solid tips for your trip.
Want to explore Ecuador mainland? We’ve got your back: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Otavalo — we’ll set it up.
You can store your luggage here while you’re in Galápagos.
Plus, the coffee’s pretty damn good
Final Word
If you’re heading to Galápagos, here’s the checklist:
Passport (and visa if needed)
Round-trip flights and hotel booked
TCT form and $20 fee
$200 in cash for the Park
And a comfy base in Quito — that’s where we come in.
From Baltra Airport to Itabaca Channel:
The Lobito shuttle bus costs $5 per person, according to the company Ecogal.
From Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island (crossing):
You’ll take a ferry (barge) across the channel — it costs just $1 per person, also per Ecogal.
From Itabaca Channel to Puerto Ayora (main town on Santa Cruz):
You can catch a public bus for $2.50 or take a taxi for around $25, depending on your preference and budget (prices via Ecogal).
If you’re traveling with a tour agency, they’ll be waiting for you right at the airport and will guide you through everything — transportation, tickets, and all the logistics. It’s a super smooth experience, especially if it’s your first time on the islands.
Stay at Boutique Hotel in Quito Casona 1914, and make your Ecuador adventure smooth, beautiful, and unforgettable.
We’re waiting for you.
read more: https://galapagos.gob.ec/tributo-de-ingreso/