The Galapagos are very famous islands due to the well-known scholar Charles Darwin . In fact, on this island, the English intellectual studied the local fauna and drew the basis for formulating his theory of evolution. However, in addition to this event of high historical value, the Galapagos Islands are also known for their natural beauty and enchanting landscapes. Admiring the local fauna and flora is truly an incredible sight . Not surprisingly, thousands of tourists decide to spend their holidays in the Galapagos. It is therefore necessary to do an in-depth analysis regarding this location, in order to discover everything that is important to know.
Travel informed: useful information
- Inhabitants : 29,200
- Capital : Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
- Languages : Spanish
- Local currency : US dollar (€ 1.00 = 1.14 USD)
- Climate : arid tropical climate, medium-high temperatures
- Vaccinations : no compulsory vaccinations
- Entry requirements : passport and return ticket
- Distance from Italy : 11,162 km (12-15 hours of flight)
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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Where they are
The Galapagos Islands are located in South America. Precisely, these islands are parallel to the nation of Ecuador. Politically, the Galapagos also belong to Ecuador .
How to get
- From Milan or Rome : there are no direct flights from Italy to the Galapagos. All flights from Italy stop in different cities. It is usually advisable to take a flight with the company KLM or Air France, make a stopover in a European capital and then leave for the island of Baltra or the island of San Cristobal
flights from Rome starting from € 1,034.00 – flights from Milan starting from € 941.00 - From the main European capitals : to reach the Galapagos it is good to leave from Amsterdam or Paris. Starting from these European cities it is possible to reach the destination after about 15 hours of flight. Available flights are operated by airlines such as Air France, KLM or even Lufthansa
When to go
Info on climate and best period
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January 23/29 ° 9 days / 50 mm
February 23/30 ° 6 days / 65 mm
March 23/30 ° 5 days / 85 mm
April 23 / 30th 4th day / 35 mm
May 22nd / 29th 3rd day / 16 mm
June 21st / 27th 1st day / 2mm
July 19th / 25th 3rd day / 4mm
August 19th / 24th 4th day / 5 mm
September 18/24 ° 6 days / 7 mm
October 19/25 ° 6 days / 7 mm
November 20/26 ° 4 days / 5 mm
December 21/27 ° 10 days / 7 mm
- Climate : tropical and arid, temperatures fluctuate around an average of 26 ° degrees and rainfall is scarce throughout the year. In detail, the average rainfall in a calendar year is 61 days / 288 mm. The sea temperature is around an average of 23 °.
- Best time : January to April. This season is called the humid or hot season. The temperature drops but stays on acceptable levels. Rainfall decreases and you can enjoy a great stay.
- Period to avoid : May to December, in this period rainfall is frequent but still acceptable. In addition, a cold southeast wind blows which can make your stay unpleasant.
- Advice : it is good to bring spring clothes in your suitcase. In addition, it is necessary to have the necessary sun protection and particularly comfortable footwear to tackle the paths of the islands. Finally, it is possible to bring with you everything you need dedicated to a beach holiday.
Which island to go to
The Galapagos is an archipelago made up of 13 islands. These islands are divided into 7 called Major and 6 others called Minor. However, the three main islands are:
- San Cristobal : perhaps what can be defined as the main island of the South American archipelago. On this island there is the Galapagos airport and also the most important city center, namely Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The island of San Cristobal is so called because it was dedicated to the figure of Christopher Columbus.
- Isabela : this is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. On the island it is possible to find exceptional specimens unique in the world, such as the well-known Darwin’s finches. The highest point of this island is the Wolf volcano, which is about 1,700 meters high above the sea level.
- Baltra : island on which there is the second most important airport of the Galapagos Islands. The origin of the name of this island is not certain, but it is believed to derive from some native word of the Ecuadorian territory.
10 things to see: beaches and places of interest
- Charles Darwin Research Center : A must for anyone visiting the Galapagos. Located on the island of Santa Cruz, this research center displays insights and studies related to the unique species of these islands. The little ones will love this place.
- Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center : this unique center in the world allows you to see the wonderful giant tortoises up close. Several species living in their natural habitat are contained within the center.
- Pinnacle Rock : very nice beach where it is possible to swim with the penguins. A magnificent experience that is certainly unforgettable.
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno : main center of the South American islands. Visiting this place can fully breathe the atmosphere of life that reigns on the island. The town is also lively and carefree.
- Albany Islet : dive site located on the island of Santiago. At this point it is also possible to snorkel and visit the seabed. Santiago is the only island where you can also admire the wonderful endemic sea lions.
- Sierra Negra : a huge volcano on the island of Isabela. Tourists and adventurers generally enjoy walking the trekking trails in the company of experienced local guides.
- Red Sand Beach : a fabulous red beach located on the island of Rabida. The wonderful optical effect that this place creates is exceptionally beautiful. Furthermore, this place is the common meeting point of the well-known sea lions of the Galapagos.
- Punta Suarez : another mandatory stop for those visiting the Galapagos. This place is located on the island of Espanola and is a strategic point for those who want to closely admire sea lions, iguanas, albatrosses and other amazing specimens.
- Gardner Bay : another enchanted place that is always found on the island of Espanola. Gardner Bay is ideal for those who want to indulge in a little relaxation, relaxing on what is commonly considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago.
- Cormorant Point : Bird watchers and explorers should definitely not miss this magnificent spot. Cormorant Point is a place where it is possible to admire pink flamingos and other species of birds of breathtaking beauty.
What to do in the Galapagos: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in the Galapagos cost
Prices, offers and advice
A holiday in the Galapagos has an extremely high cost . It should be noted that compared to a few years ago, due to the growing fame of these islands, the costs have risen to reach dizzying peaks. To date, on a double basis, the cost of a flight + hotel package is around 2,000 euros per person . To this must be added the high value of local tours, excursions and guides, who offer their services at a high price. You should only plan a trip to these wonderful islands if you have a substantial economic budget . But it is worth visiting the Galapagos
If you love nature and animals then it is a journey that you absolutely must do: it will remain etched in the mind but above all in the heart .
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 49.00 per room – see the offers
- Low cost flights: starting from € 1,037.00 – look at the offers
- Flight + hotel: Round trip flight + stay 15 days / 14 nights in a 3-star hotel or b & b starting from € 2.809,00 – look at the offers
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