It is true that traveling to the Galapagos islands can be more expensive than going to other destinations in South America. However, there are many ways to explore these beautiful islands on a budget and experience everything it has to offer.
Here are a few trips to visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget:
- Find Cheap Flight Tickets
When booking your flight, make sure to look for tickets with the lowest prices. If you book in advance, it will help you get a cheaper deal. Additionally, you can also find overnight flights or flights with multiple layovers as they will cost less, no matter when you get the tickets.
It is recommended you fly direct from Guayaquil instead of Quito because it will help you get a much better deal.
- Book Last Minute Cruises
Unlike plane tickets, some cruises might offer last-minute vacancies that may cost a lot less. Undoubtedly, booking a cruise to Galapagos is not as inexpensive as a land-based trip. However, if you want to experience the crystal clear blue water of the islands, then there is nothing better than booking a cruise.
- Get Cheap Accommodation
For prices between $15 and $50 per night, you will easily find hostels and hotels in Galapagos with full hot water baths, private rooms, air-conditioning, and internet access. Most of the cheap accommodations are usually located further away from the beaches, but there are still some that offer beach view and transportation services to main attractions in Galapagos.
- Make Use of Public Transportation
You will get fantastic transportation services in Ecuador. So if you plan to stop at Guayaquil or Quito before touring Galapagos Islands, you can make use of buses or taxis to explore these cities.
Bus fares usually cost around 25 cents, and if you take a taxi, it will cost you between $5 to $10 to get from one place to the other. Just make sure where you are going before taking any of the public transportation. Also, do not carry a lot of cash or expensive items with you when traveling around the cities.
- Get Cheap Food at Local Places
Several elegant restaurants in Galapagos serve gourmet meals, but it can really affect your budget and raise the overall cost of your trip. Therefore, instead of dining at fancy resorts and restaurants on the islands, you should consider eating at local restaurants or cafes. These places surprisingly offer delicious food at lower prices.
- Enjoy Free Activities
Apart from the jaw-dropping snorkeling sites, Galapagos has a lot to offer. It has several hiking trails surrounded by nature, where you can find several endemic land species like marine and land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea-lions.
If you are interested to learn more about the biology, history, and ecology of the Galapagos Islands, you can visit Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Other than that, you can participate in activities like biking, kayaking, exploring volcanoes, and more. Some of these activities may have a small amount of rental fees.
With careful planning and by following the tips mentioned above, you can definitely travel to Galapagos on a budget and get an experience of a lifetime. Also, planning ahead and a little bit of research before your trip can help you to balance your budget and save tons of money.