For those who enjoy truly unique wildlife and would like a glimpse of the world as Charles Darwin saw it, the Galapagos Islands are an ideal vacation destination.

When to Visit

December is considered to be the best time of the year to visit the Galapagos Islands. The weather is controlled by the ocean currents, and normally June through December is when a cold current causes cool, moist fog to hang over the ocean, which creates a cool, but dry climate on land. December through June is typically the hot, humid, rainy season. During the month of December, as the weather begins to shift, the wind has less force, the ocean is calm, and currents are changing, just beginning to bring in the warm breezes from Panama. These weather conditions make December a prime month to schedule a vacation here. It is also when travel expenses are at their highest.

Getting to the Galapagos Islands

Although there is an airport on the island of Santa Cruz and another on Isla Baltra, it is a very expensive trip to make. Visitors who decide to fly to one of the islands should check their itinerary closely. It is possible – in fact, it is likely – that tourists will arrive in one island airport, but depart from the other.

Puerto Ayra is a port for cruise ships, both research and commercial. Many visitors to the islands decide to arrive by this method. Also, to travel between the islands, tourists will use ferry boats.

Economic Considerations

Ecuador, and hence the Galapagos Islands, uses the U.S. dollar as its currency, so visitors from the United States will not need to worry about exchanging their money. And tourists should plan to carry cash. There is a $100 fee to enter the Galapagos Islands. The ferryboat crews and tour guides expect to be tipped. There are also fees for various attractions and city fees.

General Tips for the Traveler

Access on the islands is strictly regulated. There are only 50 sites open for visits from tourists. The rest of the island lands are closed to visitors in order to protect the wildlife.

The sun is brutal on the Galapagos Islands, so tourists will need to use plenty of sunscreen. Because personal items and things like batteries and film are outrageously expensive, tourists will want to make sure they are well supplied before coming to the islands. Also bring plenty of bottled water as water supplies may be limited during some excursions.