Located over 500 miles, or a 2 hour flight from Ecuador mainland, is one of the most well preserved islands on our Earth. Wildlife are taken with extra care and actually roam free around the archipelago amongst humans who cannot neither touch them or feed them.

This trip is sure to be a special one on your bucket list just from how much you are in touch with nature, whether that’s by seeing sea lions crossing the road or by feeling the heat of the holes on Sierra Negra active volcano.

@yogirl_rin A day in the life ✨Galápagos edition✨ #galapagos #sealions #ArbysDiabloDare ♬ Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) – Edison Lighthouse

Here’s what you need to know:

There are no direct flights to the islands outside of Ecuador so you will have to plan around its capital, Guayaquil or Quito.

Make sure to have enough United States Dollar cash on you as you will need it to get access to the archipelago and everyday expenses because it is not common to pay by card.

• $20 Transit Control Card, which you can get at the airport in Guayaquil before boarding
• $100 National Park entry fee
• $ pocket money for daily expenses*

* Ideally you want to have lots of $1 and $5 bills as $20 is already considered as a “big bill” and not common there – For instance, you pay up to $1 for a taxi boat to go from one island to another and the same amount if you take a taxi on land

The main language is Spanish but lots of their tours are done in English so you shouldn’t have any communication problems as it is a place used to tourists due to the wild variety of biodiversity they have.

With Galapagos being close to the Equator, the sun will more often than not be out, so don’t forget your SPF and a pair of sunglasses.

There are two types of accommodation you can do there, either on land with hotels and Airbnb or liveaboard boats through cruises, and expedition boats, allowing you to immerse yourself in the aquatic environment with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

By choosing the latter option you will get opportunities to visit remote places where you will be able to snorkel or dive, all of this whilst island hopping.

By choosing the first option, you will immerse yourself with the locals in the area as well as see up close birds, iguanas, sea lions, geckos, and tortoises, including endemic species, which means species that can only be found in that area.

@soleq.travel 🌊 🐧 Discover the grace and joy of the charming Galapagos penguins as we explore their natural habitat. 🏝️🌈 A unique experience that will transport you to a world of aquatic wonders! 🤿🎥 #galapagosnature #swimwithpenguins #galapagostravel #galapagosdiscover ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic

Want to know more about the Galapagos islands? Read the itinerary recommended by a local here!