Galapagos, Ecuador

Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador

Galapagos means nature to most people.

The sights of wild animals, especially those near the ocean, fill the mind with beauty and a feeling of freshness.

One example: my hotel was located near a Flamingo habitat. They were found every day, nearly any time of day. I could go there and just watch them and smile. Sometimes there were 5 or 6 of them, just standing there. Lovely and especially memorable.

https://www.galapagos.org/travel/planning-a-trip/#journey

How much does it cost to go here?

It’s expensive. 

You can book a guided tour for a few or even several thousand dollars if you want to have it all planned for you. That is what several people I know did, and it was a great trip.

I did it on a low budget, which meant I experienced some travel hiccups and disappointments, but I acknowledged them and learned from them.

If you are a Step 5 traveler, you will manage fine. The more advanced you are, the more you can accomplish on your own. My flights from Quito were under $200 each way. To exit the airport, you will need $200 cash, plus an additional $20 fee in Quito. Hotels vary from low-end at $100 to much more, depending on your needs. Taxis are abundant and not expensive. You won’t likely be renting a car.

Arriving in Galapagos Airport

Is it safe? Yes, this is a very safe country. I found no safety issues of any kind. I did not go out at night, though. I was an early riser, rising with the sun, and I went to sleep early each night to make the most of my experience.

What about mobility?

The islands are not built for wheelchair friendly travelers. Getting on and off boats, walking on sand and gravel, and other obstacles make this not a great destination if you have this concern. 

Isabella Island May 2025

Isabella island

Let’s take a deep dive here: 

The Galapagos Islands were the highlight of Ecuador, but getting there was a challenge. You had to take a plane, then a bus, then a boat, then a taxi, and then another boat for 2 1/2 hours, before finally arriving at a dock. Each one of these required a fee it took approximately eight hours to get there and back, so you don’t wanna just go for a few days. The cost was steep; however, my highlight was the tour of the tunnels, where I learned more about the volcanoes. I then had the opportunity to swim with sea turtles and friendly sharks on a guided day tour. And yes, we saw blue-footed boobies.

I stayed in a family-run hostel/hotel called Bar de Beto. They also invited me to join them on their paid taxi so that I could help cover the bill, and we went to a national cave park. We also explored several other parts of the island that I never would have seen on my own. My island was called Isabella. One day, I rented and I rode a bike all the way to the tip of the island, where there was a wall of stacked stones built by inmates and prisoners, and many of them died while there in this encampment, it closed in 1959. 

My hostel, Bar de Beto, steps from the ocean.

I went swimming along the beach and got bitten by a few wasps. My last day I woke up very early, waiting for my taxi. Still, it didn’t come, so I walked from the hotel to the dock, about a mile away. I got lost, and there was nobody to ask for directions in the dark. However, it was early morning, and I started the day off poorly, but it got better.

Smart Move and Slip-up pairings

Is the bus or the taxi the best choice? I just landed and did not know the answer.

I slipped up and chose the cheap one, the bus. However, in Galapagos, no buses were running. Only taxis. I figured this out after I paid for the bus, and they said, “Just wait here.”

It was an outdoor boat arrival depot. 

This was chaotic. I wanted to get to the other side of the island to catch a ferry. I still needed to buy a seat to Isabella Island, and there was only one boat going there today. My timing was critical.

A few minutes later, I got another woman to join me in the taxi. She ended up not paying her share, so I had to make up the difference. However, I later found out that the bus never did run. So it was the best choice. I made the boat!