Within the Islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz and San
Cristobal, you can get around by bus and on the last two islands,
by taxi or car. On the Islands of Santa Maria, Isabela, Santa Cruz
and San Cristobal, there are boats that circulate and can be independently
contracted. Below we describe how to get from the international airport
to the city of Puerto Ayora to find lodging and food.
By land - sea
From the Airport on Baltra, if you are traveling on your own,
take a public bus with the sign of "Muelle" (Dock). This will take
you to the port in 10 minutes from where you can take a ferry to Santa
Cruz Island. The crossing will take only 10 minutes. From there you
can take a bus to Puerto Ayora (45 minutes). During the trip you can
see the mountains that are found in the interior of Santa Cruz and
the bizzare vegetation. The ferry that goes to Santa Cruz and the
bus to Puerto Ayora are synchronized so that the traveler doesn't
lose time waiting. The transport in general (bus/ ferry / bus) costs
$2.50 and you can buy a ticket at the office that is found near the
airport. This trip is always crammed with people.
By air
The airline EMETEBE (Puerto Ayora: 062 526 177 - San Cristóbal:
062 520 036 - Puerto Villamil: 062 529 155 - Guayaquil: 042 292 492)
travels around the Islands with 5 passengers. It offers from two to
three flights during the week between the island of Baltra and Isabela,
between Baltra and San Cristobal, and between San Cristobal and Puerto
Villamil. The one-way trip costs $120.00 and you are only allowed
13 kg in luggage weight per person.
Remember that when you get to the airport, you have to pay $100.00
in cash which is the entrance tax for the National Park. You cannot
leave the airport without paying this amount.
By boat
Ingala (Puerto Ayora: 062 526 151, 062 526 199) operates ferries
that travel from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal three times a week; from
Santa Cruz to Isabela two times a month; and once a month from Isabela
to Floreana. The office for tourist information, CAPTUR, in Puerto
Ayora can give you information about the exact days that the Ingala
II sails, departure days change constantly. The cost of the ticket
is $50.00 and you buy it the same day of departure. For greater security,
ask the port captain about times and destinations of the Ingala II.
There are also other boats that now offer day trips to nearby islands
from Puerto Ayora. Check at your hotel or at any of the travel agencies.
One island worth visiting is Plaza Sur which is a 90 minute boat ride
away.
Where to Stay
Galapagos
Hotels and Ecolodges
