Hi, this is AroundMeTrip!
Have you ever thought, “The Galápagos Islands must be super expensive…”?
In 2025, I actually spent 7 days traveling solo around the Galápagos Islands.
With just one backpack, I aimed for a comfortable, budget-conscious trip without pushing myself too hard.
In this article, I’ll break down the total cost of the trip and detailed expenses by category.
I’ll also share essential tips you need to know, such as how to get to the islands and the entry procedures you can’t afford to miss.
I’ve included real numbers and honest personal experiences to help anyone considering a trip to the Galápagos.
I hope this will be a useful resource for your future adventure!
- My Travel Style
- What Is the Galápagos Like? Where Is It?
- 📝 Pre-Departure Preparation for the Galápagos Islands
- ✈️ Airport Procedure (Baggage Check and Payment)
- How to Get to the Galápagos from Japan (My Route)
- 💰 Real Cost Breakdown: 7 Days in the Galápagos Islands
- 🚗 Transportation Costs in the Galápagos
- 🏨 Accommodation Costs
- 🍽️ Food Costs
- 🐢 Activity Costs (Tours and Entry Fees)
- 📱 Communication Costs (SIM Cards & Wi-Fi)
- 🎁 Other Expenses (Souvenirs, Miscellaneous)
- 🧳 Solo Female Travel Tips & Impressions
- 🌟 Final Thoughts
My Travel Style
What Is the Galápagos Like? Where Is It?
🐢 Basic Information About the Galápagos Islands
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Language: Spanish
The Galápagos Islands (Islas Galápagos) are a volcanic archipelago located about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of mainland Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean.
The islands are officially part of Ecuador and are famously known as the place where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.
The Galápagos Islands are home to many unique and endemic species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. You can see Galápagos giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, and the iconic blue-footed boobies living freely in their natural habitats.In 1997, the Galápagos Islands were designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Although they are a popular tourist destination, the islands are also known for their strict environmental protection rules to preserve their unique ecosystem.
🏝️ Main Islands to Stay On
- Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora)
The most developed island for tourism, with many tour options and accommodations available. - San Cristóbal Island (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)
The capital of the Galápagos province is located here. It’s easily accessible and has an airport. - Isabela Island
Known for its abundant, untouched nature and a slightly more local atmosphere.
I stayed on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristóbal Island during this trip!I also joined a day tour to Isabela Island, so I was able to enjoy all three major islands in a well-balanced way. 😊
📝 Pre-Departure Preparation for the Galápagos Islands
🚪 Entry Requirements for the Galápagos
To enter the Galápagos Islands, you must obtain a Transit Control Card (TCT).
There is often a line at the TCT counter, so make sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure.
📋 What You Need at the TCT Counter
- Passport
- Flight information (both arrival and return flights)
- Length of stay
- Accommodation details
- Registration fee: $20 USD (cash only)
✈️ Airport Procedure (Baggage Check and Payment)
At the airport, there is a special baggage inspection area exclusively for Galápagos travelers.
The procedure:
- Purchase the TCT card
- Pass the baggage inspection
- Proceed to airline check-in
Once this is complete, you’re all set for your flight!
🖊️ Declaration Form on the Plane
During the flight, you will receive a declaration form to fill out.
This form is available on the plane.
💵 Entry Fee at the Galápagos Airport
Upon arrival at the Galápagos airport, you must pay a $200 USD entry fee at the immigration counter.
❗️Note: Cash only! Credit cards are not accepted.
Submit:
- The TCT card
- The entry fee receipt
- The completed declaration form
After these steps, welcome to the Galápagos Islands!
💡 Important Tip:
Make sure to keep your TCT card stub—you will need it when leaving the islands.
How to Get to the Galápagos from Japan (My Route)
🗺️ My Travel Route
Departure from Japan
- Japan → Ecuador (Quito)
- Transit: United States and Colombia
Outbound Flight
- Quito (UIO) → San Cristóbal Island (SCY)
- Flight transfer in Guayaquil
During the Trip
- San Cristóbal Island → Santa Cruz Island
- Travel by ferry
Return Flight
- Santa Cruz Island (GPS – Baltra Airport) → Guayaquil (GYE)
- From Guayaquil, I continued on to Peru
✨ Key Points for Traveling to the Galápagos
To enter the Galápagos Islands, you must first enter mainland Ecuador.
There are two airports in Ecuador with flights to the Galápagos:
- Quito: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
- Guayaquil: José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
✈️ Guayaquil has more flights to the Galápagos than Quito.
There are two airports in the Galápagos Islands:
- San Cristóbal Island: San Cristóbal Airport (SCY)
- Santa Cruz Island: Baltra Airport (GPS)
💡 Pro Tip:
San Cristóbal Airport is more convenient for travelers because you can walk to the city center from the airport.
💰 Real Cost Breakdown: 7 Days in the Galápagos Islands
💸 How Much Did I Actually Spend?
The total cost for this 7-day trip was…
👉 $1,070 USD
That’s about 153 USD per day.
Note:
This total does not include flights from Japan
🚗 Transportation Costs in the Galápagos
✈️ Flights
- Quito → San Cristóbal Island: 131.85 USD
- Santa Cruz Island (Baltra Airport) → Guayaquil: 154.6 USD
🛥️ Ferries
- San Cristóbal Island → Santa Cruz Island: 30 USD
- Water taxi (from dock to ferry): 1 USD
Don’t Forget About Water Taxi Fees!
In the Galápagos, water taxis are essential!
You’ll need to use them to get from the dock to the ferry.
1 USD per ride, paid on the boat directly.
🏨 Accommodation Costs
Total Accommodation Cost: 163.7 USD
- San Cristóbal Island: 64.70 USD
3 nights via Airbnb - Santa Cruz Island: 99 USD
3 nights at a hotel : Flightless cormorant
🍽️ Food Costs
Total Food Cost: 126 USD
Average per day: 18 USD
・Lunch Set: From $7 USD
・Dinner: From $20 USD
Although Ecuador is relatively expensive compared to other South American countries, the Galápagos is even more expensive since it’s a major tourist destination.
That said, you can still find affordable items like fruit and bread at local supermarkets, bakeries, and pharmacies.
For example:
- 2 pomegranates + juice = $3.50 USD (approx. ¥525 JPY)
🐢 Activity Costs (Tours and Entry Fees)
Total Activity Cost: 350 USD
- Galápagos National Park Entry Fee: 200 USD
- Transit Control Card (TCT): 20 USD
- Inter-island Entry Fee: 10 USD
- Isabela Island Tour: 120 USD
There are many amazing tours in the Galápagos!
Snorkeling, shark watching, giant tortoise visits—so many must-see spots. I highly recommend joining at least one.
I booked my tour at a local tour desk on the island (English OK!).
Local booking is often cheaper than booking online in advance.
📱 Communication Costs (SIM Cards & Wi-Fi)
Total Communication Cost: 21 USD
- 20GB / 30 Days with Movistar
Purchased at a large shopping mall on the Ecuadorian mainland
Worked perfectly in the Galápagos!
In reality, 3GB is more than enough for a short stay.
I chose this SIM card because it was cheaper than eSIM options.
🎁 Other Expenses (Souvenirs, Miscellaneous)
- Souvenirs: 24 USD
- Other: 7.54 USD (ATM withdrawal fees)
I bought six souvenirs in total.
One special find: Galápagos postage stamps!
These stamps can only be used for mail sent directly from the Galápagos Islands—they’re super cute and make great souvenirs!
Cash is essential in the Galápagos!
There are plenty of ATMs available, but since small change is often used, it’s a good idea to carry coins.
🧳 Solo Female Travel Tips & Impressions
🔒 Safety: Very Good ◎
The Galápagos Islands felt very safe throughout my trip.
The local people were relaxed and friendly—I even saw families taking evening walks together.
🗣️ Language: English is Widely Understood
Since it’s a popular tourist destination, many restaurants and shops can communicate in English.
Of course, knowing a little Spanish will make your trip even smoother!
🎒 Luggage: Backpack-Only Travel is Totally Fine
As long as you pack for the heat and plan to do some laundry, you can travel light with just a backpack.
💵 Money: Cash is King
Cash is essential on the islands!
There are ATMs available, but the withdrawal fees are quite high.
💡 I recommend withdrawing extra cash while you’re still on the mainland.
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment or share it with your friends!
Comment