How to Get to the Galápagos: Flights, Island Airports and Buffer Days

From the United States, nonstop and one-stop flights reach Quito and Guayaquil, including connections through Miami, Lima and Bogotá. From Australia, the usual routing is to Santiago, then onward to Ecuador, often via Lima.

We normally suggest arriving in mainland Ecuador at least a day before the island flight, with more buffer for a cruise you can't afford to miss. A delay on the long-haul flight then doesn't put the whole trip at risk.

Flying from the US? The Miami to Lima and Los Angeles to Lima route guides cover LATAM's main gateways towards Ecuador.

For LATAM fares, Premium Business and South American connections, see our LATAM Airlines flights guide.

Baltra serves Santa Cruz, the most visited island, while San Cristóbal has its own airport near the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. They aren't interchangeable: a cruise usually starts from one specific airport, and getting between islands takes time.

Flights from Guayaquil take about two hours. Some flights from Quito stop in Guayaquil on the way, so the journey takes longer.

1. 1

   Buy the Transit Control Card online

   Every visitor needs a Transit Control Card. Since 29 May 2025 it has been bought online through the Galápagos Government Council's platform and paid by card (it costs US$20 per person). Print it or save it to your phone.

2. 2

   Complete the biosecurity declaration

   Adults also complete an online biosecurity sworn declaration, which can be submitted up to 48 hours before the flight, and show the QR code on arrival.

3. 3

   Show the card and have bags inspected

   At Quito or Guayaquil airport, present the card at the Galápagos Government Council counter before check-in. Checked bags go through a biosecurity inspection and are sealed; fresh fruit, seeds, plants, soil and most animal products aren't allowed.

4. 4

   Check in for the island flight

   Allow plenty of time: these steps come before the usual check-in and security.

5. 5

   Pay the national park fee on arrival

   The Galápagos National Park entrance fee is paid in cash on arrival at the island airport. Since 1 August 2024 it has been US$200 for international adult visitors, with a reduced fee for children aged 12 and under.

Keep the Transit Control Card for the whole trip; it's checked again on arrival and on departure.

Check baggage on every flight: the long-haul flight, the domestic flight to the islands and any inter-island flights on small aircraft, which can have stricter limits. A separately booked flight to the islands doesn't inherit your international allowance.

The LATAM baggage allowance guide explains bag sizes and what cheaper fares leave out.

How should I plan the flights to the Galápagos?

Choose the island airport around your cruise or accommodation, not just the cheapest flight. Baltra and San Cristóbal aren't interchangeable. We'd normally suggest arriving in mainland Ecuador at least a day before the island flight, with more buffer for a cruise you can't afford to miss.

Any advice for travellers over 55?

Build the trip around what you most want to experience, then give yourself time to enjoy it. Fewer stops, longer stays and a quiet day after a long flight can make the holiday much more comfortable.

We ask about walking distances, stairs and luggage rather than assume what you can manage based on age. For insurance, check cover for every country and activity, cancellation costs, medical treatment and evacuation from remote areas, and disclose medical conditions accurately.

• Island airport confirmed with the cruise or hotel
• Arrival in mainland Ecuador at least a day before the island flight
• Transit Control Card bought online and biosecurity declaration submitted
• Time allowed at the mainland airport for the card check and bag inspection
• Baggage allowance checked on every flight, including inter-island flights
• Cash ready for the national park fee (US$200 per international adult)
• Travel insurance covering remote-area medical treatment and evacuation