Your Galapagos Budget Vacation

A world-renowned archipelago, home to some of the most unique life in the world, but too expensive, right? One of the best-kept secrets in the Galapagos Islands is that they are the perfect affordable holiday vacation – all you need is a little time for planning! Below, we have gathered some tips to help organize your dream Galapagos vacation so you can afford to come back for more!

Consider All Your Options

An important step when planning budget vacations is taking the time to consider what you are looking for and planning accordingly. Think about what type of lodging you want and what level of convenience you are willing to sacrifice to enjoy unparalleled beauty. There are plenty of affordable lodging options throughout the islands with all of the necessary amenities, such as hot water, comfortable beds, and internet access. They may just be located slightly farther from the center of town, for example. Land-based hotels are generally the more cost-effective option. Nevertheless, it is always worth keeping an eye out for deals on cruises with your favorite tour companies. Oddly enough, cruise prices tend to drop closer to the departure date to fill last-minute vacancies. 

Give Yourself Time

Start planning your Galapagos vacation well ahead of time. This will allow you to do the research you need to piece together your dream vacation. We recommend buying your plane tickets at least six months in advance. Flights get significantly more expensive the closer to the date you get, so you will want to give yourself enough time to search for a great deal comfortably.

Go During the Off-Season

Ecuador is known for being a land of eternal spring. Mating and migration periods vary between species, which means there is no wrong time to go to the Galapagos Islands. Nevertheless, there are certainly off-seasons for tourists depending on the time of year. Look to plan your trip between April and June, or September and December, when fewer tourists visit the islands, and prices tend to be quite a bit lower. However, regardless of when you go, the Galapagos Islands will be sure to amaze you with some of the most significant evolutionary miracles nature has to offer.

Avoid Intermediaries

A great way to save on costs is to avoid the middle man and book directly with tour companies and/or hotels. Most tourism companies can be found in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the largest towns in the Galapagos. These companies offer a variety of day trips and can provide you with guidance on island-hopping to help you take advantage of as much of the archipelago as possible!

On that note, there are also plenty of activities you can do in the Galapagos Islands for free, or at least affordably. The larger islands have multiple hiking paths for visitors to explore, as well as visiting sites such as the Charles Darwin Research Station. Santa Cruz Island has a wealth of day trips from the town, including biking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring the world’s largest pit craters. Additionally, don’t forget the possibility of just lounging on the archipelago´s stunning beaches!

Take Advantage of Ecuador’s Local Food

Ecuadorians are well known for their excellent cuisine. The country’s traditional recipes have been honed to perfection in grandmothers’ kitchens, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. While pricier restaurants can certainly leave your mouth watering for more, don’t underestimate a $4.00 almuerzo from the lunch menu, which is often just as delicious. However, you may want to be careful with fresh vegetables and water- the bacteria can be hard on stomachs that aren’t accustomed to the region’s food.