Top 4 Tips for Planning a Trip to the Galapagos Islands

Is visiting the Galapagos Islands your dream vacation?  Before making the journey to these historic and unique islands, you probably have some questions and most definitely have some decisions to make to ensure your vacation lives up to your expectations.

First, a little history:

The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are a chain of 19 islands and dozens of islets.  It was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.  Largely untouched until the 1900s, the Galapagos thrived and developed its own ecosystem of plants and animals.  What brought it to the world's attention was Charles Darwin, who spent some time there studying the plant and animal life, which helped lay the foundation for his book, The Origin of Species. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Without further adieu are our top 4 tips for your trip to the Galapagos Islands:

1. When to visit.  Since the Galapagos Islands are south of the equator, their seasons are opposite those in the US.  The best time to visit is typically December through May, when the air (and water) is warmer, and the chance of rain is lower.  It will rain, but the showers will be much shorter than during the June-November rainy season.

   
   

2. Land or Sea.  One of the most important decisions you will have to make is how you will travel.  The most common (and convenient) approach would be by cruise ship, though planning a land vacation is possible.  The beauty of planning a land-based trip is that you are in charge of what you do and see, spending as much time as you like on the activities that interest you most.  The downside is that much of your time may be spent ferrying between the islands and your hotel, as only 4 of the islands are inhabited.  On the other hand, a cruise to the Galapagos allows you to enjoy all the onboard amenities plus built-in transportation to your destinations.  It is important to note that boat travel is limited to 100 passengers per ship, so this is not your typical 5,000+ passenger cruise.

   
   

3. What to Do.  The Galapagos Islands offer a wide array of activities to suit your preferences.  This is a nature lover’s paradise.  You can explore wildlife preserves, rest on beautiful beaches, snorkel, dive – the list is endless.  Here are some of the top must-see sights for your trip:

   • Rancho Primicias (Santa Cruz Island).  If you want to see giant turtles, Rancho Primicias is the place to go.  It is a private animal sanctuary where you will not only see these magnificent creatures, but you’ll also get to climb through hardened lava tunnels and even explore an empty tortoise shell or two!

   • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island).  Whether you want to hike and bird watch at Frigatebird Hill or snorkel and explore at nearby Kicker Rock, Puerto Baquerizo is a great place to spend time taking in the natural wonders of the Galapagos.

   • Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela Island).  This volcanic crater is the second-largest in the world and is still active, though there hasn’t been any activity since 2005.  Hike around the rim to fully appreciate the site's splendor.

   
   

4. Animals You Will See.  From giant tortoises to penguins, sea lions, lava lizards, and the blue-footed boob, the range of unique animals and marine life is spectacular.  In fact, you can encounter quite a bit of that life up close and personal while snorkeling, diving, or just hiking around the islands.

Are you ready to plan your trip to the Galapagos Islands?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at 805-236-4437.