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Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world's great wildlife destinations, where sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies show little fear of people. Islands such as Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolomé, Rabida and North Seymour each have their own character. Trips usually begin in mainland Ecuador, sometimes with time in the Amazon around Tena.

Region: South America

Trip types on sale: Nature.

Show every Galapagos holiday

Places

Best time to go

December to May brings warmer, calmer seas; June to November is cooler, with richer marine life.

Who it suits

Wildlife lovers, photographers, snorkellers and families with older children.

Getting there

Flights from London to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) take about 14 to 16 hours with one connection, followed by a flight of about 2 hours to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY).

Practical

  • Time: 6 hours behind the UK in winter and 7 hours behind in summer; mainland Ecuador is 1 hour ahead of the islands.
  • Currency: US dollar
  • Language: Spanish.

Typical daytime highs

  • Warm season (December to May). Typical daytime highs around 28 to 31°C in the warm season (December to May).
  • Cool season (June to November). Typical daytime highs around 24 to 27°C in the cool season (June to November).

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

Things to do

  • See giant tortoises on Santa Cruz
  • Snorkel with sea lions
  • Climb the viewpoint on Bartolomé
  • Watch blue-footed boobies on North Seymour
  • See marine iguanas on Fernandina
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Questions

How do I get to the Galapagos?

Fly from London to Quito or Guayaquil, then take a flight of about 2 hours to the islands.

What wildlife can I see in the Galapagos?

Giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and much more.

When is the best time to visit?

The islands are good all year, with warmer seas from December to May.

UK passport holders should check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.