Cost To Travel To Galapagos Islands In 2026
Key Takeaways
If you are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, budget for these three primary expenses first. For a four-day stay for a group of four, expect to spend roughly $2,100 USD excluding international flights.
- Entry Fees: $200 USD per person for international visitors.
- Accommodation: Approximately $100 USD to $135 USD per night for a mid-range apartment.
- Tours & Food: Budget around $150 USD per person for basic tours and daily meals.
Galapagos Trip Expenses: Four Nights for Four People
| Category | Description | Cost (USD/CAD) |
| Entry Fees | Galapagos National Park & Transit Cards | $460.00 USD |
| Lodging | Galapagos Dreams Apartments (4 Nights) | $553.27 CAD |
| Dining Out | Dinners for 4 people | $250.00 USD |
| Tours | Aquaview Bay + Darwin Research Centre | $180.00 USD |
| Daily Meals | Breakfast and Lunches | $192.00 USD |
| Transport | Local Taxis around town | $15.00 USD |
| Extras | Snacks and drinks | $50.00 USD |
Starting Your Journey from Quito
Flying from Quito to Baltra Island is the most common route, but remember that total costs vary depending on your specific flight dates. I have covered the specific flight logistics in my other blog post which you should check out for airline details. This breakdown focuses strictly on what happens once you land and start exploring the islands.
The Entry Fee Reality Check
The biggest upfront cost is simply stepping onto the island. Most international travelers will pay $200 USD per person at the airport. Because I have a cedula and my girlfriend is Ecuadorian, our group total was only $460 USD for four people.
Where We Stayed
We booked the Galapagos Dreams Apartments (Ocean Dreams) for four nights, which came to $553.27 CAD. The location was perfect because we were only a few blocks away from the ocean. It was a comfortable spot that allowed us to stay together as a family without breaking the bank.
Island Activities and Tours
Our main highlight was the snorkeling and swimming tour with Aquaview Bay Tours for $35 USD per person. We saw Blue Footed Boobies and White Tip Reef Sharks through the glass bottom of the boat. We also spent $10 USD each for the Charles Darwin Research Centre tour to learn about the local conservation efforts.
Food and Daily Spending
Breakfast at the Galapagos Dreams Hotel was a steady $6 USD per person each morning. For dinners, we spent about $250 USD total over the course of the trip for all four of us. Taxis around town are very affordable, usually ranging between $12 and $15 USD for the entire stay.
How To Save Money While Traveling To The Galapagos
[Insert your pointers here]