Hi!

I'm planning a 2 1/2 month trip to South America with my friend, we just graduated and are trying to keep it low budget. But obviously I want to have the best experience! We're first flying to Quito. We were thinking that maybe we wouldn't do the Galapagos, mainly because of the high cost, but now I'm starting to doubt that decision (I am bio major after all, I learned about that place! :)) I just wanted to hear back from travelers who have been there, is it definitely worth it? We will be in Ecuador second week of July. If I should go, how long should I spend there to make it worth it? Thanks so much!

~Kara

Go, it is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the world. I have a feeling if you do forgo the visit you will regret it for many years. If you must cut costs due so on other parts of your trip. There are a couple of inexpensive places to stay, this hostel also has camping available Hostal Wittmer located on Calle Ignacio Hernández (City) Puerto Velasco Ibarra
Phone 05/2529-506 another choice would be http://www.galapagosisabela.com/english/index.php

I would suggest at least 3 days and maybe 5 if you can swing it which would allow you to visit some of the other islands.

suerte
SAM

The Galapagos should be a "religious" pilgrimage experience for a biology major. I am an anthropologist and am going to the Galapagos and Machu Pichhu - I feel like I am going to "heaven" with the opportunity to visit one of the most advanced cultures in the prehistoric world and go where Darwin worked out his ideas on evolutionary theory.

GO!!!

Don't skip it - you will kick yourself later. If you are only going for two and a half months you won't necessarily have the time to do what we did but I suggest you stay there as long as you can to make the cost per day decrease. Thing is the flight and the park entry fee is what kills you. Once you are there you can find double rooms on three of the islands for around $20 a night total, island hoping between the three populated islands is done by speedboat launch and there are many self guided things to do. The live-aboard boat trips are amazing too but cost a bit. Day trips are available from all three populated islands to offshore snorkeling sights and landing spots. One thing you can do to cut costs is to bring your own snorkel gear - if you are a strong swimmer and want to travel lighter leave the fins at home. Bring some food out with you from the mainland and buy groceries on the island instead of eating out all the time. Don't drink too much at the bars or that will tank your budget as well. Overall we just didn't find it as expensive as we thought it would be and also found that there was tons to do form just wandering the beaches to snorkeling to interpretive hikes to renting bikes, etc, etc that you could do on your own. We spent almost three weeks out there (eight days on a live-aboard boat) and I could have easily stayed longer. We were on a tight budget as well and never regretted a cent we spent out there! If you want to see pics of some of the spots email me through VT and I will send you our blog - it will sell you the trip!! Have fun.

Scott

I've just returned from Ecuador. We also did a 5 day trip of the Galapagos and indeed it is not to be missed. Try to arrange a trip as much in advance as you can; July-August is high season and probably all boats will be booked already. If you can, book on a small boat (18 passengers ) instead of the big boats.

Yes, it is costly, but what an experience! I went with Quasar Expeditions (http://www.galapagosexpeditions.com) earlier this year, and it was worth every penny. Bear in mind that this is such a fragile ecosystem and a political battlefield that it may not be available to visit in another decade.

<<Bear in mind that this is such a fragile ecosystem and a political battlefield that it may not be available to visit in another decade.>>

I agree totally about the fragile ecosystem. I was there for 6 days this past June and was amazed at how well visits to the islands are controlled and coordinated. It is a real money-maker for Ecuador and the I feel that the worst things that could happen to the Galapagos would be to prevent eco-tourism. Eco-tourism is creating the resources ($$$) that are allowing the park to be so well managed. A significant threat could be a large oil spill that drifts into the area or is created by one one the larger boats in the area. I have both National Park and US Forest Service management experience in the US and I was impressed with the preservation and management of most of the islands.