Travel in Galapagos

The Galápagos islands lie right on the equator; they're over 500 miles from the Peruvian mainland. Thanks to both their isolated position in the Pacific Ocean and their latitude, the Galápagos islands see warm weather year-round. Nevertheless, January to April is the hottest with an average high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and daily thunderstorms. The rest of the year sees slightly cooler weather (by a measly two degrees) and misty rain in the morning.

Your timing isn't likely to lessen your chances of seeing either land or sea animals. Most species are active year-round, although the cooler season of April to December is slightly better for observing sea mammals and courtship among sea birds. Also, the island tends to be greener at this time, and the water is slightly warmer for swimming.

The most common mode of transport connecting this far-flung destination with the mainland is by air. United States cities like Miami and Houston have daily flights to Quito and Guayaquil, from which you can connect to one of the islands' two points of arrival, Isla Baltra or Isla San Cristóbal. From Quito and Guayaquil are daily flights run by airlines Aerogal, Icaro and TAME. Buy your tickets well in advance; flights to the Galápagos are often booked well ahead. Alternatively, you can try for same-day tickets since no-shows are common on Galápagos flights (thanks to tour agencies that have overestimated their tour sales).

Despite the domination of package tours on the islands, the Galápagos can be traversed on your own. Small boats ply the waters between the three major islands of San Cristóbal, Isla Isabela and Santa Cruz. From these islands, it is easy to take day-tours to smaller islands.

From luxury cruises to hardcore hiking, the Galápagos claim a wide array of attractions for such a small place. These islands boast some of these world's most renowned diving and snorkeling sites. You may obtain a fantastic view from climbing the hill on Bartolome. You'll also get to experience the famous and unique wildlife. See some of the world's most exotic birds at El Junco Lagoona, as well as giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center, marine iguanas along the lava shores of Puerto Egas and red-footed boobies on tiny Isla Genovesa.

As one of the most pristine wildlife sanctuaries in the world, do your part to keep the Galápagos clean. Respect the wildlife and do not approach closer than two meters (though they will often choose to approach you). A general rule is that, if an animal on the Galápagos seems to notice you, you have probably moved too close. Other rules to remember include no handling the animals, no feeding the animals, no fishing, no littering, and no transporting anything living to or from the island.

Not all animals on the Galápagos are docile. Do not swim too close to the large groups of sea lions, as the bulls have been known to bite in an effort to protect their colonies. Also, take care to avoid sharks; they do not attack unless provoked, but it's wise to play it safe.