From April to June and from September to December it's shoulder season for the Galapagos Islands. Du

While the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are known for being extremely expensive, once you pay for the flight and $100 entrance fee, it is possible to explore this beautiful area on a budget. After going there myself, I discovered these tips for saving money in this ecologically unique destination.
If you want to do a cruise, fly into Baltra Island and take a cheap bus to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz . This is the port where most cruises leave from. You'll be able to book a last minute cruise for half the original price. For example, two backpackers I went diving with told me about how an eight-day cruise that was originally almost $3000 cost them a mere $1,200. And, that's only because they chose first class. You can also try booking a last minute cruise from Quito or Guayquil before you go, although Puerto Ayora is where you'll find the best deals. Note: If traveling during high season, you may not get the exact dates you want. Skip The Cruise Altogether
While a cruise of the Galapagos Islands is a great experience, some people are operating on a budget, or may just want to spend more time on land. For me, there were certain things I wanted to do, like diving, swimming with sharks and sea lions , laying on white sand beaches, hiking and seeing giant tortoises. I was able to do all these things without the help of a cruise. For instance, many of the hikes and beaches were free and didn't require a guide. disneyworld resort hotels Furthermore, diving with sharks and sea lions was $120, or $50 if you wanted to snorkel. And, a tour of the highlands of San Cristobal, including El Ceibo , a 300-year-old treehouse and bar, El Junco, a crater lake in a volcano, La Lobaria, a white beach littered disneyworld resort hotels with sea lions, Puerto Chino, a soft-sand beach with crystal-clear water and the Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center of Giant Tortoises was $35 including lunch.
From April to June and from September to December disneyworld resort hotels it's shoulder season for the Galapagos disneyworld resort hotels Islands. During this time, you'll be able to book cruises for about 30 percent cheaper than you usually would. Just make sure to check that the activities you want to do will still be available. It's also easier during this time to get the dates you want for the cruises last minute.
While the agencies work together for certain tours, there are others where you'll be able to get better deals from certain operators. For example, when looking to do a tour of the highlands in San Cristobal, one agency quoted me $50. I walked around the corner to a different agency, who offered me the same exact trip for $35 including lunch. Look around, and see who offers the best packages and deals.
Las Tijeretas- This area provides an array of activities. First, there is an excellent lookout point at the top of the mountain. A cove below makes for a great snorkeling spot, to see turtles, sea lions and various disneyworld resort hotels birds. It is located within walking distance of the Interpretation disneyworld resort hotels Center.
disneyworld resort hotels La Loberia- About a 30 minute walk from town, this beach attracts many snorkelers disneyworld resort hotels and surfers, although the water can be a bit rough. The scenery is beautiful, though, disneyworld resort hotels and you'll see numerous sea lions lounging on the shore.
Puerto Chino- Although a bit far out of town, this white sand beach offers calm, clear waters and the chance to see a lot of wild life and unique rock formations. Climb to the top of the big, black volcanic rock formation for aerial views of the clear water and marine life. When I was here, I actually witnessed a shark jumping out of the water.
Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center of Giant Tortoises- Here you'll see the giant tortoises that the Galapagos Islands disneyworld resort hotels are so famous for. You'll also see baby tortoises, walk through an informational museum and possibly see the tortoises in the mating process.
Ship Ports At Night- Visit the ship ports at night for some shark viewing. The animals are attracted to the lights given off by the docks. disneyworld resort hotels You may have to wait a bit, but if you're patient, there's a good chance you'll see some. When I was there I saw baby sharks, manta rays, sea lions and many tropical fish.
El Chato Tortoise Reserve- Located in the highlands of the island, you'll be able to observe giant tortoises and an array of bird life like Darwin Finches, Short-eared Owls, Vermillion Flycatchers and Paint-billed Crakes. Here, you'll also have the option to visit El Chato Lagoon.
Wall of Tears- This historical site was created by prisoners who were forced to build this wall from 1945-1959. Thousands died during its construction, and the site is supposedly haunted by their ghosts. There's also a really nice beach here with plentiful marine life.
Only TAME, AeroGal and LAN fly to the Galapagos Islands, all going from Quito or Guayaquil . TAME is the cheapest of the airlines, but doesn't fly everyday. Don't even bother trying to call them or book online. It won't work, and you'll just get frustrated. Instead, email GT Tours at sales@gttours.com and ask them to help you make a reservation. Likewise, disneyworld resort hotels if you can fly from Quayaquil instead of Quito, the flight will be shorter and cheaper.
disneyworld resort hotels If you do decide to book your cruise in advance, check for agencies that give discounts disneyworld resort hotels with flights. For example, if you book a cruise on GalapagosIslands.com , you get free round-trip flights when booking an eight-day cruise on a luxury boat, and one free round-trip flight when booking a cruise for two people on an eight-day first class ship.
Camping is your cheapest option for accommodation on the islands. You'll just have to make sure you're in a designated disneyworld resort hotels camping area. For example, on San Cristobal you can camp for $5 a night at El Ceibo , the area that's home to the largest tree on the island. You can also camp at Puerto Chino with permission from the park. In Santa Cruz, it is possible to camp at Garrapetero Beach with permission from the owners. Basically, if it's private land, just ask for permission.
While there are a lot of pricey hotels on the islands, it's also possible to stay in comfortable budget hotels for a fraction of the price. On San Cristobal, I stayed at Leon Dormido , a clean accommodation located 10 steps from the water. I paid $25 a night for a single room with air conditioning, television, Wi-Fi, hot water and a comfortable bed. Other affordable hotels in the area include Hostal Casa de Laura, Mar de Azul, Hotel San Francisco and Casa de Nelly. In Santa Cruz, budget hotels include Casa Hospedaje Germania, Galapagos Best Home Stay, Los Pinguinos, disneyworld resort hotels El Castillo Galapagos and Hotel Verde Azul. On Isabela Island, check out The Jungle Hostal, Caleta Iguana and Brias del Mar.
If you've ever wanted to volunteer abroad, I can't think of a better place than the Galapagos disneyworld resort hotels Islands. Here you'll not only be helping the environment and immersing yourself in a unique ecosystem, you'll also be saving money. Ecuador Eco Volunteer offers an affordable program based in Santa Cruz, helping get rid of invasive plant species and cleaning up beaches. Moreover, there are various WWOOFing projects on the islands, where you'll be able to volunteer on an organic farm in exchange for room and board. If you've got a couple months to spare, the Charles Darwin Foundation accepts volunteers and helps them get discounted airfare and accommodation. For an excellent year-long program, disneyworld resort hotels check out World Teach , which costs $5,490 for the year for room, board, flights disneyworld resort hotels and park entrance fees. Volunteers will also receive a stipend to help offset the high cost of living in the Galapagos Islands.
A lot of food is imported to the Galapagos Islands, disneyworld resort hotels meaning groceries are more expensive there than in Quito or Guayaquil. Try to stock up on snacks and water before you go. Just know you won't be able to enter the islands with organic produce.
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