Galápagos by Land: Quito, San Cristóbal & Santa Cruz

Arrival in the High Andes

Arrive in Quito at any time. The city sits at 2,850m, so the first day is best spent acclimatizing to the altitude. After dropping your bags, a slow walk through the neighborhood is a good way to start. An optional city tour can cover the main sights, including a stop at the equator line, but there's plenty of time to explore later.

Sea Lions and Sand on San Cristóbal

A morning flight from the mainland brings you to San Cristóbal, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. The main town here is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital. The afternoon is free to get acquainted with the island's most famous residents. Head to Mann Beach to relax, swim, and watch the playful sea lions that haul out on the sand and rocks as frigatebirds circle overhead.

DIY Reality Check: Flying to the Galápagos is not like a typical domestic flight; it's a multi-step administrative process that begins hours before takeoff on the mainland. Before even approaching the airline check-in counter in Quito, every traveler must independently navigate a sequence of mandatory checkpoints. First, you must pre-register for and then pay a $20 fee for a Transit Control Card (TCT) at a specific government counter. Next, all your luggage must be scanned by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency. Only then can you check in for your flight. Upon landing in San Cristóbal, you must pay the separate Galápagos National Park entrance fee—$200 per adult, payable only in cash. A guided trip handles the flight booking and provides a leader to walk you through this exact sequence of checkpoints, ensuring a simple transit rather than a bureaucratic puzzle.

Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Isla Lobos

The day starts with a short boat ride to Isla Lobos, a small islet named for its large population of sea lions. The main event is snorkeling in the calm, protected waters, which offer a good chance to see sea turtles, rays, and the resident sea lion pups. The shoreline is a nesting site for frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies.

Back on San Cristóbal, the afternoon includes a visit to the Interpretation Centre to get context on the islands' volcanic origins, human history, and modern conservation. The rest of the day is free to return to the beach or explore the town.