Parque Nacional Galápagos, Northwest Coast Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from a location in Northwest Coast, head towards the main coastal highway, known as Route E-15. Follow this route south until you reach the town of La Libertad. From La Libertad, you can take the road to the port of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, which is the gateway to Parque Nacional Galápagos. Please note that you will need to park your car at the port and pay for parking if required.

• Public Transportation

  Using public transportation, take a bus from any major town on the Northwest Coast (like Esmeraldas or Atacames) to Guayaquil. From Guayaquil, you can catch a flight to Baltra Island, which is the nearest airport to Parque Nacional Galápagos. Once you arrive at Baltra, take a shuttle bus to the Itabaca Channel, then board a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. From there, you can take a taxi to Puerto Ayora, where you can arrange for tours or further transportation to explore the park.

• Flight

  The most efficient way to reach Parque Nacional Galápagos is to fly from Guayaquil to Baltra Island. Several airlines operate regular flights, but it's best to book in advance. Upon landing, you'll need to pay an entrance fee of approximately $100 for the Galápagos National Park, which is mandatory for all visitors.

• Taxi/Ferry

  After arriving at Baltra Island, you will need to take a shuttle bus to the Itabaca Channel. Here, you will pay a small fee (around $1) to board a ferry that will take you across to Santa Cruz Island. Once on Santa Cruz, taxis are available to take you to Puerto Ayora, where you can find additional tours or transport to Parque Nacional Galápagos.