The Galápagos arrival process is more complicated than most travel sites tell you — here's what we tell every client before they fly
We've been running trips to the Galápagos for years out of Ecuador, and the number one thing that catches travelers off guard isn't the wildlife or the logistics of island hopping — it's the arrival process itself.
So here's what we actually tell our clients before they board.
The biosecurity check happens before you even leave the mainland
At Quito or Guayaquil airport, before your flight to the islands, your bags go through a biosecurity inspection. No fruits, seeds, plants, or organic matter. The Galápagos National Park takes this seriously, and so do we — it's one of the reasons the islands are still what they are. The line moves slowly during peak hours. Build in time.
INGALA: $20 per person, cash only
On arrival you stop at the INGALA desk (Galápagos National Institute) before you leave the airport. $20 per person, USD, physical cash. No exceptions. We always remind clients to have this ready — we've seen people scrambling at the counter. You'll get a Transit Control Card. Don't lose it. You need it to leave the islands.
The National Park entrance fee
$200 per adult, $100 per child. Also cash. A family of four is looking at $600 before they've left the arrivals hall. Not a surprise if you've done your homework, but easy to underestimate if you haven't.
Inter-island flights have real luggage limits
23kg checked, 10kg carry-on. If you're hopping between islands on the small planes, this matters. We build this into our packing advice for every itinerary — overpacking here is a real headache.
The conservation rules are enforced, not just posted
Bags can be checked again between islands. Stay on marked paths. Don't touch the animals — even when a sea lion makes it very difficult not to. This is a national park, and the rules exist because they work.
If you're in the planning phase and want a full breakdown — entry requirements, packing, what to expect on the ground — we put everything in one place here: rebeccaadventuretravel.com/blog/galapagos/vacation-the-galapagos-islands
Happy to answer questions about cruise vs. land, island hopping, family travel, or anything else. That's what we're here for.