A giant tortoise moving on a sandy beach leaving tracks in the sand, with blue ocean waves and distant rocky islands in the background.

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Explore Galápagos Islands

All travel information at a glance

Explore Galápagos Islands

There are places you know before you even visit them — and places that you only truly understand once you have been there. The Galápagos Islands belong to the second category. Nils has traveled to the islands multiple times and says that they surprise him anew every time. Not because of the landscape, but mainly because of the animals. Sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigatebirds — all without the slightest shyness. No binoculars needed, no quiet waiting time by the bush. The animals come right to you, or you go to them.

At the same time, a trip there is anything but taken for granted. Which islands are really worth it? Cruise or fixed accommodation on Santa Cruz? What are you allowed to do, and what not — and why is that a good thing? When is the best time to see whale sharks, and when does the highlands of the islands bloom?

Our Galápagos Islands travel guide answers all of that for you. We help you put together a trip that suits you — whether you prefer diving, hiking, or just sitting on the beach for hours watching how life here has its own rhythm.

Would you like to know more or get started right away? Get in touch with us — we know the islands and look forward to planning with you.

Facts

  1. #1

    Population

    approx. 30,000

  2. #2

    Official language

    Spanish

  3. #3

    Visa

    Visa-free entry for many nationalities, but additional entry requirements apply

  4. #4

    Time difference

    CET -6

  5. #5

    Currency

    US Dollar

A large Galápagos giant tortoise walking in lush green grass with dense forest in the background.

This image was generated with AI.

Giant Tortoises in Galápagos: Species, Locations, and Behavior
12 subspecies, Lonesome George and the best observation sites: Galápagos Giant Tortoises with an island-by-island overview and wildlife best practices.
Read more
A white luxury yacht named 'Galapagos Explorer' sailing on calm ocean waters near volcanic islands at sunset.

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Galápagos Cruise: The Complete Guide to Your Expedition
Tourist Superior, First Class, or Luxury? 16 or 100 passengers? Northern, southern, or western route? Every comparison, price, and operator for your Galápagos cruise 2025/26.
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A German passport and a document with a QR code placed on a wooden table in an airport waiting area with people and luggage in the background.

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Galápagos Entry: Transit Control Card, National Park Fee & Rules
International travelers enter Galápagos visa-free. TCC USD 20 (online since May 2025), National Park USD 200 cash (since Aug 2024). Step-by-step instructions.
Read more
A marine iguana basking on rocky volcanic shores with the ocean and distant islands under a sunset sky in the Galápagos.

This image was generated with AI.

Best Time to Visit Galápagos: Month by Month
When to travel to Galápagos? A month-by-month wildlife calendar, climate table, and timing recommendations for divers, families, and photographers — honest and fact-based.
Read more

Your contact

A man standing on a forest path surrounded by dense green foliage wearing outdoor clothing and binoculars around his neck.
Nils Lindhorst

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