Galapagos Islands Travel Notes 2 – First Steps On Galapagos

The plane had taken off from Quito for about 2 hours. As the flight attendants opened the overhead compartments and sprayed the luggage, we knew we were approaching the Galapagos Islands. When I looked down from the plane window with excitement, I saw the Galapagos Islands scattered across the dark blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. I was thinking about what I had read and heard about the Galapagos Islands. Would the Galapagos Islands be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life or would they be a disappointment? While my mind was busy with these questions, the plane’s wheels touched down on Baltra Island.

When I got off the plane from Quito and landed at the Galapagos Ecological Airport on Baltra Island, the first thing that greeted me was the warm air hitting my face. Although I knew the islands were hot in February, the heat still shocked me for a moment. I headed straight to passport control, knowing that everyone was required to pay a $100 entry tax (now $200) to the Galapagos Islands. When it was my turn, I handed over my passport and the $100 tax, and the customs officer stamped my passport with the Galapagos seal.

Since Galapagos Ecological Airport is a small airport, I received my luggage in a short time. As we were heading towards the exit, an officer asked us to hand in the form we were given to fill out on the plane (a simple form asking for personal information and whether there is anything chemical or herbal in your bag). After handing in the form and exiting the airport, we headed to the free buses waiting to take passengers to the small port on Baltra Island.

Baltra Island and Santa Cruz Island are two very close islands. There are small boats that transport passengers between the two islands. After leaving the airport, we reached the dock where the boats were located in 20 minutes and began waiting for the boat that would take us to Santa Cruz Island.

While waiting for the boat, I couldn’t take my eyes off the turquoise-colored water. The last time I had seen water that color was on Venezuela’s Tortuga Island. While I watched the water, a gentle breeze blowing, the announcement came that the boat had arrived. I handed my backpack to the boat’s mate and took my seat on the boat. After the captain collected a $1 fare from each passenger, he started the boat, and we set off towards Santa Cruz Island.

The small boat ride took about 10 minutes. At the pier exit, buses to various parts of the island were waiting for us. Since I was staying in Puerto Ayora, the central hub of Santa Cruz Island, I found the bus heading there and took my seat. The fare was $3. Later, I found out that you could reach Puerto Ayora by taxi for $18. The hour-long bus ride felt quick, as we passed through roads bordered by lush greenery and earthy hues.

By the time we arrived in Puerto Ayora, the heat had intensified, making my backpack feel heavier than it was. I put on my hat and began walking toward my hotel, Hotel Espana. It was easy to find, located right in the city center. The hotel cost $25 per night + tax (12%). This price did not include breakfast (eggs, bread, oil, jam, juice, coffee). The price of breakfast was $5. After completing the hotel check-in procedures, I settled into my room. Although my room was not very comfortable, it was sufficient for the 5 nights I would spend in the Galapagos Islands. It was nice to have air conditioning in the room. Unfortunately, wi-fi was only available in the common area in the lobby.

Since I knew I would spend almost half of my day on the road, I hadn’t planned any special activities for today. After settling into my room, I went for a short walk in Puerto Ayora. Charles Darwin Street, stretching along the coastline, is the perfect lively spot for a walk in the city center. There were many restaurants and cafes along the street.

While walking along the coast, I came to the pier called Gus Angermeyer Pier and Ferry Terminal. What I saw here were the first things that reminded me that I was in the Galapagos Islands. The sea lions, marine iguanas, herons, sharks, turtles and crabs around the pier were the natural inhabitants of this area. This colorful natural life was like a sweet harbinger of the experiences I would have in the coming days.

After a pleasant, brief walk, I grabbed a quick snack and made my way back to the hotel. Once there, I took a refreshing shower to wash off the day’s fatigue, then lay down on the bed. As I fell asleep, I eagerly anticipated the sights and experiences that awaited me in the days ahead.

Check out my short video about this article.

Check out my article on key factors to consider when planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands.