If you've booked your trip to Baltra for the trip of a lifetime in the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, you won't regret it! I felt a little overwhelmed by the documentation and transportation that enabled me to cross the other side and begin my big adventure.
My step-by-step guide on how to get from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora includes a map, the costs involved and the documents you need with you. Plus some tips if you're planning to go straight to Isabella Or San Cristobal of the trip.
Information about Baltra Galapagos Island
Facts about Baltra Island
Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour, lies on a small area of flat land (21 km2).2) north of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Archipelago. Baltra Island is a bit dull compared to other islands as the vegetation consists mainly of saltbush, prickly pear cactus and Palo Santo trees.
The US government sought to establish an air base in the Pacific to protect the western entrance to the Panama Canal. Due to its flat terrain, Baltra was ideal for building an airstrip and became an American military base during World War II. This was returned to the Ecuadorian Army when the war ended.
Baltra is a carbon neutral airport
Baltra Airport (Aeropuerto Ecológico De Galápagos) is the first eco-airport in the world and the first in Latin America and the Caribbean to be carbon neutral.
The airport uses 100% renewable energy, and the baggage conveyor belt does not require electrical power. The airport was built using recycled materials, for example, the support columns are recycled oil pipes from the Amazon.
Arriving at Baltra Airport (Aeropuerto de Baltra)
Setting foot on the Galapagos Islands is pure joy! Now let's pass through Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. How long you will wait after getting off the plane depends on your position in the queue. Therefore, when you reserve your seat number on your flight from Keto Or Guayaquil, you may want to be near the front or back door.
Arrival to Baltra Airport
You must submit:
- Identification document
- Boarding pass
- Transit Control Card (TCT)
- $100 Galapagos National Park fee
NB: Effective August 1, 2024, fees will increase from US$100 to US$200 per person for international visitors. From USD 50 to USD 100 per person for visitors from CAN/MERCOSUR countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). From USD 6 to USD 30 per person for Ecuadorian citizens.
An inspector will check your hand luggage to ensure that you are not bringing any organic products that could threaten the ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.
|| Most important advice || When packing for travel to the Galapagos Islands, think about how you can become a citizen Responsible traveler. Avoid bringing plastic items that you may leave behind, and bring them with you Reef safe sun cream.
Arrival from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora
Be prepared to have cash ready to hand out for each leg of the trip from Seymour Airport to Puerto Ayora. The beginning of things to come in the Galapagos Islands!
Map from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora
Bus to Itabaca Canal
Once you exit Baltra Airport, you have to wait in line Lobito bus To transport passengers via Baltra Airport Road 5 minutes to Baltra Ferry Terminal. If there isn't one there, it won't take long to get back from the station.
Cost: The bus from Baltra Airport to the ferry terminal costs $5 per person (Half price for (senior citizens, people with disabilities, and children under 12 years old))
Crossing the Itabaca Canal
The ferry departs from Baltra Ferry Terminal (South Seymour) heading south to Santa Cruz Island.
Get your bags from the bus to pass them to the ferry guys to load them at the top. Crossing the Canal de Itabaca takes about 10 minutes once the luggage is on board.
Cost: Itapaca Canal crossing costs $1 per person
Getting to Puerto Ayora – bus + taxi
Once you get off the ferry from Baltra Island, remember to wait for your suitcase on the roof.
This is the same station where diving and snorkelling tours are conducted on or around nearby islands, including North Seymour, Mosquera, Daphne Major and Minor.
if you are lucky, Birds of the Galapagos Islands The performance will start while you wait. I saw a huge group of blue-footed boobies fishing and diving into schools of fish, and then more and more of them joined in to create the most amazing spectacle.
There are two options to get to Puerto Ayora – by bus or taxi. It is very easy to follow the signs to find your transportation.
Bus to Puerto Ayora
To get to Puerto Ayora, you can take a bus that will take you to San Francisco Park (Parque San Francisco) in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bus will wait until it has picked up as many passengers as possible, so if you are in a hurry, you may prefer to take a taxi. My bus even picked up some locals along the way!
Cost: Bus to Puerto Ayora $5 per person
Taxi to Puerto Ayora
You can take a cab van, which is a white van that can accommodate a maximum of 4 passengers and will arrive in 45 minutes. If you're traveling alone, see if you can join up with a fellow traveler to share the cost!
Cost: Taxi to Puerto Ayora is $25 per person
Arrival to Puerto Ayora
Ferry from Puerto Ayora
If you are heading directly from Baltra Airport take the ferry to either Isabella or San Cristobal, plan your appointments well and allow some extra time for waiting or unforeseen circumstances.
Ferries to Isabela and San Cristobal depart at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. It should be noted that you must be at the pier 45 minutes before departure to check baggage and board the plane.
If you decide to take the bus instead of a taxi, it should take you to Parque San Francisco near the station, but my bus didn't do that for some reason. He dropped me off at the top of the trail, and the walk took about 10 to 15 minutes. Thank God, I was staying in Puerto Ayora and didn't stress about getting the ferry!
Galapagos ferry costs to Isabela and San Cristobal
- Buy a ticket for the Galapagos ferry with cash in Puerto Ayora at a cost of $30. If you book online, you'll generally be charged $35 but at least your seat is guaranteed.
- Water taxi from pier to ferry (Santa Cruz): $1.50
- Water taxi from ferry to pier (Isabella/San Cristobal): $1.50
- The baggage allowance is 23 kg. The extra is $10.
- Port entrance fees on Isabela Island only: $10 for non-Ecuadorians and $6 for Ecuadorians.
|| Check out things to do in Isabela Island and Concha de Perla
Stay in Puerto Ayora
If you have pre-booked your hostel or hotel, it is worth taking directions before you arrive in Santa Cruz as you may not get phone reception everywhere. There is free public Wi-Fi at Parque San Francisco which may help.
Where to stay in Puerto Ayora
($) Hostal Vista El Mar Ideally located near the ferry terminal. Great wifi. Shared kitchen. Communal gardens with tables and hammocks.
($$) Hostal Sueños Silvestris Located near the beach. Single, double and twin rooms are available. Shared kitchen, terrace and garden views.
($$$) Galapagos Suites B&B Hotel Close to the waterfront. Bright and simple decor. All rooms have either private balconies or patios with hammocks. Breakfast is served American style.
($$$$) Simela Verde Boutique Hotel It is located a 12-minute drive from Puerto Ayora and is set in beautiful gardens with a swimming pool and hammocks. Full breakfast daily.
From Ayora Port to Baltra Galapagos Airport
From Santa Cruz to Baltra Airport, the flight and costs are the same as above but in the opposite direction.
The bus leaves from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport opposite the ProInsular supermarket and the church in Parque San Francisco. Arrive early as the place can get crowded, however, you can purchase your tickets in advance for peace of mind.
Useful links for Santa Cruz Galapagos
PIN guide from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora
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