In the event you’ve booked your flight to Baltra for the journey of a lifetime in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, you gained’t remorse this! I felt slightly confused by the documentation and transportation to get me via the opposite facet and begin my massive journey.
My step-by-step information on find out how to get from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora features a map, the prices concerned and what paperwork it’s worthwhile to have with you. Additionally, just a few suggestions when you plan to go on to Isabela or San Cristobal from the flight.
About Baltra Island Galapagos
Details about Baltra Island
Baltra Island, often known as South Seymour, lies as a small, flat landmass (21 km2) to the north of Santa Cruz within the Galapagos archipelago. Baltra is slightly boring in comparison with the opposite islands with vegetation primarily comprising salt bush, prickly pear cactus, and Palo Santo bushes.
The US authorities sought to ascertain an air base within the Pacific to guard the western strategy to the Panama Canal. As a result of its flat terrain, Baltra was excellent for constructing a touchdown strip and have become a US navy base throughout WWII. This was returned to the Ecuadorian navy when the warfare ended.
Baltra is a Carbon Impartial Airport
Baltra Airport (Aeropuerto Ecológico De Galápagos) is the primary ecological airport on this planet and the primary in Latin America and the Caribbean to be carbon-neutral
The airport makes use of 100% renewable power, and the bags transportation belt doesn’t require electrical energy. The airport was constructed utilizing recycled supplies, for instance, the assist columns are recycled oil pipes from the Amazon.
Arriving at Baltra Airport (Aeropuerto de Baltra)
Setting foot on the Galapagos is pure pleasure! Now let’s get via Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. The period of your wait after disembarking the airplane depends upon your place within the queue. So, when reserving your seat quantity in your flight from Quito or Guayaquil, chances are you’ll want to be close to the entrance or again door.
Getting via Baltra Airport
On the counter, you will need to current:
- Identification doc
- Boarding go
- Transit Management card (TCT)
- $100 Galapagos Nationwide Park charge
NOTE: From 1 August 2024, the charges will enhance from US$100 to US$200 per particular person for worldwide guests. From US$50 to US$100 per particular person for guests from CAN/MERCOSUR international locations (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). From US$6 to US$30 per particular person for Ecuadorian nationals.
An inspector will verify your hand baggage to confirm you aren’t bringing in any natural produce that would threaten the ecosystem within the Galapagos.
|| TOP TIP || When packing for the Galapagos, take into consideration how one can be a accountable traveller. Keep away from bringing plastics that you could be depart behind, and produce reef-safe suncream.
Getting from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora
Be ready to have money on the prepared at hand out at every a part of the journey from Seymour Airport to Puerto Ayora. The beginning of issues to return within the Galapagos!
Map from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora
Bus to Itabaca Canal
When you exit Baltra Airport, it’s worthwhile to wait in line for the Lobito Bus to drive passengers down Baltra Airport Street for five minutes to Baltra Ferry Terminal. If there isn’t one there, it gained’t take lengthy to return again from the terminal.
COST: Bus from Baltra Airport to Ferry Terminal is $5 per particular person (half value for (senior residents, folks with disabilities and youngsters below 12)
Cross the Itabaca Canal
The ferry departs from the Baltra Ferry Terminal (South Seymour) travelling south to the island of Santa Cruz.
Get your luggage from the bus to go to the ferry guys to load on high. The Itabaca Canal (Canal de Itabaca) crossing takes roughly 10 minutes as soon as the bags is onboard.
COST: Itabaca Canal crossing is $1 per particular person
Attending to Puerto Ayora – Bus + Taxi
When you disembark the ferry from Baltra Island, keep in mind to attend on your bag from the roof.
This is similar terminal the place dive and snorkelling excursions on or round close by islands, together with North Seymour, Mosquera, and Daphne Main and Minor.
In the event you’re fortunate, the birds of the Galapagos will begin to carry out when you wait. I noticed an enormous group of blue-footed boobies looking and diving into colleges of fish, then an increasing number of joined in to create essentially the most wonderful spectacle.
There are two choices to achieve Puerto Ayora – by bus or taxi. The indicators are very easy to observe to seek out your transport.
Bus to Puerto Ayora
To get to Puerto Ayora, you’ll be able to take the bus which is able to take you to San Francisco Park (Parque San Francisco) in 1 hour and Quarter-hour. The bus will wait till it’s got as many passengers on as attainable so in case you are in a rush, chances are you’ll want to go for the taxi. Additionally, my bus picked up some locals alongside the way in which!
COST: Bus to Puerto Ayora $5 per particular person
Taxi to Puerto Ayora
You may take a taxi (cab van), that are white van with a most capability of 4 passengers and you’ll arrive in 45 minutes. In the event you’re travelling solo, see when you can soar in with a fellow traveller to separate the fee!
COST: Taxi to Puerto Ayora $25 per particular person
Arriving in Puerto Ayora
Ferry from Puerto Ayora
In case you are going straight from Baltra Airport to catch the ferry to both Isabela or San Cristobal, work out your timings properly and construct in some additional time for ready or unexpected circumstances.
The ferries to Isabela and San Cristobal each depart at 7 am and three pm. It’s value contemplating that it’s worthwhile to be on the pier 45 minutes earlier than departure for baggage inspection and boarding.
In the event you resolve to get the bus as an alternative of a taxi, it ought to drop you at San Francisco Park (Parque San Francisco) close to the terminal, nevertheless, mine didn’t for some motive. It dropped me on the high of the highway, taking round 10-Quarter-hour to stroll down. Fortunately, I used to be staying in Puerto Ayora and never stressing about getting a ferry!
Prices for the Galapagos ferry to Isabela and San Cristobal
- Purchase a ticket for the Galapagos ferry in money in Puerto Ayora it can price $30. In the event you ebook on-line it’s usually charged at $35 however at the least you’re assured your seat.
- Water Taxi from Pier to Ferry (Santa Cruz): $1.50
- Water Taxi from Ferry to Pier (Isabela/San Cristobal): $1.50
- The bags allowance is 23kg. Extra is $10.
- Port entry charge in Isabela Island solely: $10 for Non-Ecuadorians & $6 for Ecuadorians.
|| Take a look at issues to do on Isabela Island and Concha de Perla
Staying in Puerto Ayora
If in case you have pre-booked your hostel or lodge, it’s value noting down instructions earlier than you arrive in Santa Cruz as chances are you’ll not get cellphone reception all over the place. There may be free public WiFi in Parque San Francisco which can assist.
lodging in Puerto Ayora
($) Hostal Vista Al Mar is completely situated close to the ferry terminal. Nice WiFi. Shared Kitchen. Communal gardens with tables and hammocks.
($$) Hostal Sueños Silvestres is situated close to the seaside. Single, double and twin rooms can be found. Shared kitchen, terrace and views of the backyard.
($$$) Lodge Galapagos Suites B&B is near the waterfront. Vivid, easy decor. All rooms have both non-public balconies or patios with hammocks. American-style breakfast served.
($$$$) Semilla Verde Boutique Lodge is 12 12-minute drive out of Puerto Ayora set in lovely gardens with a swimming pool and hammocks. Full breakfast day by day.
Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport Galapagos
From Santa Cruz to Baltra Aiport, the journey and prices are the identical as above however in reverse.
The bus from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Aiport leaves reverse the ProInsular grocery store and the church at Parque San Francisco. Arrive early as it may be busy, nevertheless, you should buy your tickets upfront for peace of thoughts.
Useful Hyperlinks for Santa Cruz Galapagos
PIN information from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora
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