This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Galapagos.
The Galápagos Islands are well known around the world, due to their roaming Giant Galápagos Tortoises, and becaus they are an up-and-coming destination. Due to the increasing tourism, there are hostels opening up all over the islands; however, they are still protected and only just getting used to tourism. There are two airports: one is on Baltra Island , where you transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. The other airport is on San Cristòbal, which is another large island. Puerto Ayora is full of hostels, restaurants, shops, banks, and bars. All the hostels are in town and there is a good atmosphere in this buzzing port. The main attractions include The Charles Darwin Research Station, The Wild Tortoises, Lava Tunnels, and the abundance of wildlife that can be found.
The smaller islands have a mix of guesthouses and hostels for those on a budget, and lots of local families are opening up their spare bedrooms to create hostel rooms. The Galapgos islands are not cheap, so be prepared to pay a little more for hostels and travel in between the islands. Due to the island's location and recent tourism boom, you may find the islands and accommodations a little dated or behind the times. With regard to hostels on the Galápagos Islands and the "behind the times" nature, this often means the wifi is patchy, non existent, or simply not very good. However, don't let this put you off, but be prepared to rely on local services when you are out there, or book using the internet before leaving mainland Ecuador!
The hostels obviously vary in quality and price, but all offer comfortable beds and the basic facilities. Some are attached to, or own, neighbouring restaurants and tour operators. Travelling between the islands by boat is eas,y but it can be expensive and time consuming (almost three hours from Santa Cruz to Isabela.) Look around for hostels, as many of the islands have them, but not all islands have jumped into the hostel bandwagon. To keep your Galapagos trip low cost, look around, do your research, and pick the islands with the best hostels and activities. Many islands do not have much in the way of activities during the day or things to do or see, so make sure you know where you are heading and why!
Written by local enthusiast for Galapagos hostels
Shakesley
