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 Islands.
Galápagos Islands is a truly unique place in the world and represents a dream destination that particularly seduces nature and animal lovers.
Galápagos is an archipelago that belongs to the the country of Ecuador, in South America, and is located in the Pacific Ocean about a thousand kilometers out of the mainland. Although Galápagos is comprised of thirteen main islands (and some smaller islets), only four of them are inhabited:
- Santa Cruz
- Isabela Island
- San Cristobal
- and Floreana.
To get to Galápagos, you will have to fly through Ecuador, either via the capital Quito or Guayaquil, taking around two hours to reach the airports in the islands of Santa Cruz or San Cristobal.
Galápagos Islands is rather remote and isolated, which is the primary reason for its incredibly rare biodiversity. Apart from a rich and differentiated flora, Galápagos fauna is the most eye-catching thing for tourists. You will easily find marine iguanas, sea lions, a great variety of birds, sea turtles, giant tortoises and even penguins in the main touristic spots, reached by the typical cruise ships or day tours departing from the inhabited islands, where lodging is available.
The main places to base yourself to set off to explore Galápagos would be Puerto Ayora (on Santa Cruz Island), Puerto Villamil (on Isabela Island), or even on the Island of San Cristobal if you fly directly there. The islands are renowned for expensive options when it comes to accommodation and restaurants. But there are alternatives to the higher end hotels, with several Galápagos hostels located mainly in the most populous and touristic place of them all, Puerto Ayora.
The Galápagos Islands are well known around the world, due to their roaming Giant Galápagos Tortoises, and because 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 easy 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!
Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, Ecuador, and despite being part of these famously remote islands, is a busy destination on the South Coast that has much for its visitors to explore. Most of the Galapagos’ industry, such as its banks, schools, shops, hostels and resorts, can be found in Puerto Ayora, making it a top destination for anyone wanting to experience the most of the region.
The best time to visit the town is between December and May, as this is when it is warmest. Many hostels across Puerto Ayora are affordable and provide dormitory style accommodation that feel as luxurious as a hotel. Hostels here are never too far from the sea, and welcome tourists gladly. Staying in a hostel in this town will give you the opportunity to meet and experience a community of people that thrives on helping out and giving back.
This is because Puerto Ayora is the epicentre of conservation and protected nature locations. Not only is it home to the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park can also be found in the town. In Academy Bay you may spot sea lions, iguanas, sting-rays and pelicans, especially if you take advantage of the easily accessible harbour there.
Taking advantage of a well priced hostel in Puerto Ayora is great if you wish to visit Tortuga Bay, as it is only a short walk away. The white sandy beaches of this Bay are like the beaches of paradise. Here there are also many fantastic natural sights to see, including the huge Galapagos tortoise, Galapagos crabs, and maybe even a reef shark or two.
Puerto Ayora is a destination for travellers interested the natural life of the Galapagos islands, who can appreciate the history of the islands and understand the importance of protecting the wildlife you will find there. For a hostel goer, this is a town with meaning that makes an impact on its natural surroundings.
Written by local enthusiast for Galapagos Islands hostels
zararock