Backpacking in the Galapagos

Pristine beaches, exotic animals, fascinating wildlife, crystal clear views of the milky way, underwater adventures... For me, visiting the Galapagos was absolutely a trip of a lifetime. Even after spending about four years of my life traveling around the world, I can confidently say that the Galapagos is my most highly recommended destination. Here's the advice that I can give about how to maximize your time and money , and what to expect when you visit this magical archipelago.

• FIRST THINGS FIRST: Get excited! Here are 27 photos to transport you to the Galapagos

  "The Galapagos Islands are often referred to as a living museum and once you witness the photos below, you will understand why. They are unlike any other place on earth."

• GETTING THERE: They really make you jump through hoops at the airport before you fly

  The islands are totally worth the trouble, but do be prepared and give yourself lots of time at the airport! Read this breakdown of what to expect when you get to the airport in Ecuador before your flight to the Galapagos.

• GETTING THERE: Before you book anything read this!

  1) No, you can't take a boat to the Galapagos but there are two airports you can fly into 2) You must fly in and out of mainland Ecuador before you can access the Galapagos 3) There are some hefty park fees that you will have to pay at the airport before you go 4) Give yourself a solid two hours at the airport! You will need it to wait in several lines to pay fees and get your luggage inspected thoroughly. 5) Lots of great advice and info about what to expect inside this article. Read it!

• ITINERARY PLANNING: Flying into one island's airport and out the other will help you save a lot of time |

  You might save a little money by booking a round-trip flight from Ecuador to one island, which is what I did (I flew RT from Quito - Baltra airport near Santa Cruz Island), but if I were to do it again, I would book two one-way flights or one open-jaw/multi-city flight from Ecuador to Baltra, and then on the way home fly from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport on San Cristobal Island back to Ecuador, or the other way around depending on price and flight times. When you go to the Galapagos, you don't want to just go to one island as they're all really unique... You can take a ferry for $30 to get between the main islands of San Cristobal of Santa Cruz. but the issue is that the ferry rides take over two hours each and only leave once or twice per day, making it really difficult to coordinate what you'll do with the rest of that day. You'll be able to maximize your time if you only have to take a ferry once. Another reason to fly into one and out the other is because Balta Airport is not the most convenient place in the world. When you land there you need to take a short bus ride to a 15-minute ferry ride, and then get on a long bus ride to reach Santa Cruz. It's easy to figure out and is comfortable enough, but again, this journey does take an hour and a half out of your day.

• ITINERARY PLANNING: Check out the ferry times to get between Santa Cruz, Isabella, and San Cristobal Islands |

  This site has the ferry times to travel between the three main islands; every ride is about 2 hours and each leaves only twice per day. The alternative is an inter-island flight. Emetebe operates 'puddle hoppers' which usually have strict weight limits of 20 lbs per person.

• MONEY: Six Days for $900 total is what I spent, and so did this blogger who breaks it all down (flights, food, accomm, tours, etc)

  1) Knock on the doors of guesthouses and ask for their best prices (You can find accommodation for $15/person), 2) Try to eat only at the local restaurants where you can always enjoy the hearty "menu del dia" for $5 (usually rice, beans, salad, and chicken or fish) 3) Visit the nearest travel agency when you get there to book tours yourself when you're actually on the island, instead of booking in advance or online.

• MONEY: Take lots of cash with you, especially when you're going to Isla Isabella or Floreana! |

  Attention: Isla Isabella and Floreana Islands do not have ATMs! The closest one to wherever you are might be on Santa Cruz island, which is over a 2 hour and $30 ferry ride away which only leaves twice per day. In Ecuador/the Galapagos, the currency is the US Dollar.

• SNORKEL: These are the top 10 snorkeling sites in the Galapagos

  My FAVORITE thing I did on this trip was a day-tour to Santa Fe island that brought us to a place where we could go snorkeling with sea lions! Seriously, it was so magical. They are like the puppies of the sea; so cute and super playful. If you go there, you must do this. Life changing. Amazing. Promise me you will do this.

• TOURS: The Galapagos aren't cheap, but you can save a LOT by organizing last-minute tours when you get there. Read here about how to book them

  This is a great guide with a full breakdown of how much tours v cruises, and booking in advance v last minute cost. Land-based, day tours only will cost you between $35-$150 per person. Book them at any travel agent when you're on the islands and remember, you CAN negotiate!

• WHAT TO DO: Bike through Los Humedales to the Wall of Tears and see enormous wild tortoises on the way

  Cheap and fun! This bike ride isn't the easiest one ever, but it's absolutely beautiful with lots of gorgeous places to stop along the way. Make sure you take lots of water with you because the Galapagos are super, super, hot.

• WHAT TO DO: This blog has a big list of stuff you can do for free, or at least for very cheap in the Galapagos

  Yes, it's possible to go there and not spend your life's savings. I would definitely recommend taking at least a couple of paid tours so you can spend some time exploring the waters around the islands, but you really don't need to drop $$$ every day on something guided. Scroll down for a big list of stuff you can do for free while you're there!

• WHAT TO DO: From Santa Cruz you can reach Las Grietas, a stunning swimming hole that you can visit fo' free! Go there. It's awesome

  You don't need to fill up every single day with an organized tour. Take a water taxi to Las Grietas for a relaxing day in nature.

• WHAT TO DO: Walk to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz, the most pristine beach I've ever seen. Don't forget your camera or sunscreen!

  It's a bit of hike to get there and back (a 2.5k walk along a brick road through the mangroves... it's kind of cool actually) but the beaches waiting for you at the end are so worth it. I remember thinking, "this must have been exactly what Charles Darwin saw when he came here'" because the beach is literally untouched; flawless, and crawling with exotic animals. This was one of my favorite days in the Galapagos and it was free! Make sure you bring sunscreen and a cover-up as there's hardly any shade or relief from the sun when you're there.

• WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GALAPAGOS |

  Extremely hot weather Peace and quiet -- No nightlife Pristine beaches Poor WiFi for the entirety of your stay Amazing stars / the Milky Way Exotic animals everywhere Difficulty finding an ATM Cash-only everywhere A lot of walking Lack of info online about day tours Inability to book cheap accommodation online A look of amazement plastered onto your face at all times

• NERD OUT: Read this, because you probably should know a thing or two about Charles Darwin before you go

  The Galapagos is teeming with animal species that are unique not only to the archipelago but to the individual islands themselves! Charles Darwin was the first to discover that several species of finches that varied from island to island when he first visited the Galapagos. This discovery helped him to develop his theory of natural selection. Learn all about Charles Darwin's important trip to the Galapagos.