Entrance fees are not included in the tour price and are paid locally. The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is $200 USD for international adult visitors, and you will also need to buy a $20 USD Tourist Transit Control Card (TCT) at the mainland airport before you fly out to the islands. We strongly advise having this money ready in cash, as relying on the ATMs at the airport is risky.
The official currency of the Galapagos Islands, and of Ecuador as a whole, is the US Dollar ($). It is worth bringing some cash with you, as card payment is not accepted everywhere on the islands.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.
You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.
Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
Yes! One week before the trip, you’ll get a welcome email from us, including a WhatsApp group QR code and all the info you need. You can also join our Facebook group in the meantime.
The accommodation included on this trip is twin-share hotels throughout, so you will share a room with one other traveller from the group.
Awesome! Once you’ve booked, just let us know who you’re travelling with and we’ll make sure you’re roomed together. Easy as that!
Yes, absolutely. Just let us know when you book your trip and we’ll make sure your dietary needs are taken care of so it doesn’t affect your experience.
You need to fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY), where the tour begins. You will normally connect there from Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador.
The closest airport to the end destination is Baltra Airport (GPS), which is the airport serving Santa Cruz, where the tour finishes.
International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. That is how your group leader knows when you are landing.
Arriving before the tour starts, or staying on at the end? Let us know as early as you can so we can check availability and pricing on extra nights.
Not at all! A small deposit will confirm your place on the tour. We ask that you please provide the remaining balance no less than 60 days before your tour begins.
Yes, just give us at least 60 days' notice in order to allow another person to take your spot.
Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 60 days before your tour is set to begin.
This trip starts on San Cristóbal Island and finishes on Santa Cruz Island. Please book your flights accordingly: you will fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) at the start of the tour and out of Baltra Airport (GPS), which serves Santa Cruz, at the end.
Most things are covered, including activities, transport, accommodation, and some meals. You’ll just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping, and any onward travel after the tour
Airport transfers are not included, but you can book one separately up to 30 days before your tour.
You can arrive any time on Day 1. There are no scheduled activities during the day, but there will be a welcome meal with the group at around 7 pm. Your guide will give you an overview of the trip, and you’ll have a chance to meet the group and do some fun icebreakers.
The trip starts in San Cristobal and finishes in Santa Cruz.
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