Do the Galapagos on a Budget

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have fascinated visitors ever since Charles Darwin wrote his Theory of Evolution based on his research in the area.

The islands are home to a huge variety of wildlife, including boobies and the finches on which Darwin wrote his theory. There is plenty to attract visitors, but prices are high. While a trip to the Galapagos is never going to be cheap, there are ways to keep costs down.

Many visitors fly to the islands and then explore on daytrips. While the ticket is an unavoidable cost, daytrips allow you to customize your experience and trim some of the less appealing excursions from the all-inclusive cruises.

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That said, all-inclusive trips can prove to be good value for those who are flexible about when they travel. While some visitors have to book months in advance, backpackers on a flexible schedule can afford to wait around and book a last minute all-inclusive cruise for far less than the list price. There are various offices in Quito and Guayaquil that offers heavily discounted last-minute tickets.

If the idea of being committed to an itinerary turns you off, do things your own way and explore on daytrips. To save money, make sure to sleep and eat away from the main tourist areas. It’s possible to find cheap hotel rooms for around $15 if you negotiate, and local restaurants offer basic plates of food for around $3.

The cost of getting to the islands is quite considerable, but with a bit of research you can eat and sleep for only slightly more than on the mainland.

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