Living in the Galapagos Islands offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a close-knit community, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and abundant wildlife encounters. In this blog post, we delve into the unique lifestyle, work opportunities, transportation, access to supplies, and the challenges and rewards of calling the Galapagos Islands home.

Lifestyle and Community

Life in the Galapagos Islands revolves around the captivating nature that surrounds it. Residents often partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and relaxing, immersing themselves in the island’s incredible biodiversity. The community is known for its strong bonds and supportive atmosphere, creating a sense of belonging among residents.

In this island paradise, tourism reigns supreme, with locals working in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. However, with the precious and unique ecosystem the Galapagos Islands have, many are dedicated to preserving this and find employment in conservation and research organizations. And let’s not forget the contributions from agriculture and fishing, which ensure sustainability and a thriving economy.

Transportation and Connectivity

Inter-island transportation primarily relies on small planes and boats, and within the islands, locals commonly use bicycles, walking, or small vehicles for commuting soaking in breathtaking views along the way. In a rush or bike has a puncture? Easy, white Toyota pickup trucks serve as taxis and cost just $1.50 anywhere within town.

WiFi is important for many locals and visitors alike. The availability and quality of Wi-Fi in the Galapagos Islands can vary depending on your location. But the community has been very excited in recent months, as many received their StarLink routers and are now set up with fast connection that is comparable to the mainland. Quite the upgrade! Some cafeterias offer this to the public, perfect for those that need a fast connection in a pinch or working online whilst enjoying locally grown coffee.

In the more remote or less populated parts of the islands, the Wi-Fi access may be limited or unavailable. But that is actually one of the wonderful things about living in the Galapagos islands, you are forced to slow down, get out in nature or enjoy other interests away from our devices!

Access to Supplies

As a remote destination, the Galapagos Islands heavily rely on imports from mainland Ecuador for essential goods such as food, construction materials, and fuel. Supply chains are carefully managed to minimize the impact on the delicate ecosystem and maintain sustainability.

However, as a small island away from the continent, things can easily go wrong. The shipment of supplies has been quite the hot topic in the community recently, due to recent shortages, the most impactful being gas. Complaints were made by the island authorities themselves, due to the lack of vessels transporting cargo with the required regularity. After one of the cargo ships was damaged, the deliveries are now down to just one boat. According to the newly appointed Mayoress, Fanny Uribe, there is only one ship with 3,600 tons of cargo, the Fusion 2. Talking to Extra News Ecuador she said, “We need 9,000 tons for all the islands to supply ourselves, the deficit is very high”. In Santa Cruz and San Cristobal people have been lining up for up to 24 hours to get a tank of gas as the distribution was rationed to 50 a day before they ran out.

Included in the recent cargo were cars and alcohol which led the authorities to plead that the priorities be given to the basic necessities. “If people don´t have gas or food, they don’t eat” she claims. Rolando Caiza, the Mayor of San Cristobal also said “The problem is not so much the cars, it is the beer, which occupies 27% of the tonnage weight of the ship. If we have supply problems then let’s prioritize what is needed. But who controls the quotas? The boat operator.”

The isolation and limited resources can sometimes present logistical hurdles, but the spirit of community and resilience prevails. It’s a place where neighbours become friends, and the sense of belonging is palpable. People divide up their food when someone is in need or will loan an extra tank of gas. Although sadly, businesses have started to be affected by this and some small restaurants have had to temporarily close until more gas arrives. Next week will hopefully be a different story as more gas tanks are reported to arrive. Together, residents overcome any obstacles.

Conclusion
Living in the Galapagos Islands provides a unique opportunity to embrace nature’s wonders and be part of a vibrant community. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, encounter fascinating wildlife, and experience a sense of belonging like no other place on Earth. Plan your visit to the Galapagos Islands today and experience it for yourself.

The post Living in the Galapagos Islands: Embrace Nature’s Paradise appeared first on Galatrails - Mapping your adventure and is written by Charli Pocock

Experience the Thrill of Post-Pandemic Travel.

Calling all adventurers and nature enthusiasts! The Galapagos Islands are back and better than ever. After a brief pause, tourism has returned, and the islands are open for exploration. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this enchanting paradise!

In 2022, a total of 267,688 tourists set foot on the Galapagos Islands. The growth in tourist arrivals from 2021 to 2022 is astounding, with a staggering increase of 168% for foreign tourists and 49% for national tourists. The majority of arrivals, 72% to be precise, entered through the Baltra Island airport, while the remaining 28% arrived via San Cristóbal.

Although the total number of tourists in 2022 was 1% lower than in 2019, prior to the pandemic, it is a small difference of 3,550 tourists, and the recovery is well underway!

Nature has rebounded with a bang, and the Galapagos’ remarkable wildlife is reclaiming its territory. Picture sea lions frolicking on the beaches, ancient giant tortoises meandering through lush vegetation, and blue-footed boobies flaunting their dazzling dance moves.

The Galapagos Islands are buzzing with energy as travelers from around the globe flock to experience its wonders.

Thanks to strict conservation measures and responsible tourism practices, the Galapagos ecosystem has had time to rejuvenate. This means even more remarkable encounters await you. Snorkel alongside graceful sea turtles, glide past vibrant schools of fish, and prepare to be awestruck by the sight of hammerhead sharks cruising beneath you. The underwater world is a kaleidoscope of wonder and beauty.

Tourism in Galapagos is rebounding handsomely with more than double foreign tourists exploring the islands last year verses 2021! As international tourism stabilizes, national tourism has surged, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The island’s proximity and affordability make it an appealing choice for domestic travelers.

Let’s dive into some exciting activities! Picture yourself camping on the beautiful beaches of “El Garrapatero” and “Playa Roja,” joining the lucky 7,924 visitors who enjoyed this incredible experience last year. For those seeking adventure on the water, kayaking is a must, with 7,924 visitors embarking on thrilling kayaking expeditions. And here’s a fun fact: 35% of all visitors made their way to the famous Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach where you can soak up the sun and encounter fascinating wildlife.

Now is the time to plan your Galapagos adventure! The islands are eagerly awaiting your arrival. Experience the magic of post-pandemic travel as you immerse yourself in the unique ecosystems, encounter captivating wildlife, and discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. The recovery of tourism in this tropical paradise is in full swing, and the Galapagos Islands are ready to offer you an adventure of a lifetime. Get packing and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever!

Comments from our blogger: @Charli Pocock

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Are you an adrenaline junkie seeking an extraordinary adventure? Look no further than the Galapagos Islands! This enchanting archipelago offers a paradise of thrilling activities that will make your heart race and your spirit soar. From underwater explorations to exhilarating hikes, let’s dive into the ultimate guide for adrenaline enthusiasts planning their Galapagos escape.

1. Snorkeling: Dive into an Underwater Wonderland

Put on your snorkel gear and prepare for an awe-inspiring experience. The crystal-clear waters of the Galapagos teem with an incredible array of marine life. Swim alongside playful sea lions, graceful sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish. Don’t forget to explore the famous Kicker Rock, a natural volcanic formation that attracts an abundance of marine species. Pro tip: Bring an underwater camera to capture these magical moments!

2. Diving: Discover the Hidden Depths

Take your adventure to new depths by scuba diving in the Galapagos. Plunge into the underwater realm and encounter hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and even whale sharks if you’re lucky! The islands boast some of the best diving spots in the world, with sites like Gordon Rocks and Wolf and Darwin Islands offering unforgettable encounters. Make the best use of a free day on Santa Cruz in our tours and unravel the mysteries of the Galapagos’ underwater world.

3. Hiking: Conquer Volcanic Trails

For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, the Galapagos Islands offer a variety of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas and unique encounters with wildlife. Embark on an adventurous hike up Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island, where you can witness the immense volcanic crater and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Lace up your boots and explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat.

4. Kayaking: Glide Through Pristine Waters

Hop in a kayak and navigate the pristine waters of the Galapagos Islands. Paddle your way through hidden coves, mangrove forests, and stunning coastal landscapes. As you glide silently, keep an eye out for marine iguanas basking on the rocks and curious Galapagos penguins darting through the waves. Kayaking allows you to explore hidden corners of the archipelago and connect with nature in a unique and intimate way.

Tips for Adventurers

Pack appropriate gear: Don’t forget your wetsuit, snorkeling equipment, reef safe sunscreen, hiking shoes, and a waterproof camera to capture all the thrilling moments.

Respect the wildlife: Remember to maintain a safe distance from the animals (2 meters) and follow the guidance of your expert guides to ensure a sustainable and responsible adventure

Plan ahead: Some activities require permits or are subject to specific seasons, so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly and book in advance.

Prepare for heart-pounding moments, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife. The Galapagos Islands are a thrill-seeker’s dream come true. So, pack your sense of adventure, embrace the unknown, and get ready for an experience that will leave you breathless. Don’t wait any longer—start planning your Galapagos adventure now!

Are you ready to make your Galapagos dreams a reality? Contact us today to plan your ultimate adventure in this adrenaline-filled paradise. Our expert team will curate a customized itinerary that includes all the thrilling activities you desire. Get ready to experience the islands like never before and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Content from our bloguer @Charli Pocock

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Travelling to the Galapagos Islands is a journey filled with enchantment. The Galapagos Islands are also known as the Enchanted Islands and the lucky ones that come to visit here are undoubtably going to agree with the pseudonym. Each of the volcanic Islands are different, with its own charm and together the Galapagos has an unrivalled beauty and uniqueness, mainly due to the large number of plant and animal species that do not exist anywhere else!

Are you ready to come and visit us?

We’re very excited that we can now happily welcome you, as the Galapagos islands are fully open and tourists can come to visit without fear or major restrictions! Whether you are coming here to swim alongside the abundant marine life scuba diving, take a land tour to see what the different islands have to offer, or perhaps you just want come and chill out on the beautiful beaches next to the friendly sea lions with your family. Whatever the reason for your visit, we’ve got you! We’re here to give you the low down on getting to the Galapagos, the current COVID situation in the islands, along with any COVID restrictions and guidelines you need to know to be able to come and enjoy our enchanted islands!

What is the COVID situation on the Galapagos Islands?

We believe in full transparency and know that to travel with all the information you need, means you will have a more enjoyable, stress free vacation – exactly as a vacation should be!

Take a look at this map below. This is part of an infographic that is shared in the Galapagos community by official channels and created by the Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Publica). It shows the latest numbers of active COVID-19 cases in the Galapagos.

Received in just the last few days on April 13^th , you can see that the active cases across all the islands are low, thanks to the strict measures that have been in place over time and the care we are all still taking to finally get to the goal of zero COVID cases in the Galapagos islands! In comparison to recent numbers, the cases have reduced in Santa Cruz island (35 versus 58 cases reported the previous week), San Cristobal island has seen a slight rise in cases with just two more active cases and Isabella island only has one active case. Floreana Island has zero cases of COVID. Thanks to the quick actions made by the authorities, immediately closing inter-island travel when the pandemic hit the island has always been COVID free. Travel between the islands is available again and all of the Galapagos is open!

Despite having numerous islands and islets that tourists can enjoy by sea or foot, these forementioned islands make up the total four islands that are inhabited here.

Is it safe to visit the Galapagos?

Absolutely! Whilst there is risk everywhere in the world at the moment, the authorities in all of the Galapagos Islands have been working hard to ensure the locals and tourists travelling to the Galapagos Islands alike have the right services and help at hand.

As us locals do, you will need to wear your mask when outside your accommodation or around others, practise social distancing and avoid large gatherings.

All services are open once again. Restaurants and bars are open where the servers will greet you with a smile and a spray of alcohol for your hands before serving the real stuff in a happy hour (or two)! Galapagos day tours, scuba diving trips, boat charters and cruises are all up and running. Also, once again, the ferries are regularly running between the Galapagos Islands. You can travel between Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabella islands and are able to stay at all of them to enjoy the sites at your pleasure if you wish. Floreana is open, but as it is COVID free and we want to keep it that way, it is currently open for day tours or longer stays that require a negative PCR test 48 hours before entry to that island. Ferries run to and from Santa Cruz island to Floreana every two weeks. Luckily it is close to Santa Cruz and you can see all it’s beauty on land and in the water in a day. Did you know there are pirate caves there? Anyway, no need to worry about navigating it all yourself, that’s what we’re here for! Take a look at our package tours or why not custom your own?

Recently Ecuador received 1 million vaccinations, a portion of which arrived to the Galapagos islands. The vaccination plan for everyone here is going very well with the aim to vaccinate 2 million Ecuadorians by the end of May. We might be small islands far off the coast of Ecuador but we have not been left behind: the Galapagos was recently declared as the first province in Ecuador to finish phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccinations, with 4500 people having received their first dose of the vaccination

Are there any restrictions on entering the islands?

Yes, but it’s quite simple. All you need to do is enter with a negative PCR test that’s been taken within 96 hours of entering and a document (salvoconducto) which you receive with your accommodation or tour operator reservation.

Any international traveler wishing to transit via Quito or Guayaquil International Airport to the Galapagos should first arrive in-country with proof of a negative COVID RT-PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than three days (96 hours) before entering… With the required negative results in hand, there is no quarantine required upon arrival in the Galapagos (nor to return to the mainland of Ecuador).  Travelers to the Galapagos also need a “salvoconducto” from their tour operator, and should contact the operator directly for that document. – Us Embassy, Quito.

As a Galapagos tour operator we can help provide you with the required Salvoconducto, contact us here

What if I feel sick when I am there?

Don’t worry we have a free public hospital that is open to everyone as well as PCR tests available in 7 places across the three main islands.

If you book a trip with us you always have a contact here to help you plan your trip, travel with confidence and have the trip of a lifetime. We hope to see you soon!

Author: Charli Pocock

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlip/

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A message to the world from the Tourism Chamber of Galapagos: Reigniting Tourism in the Enchanting Islands

The Galapagos Islands are working hard on the reactivation of the tourism in the islands, in this short video you can see some of the highlights in this process that make possible to re-open the tourism to the world.

The post A message to the world from the Tourism Chamber of Galapagos. appeared first on Galatrails - Mapping your adventure and is written by Juan Elaje

Photo and Content: Consejo de Gobierno de Galapagos

As part of the economic reactivation of Galapagos, we signed a tripartite framework agreement for inter-institutional cooperation for the implementation of a private clinical laboratory, especially for the processing of RT-PCR tests for COVID-19, in addition to the execution of scientific research projects with the Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos – ABG and the University of the Americas – UDLA.

The objectives are: To increase sampling capacity on the islands to ensure greater safety for tourists; to allow international visitors to be tested on the islands shortly before leaving the country; to reduce the pressure on the public health system for sampling and analysis; and to maintain the Galapagos Islands as a safe destination.

The results of the tests will be billed directly to the final consumer at a price no higher than that established by the National Health Authority. The analysis of COVID-19 samples from the Ministry of Public Health will also be free of charge, in accordance with the possibilities and infrastructure available to UDLA.

The agreement has a term of one year and among the provisions, it is established that the equipment will be donated to the Biosecurity Agency for Galapagos.

Important note: Please refer also to our last COVID-19 update post on the 2020/12/30 regarding the Biosecurity protocols where you have all the recomendations to take before comming to visit the Galapagos Islands.

The post The reactivation of the tourism in the Galapagos Islands continues. appeared first on Galatrails - Mapping your adventure and is written by Juan Elaje

Many of the people involved in the tourism industry in Ecuador Mainland and  the Galapagos Islands such as  hotels, boats, airports, drivers etc are working hard and putting all their efforts together  setting up the bio-security and protocols in terms of receiving tourists to the country.

To enter Ecuador, the government requests the presentation of a negative PCR test for Covid 19, taken within 10 days prior to entering the country; with this the traveler is exempt from doing mandatory preventive isolation.

If the passenger does not present a negative PCR test upon arrival, they can enter the country, but must perform the mandatory preventive isolation of 10 days at their home or at the accommodation of their choice.

• You must acquire the traffic control card, the cost of the card is $ 20 for all passengers with tourist category older than 2 years, at the counter of the Galapagos government council, located in the airports of Guayaquil and Quito, for which you must present:

• RT-PCR test no longer than 96 hours between taking the sample and its shipment date.

• In the case of foreign tourists who have certified laboratory results from their country of origin within the times established in this protocol at the time of entry to the islands, they may present this document as an enabling document.

• The negative RT-PCR test will not be a requirement to travel to Galapagos for children and young people under or equal to 17 years of age, in the migratory categories of permanent, temporary residents, transients and tourists, whether nationals or foreigners.

• Round trip ticket (no more than 60 days)

• Salvoconducto – Safe conduct (this is issued by the travel agency or the hotel) with the same date of entry and exit of tickets, granted by a tourist services authorized by the Mintur (Ministery Of Tourism)

• Travel insurance

The post COVID-19: Update December 2020 / REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS appeared first on Galatrails - Mapping your adventure and is written by Juan Elaje

Many of the people involved in the tourism industry such as  hotels, boats, airports, drivers etc are working hard and putting all their efforts together  setting up the bio-security and  protocols in terms of receiving tourist in to the Galápagos Islands.

On October 22th – 2020 the “COE NACIONAL”  the maximun authority in charge of the security for the pandemic in Ecuador declared the new protocols that started few day ago.

Here the link of the authorized laboratories by the Ministry of health in Ecuador. 

http://www.calidadsalud.gob.ec/laboratorios-autorizados/

Some important facts and obligations before entering the Galapagos Islands: 

• Both national and foreign tourists must present a PCR test with a negative result for coronavirus, as a mandatory requirement to enter Galapagos (printed)

• ID or Passport 

• Flight ticket -round trip 

• A travel insurance 

• A “SALVOCONDUCTO” issue by the travel agency or the hotel -which is a requirement from local authorities here

• A health decalaration  formulary  

• Transit control card, issue by Consejo de Gobierno at the airport, cost of 20 usd 

• The Governing council of the islands has detected that 17 test were falsified by travelers, since last july.

• Covid-19 tests must be carried out up to 96 hours before entering the island province. The test is mandatory, except for children and adolescents under 17 years of age, according to the admission protocol updated by the Provincial Emergency Operations Committee (COE).

• When a person who plans to travel to Galapagos takes the test, the result should be sent directly by email to the Ministry of Public Health and the Government Council. “This will allow us a more exhaustive control, by combining the database sent by the laboratory with the physical copy presented by the traveler”

• The cost of the tests fluctuates between USD 70 and 120

• The total of accumulated cases in the islands is 459, according to the Galapagos COE. In Santa Cruz there are 36 active cases, 18 in San Cristóbal and 0 in Isabela. There are 54 active patients, two more than the last weekly cut. Meanwhile, 169 people are in mandatory preventive isolation (APO) for having had contact with positive cases.

• The provincial COE reported on Monday that the mandatory isolation per trip was also eliminated for residents returning to the islands, with the condition of presenting the PCR test

• Galapagos received an average of 22,000 tourists per month before the pandemic. The reactivation of tourism in the archipelago is still incipient, but it shows “encouraging signs” since August. The Galápagos Chamber of Tourism registers the arrival of 456 tourists in August; in September, 1 232; and in the first half of October, 1,200.

• Travel agencies, cruises and hotels show an attractive number of reservations for December, and it is so good indicator of traveler confidence, although everything will depend on the behavior of the pandemic.

• This 2020 Galapagos will end with about 66,000 visitors, added the first three months of the year, which means a 75% annual drop.

Photo: Adriana yatch – Galatrails’ supplier.  (group of passengers on September 2020)

Source: El Comercio -Newspaper 
https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/galapagos-actualizacion-protocolo-ingreso-viajeros.html. 

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A journey into the interior of a woman committed to her values ​​and beliefs.

Please Let me introduce you, Mariuxi Prieto. In this video she wants to show you the origins of the famous PANAMA HAT. and others backgrounds of the Ecuadorian Culture.

Mariuxi Prieto:
Biologist from the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Guayaquil, Historian, Photographer, Writer, Explorer, Adventurer.
An activist for the defense of the Architectural Heritage of Guayaquil, her emblematic fight against injustices led her to start a social aid work that remains in force to this day.
In 2013, on the eve of a trip to the United States, while she was eagerly searching for a gift for her hosts, she did not imagine at that time that she was about to start a long journey that would lead her to re-find herself. , a trip to his modest origins as a descendant of peasants from an area of ​​the Guayas Province, a trip towards the re-discovery of the Ancestral Traditions in the Santa Elena Peninsula

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This project started time ago, but once you start also learning a little bit more of it, you can have a bog picture of the hard efforts for all these group of people involve and putting their efforts together for the conservation of the Galapagos islands.

Scientist tags shark and whale shark, once done this they can monitoring and can give them real data base of their long distances journey they do. the results of this project for example can teach us they stay during certain of time from March to June for example in the case of the hammerhead sharks.

Did you know that a shark fin in the market can cost between 10-20 thousand dollars, in the mean while a live whale shark can cost around 5 millions dollars.

You can still be part of the solution and help to the conservation and support the efforts of many scientist.

Source and photo: Galapagos Conservancy

Shark Count is a user-friendly tool that allows divers visiting Galapagos to help monitor marine life in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

Using Shark Count, divers become “citizen scientists” and make important contributions to our understanding of Galapagos marine ecosystems by recording the sharks, sea turtles, rays and ocean sunfish they encounter during their dives

The Shark Count app displays individual reports contributed from divers at the top 20 dive sites around the archipelago. Charts and maps show the number of species observed during each dive and the best sites and times to see each species.

All data is shared with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and will benefit research and management decisions focused on protecting the Reserve’s incredible marine life. 

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