Galapagos Flights | Galapagos islands | Galapagos Cruises

Flights to Galapagos Islands

The Archipelago of Galapagos is located 903 kilometers (563 miles) west of Continental Ecuador and so the only way to reach the Islands is via plane from Mainland. Because the Galapagos is a protected National Park, flight frequencies are limited but there are daily flights to/from the Islands from the two international Airports in Ecuador:

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (coded: UIO) located in the capital city of Quito and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (coded: GYE), in Guayaquil (coast region).

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Where do we land and cost of flights?

Flights from Quito have a 40 minute layover in Guayaquil before heading to Galapagos. Total estimated flight-time is 2 to 2½ hours from mainland to the Archipelago.

Bear in mind that Galapagos has two Airports: Seymour Airport (coded: GPS) in Baltra Island and San Cristobal Airport (coded: SCY) located in the Island of the same name.

AVIANCA, EQUAIR and LAN-LATAM Airlines are the three main carriers serving the routes, and their prices vary depending on the season. Flight rates vary from US$490 and US$545 per adult and discounts are applied for children under 12 years-old by the time of travel.avianca galapagos airport

If you are taking a sailing cruise, it is best to book the flights along with the cruise as each cruise uses specific flights that complies with their approved itinerary and regular schedule. Arriving on later flights or other Airline that may suffer delays may result in missing the group’s arrival and greet, perhaps the first visit of the itinerary and even the complete forfeiture of the booked cruise.

When should I arrive to Ecuador?

It is very important to know that all flights to Galapagos depart from Quito between 06h30 and 07h00 and from Guayaquil between 08h00 and 09h00; therefore it is of great importance that you arrive to either City at least 24 hours (best if 48 hours) before your –pre scheduled flight date to the Islands, this in case your international flights and connections suffer delays or change on timings.

Moreover, if you are planning to leave Ecuador on the last day of your cruise or tour, remember that flights from Galapagos are susceptible to delays and the estimated of arrival to Guayaquil is around 15h30-17h00 and to Quito is around 16h00-18h00.

What are my flight options?

As mentioned, there are 3 airlines flying in/out Galapagos; Avianca, EQUAIR and LAN Airlines. There are several flights departing each day to Baltra and San Cristobal; it is also possible to fly to one airport and return from the other in the Galapagos.

Here is a sample chart of flight schedules from Avianca Airlines to use as reference on flight times and routes:

CHART FLIGHTS MAINLAND - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

AVIANCA - BALTRA
DAYS FLIGHT # NROUTE DEPARTS ARRIVES
DAILY 1632 UIO/GYE/GPS 09H37 12H19
DAILY 1633 GPS/GYE/UIO 13H24 17H56
THURSDAY & FRIDAY 1634 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H27 11H09
THURSDAY & FRIDAY 1635 GPS/GYE/UIO 12H14 16H46
SATURDAY 1638 UIO/GPS 08H00 09H11
SATURDAY 1639 GPS/UIO 10H20 13H24
AVIANCA - SAN CRISTOBAL
DAYS FLIGHT # NROUTE DEPARTS ARRIVES
MONDAY & TUESDAY 1630 UIO/GYE/SCY 08H10 10H45
MONDAY & TUESDAY 1631 SCY/GYE/UIO 11H45 16H13
SATURDAY 1636 UIO/GYE/SCY 08H55 11H30
SATURDAY 1637 SCY/GYE/UIO 12H30 16H58
SUNDAY 1636 UIO/GYE/SCY 08H10 10H45
SUNDAY 1637 SCY/GYE/UIO 11H45 16H13
*All flight numbers and times are subject to change without prior notice.
 
CHART FLIGHTS MAINLAND - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
LAN/LATAM AIRLINES
DAYS FLIGHT # ROUTE DEPARTS ARRIVES
MONDAY & THURSDAY XL-1411 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H00 10H32
MONDAY & THURSDAY XL-1410 GPS/GYE/UIO 11H20 15H47
TUESDAY XL-1417 UIO/GYE/GPS 13H10 14H22
WEDNESDAY XL-1417 UIO/GYE/GPS 13H10 14H22
FRIDAY XL-1411 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H05 10H37
FRIDAY XL-1410 GPS/GYE/UIO 11H25 16H02
FRIDAY XL-1415 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H35 11H17
FRIDAY XL-1414 GPS/GYE/UIO 12H00 16H39
SATURDAY XL-1415 UIO/GYE/GPS 07H05 09H47
SUNDAY XL-1414 GPS/GYE/UIO 10H35 15H07
TUESDAY XL-1419 UIO/GYE/SCY 10H40 13H07
TUESDAY XL-1418 SCY/GYE/UIO 10H35 13H02
SATURDAY XL-1419 UIO/GYE/SCY 08H08 10H32
SATURDAY XL-1418 SCY/GYE/UIO 11H15 15H37
SUNDAY XL-1419 UIO/GYE/SCY 10H40 13H07
SUNDAY XL-1418 SCY/GYE/UIO 13H45 18H17
*All flight numbers and times are subject to change without prior notice.
 
CHART FLIGHTS MAINLAND - SAN CRISTOBAL
EQUAIR - SAN CRISTROBAL
DAYS FLIGHT # ROUTE DEPARTS ARRIVES
WEDNESDAY HN1064 UIO/GYE/SCY 09H30 11H55
THURSDAY HN1064 UIO/GYE/SCY 09H30 11H55
SATURDAY HN1062 UIO/GYE/SCY 09H25 11H45
SUNDAY HN1060 UIO/GYE/SCY 07H40 10H15
WEDNESDAY HN1064 GYE/SCY 11H05 11H55
THURSDAY HN1064 GYE/SCY 11H05 11H55
SATURDAY HN1062 GYE/SCY 10H55 11H45
SUNDAY HN1060 GYE/SCY 09H25 10H15
*All flight numbers and times are subject to change without prior notice.
 
CHART FLIGHTS MAINLAND - BALTRA
EQUAIR - BALTRA
DAYS FLIGHT # ROUTE DEPARTS ARRIVES
MONDAY HN1072 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H00 10H30
MONDAY HN1076 UIO/GYE/GPS 10H30 13H00
TUESDAY HN1074 UIO/GYE/GPS 09H30 12H10
WEDNESDAY HN1072 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H00 10H30
THURSDAY HN1060 UIO/GYE/GPS 07H40 10H15
FRIDAY HN1070 UIO/GYE/GPS 07H25 09H55
SATURDAY HN1072 UIO/GYE/GPS 08H00 10H30
SUNDAY HN1078 UIO/GYE/GPS 11H00 13H30
MONDAY HN1072 GYE/GPS 09H35 10H30
MONDAY HN1076 GYE/GPS 12H05 13H00
TUESDAY HN1074 GYE/GPS 11H15 12H10
WEDNESDAY HN1072 GYE/GPS 09H35 10H30
THURSDAY HN1060 GYE/GPS 09H00 09H55
FRIDAY HN1070 GYE/GPS 09H00 09H55
SATURDAY HN1072 GYE/GPS 09H35 10H30
SUNDAY HN1078 GYE/GPS 12H35 13H30
*All flight numbers and times are subject to change without prior notice.

How to choose the best route for my flights?Reptiles Galapagos

It is suggested to define your international flight schedule before booking domestic flights; depending from where you plan to fly to Ecuador, you can find excellent and different deals arriving/departing to Quito or Guayaquil.

The prices for domestic flights are the same in all routes to/from Galapagos so if you find a good deal for international flights, we can gladly book your domestic flights in consistence with them.

Can I book Inter-Islands flights?

Yes, it is possible; there is a local airline specialized on inter-island flights; they fly a small aircraft (Cessna plane) 3 times a week between Baltra Island and Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil) as well as between Baltra and San Cristobal Islands Last we heard, fares were a little over $135.00 one way per person so if you have the money and not the time, this is a great way to get from island to island.

You can also charter hourly planes between US$450 and US$ 600 (rates are subject to verification), but can gladly cater this service for you!

Can I book “Open Jaw” Routes?Entry Requirements Galapagos

Yes, flights can be booked on a specific route i.e. Quito/Baltra/Quito with option to modify the route eventually considering available flights and possible penalties for changing on routes or dates.

What is the best way to connect with my international flight?

When returning from Galapagos, if you have your international flight booked on the same date from Quito or Guayaquil, it is imperative that this flight leaves Ecuador no earlier than 20h00. The main reason for this is because most of the times Galapagos flights suffer delays especially due to weather conditions, therefore it is best that if you necessarily need to flight out Ecuador on the same day, that you choose an evening flight back home or to your next destination, like Peru for instants.

However, it’s more recommended to flight on the next day if possible so you can board your international flight with ease of time.

IMPORTANT: Note, that even though you’re allowed to fly to the islands by yourself, most locations require you to be with acertified guide to be allowed to visit them. For information about our tours click here.

New options to take flights to Galapagos. Manta-Galapagos Flights are now possible.

Since June 2, Avianca Airlines will open flights on the route Manta (MEC) to Baltra Island (GPS). This is the first air route that connects Manta to the Galapagos. With two flights in the week, the airline bet to change the historic routes to fly to the Galapagos, with flights only from Quito or Guayaquil to the Islands. This new route improves connectivity from the mainland to the archipelago and opens more alternatives for national and international tourists to explore Ecuador.

It was noted that these flights also contributed to the transport of medical supplies and food to residents of the archipelago. These two flight frequencies are in addition to the thirty flights the airline currently offers from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal and Baltra.

There are some things to do in Manta if you have more time to travel before going to Galapagos. In Manta, we find the Pacoche Coastal Marine Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world and is the nesting spot of marine turtles. Other activities that we recommend are the Kontiki expeditions, which offer the tourist the opportunity to sail along the coast of Ecuador on board a luxury yacht and discover the beauty of the region. Last but not least, you can visit the San Lorenzo Sanctuary of Sea Turtles in Manabi. All of these activities can be enjoyed together with the ancestral cuisine of Manabi, such as salprieta, tongas, or some handcrafted candies.
 

CHART FLIGHTS MAINLAND (MANTA) - BALTRA

AVIANCA - BALTRA
DAYS FLIGHT # NROUTE DEPARTS ARRIVES
SUNDAY AV1628 MEC/GPS 08H56 09H45
WEDNESDAY AV1628 MEC/GPS 08H56 09H45
*All flight numbers and times are subject to change without prior notice.

Frequently asked questions about flights to the Galapagos Islands

Can I book Inter-Islands flights?

Yes, it is possible; there is a local airline specialized on inter-island flights; they fly a small aircraft (Cessna plane) 3 times a week between Baltra Island and Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil) as well as between Baltra and San Cristobal Islands Last we heard, fares were a little over $135.00 one way per person so if you have the money and not the time, this is a great way to get from island to island.

You can also charter hourly planes between US$450 and US$ 600 (rates are subject to verification), but can gladly cater this service for you!

How to choose the best route for my flights?

It is suggested to define your international flight schedule before booking domestic flights; depending from where you plan to fly to Ecuador, you can find excellent and different deals arriving/departing to Quito or Guayaquil.

The prices for domestic flights are the same in all routes to/from Galapagos so if you find a good deal for international flights, we can gladly book your domestic flights in consistence with them.

What is the best way to connect with my international flight?

When returning from Galapagos, if you have your international flight booked on the same date from Quito or Guayaquil, it is imperative that this flight leaves Ecuador no earlier than 20h00. The main reason for this is because most of the times Galapagos flights suffer delays especially due to weather conditions, therefore it is best that if you necessarily need to flight out Ecuador on the same day, that you choose an evening flight back home or to your next destination, like Peru for instants.

However, it’s more recommended to flight on the next day if possible so you can board your international flight with ease of time.

Can I book “Open Jaw” Routes?
Yes, flights can be booked on a specific route i.e. Quito/Baltra/Quito with option to modify the route eventually considering available flights and possible penalties for changing on routes or dates.