Ruth Haines
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that are part of Ecuador. There are two airports in the Galápagos: Seymour Airport (IATA: GPS) on Baltra Island and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island. Seymour Airport is the primary gateway to the Galápagos and is located next to the major island of Santa Cruz. There are no direct international flights to the Galápagos, so travellers must first fly to mainland Ecuador, either to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, and then take a connecting flight to the Galápagos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport |
| Other Names | Aeropuerto Ecológico Galápagos Seymour, Seymour Island Airfield |
| IATA Code | GPS |
| ICAO Code | SEGS |
| Location | Baltra Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador |
| Neighbouring Island | Santa Cruz Island |
| Neighbouring Town | Puerto Ayora Town |
| Neighbouring City | Guayaquil |
| Flight Duration from Nearest City | 1 hour and 45 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Seymour Airport is on Baltra Island
Seymour Airport is located on Baltra Island, one of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. It is one of two airports in the Galapagos archipelago, the other being San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island.
Seymour Airport, also known as Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport, is a primary gateway to the Galapagos Islands. It is located right next to the major and central island of Santa Cruz, providing access to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora Town. The airport is administered and operated by ECOGAL, which sought to create the world's first ecological airport by minimising the impact on the surrounding environment.
Flights to Seymour Airport depart from Ecuador's main airports in Quito and Guayaquil. Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) offers daily flights to the Galapagos, with a brief stopover in Guayaquil. Guayaquil's Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) offers direct flights to the Galapagos, which typically take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
When planning a trip to the Galapagos, it is important to note that cruises and tours may utilise both airports, arriving at one and departing from the other. Additionally, a Transit Control Card (TCT) is required for all travellers and must be obtained at the airport before boarding their flight to the Galapagos.
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San Cristobal Airport is on San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is located on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos archipelago. It is one of two airports in the Galapagos Islands, the other being Seymour Airport (IATA code: GPS) on Baltra Island. San Cristobal Airport is located in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Seymour Airport is also known as Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport and is considered the primary gateway to the Galapagos Islands. It is located next to the major island of Santa Cruz. San Cristobal Airport, on the other hand, is further south in the archipelago.
When travelling to the Galapagos Islands, flights usually depart from mainland Ecuador. The two main airports in Ecuador that offer flights to the Galapagos are in Quito and Guayaquil. Quito's airport is called Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), and Guayaquil's airport is called Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
It is important to note that there are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands. Therefore, travellers typically need to transit through either Quito or Guayaquil before continuing to one of the two airports in the Galapagos.
When planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, it is recommended to allow extra time for required procedures such as purchasing the Transit Control Card (TCT) and undergoing baggage inspection at the airport before departure. Additionally, a Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee must be paid upon arrival on the islands.
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Flights from Quito to Galapagos
There are two airports in the Galapagos Islands: Seymour Airport, on Baltra Island, and San Cristobal Airport, in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. If you're flying from Quito, you'll be departing from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
Flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands depart daily in the morning, with prices for a round trip starting at $350. The cheapest month to fly is usually September, with ticket prices ranging from $215 to $255. March is the most expensive month.
LATAM and Avianca are the two airlines that service the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Avianca offers the most nonstop flights, with 8 per week, while LATAM is the most popular overall, offering 357 connecting flights and 4 nonstop flights per week. The cheapest one-way flight with LATAM is $120, while the cheapest round-trip flight with Avianca is $278.
When flying from Quito to the Galapagos, you'll need to purchase a Transit Control Card (TCT) at the airport before boarding your flight. The card costs $20 and is required for all travellers. Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, you'll also need to pay a National Park Entrance Fee. It's recommended that you allow extra time for these required procedures, as well as baggage inspection.
If you're planning a cruise or tour in the Galapagos, your flights will usually be arranged in conjunction with your cruise or tour package. Cruise and tour operators block flights in advance to ensure there is space for all travellers and to get the best price.
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Galapagos Airport on a cruise/tour package
The Galapagos Islands are a pristine wilderness, with 97% of the islands protected and uninhabited. There are two airports in the Galapagos Islands: Seymour Airport, which is on Baltra Island, and San Cristobal Airport, which is in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. All travellers flying to the Galapagos Islands will arrive at one of these two airports. Some cruises and tours will arrive at one airport and depart from another, so it is important to review your itinerary carefully. Flights to the Galapagos Islands are usually arranged in conjunction with your small ship Galapagos cruise or tour package, and typically flights are not included in the price.
There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands, so you will first need to fly to mainland Ecuador. The primary airports in Ecuador are Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, and José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. Quito is highly recommended for a Galapagos pre- or post-trip extension, and flights from Quito to the Galapagos depart daily in the morning. The average airfare to the Galapagos is $350 round trip. Guayaquil is popular with travellers who want to get to the Galapagos in the least amount of time, as the airport is located close to town with a quick 20-minute transfer to most hotels.
There are several procedures that must be followed at the airport before boarding your flight to the Galapagos Islands. A Transit Control Card (TCT) is required for all travellers and must be obtained at the airport before boarding your flight. The card costs $20. A Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee must also be paid upon arrival in the islands. It is recommended that you allow extra time for these procedures, as well as baggage inspection.
There are a variety of cruise and tour packages available for the Galapagos Islands. The islands can be visited year-round, as their location on the equator results in an ideal climate for vacationing or cruising. You can choose from cruises that are 4 to 15 days long, on small yachts, catamarans, or larger ships. There are also luxury cruises that offer the best guides, cuisine, and onboard comfort. Some cruises offer all-inclusive packages that include air transfers, five-star accommodations, and tours. On a Galapagos cruise, you will have the opportunity to meet amazing wildlife, trek unearthly landscapes, and explore the islands through the eyes of experts. You can also choose from a variety of land-based tours, which tend to be more economical.
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Galapagos Airport from Guayaquil
When travelling to the Galapagos Islands, you will likely pass through Guayaquil Airport, also known as José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, which is the closest airport to the islands. The airport is located in the port city of Guayaquil and is approximately 20 minutes from the most popular hotels in the city. The city itself is worth exploring, with its well-known tourist areas, such as Malecón 2000 and the Puerto Sta Ana area, offering a rich cultural experience.
From Guayaquil Airport, you can take a flight to either Baltra Island or San Cristóbal Island, which are home to the two main airports in the Galapagos Islands. Seymour Airport, located on Baltra Island, is adjacent to Santa Cruz Island, while San Cristobal Airport is situated in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. These are the two options for those planning to take a cruise around the Galapagos Islands, as cruises typically depart from these ports.
It is important to note that flights to the Galapagos Islands from Guayaquil usually depart early in the morning, so it is recommended to spend at least one night in Guayaquil before your flight. Additionally, a Transit Control Card (TCT) is required for all travellers and must be obtained at the airport before departure. This card costs USD $20, and a Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee must also be paid upon arrival in the islands.
When planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands, consider your overall travel plans and connecting flights. If you have more time and wish to explore Ecuador's culture and landscapes, you may choose to fly through Quito and spend a few days in this historic city. However, if your priority is convenience and a shorter travel time, Guayaquil is the preferred option, as it offers a quicker connection to the Galapagos Islands.
In conclusion, when travelling to the Galapagos Islands from Guayaquil, you will pass through Guayaquil Airport, the gateway to the islands. From there, you can take a short flight to either Baltra or San Cristóbal Island, depending on your cruise or tour itinerary. Remember to allow enough time for travel procedures and to enjoy the cultural offerings of Guayaquil or Quito during your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Seymour Airport, also known as Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport.
The airport's IATA code is GPS, and its ICAO code is SEGS.
Seymour Airport was previously known as Seymour Island Airfield and was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force during World War II.
San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is located on San Cristobal Island, in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
