Jazmin Li
The Galapagos Islands are located 1000km off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. To get to the Galapagos, you must first fly to either Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador. From there, you can take a domestic flight to one of the two main airports in the Galapagos: Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island or San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island. Seymour Airport is the most popular airport for arrivals, as it is located next to the central island of Santa Cruz. San Cristobal Airport is located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and is used by cruises and tours embarking from this town. There is also a third, smaller airport on Isabela Island that is only suitable for light aircraft and small planes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airports in Galapagos | 2 major airports and 1 smaller airport |
| Location of the 2 major airports | Baltra and San Cristobal islands |
| Location of the smaller airport | Isabela Island |
| Airlines that service the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador | LATAM and Avianca |
| Other Airlines | Seymour Airport is served by airlines such as Seymour, Avianca, and LATAM |
| Airport Codes | Seymour Airport (IATA code: GPS), San Cristobal Airport (IATA code: SCY) |
| Location of San Cristobal Airport | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town, San Cristobal Island |
| Location of Seymour Airport | Baltra Island, adjacent to Santa Cruz Island |
| Time taken to get to Santa Cruz Island from Seymour Airport | 2.5 to 3 hours by speedboat |
| Time taken to get to San Cristobal Island from Santa Cruz Island | 2 to 3 hours by speedboat |
| Time taken to fly from Quito to Galapagos | 2 hours and 15 minutes (non-stop) |
| Time taken to fly from Guayaquil to Galapagos | 2 hours (non-stop) |
| Average airfare to Galapagos from Quito | $350, round trip |
| Average airfare to Galapagos from Guayaquil | $300, round trip |
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What You'll Learn
Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island
Seymour Airport (GPS) is the main gateway to the Galapagos Islands. It is located on Baltra Island, Ecuador, and is the most popular airport for travellers flying into the archipelago. Seymour Airport is also known as Baltra Airport, as it is situated on Baltra Island, and Santa Cruz Airport, due to its proximity to Santa Cruz Island.
During World War II, the US Air Force established a base on North Seymour, a part of Baltra Island. Crews stationed at Baltra patrolled the Pacific Ocean for enemy submarines and protected the Panama Canal. After the war, the facilities were handed over to the Ecuadorian government, which still uses the island as a military base today.
Seymour Airport is a small airport with domestic flights only. It is served by two airlines, Avianca and LATAM, and there are roughly 175 flights departing from the airport every month. The longest flight from Baltra Island is a non-stop route to Quito, Ecuador, which takes around two hours.
The airport has modern facilities, including a VIP lounge, gift shops, and cafes. It also offers Wi-Fi, an ATM, and a basic medical centre. Seymour Airport is notable for being the world's first "green" airport, running primarily on wind and solar energy, with desalinated water. The airport was constructed from recycled steel tubes used in oil drilling operations in the Amazon rainforest, with a focus on minimising the impact on the Galapagos ecosystem.
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San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is located on San Cristobal Island, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The airport is on the southwestern end of the island, with rising terrain to the northeast. It is one of the three airports in the Galapagos, the other two being Seymour Airport (Baltra Airport) on Baltra Island and Isabela Airport on Isabela Island. San Cristobal Airport is served by flights from the two most important hubs in Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil. It is a modern airport with a single runway and terminal building, and services including food kiosks and souvenir shops. The airport is located just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town, and taxis are available outside the terminal building.
San Cristobal Airport is a popular alternative to Seymour Airport, the most popular airport in the Galapagos. Seymour Airport is known for its strong environmental commitment, being the first "green" airport in the world, running on wind and solar energy. It also has modern facilities, including a VIP lounge, gift shops, and cafes.
When deciding which airport to fly into, travellers should consider their cruise departure point, general itinerary, and interests. Seymour Airport is the preferred choice for those departing on an expedition cruise, as it provides access to Santa Cruz Island/Puerto Ayora Town. On the other hand, San Cristobal Airport provides access to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Town.
It is important to note that inadvertently booking the wrong flight route can be catastrophic for a vacation to the Galapagos. Therefore, it is essential to know the difference between each Galapagos Island Airport during the trip planning stage.
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Getting to Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Island
The Seymour Galapagos Airport (GPS) is located on Baltra Island, which is just a short ferry ride away from Santa Cruz Island. This airport is considered the main gateway to the Galapagos Islands.
To get to Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Island, you will need to take a bus to the ferry terminal, then a ferry to Santa Cruz Island, and finally a taxi or bus to your destination on the island. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the steps:
- Bus from the airport to the ferry terminal: Purchase a bus ticket for $5 near the buses. Your bags will be loaded onto the bus, and it will take about 15 minutes to arrive at the ferry terminal.
- Ferry to Santa Cruz Island: At the ferry terminal, board a small boat, which will cost $1 per person and take around 5-10 minutes to reach the other side.
- Taxi or bus to your destination on Santa Cruz Island: Once you arrive on Santa Cruz Island, you can either take a taxi or a bus to your final destination. A taxi will cost $20-25 for up to four people, while a bus will cost $5 per person. The bus will take you to a bus terminal outside of Santa Cruz, from where you can take a taxi to your hotel for an additional $1.50-2.
Please note that the total cost of this journey, excluding the taxi option on Santa Cruz Island, is approximately $11 per person. It is also important to allow enough time for the transfers, especially if you have a flight to catch. It is recommended to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 2 to 2.5 hours before your flight departure time.
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The environmental credentials of Seymour Airport
Seymour Airport (GPS) is located on Baltra Island in Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago. It is the most popular airport for tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands, serving as a gateway to the islands' extraordinary wildlife.
Seymour Airport is officially recognised as the world's first ecological airport. It was inaugurated in 2012, with a terminal constructed from recycled steel tubes previously used in oil drilling operations in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. The airport is designed to be environmentally friendly, using clean, renewable technologies, including solar and wind energy, and seawater desalination. The airport's designers took the surrounding environment into account, aiming to minimise the impact on the Galapagos ecosystem.
The airport is constructed with sustainable materials, and approximately 75% of the materials from the old terminal were reused for the new structure. The construction process used the Emmedue Advanced Building System, which allowed for a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions. The airport also features bilingual signs explaining its commitment to the circular economy and the use of responsibly sourced materials.
Seymour Airport is also home to various wildlife, including birds, lizards, and plants. The airport manager, Jorge Rosillo, has emphasised its sustainability, stating that the airport aims to balance technology and comfort for passengers without polluting the environment. The airport has received recognition from the United States Green Building Council and has been awarded the LEED Gold level certification for its environmental design and carbon neutrality.
Overall, Seymour Airport in the Galapagos demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and has set a precedent for eco-friendly airport construction and operations.
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The pros and cons of flying into Quito or Guayaquil
When planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, you will likely need to fly into either Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador. Both cities offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your travel style, length of stay, and interests when making your decision. Here are some pros and cons of flying into each city:
Quito
Pros:
- Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is known for its rich history and culture, including a well-preserved historical centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers picturesque attractions such as cobblestone streets, churches, plazas, and parks, as well as nearby volcanoes and mountains.
- Quito has a range of activities to offer, such as horseback riding in the Andean tundra and exploring the cloud forests.
- The city enjoys temperate weather throughout the year due to its higher altitude.
- Quito is the biggest and most popular international airport in Ecuador, with daily morning departures to the Galapagos.
Cons:
- Quito's high altitude may cause altitude sickness for sensitive individuals.
- Flights from Quito to the Galapagos include a mandatory stop in Guayaquil, extending the travel time by about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Quito is farther from the airport, and accommodations and other services may be more expensive compared to Guayaquil.
- Access to and from the airport and surrounding hotels in Quito can be more challenging than in Guayaquil.
Guayaquil
Pros:
- Guayaquil is the second most popular international airport in Ecuador and offers convenient access to the Galapagos.
- The city is located closer to the airport, and many hotels provide shuttle services.
- Flying from Guayaquil to the Galapagos can be slightly cheaper, and the city offers more affordable accommodations and services.
- Guayaquil has its charms, including the vibrant Malecon 2000 boardwalk with shops and restaurants.
Cons:
- Guayaquil does not have the same level of historical and cultural allure as Quito, and there are fewer luxury and boutique accommodation options.
- If you are looking for a quick turnaround, such as arriving late at night and departing for the Galapagos the next morning, Guayaquil may be a better option as access to and from the airport is easier.
- For those seeking rich cultural experiences, Guayaquil is primarily a commercial hub and may not offer the same depth of cultural immersion as Quito.
In summary, both Quito and Guayaquil offer unique advantages depending on your travel preferences and itinerary. Quito is ideal for those seeking cultural richness and picturesque attractions, while Guayaquil provides efficiency and convenience for those on a tighter schedule or seeking a more straightforward transit experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two airports in the Galapagos Islands: Seymour Airport GPS on Baltra Island, and San Cristobal Airport SCY on San Cristobal Island. Seymour Airport is the most popular airport to fly into due to its central location, while San Cristobal is often seen as a backup alternative.
The closest airports to the Galapagos Islands are in the Ecuadorian cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Quito is the most popular international airport in Ecuador, and flights to the Galapagos depart daily in the morning. Guayaquil is the second most popular airport in Ecuador, and also offers daily morning flights to the Galapagos.
The best airport to fly into depends on your travel style, length of stay, and interests. If you are looking for a straightforward transit experience, Guayaquil is a good option. If you are interested in exploring Ecuador's culture and landscapes, Quito is a better option.
