{"id":2156,"date":"2026-01-04T09:53:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T15:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/?p=2156"},"modified":"2026-01-14T14:07:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T20:07:55","slug":"your-galapagos-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/your-galapagos-flight\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Gal\u00e1pagos Flight: A Step-by-Step Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Flying to the Gal\u00e1pagos is a little different from flying anywhere else. Because the archipelago is a protected National Park, there are a few extra steps involved, from how flights must be booked to the permits and screenings required before boarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a closer look at the paperwork, permits, and pre-travel steps you\u2019ll need, so you can start your adventure with confidence. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about flying to the Gal\u00e1pagos, and how we make the process easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveling with Galakiwi?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>We handle your permits and requirements so you can enjoy every moment stress-free.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want some inspiration? <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/our-tours\/galapagos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Explore our favorite Gal\u00e1pagos experiences here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Booking Your Flights<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re flying straight from home or pairing your Gal\u00e1pagos adventure with another trip in Latin America, there&#8217;s one key thing to keep in mind: <strong>there are no direct international flights to the Gal\u00e1pagos<\/strong>. All travelers must first arrive in mainland Ecuador, then fly onward from either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quito (UIO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guayaquil (GYE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And into one of the two Gal\u00e1pagos airports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baltra (GPS) \u2013 Santa Cruz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>San Crist\u00f3bal (SCY)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many travelers choose to pair their island trip with a short mini-adventure in mainland Ecuador, Quito, the Andes, or the Amazon. For this reason, most Galakiwi guests prefer that we take care of their domestic flight booking, ensuring schedules align smoothly with their tour and pre- or post-trip plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" src=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-888x500.jpg 888w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GPS-Beach-Pax-edited-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before You Fly: Required Permits<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two mandatory documents to every traveler, Transit Control Card (TCT) and Gal\u00e1pagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration. We recommend completing them online within 48 hours before their flight to the Gal\u00e1pagos. We usually complete these forms for our guests, as doing them in advance makes the airport process much smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Transit Control Card (TCT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Required for all visitors.<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> Submit online within 48 hours before your flight:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49<a href=\"https:\/\/siig-registro.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec\/app\/tct\/emitir\/\"> https:\/\/siig-registro.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec\/app\/tct\/emitir\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cost: <strong>$20 per person<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once paid, <strong>download or print the confirmation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll present it at check-in and at the boarding gate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The option to complete this process at the airport is being phased out<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Gal\u00e1pagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Designed to protect the islands from invasive species.<br>Submit online within 48 hours before your flight:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49<a href=\"https:\/\/declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec\"> https:\/\/declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019ll declare any biological materials, food, or equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After submitting, you\u2019ll receive a <strong>QR code<\/strong> by email<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present this code digitally or printed upon arrival<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paper forms are being eliminated, so completing it online is strongly recommended<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For a detailed breakdown of all entry requirements, see our full guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/galapagos-entry-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Gal\u00e1pagos Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Airport Arrival Time<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Arrive at least <strong>2.5 hours before your scheduled flight<\/strong>.<br>You will need enough time to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Verify your documents with <strong>INGALA<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have your luggage inspected at <strong>Agrocalidad<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Print luggage tags or boarding passes (if needed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check in your bags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass through airport security<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Luggage Screening<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>All bags, checked and carry-on, are scanned to ensure you\u2019re not bringing prohibited organic products or species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This screening ensures you\u2019re not carrying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fresh fruits or vegetables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seeds or plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organic materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Live animals or insects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any potential invasive species<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your bags will be tagged once cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re carrying snacks, make sure they&#8217;re permitted so airport authorities won\u2019t need to dispose of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After completing INGALA, luggage scanning, you can check in your bags and proceed through security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"flight from Lima to Quito...approaching Mariscal Sucre airport in Quito from the South... Murray Foubister\" class=\"wp-image-2158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-889x500.jpg 889w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Flight_from_Lima_to_Quito_-_approaching_Mariscal_Sucre_airport_in_Quito_from_the_South_-_26796679221-edited-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your Flight to the Gal\u00e1pagos<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Typical flight times:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quito \u2192 Guayaquil: ~50 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guayaquil \u2192 Gal\u00e1pagos: ~2 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If departing from Quito, your plane makes a brief stop in Guayaquil. Most passengers remain onboard during this short connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In-flight Biosecurity Spray<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Before landing, the cabin will be lightly sprayed with passengers onboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an approved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789240080317\">World Health Organization<\/a> method used to prevent the introduction of insects or species that could harm the islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s safe for you and your belongings, and essential for protecting Gal\u00e1pagos biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-889x500.jpg 889w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/zanzibar-flying-sea-sky-ocean-edited-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Arrival in the Gal\u00e1pagos<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re almost ready to begin your adventure, just a few steps left:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow the airport signs to the correct immigration line (Foreigners \/ Ecuadorians \/ Residents).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pay the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park entrance fee (cash or card):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>$200 per adult<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$100 per child under 12<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Present your Biosafety Declaration QR code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have your carry-on bag re-scanned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick up your checked luggage, it will be inspected by trained sniffer dogs before being released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you exit the terminal, your Galakiwi guide will be waiting to greet you and begin your island adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting the Gal\u00e1pagos requires following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/destinations\/galapagos\/galapagos-national-park-rules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">National Park guidelines<\/a>. Certain sites can only be visited with a certified naturalist guide, and independent exploration is restricted in many areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveling with Galakiwi ensures:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All your documentation is handled correctly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re accompanied by certified, local guides<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your experience follows best practices for safety, conservation, and enjoyment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to plan your Gal\u00e1pagos experience, or simply want to explore what\u2019s possible, take a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/our-tours\/galapagos\">our tours<\/a> or let\u2019s talk about your adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flying to the Gal\u00e1pagos is a little different from flying anywhere else. Because the archipelago is a protected National Park, there are a few extra steps involved, from how flights must be booked to the permits and screenings required before boarding. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the paperwork, permits, and pre-travel steps you\u2019ll need, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pre-trip-advice"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2156"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2302,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2156\/revisions\/2302"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.galakiwi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}