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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Travelers planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands should be aware of an important change: since August 2024, the official entrance fee has doubled from $100 to $200 for international visitors. This adjustment, announced by the Ecuadorian government and the Galápagos National Park Directorate, marks the first significant increase in more than two decades.
The entrance fee is paid upon arrival at the airports of Baltra or San Cristóbal and applies to all foreign tourists entering the protected areas of the archipelago. Payment must be made in cash in U.S. dollars, as card payments are not accepted. Children under 12, students, and Ecuadorian residents benefit from lower fees, but most international visitors should expect to pay the full $200 at the start of their journey.
Authorities justify the increase as a way to strengthen conservation programs and manage the rising costs of maintaining fragile ecosystems. The additional funds will support habitat restoration projects, research initiatives, and efforts to protect endangered species such as the giant tortoise, marine iguana, and Galápagos penguin. At the same time, part of the revenue is distributed to local communities to improve infrastructure and ensure sustainable tourism.
For travelers, this means building the new entrance fee into their trip budget. It is important to note that the charge is separate from the Transit Control Card (TCT) fee of $20, which is paid before boarding your flight from mainland Ecuador. Combined, these costs represent a significant upfront expense, but they are essential to preserving one of the world’s most unique natural destinations.
