Exploring Galapagos on a budget

Last Updated on November 9, 2020

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is often perceived as an expensive trip. A lot of the cruises are quite pricey, and getting there isn’t a bargain either. There is no doubt an organized cruise offers an excellent opportunity to explore the Islands and give you an access to even the most remote spots only ships can get to. But what if you don’t have the time and finances to afford such a trip ? You might wonder if you can visit Galapagos on a budget and on your own ? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Even though you will not be able to get to the most remote islands, land based Galapagos trip can offer amazing experiences.

I planned an 8 day trip to Galapagos on a budget and split my time between the two most populated islands: San Cristobal and Santa Cruz ( here ). Since both of these islands have airports, it’s easy to get to them. Also, there is a ferry running between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, which makes it easy to connect, without the hassle of flying. All the activities we did on both islands were cheap or even free. Here are my 10 ideas how to get the most out of your time there, without spending a fortune.

Things to do in Galapagos on a budget – San Cristóbal 

Check out Playa de Oro

This small beach right off the main road in town (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), is one of the best spots to to see lots of sea lions. Babies chasing their mothers out of the water, others sleeping in the sun. Remember to be respectful of them, not coming too close. They are curious creatures, and will come check you out, if they feel comfortable enough and don’t feel threatened.

Spend a day at La Loberia beach

This beach is not far from town, and is where you want to go if you want the picturesque day at the beach spent among the sea lions. They are everywhere and are very playful, especially the babies. This is a very wide, open beach with no shade. Make sure to bring lost of sunscreen and reapply often, as the sun is very strong. There are no facilities on the beach, so pack all you will need for the day, food plenty of water.

If you walk to the end of the beach, you can continue down the marked path among volcanic rocks. There are plenty of iguanas there to spot. The path will then take you to a cliff, which is a great for bird watching and that beautiful coastline view.

Getting to La Loberia from town is very easy, either by taking a short taxi ride or a 30 min walk. It’s definitely a great way to spend a few hours and a perfect example of an activity in Galapagos on a budget. Other than the cost of a taxi ( $2-3 each way ), visiting La Loberia is free.

PRO TIP: Make sure to arrange with your taxi driver when to pick you up at the end of the day. Otherwise, it’s a 2.5 km ( 30 minute walk ) back into town.

Hire a taxi driver for a Highland Tour

This is a great way to spend half a day exploring highlands of San Cristobal. It can be easily arranged with any available taxi driver. It costs approximately $60. The tour usually includes El Junco, Puerto Chino, la Galapaguera and  El Ceibo ( the tree house ). The taxi driver will wait for you at each stop, or come back at an arranged time.

• El Junco – a fresh water lake, that is the only source of fresh water in the Galapagos Islands. It’s a little hike to get to the top from the parking lot, but once there the views are amazing, both of the lake as well the surroundings. There is a also a path around the lake for those looking for a longer walk . It’s a great place to spot a variety of birds.

• Puerto Chino – in case you didn’t get enough of hanging around sea lions,  there’s another beach for you full of them. With soft white sand, turquoise water and LOTS of seal lions, this beach is picture perfect. When I was there, I remember thinking to myself: this is what heaven must be like!

• La Garrapaguera de Cerro Colorado – it’s a giant tortoise reserve dedicated to increasing the tortoise population. You see them in various stages in life, and as you walk through trails, you can spot them everywhere. Some are babies that are kept in breeding pens for a couple of years before they can be released, which protects them from predators. When they reach the age of 5, they are released into the wild. You can visit the reserve on your own, or have a guide walk you through it, which I highly encourage you to do. They’re very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. The admission is free, but make sure to tip your guide.

• La Casa del Ciebo – this massive ceibo tree is believed to be the oldest tree in Ecuador. The owner built a tree house on top as his getaway, which he later opened up to visitors. For $2 you can explore the house itself and even climb down the very narrow stairs below ground of this giant tree. If you want, you can even spend the night in the tree house for $20. It has beds, kitchen and most importantly a working toilet! I wouldn’t venture out of the town just to see it, but it makes for a fun and quirky stop added to the highland trip.

Things to do in Galapagos on a budget – Santa Cruz

Go to Las Grietas in Puerto Ayora

Las Grietas is a rock formation of two cliffs separating, where you can swim in the cool ocean water. It’s another great activity in Galapagos on a budget. This spot is very popular with the locals. The water is refreshing , calm and crystal clear. So clear you are able to see fish just looking down at the water. Bring your snorkel, as there is so much more to see underwater.

How to get to Las Grietas: Take a water taxi from the Puerta Ayora dock. It will drop you off at the dock at Finchbay hotel. From there it’s a 15-20 minute walk through a mangrove landscape before you reach Las Grietas.

Have dinner at Los Kioskos

Around 6 pm every night, one of the main streets in Puerto Ayora : Charles Binford closes down to traffic, and turns into a food fest. All the food stands located on that street bring out tables and chairs, and as the sun starts setting , they start to compete for your attention as you walk by. The theme of the food is similar. Most of them offer seafood , whatever happens to be in season at the time of your visit. It’s affordable, you’ll find a lot of Happy Hour Specials, and it’s great for people watching. Even though some will say it’s becoming somewhat touristy, it’s still a great outdoor eating experience.

Walk down to the Pier in Puerto Ayora

After dinner at Los Kioskos, grab a beer or a beverage of your choice and walk down the street to the main Pier. Yes, it’s perfectly fine! You will most likely find sea lions hanging around all along the pier, some snoozing on benches after a hard day 🙂

Rent a kayak on Tortuga Bay

Tortuga Bay is on most itineraries for those visiting Santa Cruz. After quite a hike to get there from the town center ( 2.5 km ) you end up at a beautiful, wide beach, which seems to be the iguana’s favorite. Swimming at this beach is prohibited due to really strong currents. Keep walking until you end up at the lagoon, where the water is much calmer and safer for swimming. I highly recommend renting a kayak for $ 20/hr. While paddling along, you can spot see fish, baby sharks and turtles.

Bike from Cerro Mesa to El Garrapatero Beach 

This one was the suggestion from an owner of a small breakfast joint in town. And it proved yet again, that it does pay off to talk to locals, even though they don’t speak English, and your Spanish is basic at best. He suggested we rent a bike for the day and hire a taxi driver to take us up to Cerro Mesa. Most ( if not all) taxis are pick up trucks, so they can easily accommodate a couple of bikes in the back.  Arrange the time he picks you up at the Playa de Garrapatera at the end of the day, or after a few hours, depending how long you want to stay.

Cerro Mesa

Cerro Mesa is an ecological reserve, that is located at 490 m above sea level, which guarantees amazing views of the island. The largest crater is located there, and the reserve is home to giant Galapagos tortoises. You will come across them just biking around through this amazing, beautiful place. Some sitting in tall grass, others in the middle of the road.

Once you are ready for a change of scenery, head out of the reserve and head down the road towards El Garrapatero. Hard to get lost there as the is a single road, and not many turns.

Playa El Garrapatero

This beach, like most in the Galapagos, can be accessed after a short walk on a paved trail.  Along the way, you will see plenty of typical for the area prickly pear cactus trees and tiny lizards scuttering across the path. The water is perfectly calm for swimming, and there are kayaks for rent as well. It seemed like El Garrapatero is another one of the local’s favorite.

If you follow the trail to the lagoon, you might see Flamingos there. Even though I wasn’t this lucky, there was still plenty of wildlife to be seen: lizards, iguanas, variety of birds, ducks. Just like all the other beaches, this one doesn’t have any facilities either. Make sure to arrange the taxi to pick you up at a certain time. The beach is very remote, and there is no such thing as taxis driving by.

Visit Fish Market in Puerto Ayora

Hands down my favorite activity on Santa Cruz, and it’s FREE. Another proof, you can explore Galapagos on a budget. Each day fishermen come to this little market to unload their catches of the day. Not far behind are sea lions, pelicans, cranes. All doing the same thing: begging for scraps. The most impatient ones can’t be bothered to wait, they just go for it. The place gets very busy with locals picking up fish for dinner, tourists photographing, but the animals without a doubt steal the show.

Stop at El Chato on your way to the Baltra Airport

It’s a good idea to combine a visit to El Chato with your ride to the Baltra airport. Coming from Puerto Ayora, it’s basically on the way, and this way you can save money on the taxi. Just another tip and an example, that Galapagos on a budget can be done!

El Chato is a natural reserve and home to giant tortoises. It’s a great opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. For just a few dollars you get to walk this large open space and see the tortoises roaming around or taking a mud bath. The place provides Botas ( rubber boots), and you will need them, because the place gets very muddy in certain spots. The highlands are usually cooler, and often misty.

For tips how to prepare for your Galapagos trip, make sure to read: Galapagos Islands on your own – know before you go and Packing list for Galapagos – all the essentials.

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