Flights from Quito to Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a paradise for nature lovers. The archipelago is about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean, and boasts wildlife and landscape that you’ll not find anywhere else in the world. You can swim with sea lions and watch giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and penguins in their natural habitat. Families, children and nature lovers will adore the time that they spend at the Galapagos Islands.

Flying to Galapagos Islands

1. Which Airports serve Quito to Galapagos Islands?

Flights to Galapagos Islands from Quito depart from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). It is 11 miles from Quito and is located in Tababela Parish. Your flight will land at Isla Baltra Airport (GPS). It is the primary airport serving the Galapagos Islands and Santa Cruz Island. The airport is about two hours from Puerto Ayora if you travel by public transport. Puerto Ayora is located in Santa Cruz and is the largest town of the Galapagos Islands.

2. Which Airlines operate flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands?

There are numerous carriers operating flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, including Ecuador TAME, Avianca, LAN Ecuador and Copa Airlines. Since the Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, airlines operate regular flights throughout the year.

3. How long is the flight?

If you have booked a direct flight, then it will take about 2 hours and 7 minutes. If there is a layover at Guayaquil, then your flights from Quito to Galapagos Islands will take longer.

4. Climate changes between Quito and the Galapagos Islands

Quito has a subtropical highland climate, and its proximity to the equator results in a consistently cool climate. It can get cool at night. The climate is completely different in the Galapagos Islands. From December to June, humidity levels are high and temperatures tend to soar to between 78-86ºF. While there are chances of occasional showers, during the day it is warm and sunny.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

You will need to purchase an INGALA card at the airport in Quito. You will need to pre-register online for the card. When you land at Galapagos Islands, you will have to pay an additional $100 as a park entrance fee.

Galapagos Islands Information

Quito is located at an altitude of 2,850 meters, at the foothills of the Andes. It’s well-known for its colonial-era architecture. You will find other structures that blend indigenous, Moorish and European architectural styles.

The Galapagos Islands are for nature lovers. You can enjoy a scenic walk from the town to La Loberia in San Cristobal Island. It is home to a large colony of sea lions. You can snorkel and take in the marine life or watch the birds, marine iguanas and giant tortoises. In the Galapagos Marine Reserve, you can enjoy whale watching.

On Santa Cruz Island is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn about the history of the islands and check out the land iguanas and the giant tortoises.