The Galapagos Islands
Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and islands shaped by fire
Exploring this region
Technical information
Galapagos Islands at sea level. Quito (mainland gateway) 2,850 m / 9,350 ft.
- Best time to visit
- Galapagos are a year-round destination: warm and wet December to May (best for swimming and snorkeling), cool and dry June to November (richest marine wildlife). Quito is driest June to mid-September
- Average temperature
- Galapagos: Day 26–30°C (79–86°F), Night 20–23°C (68–73°F).
Quito: Day 19–20°C (66–68°F), Night 9–10°C (48–50°F) - Distance from Lima
- By plane: approx. 2h 20min to Quito.
By plane: approx. 2h 10min from Quito to Galápagos. An overnight on the mainland is required.
The Galapagos are among the most remarkable archipelagos on earth, home to sea turtles, sea lions, waved albatrosses, frigatebirds, and penguins you can watch from just a few feet away. This is where evolution took shape, and it still feels like a living laboratory. Combine the islands with Machu Picchu and you have two of South America’s greatest journeys in a single trip.
