 Galapagos on the cheap?? |
Galapagos on the cheap?? |
Galapagos on the cheap??South America » Ecuador | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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OAFC Dave Post Count: 10 Msg: #1 210 days ago, December 28th 2007 | Want to fit a Galapagos trip into our itinerary but prices seem prohibitive - what's the most cost effective way of seein the Galapagos Islands??? |  GoGoGirl Alyssa Max Post Count: 1 Msg: #2 196 days ago, January 12th 2008 | I'm having this problem as well-read today in my lovely guide book that Isla de la plata is supposed to be a good and MUCH cheaper alternative, but I'm not sure if this is truth or sad fiction. Does anyone have any advice on this?! |  Katm1987 Katherine Matson Post Count: 78 Msg: #3 195 days ago, January 13th 2008 | If you really can't afford Galapagos, Isla de la Plata is ok to see a few things you would see in Galapagos but not really a match for the real thing although it is a lot cheaper. As for Galapagos, it's never going to be really cheap - depends what you can afford. Flights are generally around $300 from Quito or Guayaquil although apparently it's sometimes possible to get a ride on a military flight which is cheaper. If you just fly out there you can either hope for a cheap, last-minute deal once you arrive (although these are generally the much cheaper boats) or just start at Puerto Ayora and take day trips out to the other islands. This way you only see what you really want to but the cost could escalate quite easily. You can find quite good deals for cruises especially if you're travelling alone as tours sometimes drop prices to fill up the last couple of places on boats. Otherwise, just try the multitude of tour agencies in Quito - you can get 8 day tours including food and flights for $1000 though obviously not going to be the nicest of boats! You just need to shop around. Beware of the extras though - it's a $100 park entrance fee, you would need to buy your own bottled water on cheaper boats and a generous tip for the crew and guide is expected. Personally I would say it was definitely worth the money but at the end of the day I don't think there are that many ways to cut costs. If either of you are in Ecuador on voluntary/work visas you can get money off however. 'Temporary' Ecuadorian Nationals can get half price flights and the park fee reduced to $25 although you really have to argue for that. Good luck! | TB: Galapagos!!!!! Elinaaa aline.louvet Post Count: 1 Msg: #4 188 days ago, January 20th 2008 | hi! | for living here a while I can say the best way to book Galapagos "cheap" (well the cheapest possible) is to book directly with local galapagos agencies such as manuel yepez' Sharksky, now they have a web check google don't remember Liz Hruska elizabeth hruska Post Count: 2 Msg: #5 187 days ago, January 21st 2008 | Hi - thanks for posting this question - I have the same one! I'm also wondering if I should give in to my American tendency to want to schedule everything in advance (from here at home in MN) or if I should wait until I'm in Quito to book everything. Does anyone have advice? I'm going to be in Ecuador the first 3 weeks in March. I really really want to visit the Galapagos! Thanks in advance! | charliecrull Charlie Crull Post Count: 2 Msg: #6 145 days ago, March 2nd 2008 | Hi Folks, I'm not sure there is a real way to do the Galapagos on the "cheap" but what I can say is that the Galapagos is worth every cent you spend. I traveled there last April and had the time of my life. It was so amazing that my girlfriend and I have decided to go back and bring a small group. Here is the link to the trip if you are interested in checking it out. http://www.cruise-tour.com/Galapagos/Galapagos.htm We set this trip up directly through our friend Bolivar Sanchez who has been a naturalist in the Galapagos for the last 16 year. He is outstanding. Because of this we were able to keep the cost of the trip lower than your average trip to the Galapagos. | Just a little background about Maria and I... we are teachers and have the summer off. My parents run a small travel business and have given us the opportunity to run a few trips during the summer. Hope you find this helpful! The Galapagos is magical! Thanks, Charlie Number of Users: 6 | Number of Posts: 6 | ||||||||||||||
