I have seen that the best deals can be had by going to Guayaquil or Quito and shopping for deals to the Galapagos. Is this true? Which city? Where specifically would I look once I get there? Or, shoudl I fly directly to the Galapgos and look for a deal? Where would I fly into? When do most boats leave and how many days prior should I get there? Any advice would be really appreciated. I am a single girl traveling alone.Thanks!
Reply to this Quito has more agencies to look at - if you fly from Guayaquil you save a (tiny) amount on the flights (all flights leave from Quito with a stop in Guayaquil to pick up more people.) Up to you what you want to do but probably best to start with scouring the Quito agencies looking for deals. I got an 8 day cruise on a first class yacht for $1200 (including flights) so you can get them cheap. Check any price quoted to you includes flights (around $300 separately) If you're going by yourself you'll probably be able to find good deals from boats trying to fill the last space/even up odd numbers.
Reply to this That's good to know. I can probably go to Quito instead...where do I look for deals once I get to Quito?
Reply to this When I wan in Quito I saw signs outside travel agencies offering deals to Galapagos. I dont know if the agencies in Quito are generally relaible or not. I didnt try any of them.
Reply to this There's plenty of tour agencies in the Mariscal - a lot actually offer exactly the same boats/cruises for different prices so maybe set aside a day to actually go round comparing. I went through Gulliver's (in the Lonely Planet) which were very good but there's plenty to choose from. Just get everything in writing including that the boat you agreed on is definitely the one you will be on and there can't be any last minute changes.
Reply to this Mariscal as in at the airport?
Does anyone know the typical days that the tours start on so I can get there 1-2 days earlier or do they all vary a lot?
Reply to this Sorry - the Mariscal is just the touristy district with all the bars and stuff in it. I think they tend to vary - there are always flights going out to the islands.
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