We´re pretty sure that you have heard about the Galapagos Islands, either as a destination or as the place that helped Charles Darwin develop his Theory of Evolution. However, many think that the only way to discover the “Enchanted Islands” is by cruising them. Nonetheless, there´s another way by land tours or Island Hopping.
What do we know about it? Well, we have 15 years of experience operating Galapagos Tours. That´s why we would like to share with you three aspects you must consider before booking land tour packages to the Galapagos.
Did you know that Galagents began its operation in Galapagos by managing navigable day tours on a day tour yacht? Indeed, we did!
1- Island Hopping is not the same as a Galapagos Land Tour
It´s common to hear among colleagues the terminology Island Hopping referring to the option of staying in hotels on any of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos combined with day tours. Yet, the term is applicable when travelers move hope from island to island.
Galapagos Land Tours focuses on arranging travel services within one island. Those are mainly Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, where the airports connect the archipelago with Ecuador´s mainland.
Island Hopping tours imply interisland transportation through speedboats or domestic flights on small aircraft.
2- What´s the minimum stay required to enjoy a Galapagos Land Tour?
Visiting the Galapagos Islands requires a logistic a bit complex. Yet it runs smoothly when working with a local tour operator. Why? Because they pay attention to all the details within the islands and on the mainland. Thus, the minimum a traveler needs to enjoy the Galapagos and get an unforgettable experience is four days and three nights.
Why so?
That´s because, on the arrival day, travelers will be landing at the island around midday, allowing them to do some experiences such as visiting one of the ranches that harbor Giant Tortoises or getting free time to walk around town.
The second and third can include some navigable day tours to the visiting sites that surround the inhabited island. The other option is visiting other locations within the islands.
The final day is more for returning to Ecuador´s mainland.
In that way, travelers will get a sneak peek of the Galapagos Islands, its biodiversity, way of life, and uniqueness.
Would you invest time and money to visit a wonder without really embedding it? Probably not, and that´s our honest advice to travelers and partners.
3- Galapagos Land Tours and Island Hopping are the best options for tailor-made tours.
One of the highlights of these travel options is that they allow travelers to set a journey based on their budget, interest, length of stay, free time, and travel conditions. Indeed, many travelers are not into cruising because they suffer from seasickness, have a small child, or want to travel slowly. For them, a Galapagos land tour is the best option.
Travel experts can set a journey considering all the factors mentioned above. Thus, it´s the only way to get the maximum personalization of a Galapagos experience. However, it´s important to highlight that this Travel option is also ideal for extending cruise trips. Thus, many travelers, especially Europeans, prefer to combine both travel experiences. In that way, they can get closer to the local culture and access those touristic sites not included in the cruise journey.
Did you know about these options? Which one have you explained to your clients?
In addition, don´t forget to check our previous articles about the option of doing an Island Hopping or Galapagos Land Tour right below:
4 Galapagos destinations to must-do on daily tours nearby Santa Cruz
9 surprising facts you don’t know about the Galapagos Islands