Galapagos Flights Informations
The common international travel norms can be expected to accompany you till you disembark at one of the International airports at Ecuador. Plenty of confirmations and reconfirmations would be needed to ensure smooth passage in and out of Ecuador. The following tips will help you understand the intricacies of flying into Galapagos and back home or other destinations.
1. Check the Internet
If your trip originates from the USA, then Houston, Miami or New York is the convenient airports for a flight to Ecuador. European airports convenient to international travelers to Ecuador are Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt and Madrid. Remember that all these flights will have stopovers en-route. You can research the internet for a number of travel agents who offer tickets to Ecuador destinations.2. Domestic Flights to Galapagos
Ecuador has two domestic airlines Aeoqal and TAME. For your trip from any of the international airports in Ecuador, you will need to buy the domestic tickets. This can also be conveniently done through the internet. Both the airlines are more or less similar, and your specific circumstances will have a bearing on what you get. Three flights to Galapagos Islands operate daily. Two are operated by TAME and land at Baltra which is also the point from where most cruise boats operate. One flight operated by Aerogal lands alternatively at Baltra and San Cristobel. Tickets are relatively expensive, but your options are limited too. Adult fare ranges between $345 and $395. Seasonal variations in fare are to be factored in.Purchasing your ticket alone will not guarantee your seat in the domestic flight. Reconfirmation 24 hours ahead of scheduled departure is essential. You will also need to arrive at the Ecuador international airport at least a day prior to the scheduled departure of the domestic flight because international flights do not generally offer connectivity. You should be careful about check in too. Checking in at least one hour ahead of scheduled departure is fine. If your reservation remains unclaimed 30 minutes before departure, chances are you lose your seat in that flight.
Unlike the normal booking sequence, you should first book your Galapagos flight tickets and then retrace to book your international ticket.
3. Things to do when you arrive
After disembarking at the International airport and clearing immigration checks, proceed to the area for claiming baggage. Normally, your luggage arrives in about 30 minutes in a carousel. Also, expect it to be dumped unceremoniously in a pile. Once you get hold of your luggage a trolley cart should be rented for US $1. An attendant may accompany you to ensure safe return of the trolley. A small tip to the attendant is justified. Find the office of the domestic carrier and reconfirm your reservations. A taxi to your accommodation should not cost over $5 wherever in Quito.4. Advantages of booking through travel agents
The nitty grittis of Galapagos flights must be understood now. It is often advantageous to book your tickets through travel agents. A major reason aiding this thought is that the travel agents are more familiar with the conditions and undertake the responsibility to make your trip smoother and trouble free. However, in terms of money, do check what you gain and how much you lose in the bargain. If your timelines are flexible, you should consider various options. Domestic airlines often have their own set of rules and may not always comply with standard international travel norms. This can be all the more true with smaller destinations like Galapagos Islands.5. Understand the terrain
Galapagos Islands represent a chain of more than a dozen Islands. These are thinly populated regions and modern transport and communication aids may not be always as efficient as it is in other major metropolitan areas. Galapagos Islands are known more for their equation with Mother Nature, than with technology.Permalink
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