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One of the most beautiful destinations you can visit are the Galapagos Islands.
Despite this, only about 150,000 people visit the islands each year.
The Galapagos Islands are a remote chain of 19 volcanic islands located approximately 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador.
They attract travelers eager to explore the natural beauty or snorkel in the pristine waters.
But if you’re considering traveling to the Galapagos Islands this year, then… your trip will be even more expensive.
This is why:
Increased entrance fee
For a long time, tourists had to pay an entrance fee to visit the Galapagos Islands.
This fee is intended to finance the environmental sustainability of the islands and help preserve their communities.
When the entrance fee was introduced 26 years ago, it was set at $100 per person.
But from August 1, 2024 this compensation will double up to $200 per person.
Children under 12 will pay less, but the cost will still be $100 per child when the new payment system is implemented.
If you are a resident of Ecuador you will pay a reduced rate, but this has also been significantly increased from $5 per person to $30 per person.
This is a one-time fee and tourists can spend up to 60 days in the Galapagos Islands without a visa.
This means that you pay the same amount regardless of whether you take a day trip with a cruise ship or explore the islands independently for 30 days.
Mass tourism has had a negative impact on the fragile ecosystem here.
According to local authorities, the increase is “long overdue” and the additional funds raised will be used to introduce more sustainable tourism practices, modernize infrastructure and contribute to ongoing conservation programs.
By raising the entrance fee and increasing conservation programs on the islands, the features that attract so many tourists can be preserved for years to come.
Why visit the Galapagos Islands?
The number of tourists coming to the Galapagos Islands reached a record high in 2023.
And it’s easy to understand why so many people are eager to experience and explore this beautiful destination.
One of the main reasons people visit the Galapagos Islands is for the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
From giant tortoises to penguins, from marine iguanas to the blue-footed booby, perhaps one of the most famous animals on the Galapagos Islands.
Because the Galapagos Islands’ wildlife has experienced little human contact or large predators over the past century, they are both abundant and unique.
There is no better place to visit as a nature lover.
Away from the wildlife, you can relax on pristine white sand beaches that are always in perfect condition thanks to the isolation of the islands and the conservation efforts taking place throughout the islands.
Another incredibly popular reason why visitors choose to travel to the Galapagos Islands is for snorkeling. And with good reason.
The snorkeling here is said to be some of the best in the world, especially if you’re hoping to spot sea turtles.
You often see them here swimming in groups and sunbathing on the water surface.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos include Los Tuneles, Bartolome Island, Black Beach and La Loberia.
Marine life is abundant here and the waters are pristine.
The Galapagos are also a popular destination for small ship cruise lines, so if you want to explore these islands in a larger group and as part of a more extensive trip, cruising is also a great way to visit the Galapagos.
Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, explore the beautiful turquoise waters or visit a destination that feels relatively unexplored, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
