How Much Should I Budget For A Trip To The Galapagos?

The Galapagos is a trip of a lifetime, but you want to make sure that you have the right budget for the type of trip you want to do. How much should you budget for a Naturalist Cruise? Luxury Class boats are very high end. They have spacious cabins with larger king or queen beds, and often have private balconies attached to the rooms. Almost all of the cabins will have large picture windows. On these boats, you’ll find jacuzzis, spas, masseuses, gourmet meals, some types of alcoholic beverages included, the use VIP lounges at the airport, and some include airport transfers in Quito and Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. Luxury cruise price range (approximate): $4,500 to $6,000 per person for 5 days; $5,500 to $8,000 per person for 8 days First Class boats will have smaller cabins than Luxury boats, but they will still be very comfortable. The beds will be smaller double or twin sized beds, but there will not be bunk beds (with only a few of exceptions). Most of the cabins will have large picture windows (some will even have private balconies), and some boats will have cabins with porthole windows. The facilities on board will be very nice, with spacious common areas, and sometimes these boats will have jacuzzis and spas. Meals will be delicious but not quite as gourmet. First Class cruise price range (approximate): $3,000 to $4,500 per person for 5 days; $4,500 to $6,000 per person for 8 days Tourist Superior boats are the best way to go if you want a great trip in the Galapagos but don’t need any frills. The cabins are smaller, and cabins will have mix of bunk beds and non-bunk beds. There will be a mix of cabins with picture windows and port holes. You’ll most likely be spending your time out on the deck anyway! The cabins will all have private bathrooms. The common areas won’t be as spacious, but you won’t feel overcrowded. The food will be good and plentiful. Tourist Superior cruise price range (approximate): $2,000 to $3,000 per person for 5 days; $3,000 to $4,500 per person for 8 days Sometimes it is possible to get great last minute deals if your trip is coming up within a month. But at that point, you also run the risk of not finding a boat or itinerary that you like available over your dates. If you care deeply about your itinerary or the class of boat, we recommend booking well ahead of time. To learn more –  Should I do a naturalist cruise? How far in advance should I book my trip?  What are the differences between classes of boats in the Galapagos?  Which islands should my cruise visit?   How much should you budget for a land-based multisport adventure?  For a land based multisport adventure, the price will mostly depend on the length of the trip. For a 5 day trip with pretty basic hotels, you’ll want to plan for $2,500 to $3,000 per person. For a longer 7 day trip with pretty basic hotels, you should place for $3,100 to $4,000 per person.  If you want to upgrade your hotels to something more luxurious, plan on adding another $500 to $1000 per person to the trip pricing. To learn more –  Should I do a multisport adventure trip? Which islands should my land based trip visit?    How much should you budget for a land-based island hopping trip?  These trip prices have a huge variation in pricing. For a 5 day trip, plan for at least $2,000 per person in basic hotels.  For an 8 day trip, plan for at least $3,000 per person in basic hotels. If you want to upgrade your hotels to something more luxurious, plan on adding another $500 to $1000 per person to the trip pricing. To learn more –  Should I do an island hopping trip?   Expenses In Addition to the Cruise/Trip Price

• International flights from your home to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador (the jumping off point for Galapagos trips): varies greatly
• Roundtrip flights between Quito or Guayaquil and the Galapagos: Approx US$500 to US$575 per person
• Galapagos National Park Entrance: US$100 per adult; US$50 per child age 11 or younger
• INGALA Migration Control: US$20 per person
• The vast majority of travelers have to overnight in mainland Ecuador for at least one night before going to the Galapagos, and many travelers need to overnight at least one night before catching their international flights. Price varies.
• Travel insurance. This is highly recommended.  Price varies.
• Snorkel gear and/or wetsuit rentals. This varies from trip to trip. Generally it’s $5-$10 per person per day
• Tips for your naturalist guides and/or crew: Suggested at $10-$20 per traveler per day on a land-based trip; or $20-$30 per traveler per day on a cruise
• Meals not included in the trip: All of the cruise include all meals. But if you’re on a land-based trip, there may be some meals that aren’t included. You should plan for $10-$20 per person per meal
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks: Plan for $5 per drink for soft drinks and beer; Plan for $10-$15 for a cocktail or glass of wine.

NOTE: Prices are subject to change