Ecuador and Galapagos Holidays

The Galapagos is a year-round destination with two seasons. December to May is the warm season, with calmer seas, warmer water for snorkelling and green islands. June to November is the cooler garúa season, when nutrient-rich currents bring more marine life, though seas can be choppier. On mainland Ecuador, June to September is the driest time in the Andes, while the Amazon is rewarding all year. Ask us which month suits the wildlife you most want to see.

British citizens going on Galapagos holidays from the UK must ensure that their passports will remain valid for at least 6 months after the last day of their trip and have ample space for entry and exit stamps.

Visas are also not required for United States, Canadian and most other European citizens unless they are staying for longer than 90 days. British citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

In addition to a valid passport, Brits going on holidays to the Galapagos Islands must provide evidence of a hotel booking or a host invitation, proof of a return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland, travel insurance and have completed the online Galapagos control card at least 24 hours before their flight and have a copy of it for their records.

Visitors pay the Galapagos National Park entry fee on arrival, currently $200 for non-Ecuadorian adults, plus a $20 Transit Control Card.

Allow at least 8 days for the Galapagos alone, or 12–14 days to add Quito, the Andes or the Amazon. That gives you time to explore several islands without rushing, then experience mainland Ecuador’s very different landscapes. See our Galapagos cruises and island hopping for island only trips. For an active trip with hiking, horse riding and kayaking, see our 17-day Ecuador & Galapagos Active Adventure.

For a fuller Ecuador holiday, our 3-week Ecuador itinerary adds Otavalo’s markets, the Mindo cloud forest and colonial Cuenca.

Our tailor-made Galapagos holidays start from £2,720 per person for 8 days of island hopping, from around £4,500 for two weeks combining Ecuador and the Galapagos, from £6,550 for trips including a small-ship cruise, and from £9,550 for our luxury holiday. Prices include accommodation, private guides, transport and excursions; Galapagos cruises are typically full board [check]. International flights, travel insurance and the Galapagos National Park entry fee are extra. Read more in our guide to how much a South America holiday costs.

Yes. Land-based island hopping suits families especially well, with calm-water snorkelling, sea lions on the beaches and short boat trips rather than nights at sea. Some cruise boats have minimum ages and family cabins, and our Amazon and Galapagos Wildlife Holiday combines the islands with a jungle lodge children love. Ask us about the best options for your family’s ages.