How to Use Tours by Locals to Feel at Home in a New City (Even on Day One)
The Solo Traveler’s Guide to the Galápagos Islands
Nature like nowhere else. Experience it fully, even (especially) on your own.
Getting There & Around
- Fly into: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador → Then take a domestic flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal
- Best for Solo Travelers:
- Fly into San Cristóbal if you want a quieter, walkable base
- Join a small-group expedition cruise if you want to island-hop easily with built-in community
- Or DIY it by staying on a few islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal) and using ferries
Best Time to Visit
- June–November: Cooler, drier, rich marine life (great for snorkeling/diving)
- December–May: Warmer, calmer seas, lush landscapes
Top 5 Ways to Experience the Galápagos Solo
- Join a small-ship cruise (with a naturalist guide)
- Snorkel or dive with sea lions, turtles, and tropical fish
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to understand the conservation story
- Hike Sierra Negra Volcano or explore lava tunnels on Isabela
- Wander Tortuga Bay or watch iguanas roam town in Puerto Ayora
Where to Stay (Solo-Friendly Picks)
Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora):
- Affordable & Social: Hotel Fiesta, Galápagos Dreams
- Chill & Boutique: Ikala Galápagos Hotel
Isabela Island:
- Beachy & Laid-Back: La Casa de Marita or Hotel Albemarle
- Solo Tip: Stay beachfront — it’s walkable, relaxing, and safe
San Cristóbal:
- Best Base for Day Trips: Blue Marlin Hotel or La Zayapa
What Makes It Perfect for Solo Travel
- Extremely safe and welcoming
- Quiet, reflective nature + wildlife encounters = inner calm
- Small group tours make it easy to connect (or stay solo if you want)
- Evenings are peaceful and low-key
Packing Tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Quick-dry clothing + water shoes
- Lightweight rain jacket
- GoPro or waterproof phone case
- Dry bag for boat days
Optional Upgrades or Experiences
- Add-on a Quito or Guayaquil solo food day before you fly out
- Splurge on a Galápagos catamaran cruise with naturalist lectures
- Book a private snorkeling trip if you want quiet and one-on-one attention
Solo Traveler Pro Tips
- Book early if traveling in peak season. Galápagos has limited lodging and permits
- Choose experiences that include naturalist guides, it’s what makes Galápagos, Galápagos
- Bring offline entertainment (books, journal, downloaded shows), WiFi is limited
