Why visit
The Galápagos are the evolutionary laboratory. Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks. Visitable by cruise or by island-hopping from Santa Cruz.
Ecuador at a glance
Country center
-2.0°, -77.5°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
276,841 km²
106,889 mi²
Country population
18.2 million
66/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
United States dollar ($)
USD
Dial
+593
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Ecuadorean
Internet
.ec
UN
Member state
ISO code
EC / ECU
Where in the world
-2.0° · -77.5°
Ecuador
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Did you know
- The Galápagos are 1,000 km from mainland Ecuador; they have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978.
- Charles Darwin spent 5 weeks here in 1835 and used the finches he observed to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Daily visitor numbers are strictly capped; certified guides must accompany every group, and only a fraction of the islands are accessible.
- Ecuador's Galápagos Islands inspired Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection: the islands are home to 9,000+ species found nowhere else.
- The equator runs through the country: the "Middle of the World" monument stands 26 km north of Quito.
Bordering Ecuador
Traveler notes
- Park entrance fee $200 per adult
- Multi-day cruise sees remote islands
- Land-based from Santa Cruz covers 60% at lower cost
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Galapagos Islands
What currency is used in Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos Islands uses the United States dollar ($), ISO code USD.
What languages are spoken in Ecuador?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Ecuador?
The calling code is +593.
Other South America destinations
Colombia
Colombia covers Bogotá's altitude and art, Medellín's transformation, Cartagena's walled city and Caribbean, the Coffee Triangle, and Tayrona's jungle-beaches.
Ecuador
Ecuador is Quito's old town at altitude, Otavalo markets, the Galápagos Islands, Amazon basin lodges, and Cuenca's colonial streets. All compact enough for one trip.
Guyana
Guyana is a destination in South America where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
Paraguay
Paraguay is a destination in South America where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
Peru
Peru is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco's Inca + colonial layers, Amazon jungle at Puerto Maldonado, Lima's Michelin-listed food, and the Nazca Lines.
Suriname
Suriname is a destination in South America where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.