Expenses

Volunteer |  Expenses |  Education & Health |  Application Process |  FAQ

Below are some estimated expenses for your travel and stay in the Galapagos Islands. Prices are in US Dollars, and are subject to change.

Air Transportation

The following are round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra airport), during both High Season (HS) and Low Season (LS). (Note that High Season begins 15 June and ends 14 September, and begins again on 1 November and ends 30 April. Low Season begins 1 May and ends 14 June, and begins again on 15 September and ends on 31 October).

Routes and Prices:

  • Quito/Galapagos/Quito: HS $422 LS $366
  • Guayaquil/Galapagos/Guayaquil: HS $372 LS $328
  • Guayaquil/Galapagos/Quito: HS $396 LS $346
  • Quito/Galapagos/Guayaquil: HS $399 LS $350

[Updated March, 2010. Please note that these prices may change/fluctuate again soon; please visit http://www.ecuadortierradefuego.com/galapagos-airfares.html for the most recent pricing.]

Entrance Fees and Taxes

There is an INGALA fee at airport on Ecuadorian mainland to be paid before departing for the Islands: $10, payable in cash. For more information, visit: http://www.ingala.gov.ec/galapagosislands/index.php.

NOTE that once your paperwork is complete, we will send you a WAIVER for your $100 Galapagos Park Entrance fee (that is levied upon all foreign visitors at the airport). This waiver also legalizes your volunteer service in the Islands. You must present this waiver to the Galapagos National Park official at the airport when he/she asks for the $100 fee.

Because this is a sensitive customs issue, it is IMPERATIVE that you complete your paperwork with us so that we can submit your name and information to INGALA in time to have it processed. It currently takes four weeks to process all paperwork.

Expenses in the Islands

We offer homestays for all of our volunteers, with the option of a meal option.

Housing up to 2 weeks:

without meals: $225

with meals: $310

Housing up to 4 weeks

without meals: $325

with meals: $475

As we understand that international travel can be quite expensive (and sometimes prohibitively expensive) for families, family discounts are available. Contact Emily Pozo for details.

Accommodations vary, from standard rooms, with bed linens, towels, and basic furnishings, to more elaborate situations. All rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Upon arrival in Puerto Ayora, volunteers will be picked up and escorted to their new homes to meet their host families.

Pricing is per person. Due to our contracts with our host families, we cannot pro-rate for occupancy less than the specified time periods. The boarding option includes three meals a day, seven days a week. Housing fees are paid in advance (the first payment, directly to the Galapagos ICE office in Puerto Ayora upon arrival), and then on the first of every month thereafter. A Galapagos ICE administrative fee is included. Should volunteers decide to set up their own housing after they arrive, they will still be responsible for the fee. These are 2009 prices, and may change, without notice, in 2010.

Food: A number of local restaurants offer inexpensive menus in Puerto Ayora– for example, for the modest sum of $3.50 – $4.00, one can purchase a lunch that includes soup, juice, a choice of chicken, beef, or fish, rice, and sometimes dessert. More extensive and expensive options are available. We have a list of suggested restaurants for you in the Puerto Ayora Office. We highly recommend the meal plan, however, as it is economical, and will give you an insider’s perspective on Ecuadorian cuisine.

Exit Fees

The following Airport Departure Taxes are levied on your return home, depending upon the airport from which your international flight departs.

  • From the Guayaquil airport – $28 (cash or credit)
  • From the Quito airport – $41 (cash).

More Volunteer Information

Application Process
Testimonials
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Please contact us if you have any questions that are not answered in these online resources.

© 2009 Galapagos ICE (Immerse Connect Evolve). All Rights Reserved.
Website: www.galapagosice.org – E-mail: info@galapagosice.org.

Galapagos ICE is a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.