Puerto Baquerizo Moreno has breathtaking beaches where you can experience Galapagos life: snorkel with sea lions, turtles, iguanas and/or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. You can also make impressive walks in Cerro Tijeretas, hire a bike and explore the island. Drink a beer with locals at the “malecon”and/or learn how to dive will be unforgettable.
Accommodation
You will be lodged from Friday to Monday in the town of Puerto Baquerizo and from Monday to Friday at the finca.
The accommodation from Friday to Monday is in shared (same gender) dorms at a hostel, with private bathroom in the room, hot water, air conditioning, in a centrally located in Puerto Baquerizo. There are no meals included but volunteers will have access to hotel’s social area and kitchen to prepare their own meals. Internet available.
The accommodation from Monday to Friday is at the family’s house (finca), which is a 2 story rustic construction. The house is built with wood and recycled materials. On the ground floor, there’s a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. On the top floor there are two rooms, one for the family and the other one for the volunteers. The room has 3 single beds and is mixed gender.
Getting to the Project
When you arrive at Quito airport, you will have to pay your $20 INGALA card.
Once you arrive in San Cristobal, you will first have to pay your National Park Entrance Fee. Please go to the line of foreign visitors and pay USD $100.00 (not included). Please take into account that this amount can only be paid cash.
On arrival in the Galapagos, a driver will be holding a sign with your name on it and drive you to your accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo. There one of the coordinators will meet you for an introduction meeting.
Transportation from Puerto Baquerizo to the project on Mondays and back on Fridays.
Homemade vegan meals are provided while at the project (finca). Meals are not included while at the hostel in Puerto Baquerizo, but volunteers will have access to the hostel’s social area and kitchen to prepare their own meals. There are also lots of great restaurants and cafes nearby. On the Galapagos almost all items are more expensive than the mainland, and as you will be cooking for yourself, it would be wise to do some advance shopping in Quito for products such as:
Rice/pasta
Canned products
Any sweets or savoury products you might like
Cereals
Packaged and vacuum sealed cheese and meat products
While shopping, please take into account that you are not allowed to take fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds, etc. You can purchase fruit and vegetables at the local market or shops. Remember to check your baggage allowance before you start shopping for the essentials.
Climate
The climate in the Galapagos is hot most of the year. The weather can change, however, it is often quite hot and sunny. June to December is the cool, cloudy dry season, and December to June the warm, sunny rainy season.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing
Rainproof jacket
Small waterproof backpack to take to the field trips
Flip-flops / sandals
Hiking shoes/boots (if you leave your boots at the project at the end of your stay, they are donated to the local community)
Hat
Sunscreen (min factor 50)
Personal cleaning items
Swimming costume
Repellent
Mosquito mask (buff)
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Personal / prescription medicines. Do take in consideration that although there are pharmacies in town, you must bring your personal medication (to last the duration of your stay) if you need any)
Visa Requirements
When you arrive in Ecuador you will get a T-3 visa stamp, which will allow you to be 90 days within the country. Do you plan on staying longer than 90 days? Check with your local Ecuadorian embassy which is the best visa for you and what are the current requirements. Take this into account when buying your ticket, as the airline may refuse you to board the plane if your flight leaves after 90 days and you do not have a visa.
Vaccinations
Remember to check the required and recommended vaccinations. Do not forget to bring your original yellow fever certificate and vaccinations booklet as it may be checked on border crossings.
PCR negative valid 72 hours before arriving at Galapagos.
Money Matters
In Ecuador we use US dollars and the easiest way to get them is an ATM. If you want to bring dollars in cash, make sure to get small notes with the highest denomination being $20. Not many stores accept $50 or $100 notes.
Donations
If volunteers would like to bring donations to the project, please let us know. We will get in touch with the project to see what is most needed at that moment. Don’t give donations directly to the project without consulting the coordinator.
