The New Galapagos National Park Entry Fee

As of August 1, 2024, the Galapagos Islands have changed the entry fees for tourists. For most international visitors, the entry fee has doubled to $200. While this change may come as a surprise to some, it is a step toward addressing the ecological challenges facing the Islands.

Changes for Each Class of Tourist

The new fee structure, which was introduced by Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism, affects visitors differently based on nationality and age.

International Visitors

The most notable change is the doubling of the entry fee for most foreign nationals. The previous fee of $100 has now increased to $200 per person. Children under the age of 12 will pay a reduced entry fee of $100.

Mercosur Nationals

Visitors from Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Peru) will also experience an increase. Their entry fee will rise from $50 to $100.

Ecuadorian Nationals or Foreign Residents of Ecuador

Ecuadorian nationals or foreign residents of Ecuador will pay $30. Children under age 12 pay a reduced fee of $15.

Children Under 2

Children under the age of two will continue to enter for free, regardless of nationality.

Why the Increase?

As Minister of Tourism Niels Olsen stated, “The Galapagos Islands are not only a national treasure but a global one. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.” This fee adjustment, the first in over two decades, is an essential measure to ensure that tourism in the Galapagos is sustainable and continues to benefit both the environment and the local communities.

Increased funding from the higher entry fees will help maintain the high standards of conservation that have helped the Galapagos remain one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. However, it’s also important to recognize that the fees are still relatively low when compared to other renowned wildlife destinations around the world. For example, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania charges a $60 per day fee for international tourists, and the Masai Mara in Kenya charges upwards of $80 per day. In this context, the new Galapagos fee of $200 remains a small price to pay for access to one of the world’s most unique and valuable ecosystems.

How the Increase Will Help the Galapagos

With over 170,000 visitors annually, tourism plays a major role in the local economy. Some tourists prefer to take a cruise while others prefer island hopping. However, it also brings with it challenges, including waste management, resource management, and the risk of spreading invasive species. As international tourism continues to grow, the Galapagos face an ever-increasing burden on its natural resources.

The increased fees will help the National Park Directorate address these challenges by funding key initiatives such as:

Better Waste Management Systems

With the increase in tourists, managing waste and pollution has become a growing concern. The new fees will support sustainable waste management practices to reduce pollution and its impact on the islands’ wildlife.

Invasive Species Control

Invasive species, often introduced by tourists or through shipping, pose a severe threat to the islands’ unique biodiversity. Funding from the entry fees will be used to combat this problem through monitoring and prevention programs.

Support for Local Communities

The Galapagos Islands are home to around 30,000 residents, and tourism plays a critical role in their economy. The raised fees will help to ensure that the benefits of tourism flow back into the local community, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

Book Your Tour with Galapagos Pronto

Now is the perfect time to book your tour with Galapagos Pronto. Our expertly guided tours & cruises ensure that you experience the best of the Galapagos while supporting the local community and conservation efforts.