Blog | Essential - Maidith Galápagos Inn

We know how exciting it is to plan a trip to our beautiful islands. Because the Galápagos is a highly protected ecosystem, every visitor goes through a mandatory entry procedure to help preserve it.

From navigating airport paperwork to understanding local water safety and seasonal changes, here is everything you need to know to ensure a smooth start to your adventure on Santa Cruz.

Navigating Paperwork & Park Fees

Important

Before you can even board your flight, there are a few distinct processes to complete at the airport. Handle these ahead of time and your arrival will be effortless.

Digital Sworn Declaration of Products Up to 3 days before arriving at the airport, you are advised to complete this mandatory form, which ensures you are not bringing any prohibited organic items into the islands. Fill it out online at declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec — once complete, you will receive a biosecurity QR code.
Transit Control Card (TCT) Every visitor must obtain a TCT before departing for the islands. You can handle the $20 payment and paperwork online in advance or in person at the airport. Either way, you must visit the physical TCT kiosk at the Quito or Guayaquil airport to confirm your registration and receive your card.

Two Ways to Handle Your TCT

Online Pre-Registration Visit siig-cgreg.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec, accept the data-processing policy, and watch the mandatory informational video. Fill out the form, verify your email, and provide your flight and accommodation details. Accept the final declaration, pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card, then download your TCT from the site or your email. At the airport, head to the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos counter to validate your pre-registration.
On-Site at the Airport Go directly to the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos counter near the check-in areas for Galápagos flights. Bring your passport, flight tickets, and any tour confirmations ready to present.

The Three Airport Checkpoints

Once you have your TCT card and biosecurity QR code, keep them easily accessible — you will present both at three different stages during your airport transit.

First Security Checkpoint — Checked Bags The mandatory SICGAL biosecurity inspection, where your checked luggage is scanned for prohibited items and sealed with tamper-proof tags. Airlines will not let you check bags without these seals.
Second Checkpoint — Carry-Ons The standard airport security line where your carry-on bags are scanned.
At the Gate You will need to show both documents one last time right before boarding your flight.

Pro Tip

Airport Wi-Fi can be weak or unreliable. Take a screenshot of both your TCT confirmation and your biosecurity QR code so they are ready in your photo gallery the moment you need them.

Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee

After landing at the Baltra airport and passing immigration, you must pay the National Park entrance fee. Prices may vary for countries outside the US.

Adults (12+)$200 USD / person
Mercosur countries$100 USD / person
Children (2–11)$100 USD / person
Ecuadorian citizens$30 USD / person

This fee is payable in cash only — no credit cards or foreign currencies are accepted. Bring exact change to speed up the process.

Getting to the Inn & the Highlands Detour

Since you will already be passing through the Santa Cruz highlands on your way from Baltra to town, we highly recommend a detour to see the Los Gemelos craters, the giant tortoises, and the lava tunnels. It makes far more sense to do this on the way in than to make a separate trip from town later.

Transportation Options

We can help coordinate a few ways to get you from Baltra to the Inn with trusted drivers, who offer a variety of options.

Full Airport Assistance A driver meets you right at airport arrivals and personally assists you through the airport bus and the short ferry ride across the Itabaca Canal.
Independent Canal Crossing If you prefer to navigate the airport bus and ferry on your own, a driver can simply meet you across the canal at the Santa Cruz port.
Direct Transit or Highlands Tour Once you meet your driver on the Santa Cruz side, you can take a taxi straight to the hotel, or take the Highlands Detour tour before heading to the Inn to drop off your bags.

Transport Prices

Airport bus$5 / person
Ferry (Itabaca Canal)$1 / person

Prices are subject to change.

Tortoise Ranch Options

If you do the Highlands tour on your way in, there are a couple of great ranch options for seeing the giant tortoises. Keep in mind you will need cash for both the transit and the sites.

Frontier Tour A longer, more in-depth visit where lunch can be pre-ordered. This is a more natural experience, with the tunnels left unmodified.
El Chato or Primicias These ranches are relatively similar and perfect for a shorter visit, with lunch available on-site without needing to pre-order.

Please let us know your choices, or any questions, prior to arrival so we can help with the arrangements.

Remember

Bringing cash is essential on the island — for park fees, transit, and the ranches alike. Be sure to bring plenty of it.

Food, Water & Health Safety

While Puerto Ayora has amazing dining options, it is important to be mindful of what you consume as your body adjusts to a new environment.

Water Safety Do not drink the tap water on the islands. At the Maidith Galápagos Inn, every room is equipped with a 5-gallon jug of fresh, purified water — use it to fill your reusable bottles and to brush your teeth.
Probiotics We highly recommend taking simple daily probiotics before your trip to support your digestion as your body adjusts.

Good to Know

Refill your reusable bottle with purified water from your room's jug before heading out each morning — it keeps you hydrated all day and cuts down on single-use plastic.

Choosing Your Season — Climate & Wildlife

The Galápagos is a year-round destination, but the seasons drastically change the climate and the wildlife you will encounter.

Packing Tip

Wetsuits are necessary during the cool season, but not in the warm season.

December to May — Warm Season The ocean water is much warmer, making for comfortable swimming. However, the warmer water carries fewer nutrients, resulting in fewer fish and feeding seabirds.
June to November — Cool Season The ocean becomes significantly colder and incredibly nutrient-rich, drawing in massive schools of fish. If you are willing to brave the chillier water, this season is unmatched for snorkeling.