March 8th: It’s good news /bad news time. The bad news is my time in the Galapagos is over. The good news is that I am now back in Quito with fast internet, so it’s time to update my journal! I’m a few days behind, so I plan on catching up with multiple journal entries over the next few days (that’s assuming I have a fast internet connection in Cuenca, where I’m off to tomorrow).

Wednesday, February 27 – transit from Quito to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

I have a 9:30 departure this morning, but I need to leave the hotel around 6:30 because a) it’s a long drive to the airport; and b) extra time is required at the airport because all bags to the Galapagos undergo an inspection to make sure no restricted foods, plants, etc. are brought on to the islands. (Similar to Australia or New Zealand) Taxi fare: $30 (ugh, too expensive!)

There is a segregated Galapagos area at the airport. This is where the bags are inspected and a Transit Control Card is obtained for $20. This card must be kept and submitted at the airport when departing the islands. It is used by the government to control immigration to the Galapagos.

There are two airports in the Galapagos (surprising, I know). I am flying to Baltra Island. Basically the only things on the island are the airport, some military installations, and a fuel depot. Upon arrival at the airport passengers essentially go through something similar to immigration control. At this time a $100 Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee is paid (cash only).

My ultimate destination is Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. To get there, the following takes place:

• Board a bus to go from the airport to the ferry landing ($5, 10 minute drive)
• Take a ferry from Baltra to Santa Cruz ($1, 10 minute ride)
• Board a bus to go from the ferry landing to Puerto Ayora ($5, 45 minutes). Taxis from here are also an option, but they are $25. (Nope!)

After checking into my hotel, I did a little roaming around the town…

Side Note: Being on the equator, I was curious how Ecuador defined its seasons throughout the year. Although the December-February timeframe is the warmest part of the year, they consider it winter, because it is also the wettest time of the year.