The Galapagos islands to double its entry fee for tourists
by Catherine Carey | March 25, 2024
Travelers to the Galapagos Islands will see an increased entry fee from August 2024 on. Tourists from most countries will be required to pay $200 (€184). Right now the entry fee is $100 (€92) for most visitors. This is a one-off charge that covers all the days of their 60-day visa-free stay.
Currently, Bolivian, Colombian, Peruvian, Argentinian, Brazilian, Paraguayan and Uruguayan must pay $50 (€46), but they will also see a rise in their entry fee, which will be $100 (€92). Ecuadorian nationals will see the biggest increase from $6 (€5.50) to $30 (€28).
These changes, the first time the fees have been raised since 1998, are aimed at reducing pressure on the islands. Overtourism in recent years has put pressure on the water and food resources of the islands. Authorities also fear that tourists could increase the risk of invasive species being brought to the islands
The Galapagos Conservation Trust, a UK-registered charity, has expressed concern about the risks posed by increasing visitors, stating, "This is pushing waste management systems to the limit, exacerbating water and food insecurity, and increasing the threat of devastating invasive species being introduced to the Islands.”
The money revenue from this measure will help raise funds for conservation, infrastructure and the community, according to the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT).
The Galapagos are a UNESCO World Heritage comprising 19 main islands. These islands span almost 8000 square kilometers and are home to many endangered plants and animals. In fact, there are nearly 9,000 species. The Galapagos are a national park in Ecuador, which has declared 97% of the area as protected.
The islands have also implemented other measures to try to continue attracting tourism while maintaining their biodiversity. Since 2016, a moratorium has been placed on the construction of new tourism projects, and since 2012, there has been a limitation on the number of flights.
Many countries are tackling overtourism with similar fees. Check out our guide on Tourist taxes you will need to pay this 2024.
Catherine Carey
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