Visiting Ecuador’s renowned Galapagos Islands is about to become pricier, with the country set to double entry fees this summer.
Effective August 1, most travelers to the diverse archipelago will be required to pay $200 per person for entry, as reported by CNN, citing Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism. This marks a significant increase from the current $100 fee.
According to the Galapagos Conservation Trust, a charity registered in the United Kingdom, this fee adjustment is the first since 1998.
The revised fee structure will apply to visitors from most countries, excluding many South American nations, whose travelers will see an increase to $100 from the current $50. Children aged 12 and under will benefit from a reduced fee.
Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism, Niels Olsen, emphasized the global significance of the Galapagos Islands, stating, “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.” He noted that the fee adjustment, the first in 26 years, is essential to ensuring the sustainability of tourism in the Galapagos while benefiting both the environment and local communities.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, the Galapagos Islands consist of 19 distinct islands located approximately 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Renowned as a “living museum and showcase of evolution,” the islands attract around 170,000 tourists annually, while approximately 30,000 people call the islands home, according to UNESCO.
Various options exist for visiting the Galapagos, including land-based trips and luxury cruises.
Ecuador’s fee adjustment mirrors similar moves globally to manage tourism pressures. Last week, Japan announced plans to introduce a daily visitor cap and fees for climbers to Mount Fuji, while cities like Venice, Italy, are implementing ticketing systems for day visitors on peak days to address overcrowding concerns.