Is it better to fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos?

Depends on your routings, now a days there are direct flights from Quito, a few years back only Guayaquil had direct flights.

Do I need a cruise to see Galapagos?

No! In fact some may say its better without one doing land based. The seas in Galapagos are often rough so sleeping on dry land may be right for you. Also with sites like Airbnb you can find very cheap accommodations on land and take day trips to different islands during the day. Cruises are good only to see the far out islands not attainable thru day trips.

What to do in Galapagos on the cheap

1. Rent a bike in Puerto Ayora and bike across the island to the Garrapatero beach! Amazing day passing thru micro climates on your way to a secluded beach!

2. Hike to Tortuga Bay. Free! Beautiful beach right near the town.

3. Visit the Lava tunnels on Santa Cruz. Rent a bike to get there, cheap!

4. See the gigantic turtles at the Darwin Foundation.

5. Hang with Sea Lions at the port in Puerto Ayora, also free!

How long does it take to get through customs in Quito?

At night it can take longer, 30-60 minutes. During the day, can be under 30 minutes.

How many gates does Quito Airport have?

The Quito airport is currently in expansion but at present has only 10-20 total gates.

Where can I sleep at Quito Airport?

The airport DOES although sleepers, but it gets quite chilly at night in Quito at this elevation. There is a layover stay, or for even cheaper get your own room with us here at Quito Airport Suites 5 minutes from the airport!

Things to do near the quito airport…

Got a few hours to kill? You can try…

1. The Papallacta Hot Springs 45 minutes from the airport. Great scenic ride up past the continental divide, eat fresh trout for lunch, and then relax in the warm waters of the hot springs, entry price from $4! Jamanco Springs are the recommended ones, not the main ones everyone goes to!

2. The Middle of the world monument and museum. Did you know you are just a half hr from the equator when at the Quito airport? Check it out!

3. Hiking the nearby mountains… call or txt us for more on this!

4. The Guayabamba (Quito) Zoo. Did you know the city zoo is actually closer to the airport than the city? with many ecuador amazonian animals and birds to boot, worth an afternoon!

5. Cumbaya Park. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants around the square or take a yoga class in between flights! Just 20 minutes from the airport!

6. HOrseback riding! Inquire with us for more!

7. Swim or play tennis with us here at Quito Airport SUites! –

8. Visit a Dog rescue center, also within minutes of the airport.

9. Visit the Quinche Cathedral, so important to the Catholic church the POPE visited this site on his most recent visit to Ecuador. 25 minutes from the airport.

10. Visit a flower plantation, just 5 minutes from the Quito airport! Did you know Ecuador was one of the top flower exporters in the world?

How to buy SIM card at quito airport?

There are SIM cards for sale from kiosks in the airport , try the one in the food court! But for even better (local) prices, wait until you get to the city where you can buy one at almost any pharmacy for around $5.

How many terminals does UIO have?

Just 2, international and domestic! Small indeed!

Quito while serving over a million passengers per year, Quito airport has many more domestic connections than the next biggest airport in Ecuador, Guayaquil.