www.ecuadors.org

[Jayden]

Hi, Ecuador will be our first stop on a backpacking trip around the world, and I am just overwhelmed by the different trips to Galapagos that are on offer.
We are career gappers, so while we are defintiely on a budget, we don't want to rough it entirely, and there is a minimum standard of cleanliness etc that we would hope for! I don't swim (disgraceful, I know) so we aren't looking for a diving tour. Can someone help me out with a recommendation? We are hoping that we could work within a budget of about $1600-2000 per person, including flights.
Thanks!

[Tobin]

Hi,
flight to Galapgaos from Quito: $393. Park entrance fee: $100. That leaves you with about $1100 to $1,500 for your cruise. Should be possible to find something acceptable, though no lap of luxury. Check into Angelito, Lobo de Mar, Daphne. Prices are going up and up and up in the islands though. 10% a year is not unusual.
Focus on the $1500 rather than the $1100. You may be able to find something for the latter, but the cleanliness, and particularly reliability, might suffer.

Have fun!