Baltra Travel Guide
Travel to Baltra - Galapagos Airport
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For most visitors, the dark volcanic surface of Balta is the first view they get of the Galapagos Islands. Located right in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago, the island is just a short hop from many of the region’s most fascinating sites.
As the main arrival and departure point of Galapagos. With daily flights between mainland Ecuador, Isabela Island and San Cristobel Island, Baltra sees hundreds of arrivals and departures each day. There are no places to stay or real attractions on the island, which serves purely as an entry and exit point for the archipelago, but departing cruises often pick up passengers here to embark in the small port just 5 minutes drive away, and the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is just over an hour’s journey away.
A large, barren, volcanic island, Baltra was developed by the US during the second world war, as a strategic base on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. Once the war was over, the airstrip was handed back to Ecuador where it was developed into its main airport for the Galapagos, and remains a military base for the country.
A USD $100 National Park Entry fee is payable on arrival in Baltra.
Attractions in Baltra
There are few attractions on Baltra Island itself, as most people use this as their arrival or departure point for their Galapagos Cruise.
The following attractions are nearby.
Activities in Baltra
There are no real activities available on Baltra, but it is centrally located for the Galapagos Cruises and Puerto Ayora.
Relaxing
Waiting for your flight to Isabela, San Cristobel or back to mainland Ecuador? Take a stroll along the small souvenir stalls outside the airport before finding a seat amongst the finches and locals in the airport cafe and tuck into some excellent ceviche or mixed rice.
Getting Around
Most travellers on a Galapagos Cruise will be met at Baltra Airport by their guide and transported directly to their vessel.
For those travelling to Santa Cruz, one road leads from the airport itself, winding itself across the rocky terrain to the small channel that separates the two islands. A passenger ferry carries travellers and locals over these clear blue waters to the waiting buses and taxis on the other side. From here it is a forty minute drive, via the highlands, to Puerto Ayora.
A free shuttle bus runs from the airport to the channel to Santa Cruz, which operates subject to demand when flights arrive. There is a small fee to cross the channel by boat and then the bus or taxi fare from there to Puerto Ayora.
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