San Cristóbal

The questions people ask first about San Cristóbal, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).Ecuador-wide
• SIM or eSIMClaro and Movistar (plus CNT) sell prepaid SIMs in malls and shops with a passport; Claro has the widest coverage.Ecuador-wide
• Tap waterNot safe from the tap in most places (Quito and Cuenca's water is treated but pipes vary); drink bottled or filtered.Ecuador-wide
• TippingRestaurants: 10% service often included; add a little for good service.Ecuador-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ecuador-wide
• SafetyPuerto Baquerizo Moreno is small and calm, and the main risks are natural: strong currents at Las Tijeretas and Kicker Rock, sun and dehydration…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or batido$2–4
• Street or quick mealSet lunch (soup, rice, chicken or fish, juice)$3–6
• BeerBeer at a bar$3–5
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in town$1
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personUS$15
• Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or small hotel, a night, per roomUS$90
• High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or small hotel, a night, per roomUS$200

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$55 · Mid US$110 · High US$220

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

SCY San Cristóbal Airport (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) (Flights from Quito and Guayaquil, about 2–3 h; the terminal sits inside town, $2.50 by taxi or a 15-min walk.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$55–90 excl. bed

Mid

$90–160 excl. bed

High

$160+ excl. bed

• Galápagos National Park rules: a licensed guide is required for most visitor sites, and groups over eight need one; never touch or feed wildlife.
• The Kicker Rock crossing is open-water: swell and current make it unsuitable for weak swimmers or first-time snorkellers.
• Puerto Chino has no facilities, no taxis waiting and poor mobile signal; arrange your return before you go.
• Bring insect repellent for horseflies at Puerto Chino and the highlands.
• Cash is preferred in small shops and for transport; ATMs are few and may not take your card.
• Do not buy souvenirs made from local natural materials: it is illegal under Galápagos law.