e-Newsletter Sign-UpWhat does “Sustainable Tourism” mean in Galapagos?
The Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require that tour providers strive to make their businesses as environmentally friendly as possible. Galapagos tour providers must take steps to:
- Conserve water and energy
- Recycle and treat waste material
- Source locally-produced products
- Hire local employees, pay them a fair wage, and offer them additional training
Some companies go beyond simply complying with regulations and are proactive in their efforts to preserve Galapagos by supporting community and conservation projects. Galapagos Conservancy encourages visitors to Galapagos to travel with accredited, licensed tour providers with a strong commitment to Galapagos conservation. Our Travel Partners have corporate philosophies or are members of organizations that ensure adherence to strict environmental standards and social responsibility in their operations.
In 1979, the Galapagos Islands became the world’s first UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site — an honor bestowed upon our planet’s most magnificent places. Following a few simple rules is all it takes to experience the magnificence of the Islands in a sustainable way. From respecting the wildlife to purchasing souvenirs wisely, your choices will make a difference. Please review the Galapagos National Park rules before you travel to the Islands.
From when to travel, what to bring, how to get there and more, we are happy to help you plan your trip — and we have provided some guidelines for all of these questions and more.
Read more about creating a sustainable society in Galapagos.
Latest News
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US Department of State Issues Travel Advisories for Ecuador
10.09.19 October 9, 2019 For those traveling to Galapagos: Due to the recent civil unrest... More >
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Park and GC Evaluate Ecological Status of Española Island
09.17.19 September 17, 2019 A team of rangers and scientists from the Galapagos National... More >
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Latest Edition of the “Galapagos Report” Launched in Santa Cruz
09.13.19 September 13, 2019 The latest edition of the Galapagos Report was launched... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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The Invasive Paper Wasp Nuisance in Galapagos
By Mariana Bulgarella & Phil Lester of Victoria University of Wellington,... More >
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Catching up with PJ Andrade, a Galapagos English Language Teacher
By Dr. Susan Huss-Lederman, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Paulo (PJ) Andrade... More >
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Snapshots of Tortoise Restoration on Santa Fe Island
By Harrison Goldspiel, Biologist with the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative... More >
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