Our adventure to the Galapagos Islands began with a seamless flight from Quito to San Cristóbal, courtesy of Avianca Airlines. This leg of the journey, while often overlooked in the excitement of reaching the iconic archipelago, proved to be an essential and pleasant part of the experience. Avianca delivered a comfortable and efficient service that set the tone for our Galapagos exploration.
Check-In and Boarding
The day began early at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Avianca Airlines made the check-in process remarkably smooth. We were prepared with our Transit Control Card (TCC) from the Galapagos Transit Counter, an essential step for anyone flying to the islands. Before checking our bags at the counter, we had to have them screened. A small green zip tie was then placed around the zippers showing they had been screened. Avianca’s staff were friendly and efficient, ensuring our documents were in order and answering any questions with a smile.
Boarding was well-organized, with clear instructions and a fairly punctual start. Avianca boards by zones, although we had to take a bus from the terminal to the aircraft, so the boarding zones end up getting somewhat mixed up. Avianca’s attention to detail in managing passengers was reassuring, especially considering the additional requirements for Galapagos-bound flights, such as the baggage inspections for invasive species.
Avianca Airlines In-Flight Comfort and Service
The flight itself was quite a bit longer than a direct flight would have been. Our flight traveled via Guayaquil, where more than half of the passengers on the the aircraft disembarked. That was great for those of us at the rear of the plane, giving us plenty of room to stretch out. Avianca’s cabin crew were attentive and professional, ensuring all passengers had a pleasant experience. The crew did seem a bit testy with some passengers who were not following instructions while the aircraft refueled. The aircraft itself was clean and well-maintained, with comfortable seating that made the two-hour flight pass quickly.
We were offered a light snack and refreshments during the journey, a thoughtful touch for such a brief flight. Gazing out of the window, we were treated to breathtaking views of Ecuador’s coast before finally catching sight of the Galapagos Islands. Our first indication that we were close was our sighting of Kicker Rock. The crew passed through the cabin, spraying a sterilization spray into the overhead compartments prior to our arrival.
Arrival at San Cristóbal
Landing at San Cristóbal Airport was an exciting moment. Avianca managed the deplaning process efficiently, and we were soon immersed in the unique atmosphere of the Galapagos. The small, welcoming airport made customs and entry procedures straightforward. As we passed through Customs, we paid $200 per person (cash) to cover the entry fee.
After passing through Customs, passengers wait behind a yellow line around the baggage area. The bags are offloaded and placed in a series of lines. Once all of the bags are unloaded, a K9 quickly passes through the rows searching for contraband. The dog worked quickly and efficiently, finishing his duties in two or three minutes. We were then invited to retrieve our bags, which went very quickly. With bags in hand and anticipation in the air, we stepped outside, ready to begin our Galapagos adventure.
Final Thoughts on Avianca Airlines
Avianca Airlines provided a reliable and enjoyable start to our Galapagos journey. Their seamless service, combined with the stunning vistas and excitement of the destination, made this flight far more than just a way to get from point A to point B.
I would have preferred a direct flight to San Cistobal, but would still recommend Avianca Airlines for its professionalism, comfort, and efficiency. The journey was a comfortable way to begin an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Read about our exciting two-week Ecuadorian adventure!
