San Cristobal Airport

San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the lost world of the Galapagos Islands. Located just a few minutes' drive from the cosy town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, it welcomes travellers with a relaxed island atmosphere, where even sea lions sometimes bask near the runway. This compact and welcoming airport allows you to begin your acquaintance with the archipelago's unique nature literally from your first steps on land, bypassing long transfers and the bustle of megacities.

Airport Features and Advantages

San Cristobal Airport is unique in its location and atmosphere, which differs strikingly from familiar international hubs. Its main advantage is its phenomenal proximity to the city. The terminal is located literally within the limits of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the administrative centre of the province. If desired, tourists with light luggage can walk to the central waterfront in 15–20 minutes, enjoying the views, which is a rarity for airports of this level.

Despite its compact size, the terminal has become modern and convenient following reconstruction, while maintaining an ecological focus. The building is designed to maximise the use of natural lighting and ventilation, reducing the impact on the island's fragile ecosystem. Passengers note the absence of stress and queues typical of large aviation hubs, and the friendly staff help to quickly pass the phytosanitary control mandatory for the Galapagos.

To contact representatives of San Cristobal Airport (SCY), you can use the following contact details. Please note that the airport is managed by ECOGAL, so many contacts lead to their resources.

• Official Website: www.ecogal.aero. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +593 5-252-0136. We recommend checking the official website for the current number before calling.
• Airport Address: Avenida Alsiviades Viteri, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@ecogal.aero or the feedback form on the website.
• Social Media: The airport and the management company ECOGAL maintain pages on social networks. It is best to search for them by the name "Aeropuerto Ecológico de Galápagos".
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. For items forgotten within the terminal building, contact the information desk or the general phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance, you can contact the main airport phone number or reach out via the official website.

Getting to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) from the island's main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is a simple and quick task. The airport is located on the outskirts of the town, so the journey will not take much time, regardless of the chosen method. This is one of the main advantages for travellers arriving on this unique island, part of Ecuador.

Taxi and Transfer

The most popular and convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi. Local taxis are typically white pickup trucks found everywhere in the city of San Cristobal. The trip from the city centre or the waterfront to the terminal takes only about 5 minutes. The cost is fixed and very affordable — usually amounting to just a few US dollars ($2-3). Many hotels also offer to organise transfers for their guests, which can be convenient if you prefer pre-planned trips.

Walking

If you are travelling light and enjoy walking, you can easily reach the airport on foot. The distance from the centre of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is approximately 1-2 kilometres. Such a walk will take 15-25 minutes and allow you to enjoy the island atmosphere once more. This is an absolutely free and eco-friendly option.

Public Transport and Car Rental

On the island of San Cristobal, there is no developed public transport system, such as city buses running to the airport on a schedule. The main means of transport here are taxis and bicycles. Renting a car for a short trip to the airport is impractical; this service is generally not widespread on the island. Some tourists rent bicycles or golf carts to explore the surroundings, but they are not very suitable for transfers with luggage.

Airport Parking

San Cristobal Airport has a small parking area. It is intended mainly for short-term parking, dropping off, and picking up passengers. Leaving a car here for a long period is not customary, as most travellers are tourists who do not use private vehicles on the islands.

Recommendations and Information on Other Airports

For a trip to San Cristobal Airport, the optimal choice is a taxi — it is fast, inexpensive, and convenient. If you only have a backpack, walking will be a pleasant conclusion to your visit. It is worth noting that San Cristobal Airport (SCY) serves this specific island. For travel to other islands of the Galapagos Archipelago, such as Santa Cruz, tourists use flights to Baltra Airport (GPS), which is located on a neighbouring island. Airports on the mainland, such as in Manta or Salinas, are located almost 1000 km away and are not alternatives for visiting the Galapagos.

San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is a small and very easy-to-navigate airport, which is typical for the Galapagos Islands. Its structure is designed for functionality and control over the preservation of the archipelago's unique ecosystem, rather than for servicing huge passenger flows.

Number of Terminals and General Layout

San Cristobal Airport has only one small passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and rare charter flights. The terminal building is a simple, most often single-storey structure where all processes take place in one location. Because of this, transfers between terminals are not required — everything is within walking distance.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The Arrival Zone is very compact. After disembarking from the aircraft (passengers often walk across the tarmac), you enter a hall where a mandatory procedure for all tourists takes place: payment of the Galapagos National Park entry fee and luggage inspection for prohibited organic materials. The counters for obtaining the Transit Control Card (TCT) are also located here.

The Departure Zone is equally simple. It consists of several airline check-in counters, a special baggage inspection point (SICGAL) which must be passed before checking in for the flight, and standard security control. The waiting hall is small, with basic amenities.

Processing Time and Recommendations

Despite the airport's modest size, you should allocate sufficient time for procedures. For departures, it is recommended to arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. The main time is taken not so much by check-in, but by the mandatory phytosanitary control of luggage. Arrival procedures (fee payment, inspection) can take from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of simultaneously arriving flights.

Navigating the airport is very easy: signs lead from the entrance to the check-in counters, then to security control and the boarding gate. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The main thing is to carefully follow the staff's instructions, especially regarding environmental control, and to prepare necessary documents and cash for fee payments in advance.

The history of San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is closely linked to the development of tourism in the Galapagos Islands and the desire to make this unique corner of the world more accessible. The airport was officially opened in 1985 and became the archipelago's second air gateway after the airport on Baltra Island. Its construction had an important goal: to ensure direct air service to San Cristobal Island, where the administrative capital of the Galapagos province is located, and thereby stimulate tourism development in this part of the islands.

Unlike its "older brother" on Baltra, which was originally a US military base during World War II, San Cristobal Airport was created from the very beginning as a civilian facility. Its appearance was a key event in the island's history, as it allowed flights directly from mainland Ecuador. This significantly simplified logistics for tourists and residents, and also reduced the anthropogenic load on the central islands of the archipelago.

The most significant stage of modernisation occurred in the early 2010s. In 2014, a large-scale reconstruction was completed, during which a new, modern, and eco-friendly terminal was built. The project was developed in accordance with the strict sustainable development principles that apply throughout the Galapagos National Park. Energy-saving technologies were implemented, and eco-friendly materials were used to minimise the impact on the environment. Navigation equipment was also updated, and passenger infrastructure was improved.

Among the interesting facts about the airport is its extremely convenient location, just a five-minute drive from the island's main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Often, sea lions or iguanas can be spotted right next to the runway, immediately immersing arrivals in the unique atmosphere of the Galapagos. Today, San Cristobal Airport is not just a transport hub, but a vivid example of how modern infrastructure can harmoniously coexist with one of the planet's most fragile and valuable ecosystems.

San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is a compact and functional aviation hub serving as the gateway to one of the most amazing islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. Given its small size and focus on preserving the region's unique ecology, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait for a flight. In the terminal, you will find a small café where you can have a coffee or a refreshing drink and a sandwich, as well as a souvenir shop for purchasing memorable gifts before flying out of Ecuador.

Internet connectivity options at the airport may be limited, so do not count on high-speed free Wi-Fi. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card in advance. Charging points for electronic devices are also few, so a portable power bank will be useful. There are no specialised VIP lounges at the airport; all passengers wait for departure in a common but cosy departure hall.

There are no bank branches or currency exchange offices within the airport building. All financial transactions are best completed in advance in major cities on the mainland. In the main town of San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), located nearby, there are ATMs. For emergencies, a first aid point is provided at the airport.

The airport is equipped for basic reception of passengers with reduced mobility; however, for full assistance during boarding or disembarking, it is critically important to notify your airline in advance. There are no special play areas provided for passengers with children, but standard amenities such as changing tables in the restrooms are available.

There are no hotels on the airport territory. However, it is located in the immediate vicinity of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where a wide selection of accommodation options is presented — from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels. A taxi ride to the city centre will take just a few minutes. Business services, such as conference rooms, are not provided at the airport; for these purposes, one should use the infrastructure of hotels in the city.

When planning your departure from San Cristobal, it is important to consider that the airport (SCY) is a small and very functional aviation hub, created to service tourists arriving in the Galapagos Islands. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and designed primarily for a quick snack before the flight, rather than for gastronomic delights.

In the main airport building, usually in the landside area before security control, you will find one or two small café kiosks. Their assortment typically includes:

• Ready-made sandwiches.
• Local pastries, such as empanadas.
• Packaged snacks: chips, biscuits, chocolate.
• Soft drinks, water, juices, and hot coffee.

For travellers with special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, halal dishes), options at the airport are practically non-existent, so it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. If you are counting on a full lunch, it is better to have it beforehand in one of the numerous restaurants in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Prices at the airport may be slightly higher than in the town, which is typical for island locations. Establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last.

A journey to the Galapagos Islands is a unique experience, and it begins right at the airport. The airport of San Cristobal city (SCY) is one of two air gateways to this amazing world. To ensure your adventure goes smoothly from the very start, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Despite the terminal's modest size, we strongly recommend arriving at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before departure. This is due to the mandatory luggage biocontrol procedure, which is conducted for all passengers leaving the Galapagos and may take additional time.

Check-in and Security. The departure process from the Galapagos Islands has its own specificities. Before the check-in counter, your luggage will undergo a special check for prohibited organic materials (plants, animals, sand, stones). After this, you proceed to the standard flight check-in and security screening. Always keep your Transit Control Card (TCT) at hand.

Seat Selection on the Plane. Want to enjoy farewell views of the archipelago from above? Choose a window seat. When flying from the islands to mainland Ecuador, the best panoramas of other islands often open up from the left side of the aircraft (seats marked 'A').

Hand Luggage. In addition to standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, strictly enforced bans apply to carrying any fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and unprocessed animal products when flying to and from the Galapagos. This is done to protect the islands' unique ecosystem. Your luggage and hand luggage will be thoroughly checked.

Passengers with Connections. San Cristobal Airport serves only domestic flights. If you have an international connection, it will take place at the airports of Guayaquil or Quito. You will go through all customs and immigration formalities on the mainland. In San Cristobal, your main task is to pass the biocontrol.

Customs Control. Upon arrival on the island, you pay the Galapagos National Park entry fee (it is recommended to have cash). Upon departure, the main control is the luggage check for the removal of local flora and fauna elements. Taking out corals, shells, volcanic rocks, and sand is strictly prohibited.

Saving Time and Money.

• Check with your airline in advance if the Transit Control Card (TCT) can be paid online to avoid standing in line.
• Have cash (US dollars) with you to pay the National Park fee upon arrival.
• Prices for food and drinks at the airport are quite high. If possible, have a snack beforehand or bring permitted snacks (e.g., biscuits, chocolate) with you.

In Case of Flight Delay. The airport is small, and leisure opportunities are limited. Ensure your electronic devices are charged, and bring a book or download movies. Airline staff will provide information about the new departure time. Weather on the islands can be unpredictable, so minor delays happen — please treat this with understanding.