Best Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Travel Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are among the most exotic and breathtaking destinations in the world. To fully appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these places, it's important to have a good travel guide. Fortunately, there are several excellent books available that offer detailed information about the history, culture, wildlife, and attractions of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. These books provide valuable insights and tips on how to make the most of your trip, including recommendations on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. Whether you're planning a solo adventure or a family vacation, these travel books are essential reading for anyone looking to experience the wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations Cover #TOP 1
100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12 (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12 (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Wildlife of the Galápagos: Second Edition (Princeton Pocket Guides, 13) Cover #TOP 3
Wildlife of the Galápagos: Second Edition (Princeton Pocket Guides, 13)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Travel Books

100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations

Miller, Carrie
National Geographic
Feb 26, 2019
100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations Cover
100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations

100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations is a must-have for anyone who loves scuba diving or has a passion for travel. With stunning National Geographic photography and expert tips, this book takes readers on a journey to 100 of the most breathtaking scuba diving sites around the world. The book is organized by diving experience and certification level, making it easy for readers to find the perfect destination for their skill level. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this book is filled with beautiful imagery, marine life guides, and trusted travel tips. Overall, it's an exquisite inspirational book that will leave readers eager to plan their next diving adventure.

Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12 (Travel Guide)

Albiston, Isabel
Bremner, Jade
Kluepfel, Brian
Morgan, MaSovaida
Yanagihara, Wendy
May 10, 2022
Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet's Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12 is an ultimate travel guide for those who want to explore the best of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The guide provides up-to-date information on what to see and what to skip, along with hidden discoveries you may come across. The book also includes insider tips to help you save time and money and get around like a local. With over 60 maps and comprehensive coverage of Quito, Northern Highlands, Central Highlands, Cuenca & the Southern Highlands, The Oriente, North Coast & Lowlands, South Coast, and The Galapagos Islands, this guide is perfect for exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

#TOP 3

Wildlife of the Galápagos: Second Edition (Princeton Pocket Guides, 13)

Fitter, Julian
Fitter, Daniel
Hosking, David
Princeton University Press
Jan 5, 2016
Wildlife of the Galápagos: Second Edition (Princeton Pocket Guides, 13) Cover
Wildlife of the Galápagos: Second Edition (Princeton Pocket Guides, 13)

The Wildlife of the Galápagos: Second Edition (Princeton Pocket Guides, 13) is an essential guide for nature enthusiasts interested in the Galápagos. It covers over 400 commonly seen species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and plants, and other coastal and marine life. The guide includes detailed information on the history, climate, geology, and conservation of the islands. With over 650 stunning color photographs, maps, and drawings, this fully updated edition is the perfect portable companion for exploring the natural splendors of this amazing part of the world.

Galapagos Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

Kavanagh, James
Waterford Press
Leung, Raymond
Waterford Press
Jan 23, 2018
Galapagos Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals (Wildlife and Nature Identification) Cover
Galapagos Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

Galapagos Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals is a must-have for anyone interested in the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. With over 140 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, seashore creatures, and butterflies/insects featured, it is a comprehensive guide. The laminated and lightweight design makes it ideal for field use by eco-tourists visiting the islands. The map highlighting the location of the top 10 most sought-after species is a standout feature. Overall, this guide is an excellent source of portable information, and the simplified introduction to the species makes it ideal for both beginners and experts alike.

Kinfolk Islands (Kinfolk Adventures)

Burns, John
Nov 1, 2022
Kinfolk Islands (Kinfolk Adventures) Cover
Kinfolk Islands (Kinfolk Adventures)

Kinfolk Islands is a collection of 18 travel stories that takes readers on a journey to islands big and small. From Socotra in Yemen to Yakushima in Japan, each itinerary allows for true discovery and immersion. The book is filled with vibrant photography, practical guidance, and thoughtful reflections on why the idea of an island embodies so many of our travel fantasies. Believing that travel is as much a state of mind as an action or itinerary, Kinfolk celebrates a way of exploring our world that fosters thoughtful perspectives on the places we visit. Kinfolk Islands is a must-read for travel enthusiasts.

#TOP 6

Vancouver Island Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3128)

National Geographic Maps - Adventure
Natl Geographic Society Maps
Apr 15, 2020
Vancouver Island Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3128) Cover
Vancouver Island Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3128)

The Vancouver Island Adventure Map by National Geographic is a must-have for travelers exploring the island. The highly functional travel tool includes a detailed road network with distances and designations for roads, motorways, and expressways, making it easy to find the right route. The map also highlights hundreds of unique destinations, including national parks, nature reserves, hot springs, and more. The map is printed on waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper, making it durable for international travel. Overall, this Adventure Map is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore Vancouver Island.

#TOP 7

Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3403)

National Geographic Maps - Adventure
Natl Geographic Society Maps
Jan 1, 2022
Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3403) Cover
Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3403)

National Geographic's Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Adventure Map is the perfect guide for adventure travelers. This waterproof and tear-resistant map provides comprehensive information about the entire country, including recreational, historical, cultural, and natural destinations. With pinpointed spots, road networks, and travel aids, this map is ideal for those who want to explore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on their own. The expertly researched map is the perfect complement to any guidebook. Overall, this map is a must-have for those who love to travel and explore the world.

#TOP 8

Moon Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide)

Burns, Lisa
Moon Travel
Nov 27, 2018
Moon Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide)

Moon Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide) is an essential guide for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Galápagos archipelago while protecting its habitats. This book offers strategic tour information, detailed maps, and directions for exploring on your own, as well as tips on eco-tourism, health and safety, transportation, and accommodations. The author, Lisa Cho, provides honest advice and in-depth coverage of the islands, including the remote uninhabited ones. With full-color photos and an expert's view on the best things to do and see, Moon Galápagos Islands is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to this breathtaking destination.

#TOP 9

Galapagos: A Traveler's Introduction

Lynch, Wayne
Lynch, Wayne
Firefly Books
Feb 28, 2018
Galapagos: A Traveler's Introduction Cover
Galapagos: A Traveler's Introduction

Galapagos: A Traveler's Introduction is a beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on a tour of the Galapagos Islands, one of the most widely valued World Heritage Sites. The author, Wayne Lynch, captures the unique wildlife and plant life living on the islands with stunning photography. The book also delves into the history of the Galapagos, including Charles Darwin's visit and how his observations contributed to the inception of his theory of evolution by natural selection. The section on conservation efforts is particularly noteworthy. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Galapagos or nature photography.

#TOP 10

Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide)

Pitts, Bethany
Moon Travel
Nov 5, 2019
Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide)

Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands is a comprehensive travel guide for those seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation in Ecuador. The book offers flexible itineraries for various regions, from the Amazon to the Galápagos Islands, and provides strategic advice for different types of travelers. The author, Bethany Pitts, offers expert insights on ethical travel, sustainable tourism, and engaging with local communities. The book also includes a Spanish phrasebook, volunteer opportunities, and travel tips for families, seniors, and LGBTQ travelers. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Ecuador.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a decent tour of the Galapagos Islands cost?

The average cost of a 5-day Galapagos cruise is about USD 3000. The least expensive Galapagos cruises begin at around USD 1000 for a 4-day cruise and can go up to around $10000 per person for an 8-day luxury-class cruise. Chartering a private Galapagos cruise starts at about $40,000.

2. How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?

By sea it takes 3 days to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Boats depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Most often these are cargo ships with basic accommodations not matching the luxury cruises in the archipelago.

3. What is the best month to go to Galapagos?

But that said, our experts generally agree that the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. Why? These months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear, warm excellent for snorkeling and diving.

Editor's Notes

During our ecuador & galapagos islands travel book research, we found 1,000+ ecuador & galapagos islands travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,207 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ecuador & galapagos islands travel books list. We found that most customers choose ecuador & galapagos islands travel books with an average price of $16.83.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.