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GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS TO DOUBLE ENTRY FEES
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Amid overtourism concerns , the Galápagos Islands will ask visitors to pay twice as much in entry fees beginning on August 1 , 2024 . The entry fee , now $ 100 , will rise to $ 200 for citizens of almost all countries , save for members of the South American trade bloc Mercosur , which includes Argentina , Brazil and Peru , who will be asked to pay $ 100 per person . Children ( 12 and under ), regardless of their nationality , will be admitted for free . The increased fees will go toward conserving the Galápagos Islands , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many rare plants and animals .
A Galápagos sea lion poses on the beach at sunset .
HX Goes All-Inclusive
Expedition cruise line HX , formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions , is going all-inclusive . Beginning in October 2024 , travelers aboard the brand ’ s sailings to Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands will be among the first to enjoy the new pricing structure which will include complimentary access to daily excursions and activities in addition to covering the cost of gratuities , drinks , dining and more . Regarding the change , Alex Delamere-White , chief commercial officer for HX , said the following in a March 2024 press release : “ We want our guests to fully embrace being curious travellers when they ’ re with us … We believe adventure should be all-inclusive , which is why our daily expeditions , talks and access to the science centre come at no extra cost , alongside delicious food and drink .”
OSCAR FARRERA HX
The MS Roald Amundsen sails in Paradise Bay , Antarctica .
14 / THE COMPASS / SUMMER 2024 vaxvacationaccess . com / thecompass