2024年，加拉帕戈斯群岛接待了279,300名游客，是当地居民数量的十倍，比1993年增加了六倍。自1959年起，群岛97%的面积被指定为国家公园，但游客过多导致主岛拥挤不堪，环境污染问题加剧。2023年，入园费大幅上调：本地人从6美元涨至30美元，外国人翻倍至200美元。然而，这一措施并未降低游客数量，2025年上半年游客同比还增加了2,803人。

随着费用上涨，2024年公园收入创下2,210万美元新高，比2023年增长23%，2025年预计将达3,960万美元。联合国教科文组织称加费“有效”，但批评者指出资金使用不当，未惠及当地居民。岛民高度依赖旅游业，超过五分之四居民以此为生，并承受比大陆高出80%的生活成本。然而，旅游增长对社区带来的实际益处有限，基础设施依然薄弱。

为防止过度开发，当地政府采取限制游客数量、加强运输检查和建设许可等措施，2007年曾因发展无节制被列为濒危遗产，2010年得以移除。如今部分本地人尝试发展生态游和农旅项目，吸引游客参与火山徒步和乡村体验。旅游部长称，虽有挑战但局势可控，对重返濒危名单表示否定。

In 2024, the Galápagos Islands received 279,300 visitors—ten times the number of locals and six times more than in 1993. Since 1959, 97% of the islands have been designated a national park, but excessive tourism has led to overcrowding and pollution on the main islands. In 2023, entrance fees rose from $6 to $30 for Ecuadorians and doubled to $200 for foreigners. Despite this, the fee increase did not curb visitor numbers; in the first half of 2025, arrivals rose by 2,803 compared to the previous year.

With the higher fees, park revenues in 2024 hit a record $22.1 million, up 23% from 2023; for 2025, officials expect $39.6 million. UNESCO praised the fee hike as “effective,” yet critics argue the funds are mismanaged and seldom benefit locals. Over four-fifths of islanders depend on tourism to cover living expenses, which are 80% higher than on the mainland. However, locals see little improvement in infrastructure or community gains from tourism’s growth.

To prevent overdevelopment, authorities have capped visitor numbers, tightened cargo inspections, and required permits for new tourism construction. In 2007, the islands were listed as endangered due to unchecked development but were removed from the list in 2010. Now, some locals promote eco-tourism and agrotourism like volcano hiking and rural stays. The tourism minister maintains that, while challenges remain, the situation is manageable and a return to endangered status is unlikely.