Can foreigners own land in the Galapagos?
Ecuadorians and foreigners alike can own land in the Galapagos. When the Galapagos National Park was created in 1959 an area consisting of 3% of the territory of the Galapagos was set aside as private. It is in this private area that land may be owned. Although this private area is not part of the Galapagos National Park, it is an integral part of the ecosystem so utmost care has to be exercised on all activities in this area. The Galapagos Special Law provides that non-residents of the Galapagos may invest in the Galapagos (i.e. buy land) provided they partner with a Galapagos permanent resident. Santa Cruz Gardens has established the legal structure for compliance with this provision.
