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DE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have questions about traveling to Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands? Don’t worry, we have the answers right here. Click on any of the categories to display the most frequently asked questions related to these topics.
About the country and our travel programs
1. What documents do I need to enter Ecuador?
In general, you will need a valid passport and/or a valid visa (depending on the country you are traveling from) that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Citizens of the United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland do not require a visa. Generally, a 3-month tourist visa is issued upon entry, which can be extended for another 3 months. Always carry a copy of your passport.
Travel insurance is not compulsory, but we recommend that you take out travel insurance when you travel.
Entering Ecuador by Land: As of January 2024, entry into Ecuador by land from Peru or Colombia requires a police clearance certificate with apostille and translation to Spanish. Without the proper certificate, entry may be denied. Minors accompanied by family members up to the fourth degree of kinship or tourists in transit are exempt from this requirement (maximum stay of ten days, proof of which is required). This requirement does not apply to those arriving by air.
2. What vaccinations do I need?
No vaccinations are required for entry into Ecuador. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to the Amazon region. We also recommend that you bring a small first-aid kit with you for your trip, which should contain medicines for colds, stomach and intestinal problems, as well as a small first-aid kit (plasters, bandages, wound spray, painkillers, etc.). We recommend that you discuss the exact contents with your family doctor.
3. When is the best time to visit Ecuador?
Ecuador is known as the land of eternal spring; you can visit the country all year round. There are two distinct climatic seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Although the Andes can be visited all year round, summer (June-August) is the best time to visit, with the least clouds. The second half of the year is generally recommended for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering.
The climate in the eastern part of the country is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Rainfall is generally lower from November to February.
On the Pacific coast, the hottest months are between March and May.
The Galapagos Islands are a natural paradise with an enormous biodiversity that will amaze you at any time of the year, especially if you love snorkeling, diving, and marine life. The best time to visit is from May to January, when the climate on the islands is slightly cooler (19 to 22°C) and the cold waters are home to the most diverse ecosystems. The warm season, from February to April, brings more rain but also more days with bright blue skies.
4. What is the currency used in Ecuador (and Galapagos)?
Many people are surprised to learn that Ecuador is one of only three countries in the world that uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency. The other two are Panama and, of course, the United States. We recommend that you do not carry large bills. In Ecuador, bills up to 20 US dollars are generally accepted. 50 or 100-dollar bills are very difficult to use. You can get money from ATMs with international credit cards in all major cities.
5. What type of power adapter is used in Ecuador?
If you are traveling to Ecuador, you will need an adapter for 120 V plugs with A/B plugs and a frequency of 60 Hz (flat plug). This is the same frequency used in the United States. You can easily buy such adapters for little money in Ecuador in so-called “ferreterias”.
6. What are the costs for services that are not included?
In general, Ecuador is still not an expensive country to visit. Lunch (almuerzo) or dinner (merienda) can often be had for as little as 3-5 USD. A fresh fruit juice costs about 2 USD, and a large beer about 4 USD. The subway in Quito costs 0.45 USD and a city bus 0.35 USD. A taxi ride costs at least 1.50 USD and a medium distance is very cheap at 3 – 5 USD per trip. (But always take an official yellow taxi!). If you rent a car, you will have to pay for gas and tolls. A liter of super gasoline costs about 1 USD at the moment. Tolls range from 0.50 to 1 USD.
7. Where can I do laundry during my trip?
In most hotels, you can have your clothes washed for a small fee, and in major cities and other tourist places, some laundromats will wash and dry your clothes in a few hours.
8. What kind of tours do we offer?
360°: Ecuador is a small but very diverse and multicultural country that offers us the opportunity to discover all its nuances in a tour that includes the most representative parts of the Andean region, the Amazon region, the Pacific coast, and the Galapagos Islands. Due to its immense biodiversity and strong scenic contrasts, Ecuador is also known as “Latin America in miniature” or “the land of the four worlds”.
Trekking: Get ready to discover the Andes with the best equipment and professional guides. Remember that the Andes, especially above 3000 meters, are subject to strong temperature fluctuations and it can get very cold at night. For optimal acclimatization, take all hikes slowly and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcoholic beverages and nicotine as far as possible. You must bring your own sleeping bag for the trek to the altar!
Specialized Tours: Group Tours, Car Rental Tours, Bird Watching, Photography, Honeymoon Tours, Academy Tours, City Tours, Diving Tours, Multi Activity Tours, and Walking Tours.
Cruises: Join one of the cruises that sail around the Enchanted Islands. We offer all categories of yachts with a range of 5, 6, and 8-day itineraries. We especially recommend the western route with a visit to Fernandina Island.
Island hopping: Discover the enchanted islands, their people, their culture, and their ecosystem in a very special way. Travel between the islands on board speedboats (approx. 2 hours per trip) and immerse yourself in the special underwater world that the archipelago has to offer.
9. Can I combine different itineraries in the same program?
If you would like to visit the Ecuador mainland and the Galapagos Islands in the same program, we recommend packages of at least 12 to 15 days. In any case, we will adapt to your schedule. Our destination specialists will work with you to create the best itinerary for your interests.
10. What do our packages include?
Our packages include private transportation, certified local guides (in your language), accommodations in hotels of your choice, activities, and basic meals. However, because we focus on creating customized experiences, we can include the details you want in your trip and offer you an option that fits your needs. Our customized trips are always well thought out and are also tailored to specific days of the week to ensure you are in the right place at the right time.
11. Is it possible for you to cater to my special dietary requirements and allergies?
We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or special needs you may have. Vegetarians and vegans are welcome.
12. How do I make a reservation?
Once your tour is confirmed, we will send you an invoice with the date and amount to be paid to confirm your services. The first payment is usually 30% of the total amount of the booking and must be canceled within 7 days of receiving the invoice.
About the Galapagos Islands
1. How do I get to Galapagos?
The airlines Avianca and Latam fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (GPS) (the main airport of the Galapagos) or San Cristóbal (SCY) in the morning. For this reason, you should plan to spend at least one night in Quito or Guayaquil before your Galapagos trip, especially if you are flying from Europe. Please be sure to check in online with your airline before your flight, which can be done up to 48 hours before your flight.
2. How much luggage can I bring to Galapagos?
Your main baggage may weigh up to 23 kg. In addition, you are allowed one carry-on bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 10kg. Your baggage will be checked separately before departure and before each inter-island crossing. Please note that in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands, you are not allowed to bring any fruits, seeds, nuts, or other foods that may contain seeds.
3. How much is the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (GNP)?
- Foreign tourists (without Ecuadorian citizenship): Over 12 years old pay USD$200.00 and under 12 years old pay USD$100.00.
- Tourists from the Andean Community and Mercosur: Over 12 years old pay USD$100.00 and under 12 years old pay USD$50.00.
- Tourists with Ecuadorian citizenship: Over 12 years old pay USD$30.00 and under 12 years old pay USD$15.00.
4. Where do I pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (GNP)?
The Galapagos National Park (GNP) entrance fee must be paid in cash upon arrival at the islands’ airports (Baltra or San Cristobal). You will find a place for this purpose at the arrival airport. Credit card payments are not accepted!
5. What is the Transit Control Card (TCT)?
The Galapagos government uses the Transit Control Card (TCT) to control the length of stay of visitors to the islands. The TCT is mandatory for all travelers and costs an additional fee that must be paid before entering the islands. The Transit Control Card (TCT) costs 20 USD per person and must be paid in cash at the departure airport (Quito or Guayaquil) before the flight to the islands. Visitors must go to a specially designated counter at the airport with their flight tickets to obtain the card. They must also present their return ticket and hotel reservation. The Transit Control Card (TCT) can only be paid for in cash. Other forms of payment are not accepted.
6. What should I bring to the Galapagos Islands?
Although the Galapagos Islands are located on the equator, the temperature varies between 18°C and 30°C (64.5°F and 86°F) throughout the year. The hottest months are February through April. We recommend that you bring light clothing, a raincoat, sneakers, a swimsuit, bathing sandals, a sun hat, and sunscreen. We also recommend that you bring your own snorkel equipment, although snorkel equipment can be rented on the islands. With a Go Pro camera or other underwater camera, you can also capture unforgettable underwater animal sightings.
7. How much money should I bring with me to the islands?
The amount of cash you should bring to the Galapagos Islands will depend on the length of your trip. However, we recommend that you bring enough cash to cover the following expenses Transit Control Card (TCT), Galapagos National Park (GNP) entrance fee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, wetsuit rental, tips, etc. In general, Galapagos is a little more expensive than mainland Ecuador because most goods are imported by boat. We recommend that you do not bring large bills. Bills up to 20 US dollars are generally accepted in Ecuador. 50 or 100-dollar bills are very difficult to use. It is advisable to always carry small change for water taxis and small expenses.
8. What should I do if I become seasick?
In high tide, it is advisable for sensitive people to take tablets against nausea and seasickness. Dimenhidrinato (Dramamine) and/or Difenhidramina (Benadryl) tablets can be purchased at one of the many pharmacies on all islands for about 0.50 USD per tablet and take effect in about 30 minutes. For our island-hopping programs, we recommend that you sit in the back of the speedboats, which take about 2 hours from island to island.
9. How should I behave when observing the animals of the islands?
Please follow the general rules of conduct of the Galapagos National Park. Most of the endemic animals of the islands are not very shy and rather trusting, as they have no or very few natural enemies. Nevertheless, do not touch them and keep a distance of about 2 meters. Do not scare off iguanas and sea lions, even if they are in your path, but rather give them a wide berth. Do not remove or destroy plants, animals, or their remains (e.g. bones), pieces of wood, shells, or other natural objects. Such actions are illegal as they can cause serious damage to the island’s ecology.
