Before you travel to Ecuador

Documentation

A valid passport, with at least six months validity, is required to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Most visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days. Visas may be renewed for an additional 90 days.

Please enquire with your Ecuadorian embassy or consulate if an entry visa is required.

Please check with your airline what are the limits on carry-on luggage. At the very least, you should not pack sharp objects (pocket knives, nail files, scissors) in your carry-on. From time to time there may be additional restrictions on other items or substances.

Health

Galapagos Best want you to have the best possible vacation, and that includes taking care of your health before and during your visit. The US Centre for Disease Control maintains an up to date information service of recommended immunizations and other precautions. More information is provided on our Safety page.

Quito is at an altitude of 2,870 meters, and Chimborazo Refuge is at 4800 meters. It may take you a little time to adjust to these altitudes, and we recommend that you not eat heavy meals, smoke or drink alcohol until you are used to it.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that your travel insurance is up to date as soon as you make your reservation.

Arriving in Ecuador

On your flight to Ecuador, you must fill out a T-3 Tourist Information Card. This card must be handed over, together with your passport, to the immigration officer upon arrival.

Have your flight tickets ready if they ask for them. If asked about the purposes of your trip, inform the officials that you are on vacation. Tell them if you are flying to the Galapagos.

A copy of the T-3 form will be returned to you along with your passport. Please hold on to your T-3 form since you will be required to turn it in when you leave the country!

You will then proceed to the luggage area and claim your check-in luggage and clear customs. If you would like to use a luggage trolley, the cost is $1.

Your bags will usually be inspected. After leaving customs, you will be met by our travel-agent/escort for transfer to your hotel.

If you do not have a transfer arranged to your hotel, take an airport yellow cab.

Safety considerations

Money

The local currency is US dollars. Make sure you have some cash dollars when you travel in case the "Cambio" at the airport is closed when you arrive.

Credit cards are not accepted on board Galapagos yachts; they are accepted only in mainland Ecuador, and there is a 10% service charge on all credit card payments within Ecuador.

Bank hours in Ecuador are Monday to Friday 9h00am – 16h00pm.

In Galapagos, you can get cash on the day you are in Puerto Ayora, using MasterCard - there is only one bank and it does not accept Visa at the ATM. The bank lines are often long, and you will need your passport for identification.

In the Galapagos, it is best to have cash and traveler’s checks.

Telephone service

Calling cards are recommended on the Ecuadorian mainland. There is standard phone and cellular phone communication service available in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos.

In Quito there are many Internet “Cyber-cafes” with e-mail and net-phone service; and in Puerto Ayora, there are at several Internet cafes.

Electricity

American Household electricity of 110V AC (60 cycles). Europe uses a 50 cycle system. If you are European, we recommend you to bring some power-plug adapters that go from “round-to-flat”.

Language

Communication on the mainland is not easy if you do not know Spanish; only a few people speak English.

In Galapagos it is easier to communicate because some people speak often adequate English.

Food and Water

Avoid consuming uncooked food like salads or unpeeled fruits.

The water on board Galapagos yachts is desalinated and safe to drink. Most restaurants use purified or bottled water, implementing sound sanitation procedures.

All food and beverages that we provide are perfectly safe and comply with all sanitary requirements and International standards.

What to bring

For the Galapagos and the mainland coast, visitors are advised to pack casual, comfortable (cotton) garments. Depending on your own needs, some additional items may include:

Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel and flippers). The yachts often have snorkeling gear available to hire but quality cannot be guaranteed and there may not be enough for everyone.
a short wetsuit 3 to 6 mm thick (even during the hot season it will shield you against the sun, abrasions and small jelly-fish)
wading shoes/sandals or booties (avoid flip-flops)
2 pairs of sneakers
one light windjammer/jacket
one good sweater (during the cold season)
3 light, large, long-sleeved shirts (sun-proof fabric)
a good rain poncho (only during the rainy season)
4 pairs of shorts and one pair of long pants
one umbrella against rain or sun (the kind that packs up small)
a walking-stick for the crossing the lava fields
ankle-high boots if you have weak ankles.
medications and personal hygiene products
One wide brimmed hat
bathing suits
sunglasses
binoculars
two sunscreens, Factor 50
insect repellent
6 zip-lock plastic bags
some large heavy-duty trash-bags
a water-tight camera-bag
one extra pair of prescription glasses
one small flashlight
paper tissue
Antihistamine pills and cream
a soothing gel for burns or rashes
eye and eardrops
band-aids
light and strong pain killers
anti-acid pills
sea-sickness medication.
Any personal medication you deem essential. (Consult your physician.)

Dressing, on our yachts, is always casual.

(Please note that this list is only a general recommendation, and that your individual needs may be different.)

Highlands

For Quito and other highland cities, wear comfortable springtime clothing during the day and a sweater or coat during the evening. There are chances of rain-showers, so a rain parka and a jacket or sweater is a good idea.

For the highlands and moorlands (paramos): warm, winter-like clothing is essential!

Reconfimation of international flights

It is extremely important to re-confirm your international flights. If you will be staying in Quito after your Galapagos tour, make sure have the correct telephone number and that you reconfirm. Your hotel may be able to help you if you do not speak Spanish.

Please notify us if you are taking your international flight immediately after returning from the Galapagos, so that we can reconfirm for you.

Before leaving Ecuador,you will pay an exit tax of $37.50 (Quito) or $26 (Guayaquil). This is paid in cash and you will be given a receipt.