Ecuador Trips & Tours

On Ecuador’s mainland, there are two international airports. About a 45-minute drive from the capital, Quito, there is Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) and in Guayaquil, there is José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE). Most domestic flights to Ecuador’s main sights leave from Quito. While there are some direct routes available to Ecuador from the USA, connecting flights are more common and fairly easy from most major destinations.

When flying to the Galapagos (landing on Baltra Island) from mainland Ecuador, be sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure. You will need to fill in the personal information form prior to departure in order to receive the mandatory INGALA transit control card at the cost of $10.
Water-based travel is also very popular with anything from small yachts to larger cruise ships on offer.
Be aware, you are not allowed to take items such as fruit, flowers or seeds, and don't be surprised when the cabin is sprayed to avoid any alien insects arriving on the island.
An entrance fee of $100 per adult and $50 per child is required on arrival (this amount can be prepaid).

The roads in Ecuador tend to be difficult to navigate with a lack of signage, so we recommend using a private driver. In Quito, it’s easy to get around on foot during the day or opt to ride on the handy trolley service.

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary, as well as your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines.

It is recommended that you have a Hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccination and should you plan to visit rural Ecuador, vaccinations for typhoid, rabies, Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis may be recommended. The Ecuadorian government requires proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you have travelled through a high-risk country.
Ensure you carry the relevant certificates with you at all times.

The tap water in Ecuador isn’t safe to drink so ensure you drink purified or bottled water, and use it to brush your teeth, and avoid ice in any drinks. Also, avoid uncooked foods including vegetables and peeled fruit.

Communication
Ecuador country code: +593

Calling overseas from Ecuador:
Dial 00 followed by the country code, area code and cell phone number.

Money
Ecuador’s official currency is the US Dollar and it is used interchangeably with Ecuadorian money. If you need to, make any money exchange in Quito or Guayaquil for the best rates. If you are travelling to the Galapagos, bring extra cash as credit cards aren’t always accepted. It is also useful to carry smaller bills with you at all times.


Gratuities
Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both.

Gratuities suggestions:
Private guide: $10 per day
Private driver: $3 - $5 per day
Porters: $1 per bag
Lodge staff: $20 per room per night (this can be distributed by the manager)
Restaurants: In most upscale/tourist restaurants, 12% VAT and a 10% service charge is already included. For local restaurants, the service charge may not be included so a 10% tip is appreciated/appropriate (12% VAT is included).

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:

Compulsory Insurance:
a. Emergency evacuation expenses
b. Medical expenses
c. Repatriation expenses

Recommended Insurance:
a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip
b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Entrance into Ecuador doesn’t require a Visa, instead you’ll need the following:
- A passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry) with blank Visa pages
- Proof of an onward or return ticket
- Proof of suitable funds for the trip

Please do contact the embassy or consultant in your home country to reconfirm visa requirements, as they change often. Visa Central is also a good resource for further information.

As a general precaution, we recommend you make several copies of your travel-related documents (passport, traveller’s cheques, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets, insurance cover, visas, etc). Leave one set at home, and bring another set with you, and place it in a location separate from your originals.

If you are travelling to the Galapagos archipelago, you are required to complete an Affidavit of Goods, which can be completed up to 48 hours before arrival. This can be completed here - http://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/

With such a varied landscape and climate, we have provided specific recommendations for each region as well as general items. The following can be used as a guideline:

- Lightweight, breathable clothing including shorts, long & short-sleeved shirts, linen trousers, a jacket/windbreaker
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Shoes: sandals, closed walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat
- Daypack and/or money belt
- Insect repellent
- Relevant chargers, memory cards and adaptors - Ecuador uses plug types A and B, at a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz
- Any vitamins or medication you may need (always ensure they are allowed on your flight)

The Andes
You’ll need lightweight, breathable clothing for during the day and warm items including jerseys and waterproof jackets for the evening.

Quito can often experience the equivalent of four seasons in one day, so packing for all weathers is advisable.

The coast
If you are visiting between December and May, it is recommended that you pack light clothing like shorts, T-shirts and sandals. However, this is also the rainy season so waterproof jackets are also advisable. July to September brings colder weather so warmer clothing is needed.

The Amazon
Due to its hot and humid climate, light, quick-drying clothing is recommended, including long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as rainproof gear. High rubber boots will be supplied so you’ll need to pack plenty of pairs of long socks.

The Galapagos
Between December and May, the weather is influenced by the warm Panama current, meaning it is generally hot and sunny. If you are visiting during this time, shorts, T-shirts and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you are planning a trip during the misty months of June to November, so trousers, a lightweight sweater and waterproof jacket are useful to pack. If you are planning on snorkelling, reef shoes will also be handy.

Luggage
Domestic airlines only allow one checked suitcase no bigger than 20kg and a carry-on no bigger than 5.5kg. Inter-island flights are limited to 10kg each.