Preparation can help make the your trip run smoother. Before you even start packing, check the following three things: Airfare, Passport and Vaccinations. Read about other items you should know before traveling to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands. Talk to us about what you should prepare for your trip.

Airfare

For Ecuador we have found www.Orbitz.com to be consistently the cheapest flights from the United States to Ecuador.

Generally, all direct flights for Ecuador leave either from New York, Houston or Miami.

Airport Code for Quito is UIO -Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Airport Code for Guayaquil is GYE  - La Aurora International Airport

Passport

If you have a passport, check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Ecuador, otherwise you will be denied entry.

How to get a passport: Visit the TRAVEL.STATE.GOV passport section for locations where you can submit your passport application. After you apply, you can now check it’s status on line.

Vaccinations

If you have kept up with your immunization, you should be fine to visit most places in Ecuador and Galapagos Islands. Make sure you are up to date with all your Hepatitis and Tetanus shots.

In some parts of the Amazon, they will not let you enter the national parks without your Yellow Fever vaccination. You should check this site out for regions with malaria.

It is best to consult with the nearest travel health clinic. Visit for the one nearest you or if you are on a tight budget, call your county Health Department. They may offer vaccinations at an affordable cost.

Airport Tax
When you depart from an international airport in Ecuador, you will be charged an airport tax of $40.80, payable in cash only at the airport.

Baggage Restrictions:
Please check with your airline for international baggage weight limits.
For domestic flights in Ecuador including the Galapagos, the weight limit is 20 kg or approximately 44 lbs total including carry-on luggage.. 
In the Galapagos, if you are taking an inter-island flight the weight limit is 25 lbs total including carry-on luggage.

Currency and credit cards:
Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit card in Ecuador. At higher end hotels and boutiques American Express card is accepted. Please note that in the Galapagos MasterCard is the most widely accepted card.

Donations:
We encourage our guests to give to local non-profit organizations rather than to people who beg on the street. There are numerous effective programs that help local communities help themselves, sustainable projects that truly enrich and benefit the lives of local residents.

Guide Tipping:
A rule of thumb $5 to $10 a day depending on the level of service you receive. This is purely a personal decision. 

Park Fees:
The national parks in Ecuador such as the Galapagos National Park charge an entry fee.
Galapagos National Park $100
Machalilla National Park $20
Cotopaxi National Park $10

Time Zone
Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time. Please note that they do not practice Daylight Savings.
What time is it now in Ecuador?

Galapagos Islands is one hour behind mainland Ecuador.
What time is it now in the Galapagos?

Travel Insurance
We recommend travel insurance for our guests. You should check your health insurance plan to see what is covered and also your credit card policy to see if

Voltage:
Same as North America - 110 AC

Remember no two trips are alike. If you have any concerns or questions, call or email us!