Airport

Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport code is UIO.
Guayaquil La Aurora International Airport code is GYE

Airport Tax

When you leave the country, you will be charged an international departure tax of US$38 (cash only). This tax is NOT included in any Core Expeditions trip.

Baggage Restrictions

Please verify with your airline with their baggage policy. We have included the following airlines that we use most often.
Continental
American Airlines

Camera and Film

You will take more pictures than you expect. Bring lots of film. Film prices are comparable if not less expensive in the United States or Canada. Film prices are definitely more expensive in the Galápagos Islands. For underwater photos while snorkeling, disposable underwater cameras are recommended unless you own an actual underwater camera.
Lighting conditions in the Amazon tend to be dark and dimly lit. Please take that into consideration when buying film stock or using automatic cameras

Currency, Traveler’s Checks and Credit Cards

US Dollar - Please note that Ecuadorians will not take old-looking, faded, damaged or ripped bills. In Quito, there are plenty of banks and foreign currency exchange centers. When traveling, it is always advisable to carry traveler's checks. However, do carry cash readily available on hand. Use small denominations such as $1 and $5 dollar bills when carrying cash. Higher denominations are rarely used outside of the major cities. Traveler's checks are recommended in smaller denominations ($20 and $50).  Because of the recent circulation of fraudulent $100 bills, banks and business have been refusing $100 bills.
The most commonly used credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. Please note that Mastercard is definitely the most widely used card on the Galápagos Islands. Only higher end hotels, boutiques and restaurants (which are really only a handful) accept Visa and American Express.

Donations

If you would like to donate funds or gifts, we can recommend some of our favorite nonprofit organizations such as Niños de la Calle (Children in the Streets) or an environmental organization such as the Charles Darwin Foundation or Ecuadorian Rivers Institute.

Guide Tipping

Whether you choose to tip your guide or naturalist guide is up to you. There really is no general rule of thumb. According to Fodor's, in Ecuador the naturalist or guide expect $4-8 per day.

Packing Tips

Zip Locs are our best friends for keeping documents dry, shampoo bottles from leaking, film and camera items dry, and holding snack foods. Light weight, durable and cheap.

Park Fees

All park fees except the Galapagos National Park fee are included in the land cost.  The Galapagos National Park fee is USD$100 (cash only) and is paid when upon arrival at the airport in the Galapagos Islands.

Physical Discomforts

Altitude sickness is a condition caused by lack of oxygen at high elevation levels. Susceptibility to altitude sickness is variable from person to person regardless of fitness level or age. Some people never experience these affects. Remain well hydrated. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Eat lots of carbohydrates. Do not overexert. Please let the guide know if you are experiencing these symptoms. Symptoms: headache, nausea, often sleeplessness.

Dehydration -Whether at sea level, high altitudes or in the rain forest, keep well hydrated. Drinking water will help the body adjust to the new environment. In the Amazon regions, you may experience lethargy or loss of enthusiasm, which is easily avoided by adjusting your diet. Lots of fluids and an increase intake of salt will help perspiration and also reduce the chances of constipation.

Shortness of breath is normal in high altitudes. Not a symptom of altitude sickness. Your body will adjust to the environment eventually. Do not overexert yourself

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time. Daylight savings time is not observed. The Galapagos Islands is one hour behind Ecuador.

Travel Insurance

We recommend travel and cancellation insurance when you travel abroad. Please check your current health insurance policy to see if you are covered for medical emergencies during travel. For more information see Travel Assistance International. They offer insurance for individuals, businesses, students and groups. For a quote please click on the url.
http://www.travelassistance.com/insurance/quote.cfm

Vaccinations

www.tripprep.com or ask at your local travel health clinic.

Visa and Passport Requirements

If you are an American or Canadian citizen, you will be issued a visitor's visa for up to 90 days at the airport. However, you must specify the length of your trip. If you do not do so, they may issue a visa for only 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in Ecuador, otherwise they may deny you entry.
 

Voltage

Same voltage as in North America 110V.