Frequently Asked Questions &
ecuador travel tips
Ecuador Travel Tips
FAQ'S
1. Ecuador Travel Information
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
2. Galapagos Islands Travel Information
Undoubtedly the best overall way to experience the islands is by yacht. However, for many people, this is not the ideal option.
Exploring by yacht allows you to travel while you sleep, and wake up at a new destination every day. It is also possible to reach more remote spots of the archipelago. These are all-inclusive experiences, that maximize your time.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are many packages available that will allow you to make great use of your time. You will primarily stay on the islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. Each day will consist of morning activity and an afternoon activity. This option also allows you to spend some time exploring a few spots on your own or some downtime if you prefer to relax a bit.
When cruising your extras will primarily be tips and your bar bill. Dinks are usually more reasonably priced than you would expect.
When hotel-based, you will probably need to allow for a few extra meals in the range of $15-25 per person per meal. If you want to book any day tours, expect to pay $150-$300 per person, depending on the activity and the distance/duration.
The park entrance fee is $100 plus another $20 for the immigration process. Children under 12 years of age pay $50 to enter the park.
The primary activities are:
• Swimming
• Photography
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Trekking
• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Horseback riding
• Biking
• Birding
• Cruising
• Wildlife observation
These are the 10 principal rules to follow while visiting the islands:
1. Keep a minimum distance of 2 meters from wildlife, this includes your camera.
2. Do not feed the animals.
3. Do not remove elements of the ecosystem.
4. No smoking or drinking in protected areas.
5. Stay on marked trails
6. Take photos without flash. Drones and professional photographic equipment need prior authorization.
7. Camp only in designated areas, and campfires are not allowed.
8. Fishing is only allowed with licensed “vivencial” fishing boats.
9. Do not introduce any external elements to the ecosystem.
10. The use of personal watercraft is strictly prohibited.
Reminders:
• Visit protected areas only with a specialized guide.
• Do not write on the landscape.
• Use only licensed services for touristic activities.
• Do not litter, and please place recyclable goods in their appropriate bins.
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
3. Ecuador Amazon Rainforest
A lodge is the traditional and more intimate way to visit the Amazon. There is a full range of comfort and service available. Options from rustic bunkhouses to fully luxurious accommodations are available. A lodge generally offers deeper access to the forest than a cruise option. More space to relax, and a more direct experience with the forest.
A river cruise allows visitors to explore a larger portion of the rainforest, but with less access to the deep forest. The boat needs to stay in the main water channels which can limit access to some more intimate areas. Excursions can include walks through the forest, both during the day and at night, wildlife viewing, indigenous community visits, or perhaps kayaking.
The primary activities of the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest are:• Wildlife observation
• Botanical education
• Nature walks
• Indigenous community visits
• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Canoe trips
• Fishing
• Optional shamanic experiences
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
4. High Andes – Ecuador Tours
• Walking tours
• Hiking
• Handicraft markets
• Horseback riding
• Climbing
• Rafting
• Hot springs
• Historic centers
• Volcano trips
• Bird watching
• Ziplines
• Waterfall treks
• Hacienda visits
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
5. Cloud Forest
Primary activities
• Bird watching
• Hiking
• Rafting
• Repelling
• Kayaking
• Ziplines
• Biking
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
Booking Policies and Payment Options
To confirm your reservation a deposit of 20-50% is generally required. The balance will be paid in accordance with the type of tour you are on and how long until your departure. Typically, cruises need to be paid in full 90 days before the departure date, with at least 50% due 180 days prior.. Each lodge or cruise has different policies regarding payments. Before we accept your deposit, we will send you the policies of your corresponding tour(s).
Please reference our booking policy page for more details.
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
Know Before You Go
■ Passport with at least 6 months validity from the return date of your trip
■ For stays less than 10 days try and pack enough clothes to avoid doing laundry
■ For longer stays, don’t overpack. Just ask us about finding laundry service along the journey
■ Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is the best option
■ A mix of short sleeve and long sleeve shirts
■ A hat with decent sun protection
■ Two pairs of shoes, plus sandals if going to the coast or Galapagos
■ A breathable waterproof jacket
■ One or two lightweight sweatshirts or windbreaker
■ Spare batteries and chargers. Anything electronic is expensive in Ecuador
■ Sunblock
A travel medical policy is always a good idea when outside of your home coverage. Ecuador has been trying to enact policies that would require tourists to provide proof of coverage upon arrival, with a primary focus on the Galapagos Islands. A practical path to implementation has yet to transpire. So, for now private medical insurance is not obligatory.
Trip insurance is highly recommended, especially if booking a Galapagos cruise. Most of the cruise operators have strict cancelation policies. In the event of an emergency you will have been wise to have invested in travel coverage. Travel to the Galapagos is not inexpensive, and we would hate to see you lose out on your trip due to unforeseeable circumstances.
If you are visiting the Amazon, or certain regions of the coast, it is suggested you have had your Yellow Fever vaccination.
Malaria is also a small concern. It is up to you if you wish to take preventative medication. Please consult your doctor and discuss if these meds are right for you.
■ Seasickness
Galapagos seas are fairly calm most of the time, but if you are prone to motion sickness here are a few tips:
• August to October can bring rougher waters, consider another date.
• Larger boats are more stable, with a catamaran being the best option.
• Avoid smaller sailboats.
• Book a cabin on a lower deck, towards the back of the boat.
■ Altitude Sickness
■ Traveler’s diarrhea & constipation
■ Medication & first aid packing list
• Pepto-Bismol in tablet form
• Motion sickness pills
• Band-Aids
• Antibiotic cream
• Imodium
• Aloe Vera
• Tylenol or Ibuprofen
• Small first aid kit
All of these items are readily available in pharmacies, but when you are out on a tour it may be a while before you will have a chance to buy what you need.
■ Restaurants
Tipping is not common in Ecuadorian culture. Only in nicer restaurants is it expected. In general, a 10% tip would be standard and is often included in the bill. If you receive excellent service, please feel free to leave a 15-20% total tip.
■ Tipping for Tours.
Think in terms of per day here, with a range of $25-35 per day per guest.
If your Galapagos cruise is for 8 days, your tip should be about $200-300. Most boats will provide two envelopes to the passengers on the last night of the cruise. One envelope for the guide, and another to be divided amongst the rest of the crew. For a tip of $300, you may want to tip your guide $100, and leave the other $200 to the crew. This is totally up to you, and feel free to discuss with your fellow passengers.
An Amazon jungle lodge will not generally work quite as formally. If you spent $2000 on the tour, consider a tip of around $100, with a portion going directly to your guide.
Day tours can be a little different. If your group spends $300 on tour, expect to tip about $20 to your guide, and consider tipping the driver $10. If you are on a multi-day tour, use the same methodology of tipping both the guide and the driver based upon the total price you paid.
The tourism industry does rely on tips, but this is totally up to you and how satisfied you are with the service provided.
Ecuador Travel Tips & FAQ
Arriving to Ecuador
■ The Quito airport is modern and easy to navigate. Official airport taxis charge $25 for the trip to the city (about 40 minutes). The airport has free wifi, which you can use to order an Uber if you prefer. Uber generally runs about $16-22 to the city. We can also arrange for a private transfer if you prefer.
There are plenty of things to do in and around the city. Quito’s historic center is a must-visit, one of UNESCO’s original world heritage sites.
A trip up the flanks of Pichincha Volcano allows you to ride a gondola (teleferiqo) up approximately 3000 ft. This is best to do in the morning when the views of the city and surrounding Andean peaks have better visibility.
A trip to Ecuador wouldn’t be complete without visiting the equator itself. The monument and museums are located about 45 minutes to the north of the city. We suggest you take an Uber or ask for a recommended driver to assist you. It’s also possible by public transport if you prefer.