PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FOR ECUADOR
Passport and Visa
Visitors must be in possession of a passport with a minimum validity of six months after the date of return.
Notes: Please contact the local Ecuadorian Embassy /Consulate in your country of residence.
Insurance
We strongly recommend passengers take trip cancellation insurance (it will reimburse the cost of air tickets and non-refundable trip payments). We also recommend the following insurances: life, international medical, baggage loss & baggage delay, and personal belongings.
Discovering Americas assumes no liability for lost or stolen personal objects during the length of the trip.
Health
Vaccines: No type of vaccine is required to enter Ecuador. It is recommended to check with your physician for yellow fever if traveling to the Amazon Rainforest.
Altitud Sickness: In highland areas such as Quito, Cuenca, Riobamba (2,850m), altitude sickness (headache or nausea) can happen but doesn’t last long; as far as possible, it is advisable to go up by steps, eat little (because digestion is slower in high altitudes), it is also recommended to hydrate and relax on arrival at altitude.
Any traveler with heart problems or high blood pressure should check his physician before starting a journey in the Andes
Water
It is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Ecuador. Tap water is not safe and can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, tap water may be used for brushing teeth.
Special Diets
If any passenger has special dietary requirements, we need to be advised at least 30 days before arrival in order to comply with their requests, based on product availability in Ecuador.
Adventure Activities Programs – Warning
Passenger participation in water sports, snorkeling, skin diving, kayaking, etc., is made under their own responsibility and requires a Release of Responsibility Agreement to be signed by both parties.
Currency
The official currency is the U.S. dollar.
Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in most tourist towns and there are also ATM machines where you can withdraw money in cash with these cards.
Time Zone
GMT – 5:00 in continental Ecuador and -6:00 in the Galapagos Islands
Clothing
It is recommended to bring clothes for both temperate to hot climate and cold (see details about conditions above). It is also recommended to wear in layers
The Amazon region has a warm and humid climate; therefore you will need light clothing, as well as in the Coast region.
The towns of the Andean region have temperate to cold weather according to the season, dry or rainy. It is advisable to bring warm clothes even though sunny days can be followed by rain. Evenings can be cooler.
Traveling to Galapagos
It is recommended participants be in good physical health and condition to enjoy a Galapagos program. Irregular terrain walks, embarking/disembarking on slippery and wet lava rocks, or yacht ladders can be challenging. To fully enjoy a Galapagos adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment.
If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining a Galapagos Expedition.
Itineraries in the Galapagos Islands
Readjustment of National Park policies, safety reasons, seasonal changes, and weather conditions may require schedules to be changed without prior notice. These decisions are made in order to provide safety to visitors and to protect the fragility of the environment
Taxes in Galapagos
Upon arrival at the airports (Baltra or San Cristobal) in Galapagos, you will have to pay taxes in USD and in cash money
– An entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (100 USD/person)*
– The Migratory Control Card (20 USD/person)*
* The Galapagos Islands and/or other tax fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Tipping
Allow between 5 and 10 dollars per day per person for the guide and 3-5 dollars per day per person for the driver.
Tipping in the Galapagos Cruises
In Galapagos, this practice is commonly accepted in all cruise vessels. The recommended amount is approximately 15 – 18 US $ per day and per passenger (8 – 10 usd for the guide and 7-8 usd for the cabin crew members). This is a personal decision based on the quality of service received by the guide and the cabin crew members.