THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS [ Top ]
Ecuador's fourth distinct region is the Galapagos Islands ("Archipielago de Colón"), on the equator 600 miles offshore, which are like a world of their own. Like the Hawaiian Islands, they were created by volcanic activity that continues to create new islands to the east of the present group of 60. Most volcanic cones on the islands are extinct, but there was a significant eruption on Isla Isabela in September 1988. Fernandina, Isabela, Baltra, James, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal are the mayor islands in the group.
Spanish bishop Fray Tomasde Berlanga named the islands "Galapagos" - tortoise- in 1535. Naturalist Charles Darwin's 1835 visit on the H.M.S. Beagle, during which he saw how unique flora and fauna had developed here, had a significant impact on his development of the theory of evolution. About 20,000 people live on a few of the large islands today, with many smaller islands uninhabited and reserved for nature study in what is now and Ecuadorian national park.
In the Galapagos Islands, temperatures are comfortably mild thorough the year. From December through June, high temperatures are in the mid-to-upper 80´s. This is the rainier season, though there is still quite a bit of sunshine-in the desert climate of the Galapagos the amount of rainfall is miniscule compared to the Amazon rainforest! From July through November, high temperatures are in the upper 70´s to low 80´s. During this part of the year, Humboldt Current cools the ocean water to about 68 degrees and the mist called garua often occurs in the higher terrain. (See FAQ's about GPS)
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: [ Top ]
Visas, Passports, and Tickets
All travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months before arriving in Ecuador. They must also have a return ticket to their country of origin or to another destination. Starting on June 20th 2008, citizens from any nationality can enter Ecuador without visa. To enter the country, visitors must fill in an international embarkation/disembarkation form. It is important to keep it with your passport. Travelers should have their passports with them during their stay in Ecuador to avoid problems with the authorities who may want to see it. Those who wish to stay in the country longer than 90 days have to fill out the corresponding paperwork in an Ecuadorian Consulate. If the traveler enters Ecuador as a tourist it is not possible to change his/her status while they are in the country.
Ecuador Vacation Budget [ Top ]
In general terms, Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in Latin America. Here you’ll find good quality food, lodging and transport at low costs compared with other countries of the region.
DAILY BUDGET
You can survive in Ecuador with:
Low-budget: from USD 30.00
Mid-budget: from USD 50.00 to USD 100.00
High-budget: from USD 150.00 and upwards
FOOD BUDGET
You can get a good meal in a good restaurant for an average price between USD 5.00 to USD 7.00. Still you can find good quality meals for lower prices but then you may sacrifice comfort. Nevertheless you may find some places where you can get a complete meal between USD 3.00 to USD 5.00. Of course, there is the luxury stile, fancy restaurants may charge USD 15.00 and upwards for a meal.
LODGING BUDGET
There is a great variety of hotels and hostels in the Country which means that there is a great variety of prices too. You can find surprisingly clean and comfortable places for a range of prices between the USD 8.00 and USD 20.00; however, price may be a good warranty at the moment of choosing a place with all the necessary services. Most of the good hotels are between USD 40.00 to USD 70.00; better facilities and comfort at these places is assured. You will find also top-end hotels from USD 80.00 and upwards.
TRANSPORTATION BUDGET
Maybe transport is the cheapest service in Ecuador. A bus ride will cost USD 0.25 and a taxi ride will cost between USD 1.00 to USD 10.00
TRANSPORTATION IN ECUADOR [ Top ]
Getting around Ecuador and its cities is pretty easy, however, you should know some tips for traveling in a fast and safe way.
Urban Buses
You may get anywhere in a big city by just taking a bus. It’s a really cheap service (USD 0.25) and there are a lot of “only seated” units. Buses begin to circulate early in the morning (06 a.m.) but they do not stay in the streets too late (9 p.m.). Even though it’s a popular way of moving around, it has some negative aspects. Bus drivers, not always respect the bus stops and sometimes they stop anywhere. There are many new buses, and there are another many that aren’t so new which means comfort is not always guaranteed.
Trolebus & Ecovía & Metrobus
It’s the most modern and efficient urban transport in the country. Big articulate buses run through exclusive ways and still bus stops. The service is cheap (USD 0.25) and it runs along the city from one side to the other. You can use also the integrated bus service (units that work exclusively for the trole, ecovía and the metrobus). Buses are new and the bus stops are well distributed in the city. You may be a little bit tight in the rush hours. This service exists only in Quito from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Taxis
Cabs are also a very popular way to move around in big cities. In a general way, the service is good, cars are new and drivers are pleased to help tourists. The cost depends on the taximeter, but an average ride will be between USD 1.50 to USD 2.00. At night will be hard to find a taxi driver using the taximeter so the will not charge less than USD 2.00 (even though it’s illegal). If you come from or go to the airport, they will charge some extra money (between USD 3 to USD 5.00). It’s safer to use a radio taxi at night; these units work with radios and you must call them from a telephone. The cab will be there in no more than 5 minutes with no extra charge. Taxis work 24 hours a day.
Buses for provinces
The easiest and cheapest way to travel inside Ecuador is in a bus. You may get anywhere in the Country just by taking one or two buses. Costs may vary due to distance and the quality of service. There are some express buses which mean that they would not stop in any town until you get to your destination. Many transport companies have new units, with bathroom, TV and comfortable chairs. Some even serve some snacks during your travel.
If you want to take one of these buses, you should locate the ground terminals in each city. There you will find a huge offer of companies for any destination in the Country.
Some transportation companies have their own ground terminal…frequency of the trips are wide and they work 24 hours a day.
Airplanes
Ecuador has one of the best domestic air transportation system in the region. Twelve cities have their airports and are served by local air companies. Costs vary depending in distance and service. The longest flight inside Ecuador may take 45 minutes, with the exception of the Galapagos Islands which may take like an hour and a half.
ECUADORIAN TAXES [ Top ]
Good quality restaurants and hotels will add a 12% tax to your bill, and another 10% for service charge.
As for international departure air taxes, this cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them directly. All taxes are subject to change without notice and have to be paid in cash in US dollars
From Quito: USD 40.28 per passenger
From Guayaquil: USD 25.00 per passenger
TIPPING [ Top ]
The amounts of your tips are optional for your trip. However, here are some guidelines for tipping the people who help make your trip enjoyable, based on what past travelers have done.
It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Company’s trip leader (the person who organizes your trip and takes care of all your request and needs), especially if he/she has provide you with individual assistance. We recommend USD5.00 per person / per day.
During your tour, you have the opportunity to participate in included tours (land programs). A tip to your local guide and motor coach driver is customary. Here are the following suggested amounts.
Motor coach driver: USD 2.00 per person for each full day tour
Local guide: USD 5.00 per person for each full day tour
At the Galapagos Islands guides and crewmembers are highly remunerated, but it is customary to give a common tip that will be divided equally among guide and crewmembers. It is normally around USD 5.00 to USD 10.00 per person/per day. Again; all the amounts you give are strictly your own decision and therefore confidential.
SECURITY [ Top ]
Safety Tips for Travelers in Ecuador
As you travel in Ecuador, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. You should read a few tips listed below that will keep you sane and safe while you travel through Ecuador.
Safety in Ecuador
Ecuador is considered one of the safer countries in the Andean Region, however, it is always a good idea to be cautious during your visit. Ecuador's urban centers, especially Quito and Guayaquil, are generally more dangerous than the countryside. The best way to prevent crime is using your common sense and reduces the likelihood of being a crime victim by following a few basic precautions:
Safety in the City
- Travel with trustworthy companions.
- Find out where the unsafe sectors are and avoid them. Find out which are the best hours to visit tourist sites.
- Keep all important documents in a secure place, such as an inner pocket or a pouch that is hidden under a layer of clothing.
- Make copies of your important documents, such as passport, travel ticket and card numbers. Leave originals in a safe box in your hotel. Keep always a copy of your passport with you
- Carry travelers checks and credit cards instead of large sums of cash.
- Carry a one day supply of cash in your pocket. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quite place, or in our vehicle.
- Walk confidently with your head up. Never stare at the ground, it makes you look nervous and weak.
- When you feel unsafe listen to your instincts. If you get that feeling grab a taxi or go into a place with lots of people.
- Be wary of people who are too friendly too quickly, or that offer to show you around. Use your judgement.
- Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt. Be especially careful at airports and train stations, where you may be easily distracted.
- If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches. They make you a target.
- Your cameras are also valuable, take them inside your bag or keep them out of sight.
- Keep an eye on your carry shoulder-bags and purses. Take them in front of you in crowded places.
- Keep all bags and other valuables where you can see them in restaurants, ground terminals, and other public places.
- Change your currency in a bank or in your hotel. Don’t do it in the street
- If you rent a car, park it in parking lots, don’t leave valuable objects in the car.
- Don’t take hitchhikers.
- Safety Outside the of City
- Watch out for the security terms in National Parks. Use the paths.
- Before getting into the sea, ask if there is any dangerous zone. Ask about the tides. If you feel that a strong current is taking you apart from the shore, swim in parallel in relation to the coast until you reach the shore. Maintain calm.
Special recommendations
Avoid traveling by yourself if you plan to visit the Ecuadorian northern border (limit with Colombia). We recommend using a travel agency’s service. At this moment subversive groups operate in Colombia, a few miles from the Ecuadorian border. Even though there hasn’t been known any cases of assaults lately, it’s better to prevent.
Emergency photocopies
The smartest and easiest security precaution you can take is to carry photocopies of the personal information pages of your passport, your air ticket, your traveler’s checks serial numbers, and your credit cards. Add the phone and fax numbers for reporting lost credit cards, and for your travel insurance company and medical emergency network (if you have taken insurance). Store the copies in your duffle bag, separate from the originals.
This can save you immeasurable time, money, and hassle if your documents are lost or stolen during your trip
Get Ready To Go [ Top ]
MEDICAL CHECK-UP
We suggest that you have a medical checkup before your trip. This is a must if you have any medical condition or physical limitation. Let your doctor know about any medical condition you have, particularly cardiac or respiratory disease or diabetes, and discuss the details of your itinerary as it pertains to your health.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Make sure to bring an ample supply of any prescription medications you take regularly.
When you visit your doctor, get a prescription for an antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness. One suggested medication is Ciprofloxicin, but consult your doctor for a good medication for you.
Quito is at high elevation. If you are prone to altitude sickness or have not been to high altitudes, we recommend a prescription for Diamox (Acetazolamide), a medication approved for treatment of altitude sickness. (Diamox shifts the acidity of your blood in a way that encourages somewhat deeper and more frequent respiration.) For most people, the only noticeable side effects are a mild increase in urination and a slight tingling in the fingers.
Consult with your doctor about the use, dosage, and inadvisability for Diamox (e.g. sulfa allergy).
DENTAL EXAM
A loose filling or developing cavity would be difficult to remedy in a remote area in South America. You may want to have a dental exam before your trip.
GET FIT FOR ADVENTURE
The minimum physical demands of your trip are not highly rigorous for a person in good physical fitness. But if you choose all the walks and excursions available, you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. We walk over fairly rough trails, and climb many high stone steps. You’ll get the most enjoyment out of your trip if you are comfortable walking unassisted for tow or three hours each day.
We encourage you to exercise regularly in the weeks before your trip. Try to exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes, three days each week. Also, go walking as much as you can. Start slowly, and build up to longer walks. If you can go hiking on trails, it will build your agility and help you prepare for walking on uneven surfaces.
You might even want to go jogging, or use a stair machine or exercise bike at a health club. You don’t need to be super-fit to enjoy yourself in Ecuador. But many travelers tell us that they wished they had exercised more before their trip. If you have not been active, you’ll be amazed how quickly you can fell stronger when you start to exercise, and you’ll be delightfully surprised with your new found stamina on the trip.
HEALTH IN ECUADOR
If you are planning a trip to Ecuador you should take some considerations on your health care. Our country's geography and climate, in certain cases may influence in the appearance of some ills. Also you should be precautious, specially in tropical areas, from diseases transmitted by insects. Last but not least, you need to be particularly cautious with respect to what you eat and drink because in some places food isn't always prepared with the best conditions of cleanness.
Weather and Altitude Sickness
Ecuador's weather is characterized for being very variable. In some places you can experience, in a single day, strong changes in temperature. This very common in the Andean region, where you can enjoy sunny mornings and electric storms followed by strong rains in the afternoon. High factor sunscreen, sunglasses and also warm clothes are recommended. In the Andean region you should be also cautious of altitude sickness. Ecuador is home to some of the highest volcanoes and mountain peaks in the world. Someone flying from New York City to Quito, for example, experiences an elevation change of nearly two miles in a little more than 6 hours. Abrupt changes in elevation such as this sometimes have ill effects on travelers. Altitude sickness usually manifests itself in insomnia, headaches, and/or nausea. To prevent altitude sickness, or to at least stave off some of its effects, ascend gradually to provide your body with time to adjust to the change. Obviously, if you are flying into Quito this will be impossible; the first thing you have to do is to avoid extreme physical efforts for the first two or three days. (Ex: running, lifting heavy objects, practicing sports) In the event that you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness, in most cases, they can be remedied by drinking lots of water, getting lots of rest, and taking aspirin.
Insects
No vaccine is required to enter Ecuador, but is good to know that in certain areas of the country, (tropical areas) exist the presence of insects that may transmit illness. The most common illness founded in tropical areas are malaria and yellow fever.
Malaria
On account of Ecuador's diverse geography, there is risk for Malaria in some parts of the country and not in others. Mosquitoes, the primary carriers of malaria, do not like heights. As a result, travelers run little risk of getting Malaria while in the mountains and mountain valleys of Ecuador's High Sierra Region. On the other hand, because mosquitoes thrive in the Ecuador's hot and humid Coastal region and the Amazon jungle lowlands, you must take the appropriate precautions while traveling in these regions. Travelers can eliminate much of the Malarial risk by taking prescription antimalarial drugs and protecting themselves against mosquito bites. You can protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent (the repellent must contain DEET), always wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and sleeping beneath mosquito nets.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a very rare cause of illness for travelers, but, if you plan on spending time in the rainforest or coastal lowlands, you should get immunized. Like Malaria, Yellow Fever is a disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Likewise, you should follow the same precautions as with Malaria. Employ insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting to minimize the risk of bites from infected mosquitoes.
Food
One of the most common problems for travelers are the effects of food and water. This may occur because of two reasons. First, food may not be prepared hygienically (food vendors, popular markets, restaurants that may not seem clean) and second, the foreign immune systems are not accustomed to some bacteria or parasites present in food. (fruits, ice, tap water). The symptoms appear as relatively mild stomach and intestinal tract problems (diarrhea and occasionally vomiting).While in Ecuador, eat only well cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself, do not eat un-pasteurized dairy products, refrain from eating food sold by street vendors, eat only in restaurants that seem clean, and avoid ice in drinks. Drinking tap water is not advisable anywhere in Ecuador, so drink only bottled or boiled water. In case of a long trip to a place where you can't buy bottled water, you should buy water-purifier pills. Water-purifiers can be found in most camping/outdoor supply stores.
Pharmacies
You can find hundred of pharmacies in urban zones. Usually, in the big cities they are open in regular business hours, and you can find many of them open 24-hours a day. Some others (usually in residential neighborhoods) operate on a rotation system - look out for an illuminated "Turno" sign outside. It’s very common to find a doctor in each pharmacy, and they are pretty reliable for recommending a medicine or place injections. But in case of a serious illness or symptom is better to find a specialist.
Medical Care
Good medical care is available in Quito, Guayaquil, and most of the big cities. There is a lack of hospital infrastructure in small towns but you will find health centers that provide first aids. In Quito, Guayaquil and most of the province's capital cities you will find well trained and specialized doctors, many of them bilingual. Some embassies have lists of excellent multi-lingual doctors
Packing For Your Trip [ Top ]
KEEP YOUR BAG LIGHT
You are restricted to 44 pounds on flights within Ecuador. In any case, you’ll be better off if you can tote your bags yourself for short distances. Choose clothing with multiple uses. Find toiletries in sample size. Remove all disposable material from your gear before you leave home. And leave some room for souvenirs!...every little bit helps!
What to pack really depends on where you are going and your style of travel: budget backpacking, luxury island-cruising, a two-week guided historical tour, or a combination of all three. Every type of travel has its own list of bare essentials, so we list some of the obvious and not-so-obvious items for the various regions and activities you may encounter in Ecuador.
LUGGAGE
Day pack or small backpack. Keeps your hands free and is the most comfortable bag to walk with. Use it for your water bottle, camera gear, sunscreen, etc. Look for a bag with several small zippered pockets. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture.
Large duffel bag or soft-sided luggage. All of your clothing and gear must fit in one duffel or piece of checked luggage. Look for heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. You can now buy a duffel bag with built-in wheels, from Patagonia, L.L. Bean, and elsewhere.
Small duffle bag. Fold this into your large bag. Due to limited storage space at the Galapagos Islands, we stow your large duffel in our hotels in Quito, and you carry enough gear for the nights you will be out of town.
Inner bags. You can use plastic shopping bags, nylon stuff sacks or smaller zipper duffels to separate clothing and gear inside your duffel. Isolate liquid toiletries in heavy-duty Zip-Loc bags. Bring a few spare bags, including one for dirty laundry.
PACKING YOUR CARRY-ON BAG
Use your day pack /small backpack as you carry-on bag for your flights. In it pack camera gear, all medications and other irreplaceable or breakable items like prescription glasses or contact lenses.
GENERAL PACKING LIST
Passport; travelers checks; medical prescriptions or health supplies; Swiss army knife; cloths for warm and cool weather as one can encounter both in an afternoon in the Andes or if traveling between regions; raincoat; backpack; money belt or neck pouch; watch with alarm clock; flashlight or headlamp; plastic bags for separating dirty and clean clothes and shoes; needle and thread; biodegradable soap (if in backcountry areas); notebooks and pens/pencils; hat; and sunglasses.
Ecuador's electrical current is 110 volts 60 cycles, the same as North America, so adapters for North American equipment are not needed. However, plug converters are necessary in older buildings.
REGIONAL PACKING LIST
Andes
In most parts of the Andes, you can experience all four seasons in one day. Be prepared for cold nights and cold rain, especially if you plan on camping. Warm, fast drying clothes are recommended (synthetics and wool are good, but avoid cotton, especially directly against the skin). Good hiking boots that either dry quickly or are water-resistant are a must for most activities. For trekking through páramo, rubber boots work exceptionally well, even with a full pack. The general packing list plus these items will serve you well in the Andes.
Galapagos
Sun hat; sun glasses; sandals (for the boat); sneakers (for dry landings and rocky shores); teva-style sandals (for wet landings); swim suit; umbrella (for sun protection during island hikes); high factor, waterproof sunscreen; snorkel and mask (you can rent them in Quito or in Puerto Ayora); beach towel and bath towel; wind resistant jacket; light sweater or sweatshirt (nights can get rather cool and you don't want to miss stargazing on deck); twice as much film as you think you will need; extra camera batteries; underwater camera; and motion sickness pills.
Coast
All of the Galapagos equipment minus all that may be rented if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or travel by bus. Travelling light is always recommended. You'll also need insect repellent (at least 30% DEET) and possibly a mosquito net (most hotels provide them). Malaria pills may also be necessary, read about the disease and how to prevent it in our health page.
Amazon Rainforest
Rubber boots (a must since hiking boots don't work well in calf-deep mud - most lodges and arranged tours will provide boots up to size 10 or they can be purchased in most towns for about USD 5); mosquito net (most hotels and tour companies offer nets); insect repellent (with DEET); malaria pills; antihistamine tablets and an epi-pen for people with serious allergies to stings; water purification tablets (iodine is recommended); oral rehydration packets; binoculars (invaluable in the rainforest); plastic bags for keeping your clothes dry; swimming suit; lightweight quick drying clothes; at least one long-sleeved shirt; one pair of loose-fitting pants (no jeans); a light sweater (it gets surprisingly chilly in the rainforest, especially on boat trips); poncho that fits over you and your pack (the cheap plastic knee-length type coats are better than goretex, which will soak right through in a real rainforest deluge); bandana; a pair of clean socks for each day; Teva-like sandals or sneakers for around camp; and zip lock bags for food, books, maps and anything else you hope to keep dry.
All clothes (undergarments included) should be loose fitting to help keep you cool and to reduce your chances of being bitten by insects.
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