The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Ecuador

Persons entering Ecuador require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Immigration officials may deny a person entry if their passport is not in good condition. US citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador. They must fill out a tourist card provided by the airline en route to the the country. Non-US citizens should check with the Ecuador embassy to find out about entry requirements. At the present time foreign nationals must present proof of vaccination against Covid-19 (primary course of one or two doses depending on type of vaccine) and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before boarding flight to Ecuador. In addition, all passengers must fill out a Health Declaration Form

Leaving Ecuador

A departure tax of $40.80 is assessed when leaving Ecuador. This tax is now frequently included in the price of international flights, so check with your carrier.

Time Zone

Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time. The Galapagos Islands are on Pacific Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Ecuador. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure. The CDC recommends vaccinations/boosters for hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles for anyone traveling to Ecuador.

Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in Quito. Some medical facilities are available at Darwin Bay.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions. Medical evacuation from the Galapagos Islands can be very expensive.

Altitude

The elevation in Quito is about 9000 ft. Most time spent in the Galapagos will be near sea level. Maximum elevation you're likely to experience during excursions on the islands is about 2000 ft.

Climate

The climate in Quito is pleasant to cool with chilly nights depending on time of year. If you're visiting the Andes as well as the Galapagos during your cruise, bring some layers of warm clothes. Temperatures in both Quito and the Andes can be quite cool depending on the season. Seasons vary in the Galapagos, with dry season from June-December and warm season from December to May. During dry season the ocean waters are cooler, air temperatures are cooler, and afternoon mist in the highlands is frequent. During warm season, skies are often overcast and daily rain is possible. The seas are rougher in August than in other months. Nesting season of most seabirds is from April-December. Different species nest at different times. Peak nesting season for Waved Albatross is April-October, while that of Blue-footed Booby is later. Most seabirds are farther out to sea during January-March.

Pace

Much of the time is spent on board the yacht, as time ashore is tightly regulated. Walks are generally easy along sandy or sometimes rocky trails. Some islands entail wet landings when protective footwear such as firmly secured sandals, crocs, or something comparable is recommended.

Accommodations

We stay in a comfortable hotel used by many birding tours groups while in Quito. The hotel is located in city center, which is not a considerable distance from the new airport. Taxi to and from the airport can take 1+ hours depending on traffic and costs about $40 each way. Accommodations on board the yacht are mostly bunk beds or twin beds. Double beds may be available on the main depending on the boat.

Food

While in Quito you have a choice of eating a la carte in the hotel restaurant or dining at one of several very good restaurants within 1-2 blocks of the hotel. The hotel restaurant caters to varied dietary requirements. Meals on board the yacht are generally good.

Transportation

A domestic flight is required to reach the Galapagos (not included in tour price). Flights can originate in Quito or Guayaquil. The cruise boat is a comfortable 16-passenger yacht designed and operated exclusively for Galapagos cruises.

Registration & Payment

Please refer to the REGISTRATION menu for registration procedure. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as payments may be partially or wholly non-refundable. See the POLICIES menu for our refund policy. Galapagos cruises require a 30% deposit upon registration with the remaining amount due 4 months prior to departure.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided before the tour. Please feel free to call us at 206-650-3425 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated February, 2022.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Travel Information