Preparing for your trip
| Package: | Best of Ecuador |
Print this page and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!
Printed Nov 21, 2024. Please visit https://staging.friendlyplanet.com/before-you-go/?tourId=1958 for the latest updates.
Checklist
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date. | ASAP |
| ☐ | Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination | ASAP |
| ☐ | Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking. | Within 5 days of booking |
| ☐ | Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.) | 75 days prior to travel |
| ☐ | Make your final payment, if any balance is due. | See your invoice |
| ☐ | Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry. | See below |
| ☐ | Print your itinerary and other final documents, which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Print your policy documents, if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency. | Prior to travel |
In addition, if you booked flights with your package:
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!) | After receiving your e‑tickets |
| ☐ | Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference. | After receiving your e‑tickets |
| ☐ | Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket. | 72 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available). | 24 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime! | 3½ hours prior to departure |
Documents & Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.
Ecuador Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
Note: if you are visiting the Galápagos Islands in addition to mainland Ecuador, please see our Galápagos-specific Entry Requirements information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Entry Requirements: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for travelers arriving to Ecuador (including the Galápagos Islands) from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda. This includes airport transits or layovers of more than 12 hours.
Find a local vaccination center
Advice from our partner Sherpa
Galápagos Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
Please see entry requirements for Ecuador.
Additional requirements for the Galápagos Islands:
- All visitors to the Galápagos must obtain a INGALA Tourist Control Card (TCT), which allows for tourist stays up to 90 days. We will obtain your Tourist Control Card (TCT), and the TCT fee and park entry fee are both included in your package price.
General Requirements & Guidelines
- In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
- if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
- Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
- Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.
Final Documents
Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!
Travel Insurance Documents
If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Flights, Transfers & Arrival
Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at
Tour Only Option
If you purchased this package without flights, you are responsible for arranging your own flights and transportation to the touring program start and end points, usually the first and last hotels listed in the itinerary. Please review the itinerary carefully, as some packages start and end in different cities, requiring "open jaw" flights. Also see airport transfers and what to do in case of arrival complications.
Flights & Tickets
If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).
Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.
Toll-free numbers for airline assistance
- LATAM (LA): 866-435-9526
- American Airlines (AA): 800-433-7300
- Avianca (AV): 800-284-2622
Flight Schedule
If you selected flights with your package, you may review the sample flight schedule(s) below. This information is for general planning purposes. You will receive your actual flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.
Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.
Sample Flight Schedule
| DEPARTURE | |||||||
| Flight | From | To | Depart | Arrive | Flight Time | ||
| LA 1453 | Miami (MIA) | Quito (UIO) | 3:50 PM | 7:05 PM | 4.15 hrs | ||
| RETURN | |||||||
| Flight | From | To | Depart | Arrive | Flight Time | ||
| LA1454 | UIO | MIA | 9:11 AM | 2:30 PM | 4.19 hrs | ||
LATAM Airlines' (LA) toll-free number is 1 (866) 435-9526
Connecting Flights
If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.
If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!
Airport Transfers
If you purchased this package with flights scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included. Transfers are included only on the start and end days of the package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle.
If you purchased this package without flights, transfers are generally not included. In most cases, private transfers are available for an additional fee; contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the touring program start and end points. (Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers).
Arrival Complications
We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:
- You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
- Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
- Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.
Packing & Luggage
Baggage allowance: On this program you are permitted to bring one carry-on bag per person and one piece of checked luggage not to exceed 44 pounds in weight and 62 inches in total dimensions (length, height and width). The carry-on must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment.
Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.
Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.
Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.
What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.
While on Tour
What to Expect
This fast-paced, locally hosted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes. The tour includes motorized canoe transfers, dry dock landings, speed boat transfers, and a yacht sailing tour to North Seymour. To fully enjoy the trip requires a high level of physical fitness.
Galápagos Islands Etiquette: The Galapagos Islands is Ecuador’s first national park and considered as UNESCO’s World Heritage Park. Due to the nature of the ecosystem in the islands, all visitors are asked to do their part to protect the wildlife by following the 14 rules of the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD).
Customs & Culture: Ecuadorians are generally polite and friendly. When entering a shop or generally meeting people, you will elicit a smile if you use a common Spanish greetings such as buenos dias (good day), buenas tardes (good afternoon) and buenas noches (good night). Similarly, the locals will appreciate it if you say adios (goodbye) or hasta luego (see you later), and especially muchas gracias (thanks very much) whenever appropriate. Locals are very appreciative of tourists who show respect for their language, customs and culture.
Shopping: When shopping for souvenirs, do not buy prohibited items such as black coral, sea shells, tortoise shells, and other species commonly seen in the island. We recommend that you purchase your souvenirs at several social enterprise shops on the islands where your purchases benefit conservation projects on the islands.
Ecuador & Galapagos Plastic Bag Ban: In an effort to curb litter and support environmental sustainability, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have banned single-use plastic, including duty free carrier bags, general shopping bags, bin liners (used to protect luggage from the rain), and dry cleaning bags (commonly wrapped around clothing). Suitable replacement options for your travel needs include: durable and reusable shopping bags or totes, and/or bags made from cloth, woven grass, or sisal.
Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!
Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.
Eating & Drinking
The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.
The Galápagos Islands are well known as a haven for fresh seafood. Some hotels and restaurants found in the major ports offer local Ecuadorian dishes and international cuisine. Llapingachos are Ecuador’s most famous dish and can be eaten for lunch or as a side dish. They are potato patties stuffed with cheese and grilled until crispy! You can usually find them made fresh in the markets or in restaurants around the islands.
Non-included meals: Average cost for lunch (not including drinks) in the local shops and cafes is about $15 - $20 per person per meal. Average cost for dinner is about $25 - $30 per person per meal, excluding drinks. Your hotels and most restaurants accept major credit card payments for not-included meals.
Please be aware that the water in the hotel tap system is not potable. Hotels will normally provide bottled water at a small fee, and you will find plenty of opportunities to buy bottled water at minimal cost. As a reminder, only drink water and other beverages from sealed bottles or cans. The rule for water also pertains to ice, as it is commonly made from unfiltered, tap water. At included meals, enjoy the cooked fruits and vegetables, but stay away from raw items unless you can peel them. Most of our intestinal systems are not accustomed to the micro-organisms in the raw foods and water of many other countries. If you exercise caution, you will avoid getting sick.
Please see above for special meal requests.
Tipping
We are delighted to welcome you on your upcoming journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos, a tour meticulously crafted by our team of dedicated professionals. Our local experts, including your tour guide and driver, take immense pride in showcasing the beauty and culture of their homeland to our esteemed guests. Their passion and commitment to service excellence play a pivotal role in enhancing your travel experience. In recognition of their efforts, we kindly ask you to consider our recommended guidelines for gratuities. Tipping is a time-honored way to express appreciation for services rendered and is greatly valued by those who make your journey memorable. Please note that while gratuities are entirely discretionary, they are a heartfelt gesture of thanks for the level of service you receive. We trust you will find our suggestions helpful in expressing your gratitude to our dedicated team members.
- Tour Manager: $7-10 per person per day
- Transfer/Tour driver in Quito and Amazon: $4-5 per person per day
- Canoe operators: $2-3 per person per transfer
- Local naturalist guide: $4-5 per person per day
- Restaurant staff: $1-2 per person per meal
- Hotel porters: $1-2 per bag upon arrival and departure
- Housekeeping: $1-2 per person per day
- Sailboat driver: $2-3 per person per day
Independent Activities
Your hotel in the Galápagos is located along the main streets of Santa Cruz Island, which is within walking distance of a variety of cafes, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Spend your free time experiencing the island vibe and sample the local cuisine, visit art galleries, participate in optional activities. Your hotel in Quito is near Quito’s Old Town District, where numerous churches, museums, restaurants, and shops are located.
If you decide to not participate in the group activities and explore on your own instead, please make sure to inform your guide in advance. And since independent visits may not be permitted everywhere due to rules protecting the island’s flora and fauna, be sure to verify with your guide where you can go on your own. There is no refund for unused group arrangements. Be sure to ask the front desk for a business card of the hotel with the address and local phone number in both Spanish and English and take it with you so that you can communicate with taxi drivers. The hotel staff will gladly assist you with these translations.
Special Needs & Requests
Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!
Country FAQs
Ecuador Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Quito |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | Malaria Malaria is present in Ecuador. Take precautions against getting mosquito bites. Speak with your doctor about taking a prescription medicine (before, during and after your trip) to prevent malaria. Yellow Fever The CDC recommends Yellow Fever vaccine for all travelers who will visit Yellow Fever Endemic areas of Ecudaor. Ask your physician for more information. CDC Guidance by country: Ecuador Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for travelers arriving to Ecuador (including the Galápagos Islands) from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda. This includes airport transits or layovers of more than 12 hours. Find a local vaccination center Altitude This tour includes some time at high altitudes where travelers may suffer from varying degrees of altitude sickness. Please consult with your physician about any precautions before you depart. |
| Weather | Ecuador's climate is very varied. There is no perfect time to go see it all. Coast: January to April is the rainy season with the warmest water currents, making it the most popular time to visit for surfers or snorkelers. Quito is always moderate and the Amazon is always humid. Layers and a waterproof/ breathable jacket are recommended if you will be hiking in the mountains. |
| Tipping | Tip 10% of the bill unless a service fee is included, additional small amounts are appreciated. Round up fare for taxi drivers. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Shop in Ecuador for genuine Panama hats, pottery, filigree jewelry, wool sweaters, wood carvings, ponchos, and Amerindian weavings and handcrafts. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 120/127 volts. Plugs A & B. No converters or adapters needed. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Galápagos Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Puerto Baquverizo Moreno (Mainland, Ecuador – Quito) |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | Malaria Malaria is present in Ecuador. Take precautions against getting mosquito bites. Speak with your doctor about taking a prescription medicine (before, during and after your trip) to prevent malaria. CDC Malaria guidance: Galapagos Islands Yellow Fever The CDC recommends Yellow Fever vaccine for all travelers who will visit Yellow Fever Endemic areas of Ecudaor. Ask your physician for more information. CDC Guidance by country: Galápagos Islands Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for travelers arriving to Ecuador (including the Galápagos Islands) from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda. This includes airport transits or layovers of more than 12 hours. |
| Weather | Ecuador is located at the Equator, but the temperatures vary little throughout the year. The average high temperature during the day is around 70°F and the average low temperature at night is around 50°F. There are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season lasts from December through May, with varying amounts of rain during this time. The dry season lasts from the end of May to December, when little rain is expected to fall. In the Galápagos, the temperatures are similar to Quito, with the wet season lasting from December through May and the dry season lasting from June through December. The wet season is warmer and more tropical than the dry season, with temperatures ranging from the 70’s to the 90’sbut the ocean temperature is warmer, too. |
| What to wear | For travel in the Galápagos, clothing ranges from informal to very informal. Essentials include sneakers, shorts, long- and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, bathing suit, a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, and a wind breaker or light jacket for evenings. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film. Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Tennis shoes, sneakers, or walking shoes with rubber soles are strongly recommended. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. Hotels and some stores accept credit cards (Visa and Master Card mostly, but AMEX is accepted in some establishments). For “street shopping” you will need cash for most transactions. We highly recommend that you bring along crisp, new bills and smaller denominations. Stick with $1, $5. $10 and $20 notes. Old, torn, crumpled bills may not be accepted. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. For small purchases, we recommend that you use the ATM machines to get cash to avoid using your credit card in unknown shops where there is a higher risk of having your credit card numbers “borrowed” for unauthorized purchases. Traveler’s checks are no longer accepted in Ecuador. Expect to use cash or credit cards for all your purchases. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Shopping is limited in the Galápagos Islands. The best place to purchase the quintessential “Galápagos Island” souvenir gear is at the Charles Darwin Research Station which offers high quality items and proceeds benefit the preservation efforts. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 110 volts. We recommend that you bring an adapter/converter along with you as not all hotels will have 110 volt (A&B plugs) outlets. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Galápagos
What are the Dos and Don’ts of Environmentally friendly travel to the Galapagos Islands?
Do:
Listen to your guide for your safety and the safety of the wildlife
Pack plenty of extra space on your camera card! You’ll want to take a LOT of photos!
Keep on the designated paths as you explore the islands
Drink plenty of water along the way
Consider the clothing and footwear you will use on the trip – there is a lot of walking on sometimes uneven terrain in the Galapagos Islands
Always dispose of litter in the appropriate receptaclesDon’t:
Take food or plants to the islands. This might jeopardize the ecosystem.
Feed or touch the animals – no matter how friendly they seem!
Skip the detailed information provided by your guide – their expertise will enrich your experience!
Take “souvenirs” of rocks, plants, or other natural material.
As a note, smoking is prohibited in the national park areas.- Is snorkeling gear included?
Snorkeling gear is included on our tours.
Fine Print
Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.
Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.