Overview — Important formalities

Passport:

Must be valid for at least six months upon entry and be in good condition. Additionally, keep a good color copy stored separately.

Formalities’ checklist before traveling:

• Scan your most important documents and store them in your encrypted cloud or app, or email them to yourself; this ensures access to a good color copy at all times if needed.
• Do not forget: important passwords (encrypted if possible); phone numbers, insurance, family doctor, 24/7 credit card hotline, etc.
• Share the emergency contacts of your travel agent in Ecuador with your loved ones at home.
• Make your online check-in.
• Make sure you have the contact details for your destination (guide, travel agent, hotel) and tour itinerary.
• Make sure your electronic devices are charged.
• Make a backup of your cell phone, laptop, or tablet to help you feel more prepared and reduce stress if devices are lost or stolen.
• Make sure your bag is clearly labeled and easy to identify with luggage tags or, as we like, with colourful, stable, and easily adjustable luggage belts/straps (on a carousel full of nearly identical luggage, this can save you time and frustration.) Secure it with a combination lock.
• Take a photo of your luggage.
  !!!  Our check-in luggage tip: Take a photo of your luggage at the counter (ideally with the airline’s baggage tag visible); this makes claims and identification easier in case of delay, displacement, or loss.

Visa

Most nationalities do not need a visa; a tourist stamp (30/60/90 days) is issued automatically upon arrival. Check exceptions 

https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/2020/06/30/lista-de-paises-que-deben-presentar-visa-al-ingresar-al-ecuador/

Medical condition

Parts of your journey may take you to remote areas of the highlands, the rainforest, or the Galápagos Islands. We encourage you to speak with your doctor if you manage a medical condition that could influence your travel experience or that of fellow guests.

!!!  Regular prescription medication must be carried in carry-on/hand luggage.

Insurance

Never travel without comprehensive insurance that includes health, accident, trip interruption, cancellation, repatriation, and baggage coverage.

Safety

Ecuador is generally a welcoming destination, as with trips to any major city around the
world, taking a few sensible precautions helps ensure you feel confident and enjoy your stay:

• Carry backup copies of your passport, cards, and emergency contacts
• Keep your mobile phone and valuable items discreet and out of sight
• Use ATMs with care: protect your PIN and decline offers of help
• For evening out, stay alert, watch your drinks, and carry a copy of your passport.
• After dark, favor taxis or ride-hailing services and stick to lively, well-lit streets
• During our tours, we always recommend our guides return before nightfall, giving you both comfort and time to appreciate each destination
• Use the hotel safe and check it thoroughly before departing

!!!  Helpful trick: put your room key or a shoe inside so you cannot forget to empty it.

The Money

Official currency in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: since 2000, the US dollar (USD).

• Bills up to USD 20 are preferred; USD 50 and 100 bills are often (mostly) refused.
• In addition to US banknotes and coins, there are national cent coins, easily recognizable by clearly readable numbers (valid only in Ecuador).
• Credit cards are widely accepted. Ideally, carry a second card as backup.
• Your card should never be taken away; the card reader must be visible or brought to your table.
• Card fees in Ecuador are high, usually included, but for larger amounts (especially in Galápagos), an additional 5-10% may be charged.

!!!  For markets, small souvenir shops, taxis, tips, etc., you will need sufficient cash.

ATMs

• Widely available
• Exercise caution when withdrawing cash: ensure that no one stands too close to you (including security personnel), and do not accept assistance from third parties.
• Block lost or stolen cards immediately.

!!!  Alert the bank and credit card company about your international travel to help prevent your cards from being blocked due to suspected foreign transactions.

Local tax

A 15% VAT ( Impuesto al Valor Agregado IVA) applies to all goods and services. In mid-range and higher restaurants and hotels, an additional 10% service charge applies (total 25%).

These taxes are sometimes not included in listed prices. Look for “precio incluye impuestos” (includes taxes)  or “no incluye IVA y servicios” (IVA and service are not included).

Internet & Phone

Mobile phone and charger are essential: for photos, videos, social media, and staying in touch with loved ones. Most hotels in Ecuador offer free Wi-Fi.

Local SIM cards are relatively inexpensive.

E-SIMs, such as Airolo, Holafly, Nomad,  or similar, are very practical for staying connected throughout your trip.

Sports and Adventure activities

• Choose reputable, licensed local operators for activities such as canopy tours, rafting, biking, and horseback riding to help you feel confident and secure during adventure experiences.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are currently mandatory for travel to Ecuador, but several are recommended. Please consult your doctor.

However, it’s recommended to refresh: Yellow fever (may change depending on country of departure, e.g., coming from Brazil during epidemics), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Polio, Rabies (if applicable), Influenza, etc. 

!!!  Vaccine information may change at short notice and must always be verified before travel.

Water & Food

Ecuadorian cuisine is very diverse and delicious, from traditional local dishes to international cuisine. Common ingredients include rice, potatoes, corn, vegetables, bananas, fish, poultry, and meat. Hot meals, especially lunch, often include soup.

• Give your body time to adjust to new ingredients, spices, and fresh fruit juices.
• Enjoy fresh fruit only after thorough washing and peeling.
• Follow standard precautions regarding water and ice.
• Avoid drinking tap water; for brushing teeth and showering, municipally supplied water is generally fine.

!!!  Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with enough soap. Use disinfectant gel or wipes.

Tipping

Gratuities are always voluntary and at the discretion of each visitor. However, in Ecuador, they form part of the local tourism culture and are received with special appreciation when they reflect a positive experience. Please consider this local custom, particularly since many tourism professionals work extended hours, including weekends and public holidays, to ensure your journey is memorable.

Indicative guidelines for Mainland Ecuador:

• Tour guides:
  • Families or small groups USD 15–25 per day per group
  • Medium or large groups USD 5-10 per person per day
• Private drivers:
  • Families or small groups USD 10-15 per day per group
  • Medium or large groups USD 2-3 per person per day
  • Airport transfer: USD 3-5 per vehicle
• Porters: approx. USD 1 per piece
• Upscale restaurants: 2.5–5% of the bill, preferably in cash
• Taxis: rounding up the fare is customary
• Gratuities remain voluntary and may be adjusted based on service satisfaction and group size.

GALAPAGOS

Passport, documents, and checklist:

• You must bring the original passport
• TCT Card for USD 20
• USD 200 in cash for National Park entrance (if not prepaid)
• Returning flight: printed or saved E-Ticket on your phone
• Galápagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration Form QR code: either printed or saved on your mobile phone. Registration must be submitted up to 72 hours before your flight https://siabg.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaraciones/nueva.  Please, take care to fill in the date you will enter the Galapagos correctly.
• Voucher and confirmations of your bookings, printed or as e-documents on your phone
• Insurance documents (it’s not mandatory, but recommended to have insurance).
• Be at the airport at least 2 ½ hours before the scheduled flight departure!

Money in the Galápagos

The official currency in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands is the US dollar.

You will need USD 200 in cash for the National Park entrance fee, as well as for additional expenses on board (e.g., drinks, wetsuit rental, tips for the crew and guide). Many souvenir shops in Puerto Ayora and at the airport accept credit cards. Cabins are equipped with small lockers for cash and valuables.

ATMs are available in the Galápagos in a few inhabited locations (but having enough cash is still essential).

• On smaller vessels, credit card payments are not possible; this option is available only on higher-category ships.

Tipping

Gratuities are always voluntary and at the discretion of each visitor. However, in Galapagos, they form part of the local tourism culture.

Indicative guidelines for Galápagos cruises: Ecuador:

• Galápagos National Park guide: USD 15–20 per person per day (more if you like and more on luxury ships)
• Yacht/ship crew (mid-range ship): from USD 25-30 per guest per day (will be split among all crew members)
• It is customary to be collected at the end of the cruise in envelopes designated for the guide and for the crew.
• Values may be adjusted upward for exceptional service or on higher-category vessels. If it was outstanding, of course, it’s OK to give more.

Insurance for the Galápagos:

Same as on the mainland, personal travel insurance is required. Never travel without a comprehensive one. Please ensure that your policy covers medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellation, delays, hospital stays, repatriation, and baggage.

Baggage included on flights to the Galápagos

1 checked bag up to 23 kg plus 1 piece of carry-on/hand luggage (max. 8–10 kg) when booked through us; otherwise, according to the conditions of your ticket. Interinsular flights have lower limits.

Communication in the Galápagos

Due to the geographic location of the islands, there is generally no continuous mobile phone or internet connection during the cruise.

Most larger ships offer internet access via Starlink satellite, although it may be unstable or overloaded. It is best to inform family and friends in advance that you may be offline for some days.

In the water

If you are accustomed to using your own snorkel mask, you are welcome to bring it with you. Otherwise, ships provide masks, snorkels, and fins (included or available for rent, depending on the tour).

Depending on the season, the water can be pleasantly warm or quite cold. Wetsuits are loaned on board or available for rent at an additional cost.

• Recommendation: If you arrive only one or two days before your Galápagos trip, pack one set of emergency clothing and a swimsuit in your carry-on/hand luggage.
• A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, optionally with UV protection, provides additional sun protection.

Because shopping choices on the islands are limited, good preparation ahead of time is essential for a smooth trip. Don’t worry! The checklist below will set you up comfortably, and you can also download it as a free printable PDF.

If you will also explore Quito and the Andes, or the Amazon, remember to bring clothing suited to those different climates.

For any questions or advice, we are always happy to assist you personally.

Download free printable documents:

PREPARING ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS_PACKING LIKE A PRO

ECUADOR_PACKING LIKE A PRO

GALAPAGOS_PACKING LIKE A PRO