Phase 1: Essential Travel Checklist (Before You Fly)
Passport & Visa
* Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and in excellent physical condition.
* Visas: Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and most European countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Health & Vaccinations
* Vaccines: No vaccines are currently mandatory, but Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A/B, and Typhoid are highly recommended. Consult your clinic 2–3 months before departure.
* Altitude Sickness (Quito sits at 2,850m / 9,350ft): Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and plan 2–3 days of acclimation before hiking higher peaks like Cotopaxi.
Money & Logistics on the Mainland
* The 20 Dollar Rule: Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD). However, bills of $50 and $100 are widely refused in standard shops, taxis, and markets. Always carry $5, $10, and $20 bills.
The Ultimate Packing List (The “Onion” Look)
Packing for a trip is a special moment; it is the moment when you feel the vacation has truly begun. It often comes with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little stress. And that is exactly where we step in.
We have prepared a practical set of recommendations to support your preparation. You will also find a downloadable checklist ready for use.
Rest assured, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Enjoy the planning process!
Travel Checklist
A little preparation before departure can save a lot of stress later.
* Scan your important documents and store them securely in an encrypted cloud service, app, or email them to yourself. That way, you will always have access to copies if needed.
* Keep a record of important passwords, ideally stored securely or encrypted.
* Save key phone numbers, including your insurance provider, family doctor, and your credit card company’s 24/7 emergency hotline.
* Save the emergency contact details of your travel agent in Ecuador and share them with family or friends at home.
* Complete your online check-in before heading to the airport.
* Make sure you have all essential contact details for your destination, including your guide, travel agent, hotels, and a printed copy of your itinerary.
* Print copies of important documents, such as hotel confirmations, itineraries, and more (so as not to depend on your phone and internet to see them).
* Fully charge your electronic devices before departure.
* Back up your phone, laptop, or tablet. It helps you recover more easily if something is lost or stolen during the trip.
* Clearly label your luggage so it is easy to recognize. Colorful luggage straps or belts are especially useful on crowded baggage carousels where many bags look alike. Use a secure combination lock as well.
* Take a photo of your luggage before checking it in.
Helpful Luggage Tip
When checking in your baggage, take a quick photo of your suitcase at the counter with the airline baggage tag visible if possible. If your luggage is delayed or misplaced, having that photo can make identification and claims much easier.
A simple tip that helps a lot:
Always pack an “emergency kit” in your carry-on: a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and essential medications can be invaluable if your checked luggage doesn’t arrive at the same time as you do.
Medical conditions
Parts of your journey may take you to remote areas of the highlands, the rainforest, or the Galápagos Islands. If you have a medical condition that could affect your travel experience, we recommend speaking with your doctor before departure.
Prescription medicines: Keep medicines in their original labeled containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Bring a doctor’s letter or a copy of your prescriptions, including the generic drug names.
Safety
Ecuador is generally a welcoming destination. As with travel anywhere in the world, a few simple precautions can help you feel more comfortable and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
* Keep backup copies of your passport, cards, and emergency contacts.
* Avoid displaying phones, jewelry, or valuables in public.
* Use ATMs carefully, protect your PIN, and decline offers of help.
* In the evening, stay aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your drinks, and carry a copy of your passport.
* After dark, prefer taxis or ride-hailing services and stick to busy, well-lit areas.
* During our tours, we generally recommend returning before nightfall for added comfort and safety.
* Use the hotel safe for valuables and always double-check it before departure.
Helpful trick: put your room key or a shoe inside so you cannot forget to empty it.
Food & Drinking Water
Ecuadorian food is varied and fresh, with dishes based on rice, potatoes, corn, vegetables, bananas, fish, poultry, and meat. Lunch often includes a soup as a starter.
* Give your body a little time to adjust to new ingredients, spices, and fresh fruit juices.
* Eat fruit only after it has been washed well or peeled, and follow standard precautions with water and ice.
* Avoid drinking tap water. For brushing teeth and showering, municipally treated water is generally considered fine.
! Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and use disinfectant gel or wipes.
Internet & E-sims & Electricity
Ecuador’s country calling code is +593. When dialing internationally, you may see it written as: 00593.
* Your mobile phone and charger will be very useful for photos, navigation, staying in touch, and sharing your trip. Most hotels in Ecuador offer free Wi Fi.
* Local SIM cards are affordable and easy to find.
* eSIMs such as Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, or similar options are also a very convenient way to stay connected throughout your trip.
* Also remember to bring all necessary charging cables and travel adapters for your camera, mobile phone, laptop, smartwatch, Kindle, and other electronic devices. Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands use the same flat-plug standard as the United States (110 V).
* Also, remember to bring all necessary charging cables and travel adapters for your camera, mobile phone, laptop, Smartwatch, Kindle, and other electronic devices. In Ecuador and on the Galápagos Islands, the same flat plug standard as in the US is used (110 V).
Adventure activities
For activities like canopy tours, rafting, biking, or horseback riding, we recommend choosing reputable, licensed local operators. This helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience throughout your adventures.
Local Taxes & Fees
VAT (IVA): 15% applies to most goods and services.
Service Charge: Mid-to-high category hotels and restaurants often add an automated 10% service charge. Check your bill for “Precio incluye impuestos”.
Tipping
Gratuities are always voluntary and at your discretion. That said, in Ecuador, they are a common part of the tourism culture and are appreciated as a reflection of good service, especially given the long hours many tourism professionals work, including weekends and holidays, to make your journey unique.
Indicative guidelines for Mainland Ecuador:
* Tour guides: Small groups: USD 15–25 per day per group // Medium to large groups: USD 5–10 per person per day
* Private drivers: Small groups: USD 10–15 per day per group // Medium to large groups: USD 2–3 per person per day
* Airport transfers: USD 3–5 per vehicle
* Porters: around USD 1 per piece of luggage
* Upscale restaurants: 2,5–5% of the bill, preferably in cash
* Taxis: rounding up the fare is customary
* Gratuities remain voluntary, and these are only guidelines; gratuities can always be adjusted based on service and experience.
Ecuador offers very contrasting climates: tropical coast, humid Amazon, temperate Andes valleys, and chilly at night and at higher altitudes. Here’s a simple overview by region:
* Coast (Costa: 24°C – 32°C (75°F-90°F) year-round. Hotter and more humid from December to May.
* Andes/Sierra: 7°C – 22°C (45°F to 72°F) depending on elevation. Cities such as Quito are mild during the day and cool at night.
* Amazon/Oriente: 23°C – 31°C (73°F to 88°F). Warm, humid, and rainy throughout the year.
* Galápagos: 22 °C–31 °C (72 °F–88 °F) air temperatures. Cooler from June to November and warmer from December to May.
Travel light, dress in layers, and add a change of clothes to your carry-on luggage.
In high-altitude natural areas such as Cotopaxi or Quilotoa, a wool hat and scarf may even be necessary.
We recommend the classic “layered or onion look”: several lightweight clothing layers that are flexible, functional, easy to combine, and adaptable to changing weather conditions.
Pack with intention, keeping things light and practical.
* Your essentials will vary depending on the regions you plan to explore in Ecuador.
! As a simple precaution, bring one complete change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed. This is especially helpful for shorter Galápagos or Amazon trip connections.
* And finally, don’t forget the most important things, the ones you can’t pack: a positive mindset, flexibility, curiosity, etiquette, and the joy of discovering something new.
Please adapt this list to your own needs, and feel free to let us know if anything is missing or if you have any personal tips or recommendations that work well for you.
Galápagos Essentials
Documents & Entry Requirements
Before traveling to the Galápagos Islands, please make sure you have the following ready:
º Passport
º USD 200* in cash for the National º Park entrance fee, if not prepaid with your cruise
º TCT card for USD 20* prepurchased and printed
º Return flight e-ticket, either printed or saved on your phone
º Galápagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration QR code, printed or saved on your mobile.
Make sure the entry date is correct.
º Booking vouchers and confirmations, either printed or digital.
º Cash for airport bus, taxi, and more if you’re not on an organized cruise.
º Travel insurance documents. Insurance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended; some cruise companies require mandatory insurance.
! Please arrive at the airport at least 2 ½ hours before departure.
*Prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Safety Arrival Time In Ecuador Before Your Galápagos Flight
We recommend arriving in Ecuador at least two nights before your flight to the Galápagos. This gives you enough time in case of any unexpected delays or misconnections, and a more relaxed start to your trip.
Galápagos Entrance Fee & Travel Procedures
Traveling to the Galápagos involves a few entry procedures designed to protect the National Park and its unique ecosystem. Understanding these requirements before your trip will help make your arrival smooth and stress-free while supporting sustainable tourism in the islands.
If you book a cruise in advance, the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and the Transit Control Card can usually be prepaid as part of your reservation, making the travel experience even easier.
Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee
All visitors to the Galápagos Islands are required to pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee. The current values to pay in cash when arriving in the Galápagos (if not prepaid with the cruise package) are:
USD 200* for adults // USD 100* for children under 12 years old.
*Prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Transit Control Card (TCT)
Transit Control Card (TCT) is a mandatory visitor transit permit required for all travelers entering the Galápagos Islands. The fee is USD 20* per person and must be paid in cash only.
If it is not included in your cruise package, you will need to register and purchase the card at the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos airport counter before boarding your domestic flight to the Galápagos.
*Prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Biosafety Declaration and Quarantine Screening
To protect the Galápagos’ fragile ecosystem, all travelers must complete the online biosafety registration. Declare that you are not carrying prohibited items, such as seeds, plants, or animal products, by completing the mandatory online form 72- 48 hours before your flight through the ABG Biosafety Declaration Form. Please make sure to enter the correct arrival date for the Galápagos.
! All luggage must be screened by the ABG – Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Control Agency before check-in for domestic flights to the islands. These measures help prevent invasive species and pests from entering the Galápagos and damaging its unique environment.
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 cash for onboard expenses such as drinks, wetsuit rental, and tips for the crew and guide.
* Many souvenir shops in Puerto Ayora and at the airport accept credit cards. Cabins and hotel rooms are usually equipped with small safety boxes for cash and valuables.
* ATMs are available in a few inhabited areas, but they are limited, so carrying enough cash is important. Cabins usually have small lockers for storing money and valuables.
* On smaller boats, credit cards are generally not accepted, but card payments are usually available only on higher-category vessels. Card fees or surcharges may apply.
Connectivity in the Galápagos
Because of how remote the islands are, you should expect little to no reliable mobile signal or internet while you are on a cruise.
* Most of the larger, newer ships do offer Starlink satellite internet; however, it is not always stable. It can be slow, cut out, or get overloaded when many people are using it at the same time.
* The easiest and most relaxing approach is to plan for a bit of a digital break.
! Let your family and friends know in advance that you may be offline for a few days so they don’t worry or become concerned if they eventually can’t reach you.
In the water
* If you already have your own snorkel mask, feel free to bring it. A well-fitted mask makes a difference. Otherwise, most ships provide masks, snorkels, and fins, either included or available to rent.
* Water temperature changes through the year. During some months, the water feels pleasantly warm, while others can be quite chilly, especially once you are in for a longer activity.
* Cool Season (June to November): Water temperature between 20°C and 24°C (68°F to 75°F)
* Rainy Season (December to May): Water temperature typically ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F)
* Wetsuits are usually available on board, either included or for a small rental fee.
* A light long-sleeved shirt is also very useful; ideally with UV protection.
Baggage on flights to the Galápagos
* For flights booked through us, the standard allowance is usually one checked piece up to 23 kg, one carry-on piece between 8 and 10 kg, plus a small purse, backpack, or laptop bag.
* If you book your own flights separately, the allowance depends on the airline and fare type, so please check accurately.
* When traveling from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands, all luggage is inspected by quarantine staff from the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency. These inspections help protect the islands’ fragile ecosystem and unique wildlife from outside pests, plants, and contaminants.
* It’s also worth keeping in mind that inter-island flights inside the Galápagos have stricter limits, especially on weight and sometimes even on bag size. If you’re connecting between islands, it helps to pack light and stay within limits to avoid extra fees or delays.
Sports and Adventure activities in the Galápagos
For activities like diving, day tours, snorkeling, biking, or horseback riding, we recommend choosing reputable, licensed local operators. This helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience throughout your adventures.
Tipping in Galápagos
Gratuities are always optional and completely at your discretion. That said, in the Galápagos, tipping at the end of a cruise is part of the local travel culture and is generally expected.
At the end of the trip, you’ll usually find envelopes prepared for both the guide and the crew, and you leave your tips there in one go.
As a rough guide on mid-range yachts:
* For Galápagos National Park guides, people usually give about USD 15-20 per person per day. If the guide goes above and beyond, it’s totally normal to tip more, especially on higher-end boats.
* For the crew on a mid-range yacht or ship, the usual range is about USD 25-30 per guest per day. This is pooled and shared among the whole team of at least 8 to 10 crew members.
* If service has been exceptional, it’s absolutely fine to be more generous.
Insurance for the Galápagos
The same recommendation applies in the Galápagos. Because of the islands’ remote location, comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage is particularly important.
We kindly ask you to take care when using sunscreen, after-sun products, hair dye, insect repellent, and other toiletries containing pigments, waxes, or oils, as these may permanently stain fabrics and are tough to wash out, as well as facial products with benzoyl peroxide (for acne), which can bleach textiles.