Preparing and packing for your trip is part of the excitement. It is the moment when your adventure starts to feel real. It can also bring up plenty of questions, and we are here to help along the way.
Ecuador may be small by South American standards, but its four distinct regions create completely different travel experiences. In one trip, you can hike in the Andes, explore the Amazon rainforest, swim with sea lions in the Galápagos, and unwind on Pacific beaches. Each region calls for a slightly different approach to packing, so the key is to pack light but pack smart.
This guide, prepared by Cometa Travel, brings together practical advice for traveling in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, including entry requirements, health advice, packing essentials, money matters, and Galápagos travel procedures, all based on real experience on the ground. It may feel like a lot at first, but every section is designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the journey.
Enjoy the planning process; it is all part of the adventure. If you feel something could be added or improved, we would genuinely love to hear your feedback.
We have prepared this guide with great care and based it on real travel experience, though information may change over time and cannot be guaranteed or considered legally binding.
Phase 1: Essential Travel Checklist (Before You Fly)
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and should be in good condition. It is also a good idea to keep a clear color copy stored separately from the original.
Visa
Visas are not required for citizens of the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and most European countries for stays in Ecuador of up to 90 days. Still, it’s a good idea to confirm current entry requirements with your local immigration office or the nearest Ecuadorian consulate before traveling, as regulations can change.
Medical Conditions
Parts of your journey may take you to remote areas of the highlands, the rainforest, or the Galápagos Islands. If you have medical conditions 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.
- Altitude sickness: Quito sits at 2,850m (9,350ft). Some travelers experience headaches, nausea, or fatigue. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for the first 24-48 hours. If appropriate, ask your doctor about medication.
Allow time to acclimatize in Quito before undertaking activities at significantly higher elevations.
Helpful trick:
- Put your room key or a shoe inside so you cannot forget to empty it.
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
- Make sure you have all essential contact details for your destination, including your guide, travel agent, and hotels. Also carry a printed copy of your itinerary
- Print copies of important documents, such as hotel confirmations, itineraries, and other essential information, so you do not have to rely on your phone or internet access
- Back up your phone, laptop, or tablet; this makes it easier to recover your information if your device is lost or stolen during the trip
- Fully charge your electronic devices before departure
- Complete your online check-in before heading to the airport
- 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.
- Just in case: Leave your travel agent’s emergency phone number with a family member or trusted person at home so that they can contact your travel agent in case of an emergency
Useful Luggage Advice:
- 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.
- 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.
Insurance
We strongly recommend traveling with comprehensive insurance that includes medical coverage, accidents, trip interruption or cancellation, repatriation, and baggage protection.
Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are currently mandatory for travel to Ecuador, but some are recommended. We suggest consulting your doctor or travel clinic at least 2–3 months before departure.
- Common recommendations may include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio, Rabies in certain cases, and Influenza.
- Requirements can vary depending on your recent travel history or country of departure.
Important: Vaccination guidelines can change at short notice and should always be checked before travel.
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 other 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 advice:
Put your room key or a shoe inside the safe so you cannot forget to empty it before checking out.
Adventure activities
For activities like canopy tours, rafting, biking, or horseback riding, we recommend choosing reputable, licensed local operators to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience throughout your adventures.
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.
Money & ATM
The official currency in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands has been the US dollar (USD) since 2000.
- Bills up to USD 20 are preferred; USD 50 and 100 bills are often refused. In addition to US notes 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, and tips, you should carry some cash.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available throughout Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
- When withdrawing cash, stay aware of your surroundings
- Make sure no one is standing too close, including anyone offering assistance, and never accept help from strangers
- If your card is lost or stolen, block it immediately
- Before traveling, inform your bank and credit card provider about your trip abroad to reduce the risk of your cards being blocked for unusual international transactions.
Taxes
15% VAT (IVA, Impuesto al Valor Agregado) applies to most goods and services in Ecuador.
In many mid-range and higher-category restaurants and hotels, a 10% service charge may be added in addition to VAT.
These taxes are not always included in listed prices. Look for notes such as “precio incluye impuestos” (taxes included) or “no incluye IVA y servicios” (VAT and services not included).
Internet, eSIMs & Electricity
Ecuador’s country calling code is +593 / 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 buy
- 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. In Ecuador and on the Galápagos Islands, the same flat plug standard as in the US is used (110 V).
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.
Packing for Ecuador
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!
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:
| Region | Typical Temperatures |
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, Cuenca, and Otavalo 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 Islands | 22°C – 31°C (72°F to 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 when having short connections to the Galápagos or Amazon.
- And finally, don’t forget the most important things, the ones you can’t pack: a positive mindset, flexibility, curiosity, respect, 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
Galápagos Travel Documents & Departure
- Passport
- USD 200* in cash for the National Park entrance fee, if not prepaid with your cruise
- TCT card for USD 20*, pre-purchased and printed
- Return flight e-ticket, either printed or saved on your phone
- Galápagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration QR code, printed or saved on your mobile, must be completed online 72 to 48 hours before your flight through the ABG Biosafety Declaration Form ABG Biosafety Declaration Form
Make sure the entry date is correct
- Booking vouchers and confirmations, either printed or digital
- Cash for airport bus, taxi, and other small expenses if you’re not on an organized cruise.
- 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.
Recommended Arrival Time in Ecuador Before your Galápagos Flight
We recommend arriving in Ecuador at least two nights before your flight to the Galápagos to give 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.
Transit Control Card (TCT)
The Transit Control Card (TCT) is a mandatory visitor transit permit for all travelers entering the Galápagos Islands. The fee is USD 20 per person. If it is not included in your cruise package, you must purchase the card at the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos airport counter before boarding your domestic flight to the Galápagos.
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 from 72 to 48 hours before your flight through:
ABG Biosafety Declaration Form.
- Please make sure to enter the correct arrival date for the Galápagos.
- ABG/Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Control Agency: All luggage must be screened before check-in for Galápagos flights.
- 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 wetsuit rental and tips for the crew and guide
- Many souvenir shops in Puerto Ayora and at the airport accept credit cards.
- ATMsare available in a few inhabited areas, but they are limited, so carrying enough cash is important. Hotel rooms and cabins usually have small lockers for storing money and valuables
- On smaller boats, credit cards are generally not accepted. Card payments are more commonly available on higher-category vessels.
- Card fees or surcharges may apply.
(*) Prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
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 larger, newer ships do offer Starlink satellite internet; however, the service is not always reliable. It can be slow, cut out, or become 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 do not worry if they cannot 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: cooler water, windier conditions, often overcast
- Warm season: warmer water, calmer seas, occasional rain
- Wetsuits are usually available on board, either included or for a 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 flights separately, the allowance depends on the airline and fare type; 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.
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 to 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. You’ll usually find envelopes prepared for both the guide and the crew, and you leave your tip there in one go.
As a rough guide on mid-range yachts:
- For Galápagos National Park guides, usually about USD 15- 20 per person/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, 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 as for Ecuador. Because of the islands’ remote location, comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage is particularly important.
Packing List for Galápagos
Shopping options on the islands are limited, so a bit of preparation goes a long way for a smooth trip. Don’t worry, the checklist below will help you pack with confidence, and you can also download it as a free printable PDF.
- Warm season (Dec-May): Warmer water (22-28°C/72 to 82°F), calmer seas, occasional rain
- Cool season (Jun-Nov): Cooler water (18-22°C/64 to 72°F), windier, more overcast (Humboldt current).
