Medical Condition
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.
Always keep all regular prescription medication in your carry-on or hand luggage.
Insurance
We strongly recommend traveling with comprehensive insurance that includes medical coverage, accidents, trip interruption or cancellation, repatriation, and baggage protection.
Overview — Important Formalities
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.
Before You Travel: Quick Checklist
A little preparation before departure can save a lot of stress later.
o 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.
o Keep a record of important passwords, ideally stored securely or encrypted.
o Save key phone numbers, including your insurance provider, family doctor, and your credit card company’s 24/7 emergency hotline.
o Save the emergency contact details of your travel agent in Ecuador and share them with family or friends at home.
o Print copies of important documents, such as hotel confirmations, itineraries, and more (so as not to depend on phone and internet to see them).
o Complete your online check-in before heading to the airport.
o Make sure you have all essential contact details for your destination, including your guide, travel agent, hotels, and a printed copy of your itinerary.
o Fully charge your electronic devices before departure.
o Back up your phone, laptop, or tablet. It helps you recover more easily if something is lost or stolen during the trip.
o 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.
o 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.
Vaccinations
*No vaccinations are currently mandatory for travel to Ecuador, but some are recommended. We suggest consulting your doctor or travel clinic 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.
Please note that 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 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 tip: Place a shoe or your room key inside the safe so you do not forget anything when leaving.
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
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.
Local Tax
A 15% VAT (IVA, Impuesto al Valor Agregado) applies to most goods and services in Ecuador.
In mid-range and higher category restaurants and hotels, a 10% service charge is often added as well, bringing the total to around 25%.
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 service not included).
Internet & Phone
* 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).
Sports and 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.
Water & Food
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.
* Please wash your hands regularly with soap, and use hand sanitizer or wipes when needed.
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.
Indicative guidelines for Mainland Ecuador
o Tour guides
o Small groups: USD 15–25 per day per group
o Medium to large groups: USD 5–10 per person per day
o Private drivers
o Small groups: USD 10–15 per day per group
o Medium to large groups: USD 2–3 per person per day
o Airport transfers: USD 3–5 per vehicle
o Porters: around USD 1 per piece of luggage
o Upscale restaurants: 2.5–5% of the bill, preferably in cash
o Taxis: rounding up the fare is customary
These are only guidelines, and gratuities can always be adjusted based on service and experience.
Galápagos
Passport, documents, and checklist:
Before traveling to the Galápagos Islands, please make sure you have the following ready:
O Your original passport.
O USD 200 in cash for the National Park entrance fee, if not prepaid with your cruise.
O TCT card (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. This must be completed up to 72 hours before your flight at https://siabg.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaraciones/nueva.
Make sure the entry date is correct.
O Booking vouchers and confirmations, either printed or digital.
O Travel insurance documents are recommended but not mandatory (some cruise companies require mandatory insurance).
* Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours and 30 minutes before 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 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 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. Card payments are usually available only on higher-category vessels.
Card fees or surcharges may apply.
Tipping
Gratuities are always optional and completely up to you. That said, in the Galápagos, it’s part of the local travel culture, so most people do tip at the end of a cruise.
As a rough guide:
* For Galápagos National Park guides, people usually give about USD 15 to 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 to 30 per guest per day. This is pooled and shared among the whole team, not given individually.
* At the end of the trip, you’ll usually see envelopes prepared for both the guide and the crew, and you leave your tips there in one go.
If service has been exceptional, it’s absolutely fine to be more generous.
Insurance for the Galápagos
*** Travel insurance is not just recommended, it’s really expected. You should not travel without it.
** Make sure your policy is solid and comprehensive, covering medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellation, delays, hospital stays, emergency evacuation or repatriation, and lost or delayed baggage.
** Think of it as one of those things you hope you never need, but you’ll be very glad to have if something unexpected happens.
Baggage on flights to the Galápagos
o 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.
o If you book your own flights separately, the allowance depends on the airline and fare type so that it can vary.
o It’s also worth keeping in mind that inter-island flights inside the Galápagos often 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.
o 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.
Communication 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, but 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 approach is to plan for a bit of a digital break.
!!! Let family and friends know in advance that you might be offline for a few days.
🙂 Most people find that it actually becomes part of the experience once they settle in.
In the water
* If you already have your own snorkel mask, feel free to bring it. A well-fitted mask makes a big difference. Otherwise, most ships provide masks, snorkels, and fins, either included or available to rent, depending on the operator.
* Water temperature changes through the year. Some months it feels warm and comfortable, while others can be quite chilly, especially once you are in for a longer swim.
* Wetsuits are usually available on board, either included or for a small rental fee.
* A light long-sleeved shirt is also very useful. Something breathable, ideally with UV protection, will keep the sun off without making you overheat.
!!! A simple tip that helps a lot:
Always, but much more if you are arriving in Ecuador just a day or two before your Galápagos cruise. Pack an “em, a toothbrush, and essential medications can be invaluable if your checked luggage doesn’t arrive at the same time as you do.
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.
