FAQ

klick on one of the questions

I Travel Preparations

• Which custom restrictions are there?

• Which medical issues are there?

• Which recommends are there for taking along medicaments from your country?

• Which visa restrictions are there?

• Which travel insurances are recommended?

• Which currency does exist and how to prepare for the travel?

• What else to take along from your home country?

• Which literature is recommendable?

II During the Travel

• How is the political situation in Ecuador?

• How is the economical situation in Ecuador?

• What is the climate like in Ecuador?

• What about altitude?

• Is it recommendable to hire a car?

• How about public transport?

• Which language knowledge is necessary?

• How secure is the travel destination Ecuador?

• What is important to know, concerning beggars?

• Is it a problem to travel with children?

• What is the time difference between central-European time and Ecuadorian time?

• What's about mail, telephone and internet?

• What kind of power supply network is in Ecuador?

• What's about the nightlife in Ecuador?

• What important holidays and festivals are in Ecuador?

• What Indio markets do I have to visit?

• What do I need to know about food and beverages?

• How much tip am I supposed to give?

• How many taxes do you have in Ecuador?

• What's about catering during our tour?

• What is important to note, by checking hotel prices or tour prices?

• What kind of accommodation is available during tours?

• Do I need special fitness for the tours?

III Galapagos

• Which rules to follow on Galapagos concerning nature protection?

• How to reach the Islands?

• Are there luggage restrictions on the airplanes?

• Which additional costs are there when traveling to Galapagos?

• What to bring?

• Is it allowed to smoke on board or on the islands?

• Is there a possibility to change money on the islands?

• What is the electric current on board?

• Is it possible to make phone calls to my home country?

• Are children allowed on board?

• Are single or triple suites available?

• Do you have to bring a certain physical condition?

• Are there medical services available?

• Is seasickness common?

• Are there special meals for people with dietary requests?

• How much should we tip the guide and the crew?

• What kind of guides accompany the ships?

• Are there wet landings?

I Travel Preparations

Which custom restrictions are there?

Controls at the entry are not that strict. Normally, there are no problems.
But at the depart, there are sometimes controls. Pre-Columbian objects, religious arti-cles, plants, food, animals or parts of it (skin, bones etc.) are not allowed to be taken out of the country. Top

Which medical issues are there?

Unless you enter Ecuador from a country where yellow fever is a risk, vaccinations are not mandatory when entering Ecuador. However, we advice you to get the following vaccinations:

Tetanus and Polio
Yellow Fever and Typhoid (if you stay for longer periods in the jungle)
Hepatitis A+B
Malaria prophylaxis (if you stay in the coast areas and Amazon Basin)
Choler

Please contact your doctor to make all the necessary arrangements before coming to Ecuador! Top

Which recommends are there for taking along medicaments from your country?

We recommend you to take along the most important medicaments (against diarrhea, insects, inflammation, problems with the circulation, pain killers etc.). Please contact your doctor or a pharmacist in advance. But you do not have to worry as the medical circumstances in the big cities are also very good. Top

Which visa restrictions are there?

Please inform you at the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate in your country how the en-try restrictions are for you country or send as an email. As a tourist, you normally do not need a visa when you stay less than 6 months. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay. More information you will find at traveldocs. Top

Which travel insurances are recommended?

We recommend you to conclude a baggage and travel health insurance. You can book the insurances in a travel agency. About rates and conditions please inform you at your insurance company or in the internet. Top

Which currency does exist and how to prepare for the travel?
Depending on your currency and the US Dollar exchange rate, it can be recommended to exchange money in Ecuador, as the exchange rate can be much better here than in your country. You should take USD in cash with you or traveler checks.
The most common credit cards to pay with or to draw cash are American Express (Filancard Bank), Euro/Mastercard (Mastercard Bank) and Visa (Filanbanco). In the cit-ies you will be able to use you credit card in many places but when paying cash you can save up to 10%. Top

What else to take along from your home country?
Clothes / Equipment

Because of the very various altitudes, Ecuador is a country in which you can find nearly EVERY climate. In general, it is recommendable to bag comfortable clothes and spor-tive shoes. As the solarisation is very intense, please do not forget a high quality sun protector, sun glasses, a head and a sun blocker.
In the Andan Highlands, a warm jacket and rain protection could be helpful.
On Galapagos, at the coast and in the Amazon Rain Forest area, T-Shirts, shorts and long, easy shirts are optimal to be protected of mosquitoes. But also here, a rain jacket should be in your baggage, as there are often strong, but "warm" rain showers. For Amazonas Area and Galapagos we recommend robust sandals.
If you would like to watch animals on Galapagos or in the Amazonas, binoculars are important.
If adventure and climbing tours are planned, you will need special equipment. Please have a look at the descriptions in our programs as we often provide the necessary equipment.

We recommend normal films (100 ASA) for the highlands, the coast and the Gala-pagos Islands. For photography in the Selva we recommend films with about 400 ASA. It is also recommended to use a UV-filter. It is not allowed to take pictures of military objects and police stations. Please be sensitive when taking pictures of people. Please ask them kindly and explain why and for what reason you would like to take a picture.

Cosmetic and hygiene articles should be taken along from your home country as they are very expensive in Ecuador. In the supermarkets, you will find nearly every article and "American / European Standard". In the suburbs and far away from the cities this could be more difficult. Top

Which literature is recommendable?

Tour Guides:

South-American-Handbook
Ecuador and the Galapagos-Islands (Lonely-Planet)
Ecuador& Galapagos-Handbook (Footprint)
Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador (Bradt Publications)

General Information:

Alexander v. Humboldt
Charles Darwin
Birds of Ecuador, Crespo Greenfield & Matheus, Ecuador 1990
Huasipungo. Unser kleines Stückchen Erde, Jorge Icaza, Bornheim 1977 Top

II During the Travel


How is the political situation in Ecuador?

Ecuador is a presidential republic. Although there are several problems in the country, the political situation is very stable. Further information you will find in the internet, for example on Auswärtiges Amt. Top

How is the economical situation in Ecuador?

Thanks to the diversity of the agriculture in Ecuador with its different climate and culti-vation areas, the country has a wide range of export possibilities. Bananas, flowers, shrimps, coffee, cacao and fruits are exported. But the most important source of in-come is the petroleum export. Furthermore, Tourism gets more and more important for the economy. Further information you will find in the internet, for example on Auswärtiges Amt. Top

What is the climate like in Ecuador?

On account of Ecuador's varied regions and because of its location directly atop the equator, it is an excellent travel destination year-round. Rather than rotating through four seasons, most of Ecuador experiences oscillating wet and dry periods.

The general weather trends for each region are as follows:

El Oriente (Amazon region)
… normally has a warm, humid and rainy climate. The average temperature varies from 23 to 26 oC (72 to 80 F). The drier season is generally November to February but varies by region.

La Sierra (Andean Highlands)
… though on the equator, is generally cooler than most people would expect. The cli-mate in the Andes varies according to the altitude and the time of the year. In Quito the temperature ranges from 7 degrees C (55 F) at night, to 26 C (78 F) at noon, av-eraging 15 C (64 F).

La Costa (Coastal lowlands)
… Climate is usually very warm with temperatures averaging 25 degrees C (76 F) to 31 C (90 F) during the year. The rainy season (December to May) is warm and very hu-mid. The dry season is less humid but still a little muggy.

The Galapagos Islands
... enjoy warm and dry weather year-round, with an average temperature of 28º C. (85 F). Top

What about altitude?

Quito is located in an altitude of 2.850 meters. The highest mountains in Ecuador are more than 6.000 meters high. You should be aware of this fact while traveling around. Your body must get used to the altitude slowly and you should give him the time! If you tend to a high blood pressure or problems with circulation, it is recommendable to talk to you doctor in advance. Top

Is it recommendable to hire a car?

The conditions to drive with a private car in our country are quite difficult. Sometimes, there are no traffic signs, direction signs and the Ecuadorians have their own way to drive. If your Spanish is not proper, we disadvice you to hire a car. We recommend you taking part in our tours or hiring a car with qualified driver. Top

How about public transport?

The public busses and taxis, for example in Quito, are really cheap The destination of the busses, can be seen in the windscreen of the busses. The busses hold, when you wave with the hand in almost every corner. It is possible to leave the buss at almost every corner, so you do not need a bus stop. A one-way Bus ticket costs between 10 and 25 Centavos, doesn't matter how fare you go, as long as it is within the network. There are also lots of taxis within the cities. You can stop a taxi, by waving with the hand. During the day a taximeter should be switched on. In the evenings you should first discuss the price. Top

Which language knowledge is necessary?

The official language in Ecuador is Spanish. Many Indio in the Sierra are however bilin-gual. Besides of Spanish they also speak Quechua. In the Rainforest there are also In-dios living, who speak other languages with many dialects. However the bigger cities, you can survive with a bit of English. Top

How secure is the travel destination Ecuador?

Ecuador is a quite safe destination. Nevertheless, you shouldn't be to careless with you belongings. Pick pocketing is very common, especially in tourist areas, like the Old Town of Quito. The safest would be to carry a "money belt" under your cloth. It would also be safer, if you just walk in groups by night. Top

What is important to know, concerning beggars?

In front of churches and famous sights, you will see old people or disabled persons, who also get something from locals. In the bigger cities you will see children, who ask for money or working in small businesses, like cleaning shoes. Finally it is on your own, if you would like to give something or not and how much. You can use the service of the children and so they have a bit of money. Generally you should have sensitiveness, when dealing with beggars, disabled persons and children. Top

Is it a problem to travel with children?

Generally it is just partly advisable to travel with children in Ecuador. The hygienic conditions, especially in rural areas, the climate, and the distances can be a problem for children. Furthermore children less than 7 years are not accepted in some Galapa-gos yachts and Jungle lodges.

What is the time difference between central-European time and Ecuadorian time?

The time difference to central-European time is minus 6 hours in winter (Galapagos minus 7 hours) and minus 7 hours in summer (Galapagos minus 8 hours) Top

What's about mail, telephone and internet?

Mail to Europe needs at least 10 days and will be normally faster than letters from Europe. An airmail letter from Quito to Europe needs about one week. We would sug-gest sending the letters from Quito or Guayaquil. Advisable are the mail offices in the cities and the office of Lufthansa, where you can hand in prepaid letters. This will be faster and more secure to Germany.

Calls to Europe cost about 40 cent per minute. Furthermore you can buy special phone cards. Another possibility would be to call from "Internet-Cafes" in Quito. Via the Internet it cost just 14 cents a minute

Area code from and to Europe
To Ecuador 00593 (Quito: +2+number)
To Germany 0049
To Swiss 0041
To Austria 0043
If you need any other area codes please contact us.

To keep in contact with you home country, while you are travelling in Ecuador or read the world news, it is best to use the Internet. In the bigger cities of Ecuador, espe-cially Quito, there are lots of Internet cafes. For using the internet for one hour you normally pay 80 cents. It is also cheaper to phone via the internet. Most of the "Inter-net-cafes" within Quito are located in the Juan Leon Mera, where you also find many bars. Top

What kind of power supply network is in Ecuador?

In Ecuador you can use the 110 V alternation current with American Plugs. You should be able to switch your electrical equipment to 110 V. You will receive an adapter for the special plugs in almost every electro-shop, or you bring something from your home-country. Top

What about the nightlife in Ecuador?

Like almost every city in the world, also the cities here, do have lots of restaurants, Bars and discothèques. So there will be something for everyone. Especially it is sug-gested to get to know the nightlife of Quito, which has a very special flair. The "Maris-cal", which is the tourist and pleasure district within Quito is best for this.

We recommend the following places:

Cafe Sutra: cosy Cafe for having a chat, eating or drinking Cocktails. (Juan Leon Mera y Calama)
No-Bar: Famouse discotheque with national and international music, great Cuba Libre (Juan Leon Mera y Calama)
Cafecito: comfortable Cafe (Cordero y Reina Victoria)
Seseribó: Salsa-Discothèque (Veintimilla y 12 de Octubre)
Pobre Diablo: famous pub (Isabel la Católica) Top

What important holidays and festivals are in Ecuador?

What Indio-markets do I have to visit?

In the highlands, there are almost every day Indio markets, whereby Otovalo offers the best goods. However also all the others are good to see.

Monday
Animal market in Ambato (the biggest within Ecuador)

Tuesday:
Latacunga

Wednesday:
Pujilí (Comestibles and other goods)

Thursday:
Saquisilí (Comestibles, art-goods, typical things)

Saturday:
Otavalo (arts and crafts, comestibles, typical goods, animals)
Riobamba (typical goods, arts and crafts)
Latacunga (typical goods and handpags)

Sunday:
Pujilí, Machachi, Gualaceo (comestibles and other goods)
Sangolqui (arts and crafts)
Cotacachi (leather goods)
Salasaca (Jeans and other textiles) Top

What do I need to know about food and beverages?

The Ecuadorian cuisine is very flavoursome. Besides a lot of fish and meat, we use lots of potatoes, rice, corn, bananas and so on. Very typical Specialities are "Cebiche", a cocktail with fish and sea fruits, served as a cold soup, "Locro" a potato soup and all the fresh squeezed Juices, with exotic fruits, which most of you wont even know. In big hotels, they also serve international cuisine. Top

How much tip am I supposed to give?

A Chauffeur normally gets a tip of 3-5 USD per person/day and a tour guide 5-10 USD per day and person. If you take part in a group, we advice USD 2 per person/day for the guide and USD 1 per person/day for the bus driver. On Galapagos 5 USD per day/person is suitable for the Crew and USD 3 per person/day for the natural guide. Taxi driver do not expect a tip, however we suggest you to round up. Waiter do nor-mally get 5 % of the invoice amount.
The amounts we suggest here are just benchmarks. If and how much tip you give you better decide by your own, depending on the quality and so on. Top

How many taxes do you have in Ecuador?

Generally there are 12 % taxes added on goods and services. The tax is not always signposted in the price, but will be added at the final price. In restaurants and hotels, there is an additional service charge of 10% added to the price. In most cases there will also be the net price signposted. The taxes will than be added at the final invoice. In all Restaurants, shops and Hotels you will see, if it is the net price or brut price. Top

What's about catering during our tour?

Please have a look at our programs, to see what kind of catering is included in the price. If it is not separately mentioned, there won't be any catering during the tour. The additional costs for eating and drinking are normally cheaper than in Europe. Top

What is important to note, by checking hotel prices or tour prices?

Our tours are calculated in US Dollar per person. Normally the price will be for double rooms. If you are travelling alone, there will be a single supplement.

We reserve ones right to change Tour and Hotel prices. Top

What kind of accommodation is available during tours?

Hotels:
The standard of hotels in Ecuador is very good. Generally speaking, you have the choice between middle class (average requirements) or the first class (higher require-ments) hotels.

Hosterias/Haciendas:
Those are accommodations in former farm houses, which have typical Ecuadorian style. They are mostly in huge garden areas, which are really typical for Ecuador. The rooms are normally really big and individually designed. These accommodations are very comfortable, however normally not really modern, what gives them a great at-mosphere. The prices are stated in USD, for a double room. If you are travelling alone you have to add a single supplement. If not specially mentioned, the price is for stan-dard rooms. Top

Do I need special fitness for the tours?

With some hiking and trekking tours, as well as climbing and sport excursions, you do need a good fitness. In some individual cases, you better contact us or our guides, or ask your doctor. This can prevent disappointments. Top

III Galapagos

Which rules to follow on Galapagos concerning nature protection?

The beauty of nature of Galapagos can only be preserved if the visitors follow these 12 rules, which have been drawn up by the administration of the National Park.

1. Do not touch any animals
2. Do not feed the animals - it will disturb them in their natural comportment
3. Do not scare away nesting birds
4. Do not take away animals, plants or parts of them as a souvenir
5. Do not buy souvenirs consisting in parts of animals or plants
6. Do not bring any animals or plants from the mainland - otherwise the Islands' ecosystem could be destroyed
7. Do not bring any food to the Islands
8. Throwing away litter is not allowed
9. Do not write or carve your name in trees or rocks
10. Follow the instructions of your guide
11. You are not allowed to leave the marked trails
12. Point out the rules of the National Park to inattentive visitors

Help us to preserve this paradise on earth! Top

How to reach the Islands?

There are flights from Quito (stop over in Guayaquil) and Guayaquil to San Cristobal or Baltra on Galápagos. It takes 45 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the Galápagos archipelago. Once you book a cruise we automatically book a flight to the Galápagos Islands for you and issue your tickets. It is required that passengers arrive in Ecuador at least one day before the departure date of the cruise. Top

Are there luggage restrictions on the airplanes?

For the flights to Galápagos, only one checked suitcase (44 lbs., 20 kg) and one carry-on bag are allowed. Top

Which additional costs are there when traveling to Galapagos?

Not included in the tours are:

National park entrance fee (100 USD per person - payable in cash at the airport in Galápagos)
Airport taxes
Drinks (exceptwater, tea and coffee)
Tips
Snorkeling equipment and wet suits (depending on the ship)
Travel insurance
Flight from Ecuador to Galápagos and back Top

What to bring?

You will need your passport, US Dollar in cash and should bring your credit card.
The Galápagos Islands are situated right on the equator so the weather is usually nice and warm. So bring mainly light clothes and just a few warmer ones for the evenings or when it starts raining. For this case you should bring also rain gear and for swim-ming two bathing suits.
You might want to bring a small bag for the excursions, a water bottle and at least two pairs of walking shoes (one might get wet when you have to step into water to get ashore). The sun on the equator is really strong, so make sure to bring suntan lotion (at least #15) and sun block, as well as sunglasses and a hat. As it is difficult to buy things on the islands, you should not count on being able to buy things there. Espe-cially bring enough films and batteries for your camera because on the islands they are more expensive and the films are often not a very good quality. Do not forget your camera, you will really regret it!
Useful are also insect repellant, a travel alarm clock, binoculars, flashlight, snorkeling equipment and wet suits (some boats offer the last two but there is only a certain quantity available and usually it is "first come - first serve"). Top

Is it allowed to smoke on board or on the islands?

It is not allowed to smoke in the cabins or on the islands. However, on the small boats you can smoke on deck and the big ships offer certain smoking areas.
Is there a possibility to change money on the islands?
The "Banco de Pacifico" in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) cashes dollars. It is open Monday to Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm. The ATM accepts only Mastercard and Cirrus (operates 7:00am - 11:30pm) but does not always work. Top

Is there a possibility to change money on the islands?

The "Banco de Pacifico" in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) cashes dollars. It is open Monday to Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm. The ATM accepts only Mastercard and Cirrus (operates 7:00am - 11:30pm) but does not always work. Top

What is the electric current on board?

110V, 60 Hz, sometimes ships offer 220V. Top

Is it possible to make phone calls to my home country?

Most ships only have a phone to contact the mainland in cases of emergency. But all of them have a stop over in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) where you can call home or use a internet café to send emails. Top

Are children allowed on board?

Children under the age of 7 are not allowed on board. The strict regulations on the is-lands are not adequate for them. Top

Are single or triple suites available?

Single and triple suites are available for additional charge. Top

Do you have to bring a certain physical condition?

Some of the trails on the islands are quite rough so passengers should bring a good physical condition. Top

Do you have to bring a certain physical condition?

Some of the trails on the islands are quite rough so passengers should bring a good physical condition. Top

Are there medical services available?

There is only first aid available on Galápagos. All vessels have radio contact with the mainland in case of emergency. Some of the bigger ships may have their own doctor aboard. But there is no hospital so in case of an illness you have to return to the mainland. Top

Is seasickness common?

Most people are not affected but there may occur rough sea or the constant motion of the ship might bother you. So if you are susceptible to seasickness you should take some medication, just in case. Top

Are there special meals for people with dietary requests?

Just let us know about 2 weeks in advance and we will arrange a special diet for you. Top

How much should we tip the guide and the crew?

Tipping primarily is a personal matter. However in Galápagos it is very common and if you want to be polite you should tip around 8-10% of your cruise price all in all. Top

What kind of guides accompany the ships?

All boats are accompanied by naturalist class ll and lll guides that all speak English and have a thorough knowledge of the wildlife of Galápagos. They have been trained by the Charles Darwin Station and are licensed by the National Park. Top

Are there wet landings?

A small boat called "panga" brings you from the yacht to the shore. Some landings are "dry", that means you can step directly on volcanic rock. Wet landings mean that you have to wade ashore in shallow water (can be from your ankle up to your knee). The water may splash so you should pack your camera into a plastic bag. Top

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Top

Home   Ecuado Tours Galapagos Cruises Incentives South America Tours About us Travel info
Photogallery Contact us FAQ Site Map Reservation Form Ecuador News