Category: Covid-19

The Entire Galapagos Islands Population Vaccinated against Covid-19

The Entire Galapagos Islands Population Vaccinated against Covid-19

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After having carefully and continuously maintained its borders open to tourism for the past eight months, Ecuador has again surprised observers by confirming that by the end of May 2021, the entire adult population of the Galapagos Islands will have ben be vaccinated against Covid-19, giving yet another nod to the tourism industry.

To continue promoting safe tourism in Ecuador, last Friday the country’s authorities announced an agreement with the Pfizer laboratory. The pharmaceutical giant is now in a position to guarantee the supply of all doses necessary to fully inoculate the entire adult population of the Galapagos archipelago.

This campaign, which will be completed by the end of May, will include all those involved in the tourism industry, such as the staffs of hotels and restaurants, local operators, guides and, of course, the crews of cruise ships sailing the waters of Galapagos National Park. As a welcome consequence, it is expected that by June, the Galapagos Islands will become a Covid-free bubble, thus ensuring the safety and health of those who visit.

Since mid-August 2020, Ecuador opened its borders to tourism, though strict precautions such as proof of having a negative PCR test were required. Additionally, as of March 22, 2021, for travelers in mainland Ecuador, the requirement of a negative PCR test result was eliminated for those able to present a vaccination card certifying the receipt of a complete dosage against Covid-19; this gave travelers the option of presenting either antigen test results or PCR test results. (In either case, though, the maximum validity of the antigen certification or a PCR document is three [3] days between taking the test and arrival in the country).

Concerning the Galapagos Islands, local authorities continue to demand the presentation of a negative PCR test result, though the test can be taken as much as 96 hours (4 days) before embarkation onto the archipelago. As one option, these authorities are allowing the results of the same PCR test taken in one’s country of origin for entering the Galapagos Islands, provided that the required deadlines are respected and the results of the test are sent to the relevant authorities electronically prior to the traveler’s trip to the Galapagos. Alternatively, it is possible to take a PCR test in practically any city in Ecuador and to receive the results within 24 hours; if you choose this tack, Surtrek will take care of all the logistics involved in order to ensure your comfort and safety.

In these ways, vacationers arriving in Ecuador will be free of any quarantines, curfews, or any other restrictions on movement within the country. For this reason, Ecuador continues to establish itself as the leading destination on the South American continent in offering its visitors its full range of comforts and conveniences for enjoying an extraordinary and diverse destination, while safely traveling during a pandemic. Without a doubt, Ecuador remains an outstanding destination for those seeking pristine landscapes, exotic wildlife, and a vibrant cultural mix for their long-awaited summer getaway.

If you have questions about current measures related to travel to or within Ecuador, or should you receive a proposal or a budget, you can contact me at info@surtrek.com

Waiting for your news.
Alfonso Tandazo
Surtrek CEO

South America Begins Careful Tourism Reopening (9/1/2020)

South America Begins Careful Tourism Reopening (9/1/2020)

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Several South American countries have officially started reopening their borders for tourism, though great care is being taken to slowly loosen travel restrictions as Covid-19 outbreaks continue across many nations in the region.

Below, we have a list of the traditionally most-visited countries in Latin America, along with their current reopening status:

  • Not open for tourism
  • Re-opening soon 
  • Now open

For the countries that have reopened, we have also included information on which of these permit international visitors, in addition to the entry requirements.

Argentina: Not Open for Tourism

Argentina has banned all international commercial flights until September 1st, 2020.

Bolivia: Not Open for Tourism

Bolivia is currently closed to tourists. The government announced a total quarantine of the country through July 31.

Brazil: Now Open

Though Brazil is suffering from the largest outbreak of Covid-19 in Latin America, it officially reopened its borders for international tourism on July 29, 2020.

Visitors from all countries are allowed to visit Brazil, but must meet the following entry requirements:

  • A valid Visa. (If your country requires a Visa to visit Brazil)
  • Proof of travel insurance. You must have proof of travel health insurance that covers COVID for the duration of your trip. You will need to show proof of this before departing at the airport, and again upon arrival.
  • Arrivals should expect temperature checks, as Brazil has recently been testing new temperature screening systems since May.

Chile: Not Open for Tourism

Chile is closed to all foreign tourists and currently has a nationwide curfew.

Colombia: Not Open for Tourism

Colombia closed its borders to foreign travelers in March and no international passenger flights are expected until at least August 31st.

Update Aug 26: A new government decree has stated land borders will remain closed until Oct 1. No word yet if this includes air borders as well.

Ecuador: Now Open

Ecuador resumed international flights with limited capacity on June 1st, 2020.

Entry Requirements

  • All arriving passengers are required to have the results of a negative PCR COVID test within the last 10 days before arrival.
  • If testing is not available in your country, you must sign a declaration that you agree to undergo testing in Ecuador upon arrival, and quarantine until results are ready

Peru: Not Open for Tourists

Peru is suffering from the largest outbreak of Covid-19 in Latin America only after Brazil. International flights to Peru should resume in October (2020), though the first passengers will likely be limited to foreign businesspeople, officials, and technicians. Traditional recreational tourism should return to Peru sometime between April and July 2021.

Uruguay: Not Open for Tourists

All borders are closed to foreign travelers until further notice

New Luxury Cruise Ship to Start Safe Sailing to the Galapagos Islands in September

(from Travel + Leisure / August 2020):  Because it’s operating exclusively in Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, the newly built Silver Origin has the green light to cruise – despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s No Sail Order.

With absolutely stunning looks, the new ship will add a bit more luxury to the eco-minded destination. The Silver Origin is scheduled to start sailing with passengers on Sept. 19, with a series of adventurous itineraries that offer lots of wildlife-watching moments. The 100-passenger vessel will have just 51 suites on board, all of which will come with private balconies. Many of them will also have stunning bathrooms that include tubs with ocean views. Amping up the luxury factor even more: Every stateroom gets butler service, to make sure your Champagne is topped up at all times.

The ship will also have two restaurants on board — descriptively named The Grill and The Restaurant — along with a number of lounges and the Basecamp, a departures hub for various expeditions, whether that’s a wildlife-watching trip by Zodiac or a paddle in the fleet of kayaks that the Origin has on hand. The ship also has a small gym, spa, and salon.

Itineraries take in some of the greatest hits of the Galápagos, including Bartolome Island (known for its penguins and snorkeling) and Santa Cruz (home of the Charles Darwin Research Station). In the coming months and years, Silversea says, the ship will make maiden calls in several lesser-visited places throughout the archipelago, including Santa Fe Island.

Ecuador recently resumed, and arriving visitors to Ecuador are no longer required to undergo quarantine if they present negative COVID-19 test results,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Quito

Peru Announces Restart of Traditional Tourism for 2021

nternational flights to Peru should resume in October (2020), though the first passengers will likely be limited to foreign businesspeople, officials, and technicians.

Traditional recreational tourism should return to Peru sometime between April and July 2021, with the precise date depending on the levels of contagion in Peru is at that time.

A campaign to encourage domestic tourism will officially begin on September 27 within the framework of “International Tourism Day.”

Ecuador to Begin Tentative Tourist-Facility Re-openings

Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee (COE) has approved several pilot programs for the reopening of selected tourism facilities throughout the country.

On August 21, 2020, the governmental body authorized trail phases for the incremental reopening of Papallacta hot springs (a resort area to the east of Quito), in addition to hot springs, swimming pools, and other water-activity areas in Baños, Ecuador. 

In addition, a protocol was approved regarding the resumption of competitive soccer clubs

Is it Safe to Travel to the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most secure places in the world in terms of personal safety and health. To preserve the archipelago, the islands were declared a National Park back in 1959. In 1969, the Galapagos Islands started receiving a steady flow of tourism. This ultimately meant that processes and directives needed to be implemented and improved, helping travelers enjoy the Galapagos Islands with an unparalleled degree of safety.

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Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Travel Requirements (8/18/2020)

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Travel Requirements (8/18/2020)

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On August 15, the Ecuadorian government published new protocols for international travelers entering the country. The objective is to reactivate the tourism sector while guaranteeing the safety of its citizens as well as foreign visitors.

New protocols for international arrivals by air

The highlights of the new entry protocol to Ecuador are the following.

  • All persons arriving in the country must present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 10 days before entering the country. As long as these travelers do not show symptoms of COVID, they do not need to comply with a mandatory preventive isolation period.
  • Travelers who do not have an international PCR test must take a PCR test on arrival (or where they are staying) at their own expense, and then proceed with isolation in temporary accommodations to await the results. If the test results are negative, they can continue their journey.
  • Travelers who show symptoms of COVID upon arrival in Ecuador must undergo a PCR test, at their own cost, and proceed to isolation even if they present a negative PCR test at the airport of entry.
  • Incoming travelers who test positive must comply with 10 days of mandatory preventive isolation in their accommodations until they are asymptomatic before they can continue their trip.
  • All travelers must fill out a “Declaration of State of Health Form” and deliver it upon arrival to staff members of the Ministry of Health, who will also verify symptoms. The protocols apply to citizens of all countries and flights arriving from any destination. Travelers under the age of 18 are considered a priority group and do not need to have negative PCR tests.

Subsequent trips to the Galapagos Islands

  • The following are the requirements for trips to the Galapagos Islands: Travel insurance with medical coverage
  • A certificate indicating a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of a traveler’s flight
  • A safe-conduct pass issued by the traveler’s tour operator or hotel at least 24 hours before arrival in the country
  • The Galapagos Traffic Control Card, completed online at least 24 hours before the traveler’s flight
  • An electronic boarding pass

Travelers can use their negative international PCR test certificate to travel to the islands provided it is issued 96 hours prior to entry into the islands.

Please note that although travelers under 18 are not required to have a PCR test to enter Ecuador, the rules for entering Galapagos DO REQUIRE this test for children under 12 years of age.

When flying to the Galapagos Islands, all travelers go through temperature controls and disinfection footbaths, and they are requested to regularly wash their hands with disinfectants as well required to wear masks at all times. Luggage is disinfected before and after its inspection by the Galapagos biosecurity and quarantine control agency. Commercial flights connecting the islands resumed on August 3, and the first guests have been served by the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel and the La Pinta Yacht. If you have any comments, questions, or would like to request our complete biosafety protocols and measures, please contact us at Surtrek.

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Galapagos Islands Governmental Travel Requirements

Galapagos Islands Governmental Travel Requirements

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(Quito / August 4, 2020):In light of the world Covid-19 pandemic,Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism has issued a series of travel requirements designed to protect travelers seeking to visit the Galapagos Islands, as well as residents of the islands. These requirements — for international visitors and Ecuadorian travelers alike — consist of the following:

FOREIGN TOURISTS: REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS*

All foreign tourists traveling to Galapagos will meet the following requirements:

  • Personal travel documents (valid passport, etc.)
  • A negative result of an RT-PCR test performed in your country of origin up to 7 days before arrival in Ecuador. (Tests not required for minors)
  • RT-PCR test performed upon arrival in Ecuador at the Quito or Guayaquil airport, paid for by the tourist. The tourist will remain in Quito or Guayaquil until receiving a negative result of this test, which will enable them to then enter the Galapagos Islands.
  • Safe-conduct pass issued in the tourist’s name by the tourist services provider in the Galapagos Islands.
  • “Traveler’s Health Declaration” form, with an indication of the tourist’s place of stay in continental Ecuador and in the Galapagos Islands [this form will be filled upon arrival in the country].
  • Mandatory health insurance.
  • Payment of established fees to enter Ecuador’s Galapagos Province and the Galapagos National Park.

ECUADORIAN RESIDENTS: REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS*

All Ecuadorian residents traveling to the Galapagos Islands must meet the following requirements:

  • Personal travel documents (national ID card: a “cedula”).
  • A negative result of an RT-PCR test carried out up to 96 hours before entering the Galapagos Islands.

(tests not required for minors).

  • Safe-conduct pass issued in the traveler’s name by the tourist services provider in the Galapagos Islands.
  • “Traveler Health Declaration” form, with an indication of the traveler’s place of stay.
  • Payment of established fees to enter Galapagos Province and the Galapagos National Park.

(*) Travel agencies, operators, hotels, and other tourist service providers must inform the tourist of the requirements and details regarding the guidelines for entering the Galapagos prior to their trip.
Surtrek’s Approach to Covid-19

Surtrek’s Approach to Covid-19

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We at Surtrek continue to liaise closely with global health authorities and government agencies. In addition to the government advice, we remain in close contact with our own agents on the ground in affected destinations to get first-hand information and insights.

Our team will be in contact directly with any guests planning to travel next year or in the next several months, in addition to those who remain on vacation.

If you have any concerns regarding forthcoming travel arrangements, please contact one of our Surtrek Travel Consultants.

SOUTH AMERICA PREPARES FOR SAFE & GRADUAL

TRAVEL RE-OPENING

Quito’s Illa Hotel: Taking pro-active measures
Quito’s Illa Hotel: Taking pro-active measures

As Ecuador prepares to slowly re-open — carefully and in line with the advice of renowned national and international health authorities — Surtrek and its hospitality service providers have already begun taking measures that will serve to protect clients traveling throughout South America, including mainland Ecuador and our Galapagos Islands.

As an example of the detailed and exacting measures now being put in place in the country, Surtrek wishes to share those adopted by one of our partner hotels: Illa Experience Hotel, a luxury hotel based here in Quito.

We hope that by reviewing this detailed list of precautions being taken by our partner, the comfort level will be increased for those considering to travel to South America in the not-so-distant future.

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Biosafety and Sanitation Measures

Biosafety and Sanitation Measures

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A. MAIN CONCEPTS

  1. Every operation process such as check-in, cleaning of rooms and facilities, experiences, etc.) has been adapted, taking into account the Biosecurity measures necessary to prevent any disease.
  2. Use of Thermometer: any individual who enters the hotel will be measured the temperature with the use of an infrared thermometer (at a distance from the guest). The registration will be made in the Hotel Biosafety Log.
  3. Health form: the completion of this form is mandatory and it will be required to be carried out before the arrival of the guest at the property.
  4. Collaborators: our staff will be constantly reinforced, encouraged, and reminded about hygiene measures and respiratory labels, in addition:
    • Daily controls of temperature and state of health of our collaborators will be made at the time of entry and exit. The registration will be made in the blog of collaborators of Biosecurity of the Hotel.
    • Our staff will be submitted to periodical tests that provide a certificate of the health status of the collaborator.
    • The hotel will provide all the Bio Security implements (masks, gloves, etc.), additionally, a jumpsuit for external use will be given to each collaborator, upon entering the hotel, the jumpsuit will be removed.
    • Our staff’s uniform will remain in the hotel, and the external washing company will carry out the corresponding load. Said company is currently in the process of obtaining a Biosafety protocols certification
  5. Check-in: there is a Bio-Security Manual which details the measures to be considered as shown below:
    • Alcohol + Gel will be provided during the welcoming.
    • The temperature will be measured when entering the hotel.
    • Guest luggage will go through a Fog Tunnel.
    • When providing the welcoming towels, these will be opened in front of the guest, since these will come from the laundry company, completely sealed and gone through its respective biosafety process – the use of tweezers for handling towels is mandatory – once the towels are used, they are to be put immediately in the designated laundry cover for this. In the same way, the tweezers will be disinfected with antiseptic alcohol and disposable paper which will go in the metal disinfection machine found in the front desk.
    • Presentation of the housekeeper in charge of cleaning the rooms. This person will accompany the guest through the entire stay of the reservation – from check-in until check out. Said person will be designated for the exclusive management of the stay of the guests, including room cleaning, shoe cleaning, luggage removal, laundry service.
    • Guests will be given slippers as soon as they arrive at the hotel for use at the hotel.
    • At the end of the check-in process, our staff will comply with the internal procedures of properly washing your hands, placing disinfectant gel on your hands.We will continue with the form where guests fill in their previous origin and destinations before arriving in Ecuador. Additionally, they fill in questions about medical symptoms (headache, general discomfort, fever, cough, etc.). These forms are in the guest rooms.
  6. Shoe Shine: it will be freely available every time guests arrive at our house, however, the protocol has been modified to disinfect footwear.
  7. Laundry service: it will be carried out by the personnel in charge, that said, upon the arrival of the guests, an exclusive person will be appointed to handle the laundry.
  8. Galleries or Floors: Our stations will continue, one per floor, in front of the elevator.
    • Station with disinfectant gel dispensers; antiseptic alcohol and disposable paper.
    • Alkaline beverage station; hot water, sliced ​​lemon with ice in its appropriate container, napkins, and cups.
    • Disinfection with Ozone Nebulizers in Public Areas – one per Gallery.
  9. Rooms: We will continue including Antibacterial Soap and Gel within the amenities in the bathrooms of every room. In addition, instructions on the correct handwashing commissioned by the WHO are placed in visible areas, but restricting the possibility of manipulation.
    • Special Coverages: Foods high in alkalinity will be provided, such as welcoming coverages.
  10. 24-Hour Medical Service: We continue to work with our Home Healthcare Provider, if necessary, the provider will be contacted and within 30 minutes the guest will receive medical assistance.
  11. Documentation within the Room: With the implementation of technology, we will proceed to adapt welcome letters, restaurant menus, spa menus, snack bar menus, and everything that involves handling stationery and item handling in general.
  12. Tea Station Service: We will continue to provide it, but this time we will proceed to place it outside every room or, in effect, inside it.
  13. Experiences Service: We will continue providing it, however, it will be carried out with a distance of 1.5 meters between guests and artisans. Depending on the number of guests, it will be handled by groups and at different times. The Biosecurity protocol will be reinforced with the artisan upon arrival and the utensils used by them will be meticulously disinfected.

B. FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE IN THE RESTAURANT

A significant distance will be kept in order to carry out the service – if possible. In addition:

  • It will disinfect the areas before and after each service.
  • Hygiene protocols will be reinforced in the restaurant services, while all dishes will be served individually.
  • The BPM Good Manufacturing Practices manual will include Bio Security stockings.
  • Breakfasts like any other service that the guests receive from the restaurant and will be served in the different areas of the Hotel, providing guests exclusivity as they would not share nearby spaces. The spaces enabled will be:
  • The Restaurant halfway through the capacity.
  • Terrace with a view of the Virgen del Panecillo.
  • Garden
  • Water patio
  • In the same way, we will provide tables and chairs outside the room, so that guests receive their food service in the hallway, only if the guest wishes.
  • Rooms / Room Service

C. MAIN AREAS, ROOM AND AIR DISINFECTION

With the use of technological implements, the common areas and rooms of the hotel will be disinfected, both in the morning and at night.

The process of acquiring the following technological implements is beginning:

  • Ozone Machines: Ozone is considered, according to the World Health Organization, as the most efficient disinfectant against all kinds of microorganisms, including viral agents. In the hotel we will use ozone as part of the cleaning and disinfection of the rooms, it has the advantage that it acts very quickly and effectively against bacteria, viruses, fungi.
  • Sanitary-grade electrostatic sprayers: Electrostatic disinfection fights against preventable infections, it is the most widely used at the moment both in Ecuador and worldwide. This procedure will be repeated in Social Areas twice a day.
  • Ultraviolet lights: Ultraviolet light has been used for decades to sterilize objects and rooms, currently some countries or are using it to disinfect hospital rooms, in the hotel it will be used to disinfect keys, keyboards, office supplies, room stationery and surfaces at reception.
  • Footbaths: Sanitizing tray + mat, dry and wet (renewed every week) to disinfect boots and shoes. Effectiveness depends on concentration; there are certain concentrations found for COVID extinction – moist.
  • Fogging tunnel: The guest’s luggage will enter there and will be sanitized.

D. COVID FREE CERTIFICATION

Suppliers: We have started to contact suppliers about BIO Security measures that they are taking, and if it can be done through a certification, much better, especially to the laundry company and anti-pest company that disinfects the Hotel weekly.

E. PROTOCOL FOR ILLAS COLLABORATORS

Our staff will be constantly informed, reinforced, and encouraged by our hygiene measures and respiratory labels.

  1. Attention to the Guest: Without losing our characteristic charismatic and helpful essence, the following measures will be taken:
    • Avoid direct physical contact with guests, have a social distance of at least 1.5 meters apart.
    • Always have paper, alcohol, and antiseptic gel at the reception and on the floors.
    • Our staff will be provided with face masks to be used when required.
    • Staff handwashing log every two hours.
    • At the end of the service process, hands must be washed correctly prior to the use of disinfectant gel; especially after handling suitcases and / or any object in contact with the guest.
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • If any collaborator presents any symptom or is not feeling well, he/she must stay home and visit the doctor to present a certificate and diagnosis.
    • When coughing or sneezing, collaborators must cover their nose and mouth and use disposable paper to clean themselves and must discard it immediately, then proceed to wash their hands.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as a computer keyboard and pens.

F. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Protocol in case of a positive case at the hotel:

  • Immediately report to authorities.
  • The hotel has an Exclusive Area for quarantine if necessary, this Area is not located within the facilities, but its proximity allows it to be used
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Breaking News on COVID-19 | Surtrek South American Travel

Breaking News on COVID-19 | Surtrek South American Travel

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Surtrek Travel Information Regarding Coronavirus

With the recent and ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) people have many questions regarding safe travel in Ecuador and throughout South America. We at Surtrek, of course, recognize the increased uncertainty that this may be causing, and have prepared this information for our existing and prospective clients.

BREAKING NEWS

ECUADOR’s Quito Airport Tentatively Set to Open June 1: According to Airport World, Quito Airport has announced that it is working with the airlines and airport community to resume operations on June 1 if given the green light to do so by the Ecuadorian government. The airport, which notes that it has remained open and operational for cargo and repatriation flights for Ecuadorians and foreign nationals throughout the coronavirus crisis, reveals that it been preparing to “adapt to a new way of traveling, with new processes and protocols to care for passengers and airport collaborators” for the past few weeks.

PERU Lockdown Extended Till June 30: Peru’s government is extending its state of emergency and the national lockdown until June 30th Along with the extension of the state of emergency, the president also announced that a series of flexibility measures will be incorporated to aid in the country’s economic reactivation.

ARGENTINA’s Lockdown Extended Until June 7: Argentina has also announced an extension of their national lockdown until June 7th, while still allowing international commercial flights to enter the country.

CHILE Extends Quarantine Measures Till May 29th: Chile has extended all quarantine measures put in place until the May 29th and have already lifted the lockdown in Vitacura, Providencia and Las Condes. Santiago’s City Center and 2 neighborhoods in Antofagasta will remain under lockdown until further notice.

Home-Country Advisories

Though the Covid-19 pandemic seems now to be slowing, most governments continue to advise against all non-essential travel worldwide – which, of course, includes travel to mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and all other countries in South America.

For your country’s official advisory related to travel to South America during the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit one of the following English-language websites:

Ecuador Leader in Heath Protocol

(Quito/ August 25, 2020): Ecuador is the first country in South America to be officially recognized and certified for its health-security protocols for tourist operations. The certification, known worldwide as “Safe Travels,” was awarded by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Even prior to this recognition, since August 15, the mandatory quarantine of travelers arriving in the country was suspended as visitors have been required to provide a negative PCR test for Covid-19 from their country of origin.

What’s more, because Ecuador’s main attractions are natural and historic tourism sites that operate in a sustainable manner, social distancing is not a problem for small groups and individual travelers. What this means is that Ecuador is an ideal destination for post-COVID-19 travel.

For these reasons, tourists can now arrive with increasing confidence of being able to enjoy the natural wonders of Ecuador in a safe and secure environment!

USA Lifts Restriction On Some Travel Abroad

(CNN Español – August 7, 2020) — The United States Department of State partially lifted a global coronavirus travel alert on Thursday, but still recommends its citizens not to travel to 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Previously, on March 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” global alert — the highest travel notice in the country — urging Americans not to travel abroad because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Currently, “With health and safety conditions improving in some countries, and potentially deteriorating in others, the Department is reverting to our previous system of country-specific travel advice levels (with levels 1-4 depending on the country-specific conditions) to give travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions, “the State Department indicated.

The Latin American and Caribbean countries that are still at “Do Not Travel” level 4 alert are:

  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • French Guiana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Peru
  • Dominican Republic
  • Venezuela

Other places in the region at in Level 3 of travel advice, which recommends travelers “reconsider the trip”:

  • Antigua y Barbuda
  • Aruba
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Chile
  • Curazao
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Grenada
  • Jamaica
  • Paraguay
  • Santa Lucia
  • San Vicente y las Granadinas
  • Surinam
  • Trinidad y Tobago
  • Uruguay

The Galapagos Islands Establish Re-opening Measures to Ensure Traveler Safety

With Galapagos Islands tourism operations set to reopen on July 1, the islands’ have organized a set of guidelines for ensuring the safety of travelers during their entry, stay and exit from the world-famous archipelago. Measures at island airports include the presence of health professionals who will perform temperature control and pose respiratory triage questions upon arrival of all flights. Passengers will also be required to present proof of a real-time PCR COVID test performed no more than 72 hours prior to landing. In addition, island professionals will carry out epidemiological follow-up and investigations of any suspicious respiratory symptoms or suspected cases of COVID-19.

Travelers in Argentina Required to Re-book with Different Airline as LATAM Suspends Domestic Flights

The Latam airline is suspending all domestic flights in Argentina until further notice, meaning that most domestic flights in that country will be booked with Aerolineas Argentinas. Therefore, any travelers who have already booked a domestic flight(s) with Latam must request a refund and reschedule their flights with Aerolineas Argentinas.

Surtrek Adopts International Travel Protocols

To achieve effective coronavirus recovery protocols, Surtrek tour operator is implementing the action plans developed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). These concrete measures optimize recovery efforts in the tour operator sector so that the future of travel is safe, secure, seamless, and provides authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. As it has been noted, these WTTC protocols are consistent with those recommended within Ecuador.

Resumption of Commercial Passenger Flights in Ecuador

The resumption of regular commercial passenger flights at Ecuador airports has now been approved by government authorities. While each airline is being allowed only 30% of their previously assigned frequencies, limited demand is also expected for these flights as they reinitiate operations.

The restart commercial flights at Ecuador principal airports are as follows:

Quito airport: International and domestic flights re-starting June 1, 2020.

Guayaquil airport: International flights re-starting June 1, 2020, domestic flights reopening June 15, 2020.

However, all travelers arriving in Ecuador must comply with protocols such as Mandatory Preventive Isolation (up to 14 days of uninterrupted quarantine upon arrival in Ecuador) and/or coronavirus “PCR” testing within 72 hours prior to their trip.

Galapagos Islands Tourism Resuming July 1 (El Comercio)

Ecuadorian government officials, when noting that the Galapagos Islands are free of covid-19, announced that tourism activities will be able to restart from on July 1, 2020 in those Ecuadorian islands. However, the country’s vice president stressed that that the safety, hygiene and distancing protocols will continue to be enforced throughout the archipelago.

Initial Flights Restarted in Quito, Ecuador

Quito International Airport resumed operations on commercial passenger flights on Monday, June 1, applying strict sanitary security protocols. The first international connections with the Quito airport are Miami and Houston, operated by American Airlines and United Airlines.

Several other international airlines have already submitted proposals for dates to resume their operations at the Quito airport beginning in July.

Still, passengers are being recommended to take their flight in the safest and most efficient ways:

  • Buy your flights through airline websites and travel agencies. Air tickets are not being sold at airports.Check in online to avoid processes and save time in the terminal.
  • Check in online to avoid processes and save time in the terminal.
  • Only passengers with a confirmed flight presenting a boarding pass or flight ticket may enter the terminal. The entry of family or companions is prohibited.
  • Arrive at the airport four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic flights.