Faqs

Toll Free: 877. 385. 1433
Local: 858. 385. 1433
Fax: 858. 385. 1484
Email: info@wildlife-vacations.com

Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands – Travel Information

1) How do I book my cruise and my land extension package(s)?

To book, please call our San Diego office, toll-free, at (877) 385-1433 and
speak with a Destination Specialist.
If you are outside the U.S., please call (858) 385-1433 and speak with a Destination Specialist.

2) Do I need a passport, visa or other documents?

If you are a U.S. citizen, a valid U.S. passport is required to enter and depart Ecuador. Your passport must be valid for at least an additional six months beyond your date of arrival in Ecuador and have no less than half of one blank page remaining. Passengers must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. U.S. citizens traveling on regular passports do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. Those planning a longer visit must obtain an Ecuadorian visa in advance of arrival. Allow yourself sufficient time to have your application processed, if you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport. Refer to www.state.gov for further details.
In addition, passengers 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate at http://www.ecuador.org for information on travel documentation requirements.

3) Do I need vaccinations to travel to Ecuador?

If you are coming from the U.S., you are advised to consult http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check your local government authorities regarding requirements on vaccinations for travel to Ecuador.

4) What airport do I fly into and out of on the Ecuadorian mainland?

ARRIVAL: You will fly into the Quito International Airport (UIO) or the Guayaquil International Airport (GYE) on your arrival day. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in the late evening.

DEPARTURE: On the final day of the adventure, you will fly out of the Quito International Airport (UIO) or the Guayaquil International Airport (GYE). Your flights to and from the Galapagos Islands will be booked and confirmed by us, at the time of the confirmation of your cruise.

5) Are transfers in Quito or Guayaquil included if I book my hotels and other land arrangements on my own?

No. Transfers on the Ecuadorian mainland are only included if you book the pre/post cruise land arrangements through Wildlife Vacations, Inc.

6) Can I extend my vacation beyond the proposed itinerary?

Yes, you may stay in Ecuador before or after the proposed itinerary. Extended stays are available at special rates, if booked through Wildlife Vacations, Inc. Please contact a Destinations Specialist for further information.

7) How will our party travel between destinations?

Your party will travel by motor coach, airplane or ship depending on the itinerary.

8) What is the climate like?

The Ecuadorian highlands, including Quito, have a much cooler climate than the rest of the country. Although temperatures vary with altitude, the average summer temperature in Quito is about 61°F (16°C) and tends to be on the chilly side at night. The central valley is generally spring-like all year, with temperatures reaching no higher than 66°F (19°C). In the coastal regions and the Galapagos Islands, temperatures average between 70 and 83°F (21 - 28°C) year ‘round, with low rainfall that usually occurs during the months of January through April. The sea temperature averages 65 to 75°F (18 - 24°C), making swimming ideal even in the afternoon. Snorkeling equipment is available on most ships for a rental fee.

9) How strenuous are the activities?

This is an active journey that includes walking on uneven surfaces and up and down irregular stairs. Activities include snorkeling and hiking. Bear in mind that many of the pre/post cruise packages on the Ecuadorian mainland is at altitudes between 9,000 - 12,000 feet (2,438 - 3,658 meters) above sea level.

10) What ages are appropriate for this adventure?

Due to restrictions with the Galapagos Islands cruises, children need to be at least 8 years old at the time of travel (unless previous arrangements are made for the cruise and a child’s release waiver form is signed by the parents). With Wildlife Vacations, Inc., children of almost any age may be allowed to travel. Consult one of our helpful Destination Specialists.

11) What type of meals are served on this trip?

Typically, breakfast is served buffet-style. Lunches and some dinners are also served buffet-style, while other dinners are offered on a menu basis. Dinners and lunches usually include fish, meat, chicken and pasta and rice entrées; soups and vegetables; desserts and fresh fruit, along with a chance to try delicious Ecuadorian specialties. While the menus have been planned to give you a taste of typical Ecuadorian cuisine, they are always balanced with a Continental fare. Children-friendly choices are available at all meals. Menu items are subject to change due to the availability and seasonality of foods.

12) Is alcohol included with meals?

Alcoholic beverages are typically not included with your scheduled meals; however, you may purchase them at your own expense.

13) Can you accommodate special dietary requests?

We will make a reasonable effort to accommodate special dietary requests at no additional charge. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate all special dietary needs requested. Please contact a Destinations Specialist, well in advance of your departure, to advise us of your request.

14) Are the Galapagos cruises appropriate for travelers with special needs?

Please note that all Galapagos cruises include activities that present certain challenges to passengers with special needs. Access to the vessels is by steep stairs. Passengers must be able to individually ascend and descend steep stairs in order to participate on the Galapagos cruise and specially the shore excursions. It is strongly recommended that passengers requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and responsible for providing assistance. Contact one of our Destination Specialists to discuss your needs. Note. Mainland Ecuador has very limited accessibility to wheelchairs and the Galapagos Islands, including the ships, are not wheelchair accessible.

15) What is the language and currency of Ecuador?

The primary language spoken in Ecuador is Spanish. Most people working in the tourism industry also speak English. You will also hear the indigenous language of Quechua spoken in some areas of the country. The monetary currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar. In Quito, ATM machines are available and credit or debit cards are usually accepted. Since ATMs are very scarce in the Otavalo Valley, the Galapagos and other regions, Passengers should be sure to carry cash and credit cards. There is a cashless system aboard the ship. For cash, carry mostly $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills and make sure they are in good condition. Your local guide can help you with currency issues or language barriers you may have.

16) Are tips included?

In general, tips are not included (unless specifically specified). Tips to the ship’s crew and naturalist guides are never included. A tipping suggestion page will be included with your final trip documents. This page is to be used only as a guideline.

Restaurant gratuities:

When eating at a restaurant, a gratuity or "service charge" of 10% is often included in the bill, but sometimes it does not reach your service provider(s). If you feel you had good and friendly service, it is customary to leave an additional 10%, which is always appreciated.

Baggage:

Please limit your baggage to one piece of luggage per person plus one carry-on. Due to frequent security changes, we recommend that you check with your air carrier as well as the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Web site http://www.tsa.gov for current restrictions. Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands restrict each passenger to no more than 44 lbs (20 kg) of luggage. If you are taking a carry-on piece of luggage with you, it must weigh no more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and the dimensions cannot exceed 24 x 15.5 x 8 in (61 x 39 x 20 cm). Passengers will be charged additional fees at the airport for overweight baggage. Any bags not needed on the islands can be left with the concierge at your hotel on the mainland and reclaimed when you return from the Galapagos.

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