Galápagos & Ecuador Pre-Departure Travel and Packing Information

Note: Local Time Zone is GMT-5 on mainland Ecuador and GMT-6 in the Galapagos

The information outlined here is vital to your trip. Please read all information carefully and let us know if you have any questions. 

We tried these travel essentials and we love them! We're sharing our top picks with you:

• Drinking water. Do not drink municipal tapwater even when brushing your teeth unless you are told it is filtered. Some airports and hotels may have filtered water.. After searching (and trying) filters galore, we found a great water filter for travelers. And. We scored a discount for our groups. CLICK HERE to read more and buy if you choose to. 
• Travel Insurance can be complicated and may require the services of a trained agent. We like SQUAREMOUTH because you can choose to get an anonymous free quote online or you can talk to a human by phone. CLICK HERE for more details.
• What is a Kula Cloth? An anti-microbial cloth for anyone who squats to pee. That's right. CLICK HERE to get the scoop!
• Useful "sack" for travelers. This lightweight, airtight bag has more functions than a swiss-army knife! CLICK HERE to read more.

Galapagos Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Declaration Document

Every passenger arriving in Galapagos Islands must show proof that they filled out the declaration. The purpose of this form is for you to legally declare that you are not intentionally or accidentally bringing in biological materials that could contaminate the endemic environment. The form will ask you to provide your passport info, phone number, email address and flight details to Galapagos. There are 2 ways to prepare the form:

1. Bring a pen on the flight from the mainland to Galapagos and fill out a paper document on board the flight. Show the paper form on arrival.

2. Fill out an electronic version of the document online and take a screenshot. You can do it on your phone or home computer as long as you know how to use the snipping tool and print the final page. To do this in Ecuador, your phone needs to be connected to the internet and you need to know your flight info from the mainland to the Islands. It's possible to open the link and complete the declaration weeks or even months before your trip as long as you have the flight info available. (we don't advise filling this document out too far in advance if there's any chance your flights could change.)Then, you need to store the screenshot and show it on the day you arrive in the Galapagos..If you have any issues, bring a pen and fill out the paper on the flight.
Here's the link to the online declaration.

CDC Health Advice for Travelers to Ecuador including Galapagos Islands

Printable Documents

Ecuador & Galapagos Pre-Departure Info (this page in a printable format)

Ecuador & Galapagos Packing List

Learn More About:

Additional Expenses

Travel Insurance Requirement

Airport Check-In Procedures

Airport Transfers

Luggage Weight Limitations

Ban on Palsatics in the GPS

Luggage Storage

Medical Attention & Availablity

Hotels

Pick-up Times

Island Boat Transfers

Humboldt Season

Snorkeling & Boat Tours

Cash & Banks

Communication & Phones

Guide Service & Gratuities

Traveling with Children

Additional Expenses

The national currency of Ecuador and the Islands is the US Dollar (USD). We recommend that you carry a minimum of $350 cash on hand for the following expenses plus extra cash for some meals or incidentals. It is necessary to have this cash in hand before departing the airport in Quito or Guayaquil for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. 

$20 per person - Galápagos Visitors Card (purchased at the airport in UIO or GYE)

*This card must be presented for both legs of round-trip flights

$200 per adult/ age 12 and over / $100 per child under age 12 -Galápagos National Park Fee (paid upon arrival in the islands)

*Have cash in USD in hand upon arrival.

$5-10 per person -Isabela Island Entrance Fee (paid upon arrival by boat to Isabela Island)

*Have cash in USD available upon arrival.

$1-2 per person per ride - Water Taxis/Baltra Airport bus (2-3 rides per person)

*The cost is usually included in our trips. But if you're setting up extra activities on your own, just be aware.  Water taxis are small boats that transport passengers between the dock and the bigger boat used for your activity. The ride ia 5-10 minutes.

Travel Insurance Requirements

↠ We advise all travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering all costs associated with their trip. Adios Adventure Travel does not refund any portion of any payment for any reason including but not limited to, financial loss due to strikes, government actions, war, a national or global crises of any kind, evacuation and treatments for medical emergencies, delays, air or ground ambulance services, and repatriation. Adios Adventure Travel & its representatives and partners do not insure trips. If you don't arrive as scheduled or if you depart early, there is no refund for any portion of your trip, for any reason. The only option to recover any of your investment is to file a claim with your insurance provider. We will gladly assist with any documents needed.

↠ You are free to choose any travel insurance provider including, but not limited to:

• Squaremouth Travel Insurance (all purchases made through this affiliate link provide a small commission to Adios Adventure Travel)

• InsureMyTrip.com - online resource for comparing policies 

• Your credit card or health insurance provider may offer benefits during travel. Call your provider to find out what your options are. During the world-wide pandemic, cardholders learned that many credit card companies had exclusions for epidemics and claims were rejected. 

  Link to Adios Adventure Travel Cancellation and Refund Policy

Airport Check-In Procedures

We may book flights for our groups as a courtesy and to ensure continuity of the trip. We are not responsible for any changes made by airlines. it's not necessary to pre-print anything before your trip to Galapagos unless you are booking your own flights. We will schedule a pre-trip briefing for every group in Quito, usually at 18:00 the day before you fly to Galapagos. The only exception to this is if you arrive Quito airport too late, it may be better to stay at a hotel near the airport. In this case you will meet our local tour leader at the airport on the morning of your flight to Galapagos. Or if you are on a customized tour, we will let you know when your briefing is. Before you depart for your trip, we provide you with the contact numbers to reach our in-country team using WHATSAPP.. We recommend that you send test text message about 3-4 days prior to departing for your trip. If you have any concerns about your pre-flight procedure to fly to Galapagos, and need advice, let them know before you travel. Once you are in Quito, they will provide assistance at the briefing and at the Quito airport.

↠ Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled domestic departure, earlier if your group has more than 4 people or is traveling internationally. Flights to other countries within the continent of South America are considering international flights and immigration and customs policies apply.

↠ Bottled water is permitted on domestic flights. This means there is no restriction on the size of containers with liquids. However, it's still adviseable to pack light.

Before you check-in for your flights to the islands, you must complete 2 steps:

In UIO airport, the counters are located just to the right as you enter the doors of the National flights section of the airport. If you're booked on one of our trips, our local tour leader will assist you.

1 - Migration Control/Transit (Galapagos Visitor) Card 

“Consejo de Gobierno del Régimen Especial de Galápagos” - The local tour leader will assist our groups with this at the airport. If you're on your own, you can do an online pre-registration. CLICK HERE FOR LINK. Visit this counter to get the migration control card (Visitor Card under Additional Expenses) - also called “Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito”. Show the card for both legs of round trip flight

2 - INGALA - Visit this counter to get luggage x-rayed.

Note: Your group can split up and complete both tasks simultaneously. One person or group can take all passports and $20 per person and get visitor cards while another person or group takes the luggage/backpacks to be x-rayed. 

Once both steps are completed, go to check-in for your flight. 

Also Note: You may not bring fresh fruits, vegetables or seeds to Galapagos.

Check-In Counter / Luggage X-Ray Entrance in Quito 

 Airport Transfers

↠ Before you arrive in Quito we will confirm in advance if the airport transfer to your hotel in Quito is included. It's usually included if we are reserving your hotel on the day you arrive. Many groups choose to arrive Quito one day early to allow a buffer in case their international flight is delayed. Let us know if you want us to reserve the same hotel. If your international flight is delayed, you may need to take a taxi at your expense unless you can contact our local tour leader for assistance. The Wyndham hotel at Quito airport has a shuttle that runs every 30 minutes. Most hotels in the city center can arrange private airport transfers with advance notice. 

↠ Unless you are told otherwise, all airport transfers are included for your domestic flights to and from the Galapagos or Jungle.

↠ Im some cases, you may be responsible to arrange the transfer for your departing flight (to Galapagos or international flights). Contact the hotel front desk the night before, to arrange the transport (at your expense)

↠ The Quito airport does not have free public wifi in the terminal. However there may be public wifi at some departure gates. VIP Priority Pass Members and Platinum Amex card holders may find free wifi at the Layover Stay Lounge, VIP Domestic Lounge or VIP International Lounge

Luggage Weight Limits For Commercial Flights - (Inter-Island luggage limits only applies to people flying small aircraft between the islands)

↠ Flights between the Ecuador mainland and the islands are commercial flights. The weight limit for checked bags is 50lbs/23kg, and the limit for your personal bags is 17lbs/8kg. We do not recommend bringing bags over 22lb/10kg due to the logistics of moving around on the islands. It is necessary for you to hand carry your bags to board boats, use local ground transport and up stairs. 

↠ When choosing bags for your trip to the Galapagos Islands or other short multi-day destinations in Ecuador, keep in mind that it will be necessary to hand-carry your luggage at various stages. Soft sided backpacks and duffle bags are the best choice if possible. Hard cases with wheels are the least ideal because they are awkward to hand-carry and their rigid shape is not suited to the stack well in boat hulls. 

↠ The flights we book include the following luggage allowance unless you're instructed otherwise: 
-1 bag or small personal backpack up to 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm (height x length x width 17.8 x 13.7 x 7.8 in) which must be placed under the front seat.
-1 carry-on bag not to exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (height x length x width 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches). The maximum allowed weight is 10 kg (22 lb)

↠ Please note that we always recommend arriving 2 days prior to any scheduled departure ( to Galapagos or Jungle excursions) to allow time for luggage to arrive in case your international fight is delayed. If your luggage is delayed and you depart the next day, you will likely not receive it in time.

↠ Galapagos Inter-island flights are via a small air taxi and have a weight limit of 25 lbs/11.5 K per person for 1 checked bag and carry-on combined. If your luggage is overweight, you may be charged $2 USD per pound or more, and the airline reserves the right to send luggage on a later flight.

 Avoid Single-use Plastic Bottles in the Galapagos

↠ Avoid single-use plastics like bags, straws, styrofoam, & bottles

↠ Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the hotel.or Quito airport. Use for drinking water and for brushing your teeth.

↠ Bring your own extra bags for dirty clothes, shoes, etc.

 Luggage Storage 

↠ If you are booked at a hotel in Quito city center, you can store excess luggage at the hotel while you are in the Galápagos. When you return from Galapagos Islands to Quito, we include an overnight at the same hotel where your luggage is stored. However if you choose to fly home from Quito on the same night you return from Galapagos, we can arrange a private vehicle to bring your excess luggage to you at the Quito airport. The cost is around $30 USD and you can pay your driver directly. Please coordinate this extra service in advance so we know to schedule it. Note that we cannot accept any responsibility for the misplacement of any personal articles whilst on your travels. Naturally, we will endeavor to reunite you with your misplaced items but please bear in mind that logistics may not always be favorable for the return of articles. Please buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers loss of luggage as well as everything else.

 Medical Attention, Health & Emergency Flight Availability

↠ Given the remote location of the Galápagos Islands, medical and health services are very basic and severely limited. Access to even basic medical care may be at least 48 hours away. Serious injury or illness are best treated on the Ecuadorian mainland. Regulations to preserve the environmental integrity of the islands and local permissions required to permit aircraft to land in Baltra or San Cristobal may delay air ambulance flights, even in the case of serious medical emergencies.

 Hotels

↠ There are few luxury hotels on the islands. All hotels are at least partially locally owned and operated. All hotels endeavor to provide hot water, breakfast buffet, fans, limited air conditioning, and assistance when needed. Hair dryers are kept at the front desk not in the rooms. 

↠ Hotels where you have more than 1 overnight in the same location can send out laundry. This is a good strategy to help you pack light. 

↠ All Hotels offer breakfast. However, if your tour pick-up is too early, the hotel may provide a boxed breakfast. If breakfast is missed at the hotel prior to departure, it may be necessary for you to purchase breakfast at your own expense upon arrival at your destination. When possible, the hotel at your destination may provide breakfast to you, but it is not guaranteed. 

↠ Hotel outlets are compatible with US outlets. Most devices today are compatible with 110v or 220v. However, If you have a 3-prong plug, you should travel with an adaptor to use a 2-prong outlet. 

 Pick-Up Times for Tours & Inter-Island Flights (Air Taxi)

↠ Pick up times for tours are confirmed locally the night before each tour. Note that there can be delays (10-15 minutes) as the bus goes to many hotels. Your patience is appreciated.

↠ Departure times for inter-island flights will be confirmed the day before the flight. 

 Island Boat Transfers

↠ Speedboat transfers between Santa Cruz, Isabela Island, and San Cristobal take about 2-2.5 hours. When checking in for the boat transfer, your luggage will be searched and locked with a zip tie that will be removed upon arrival at the next island.

↠ Take a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen from your backpack to be available during the ride.

↠ Although there is a toilet onboard, it is best to go before you board.

↠ Take oral seasickness medication at least 30-45 minutes before the ride (or as indicated by the instructions).Avoid eating right before the boat trip.

↠ Before you take the inter-island speedboats, they will check your luggage for plants and seeds, and check that your shoes are not sandy. Please wash the sand or dirt off of your shoes the night before to avoid delays.

Humboldt Season

↠ The Humboldt Season begins in June and ends in December.

↠ During the Humboldt Season, seas can be rougher. We recommend you bring seasickness patches or pills to use before you board the boats, especially if you are prone to seasickness. It is better to sit in the back, although you may get wet. Staring at the horizon is a simple strategy that may alleviate the severity of seasickness.

↠ The Humboldt Current can bring cooler temperature waters.. Most people don't need a wetsuit for snorkeling unless they're going to Los Tuneles where underwater geologic formations have rough or sharp surfaces. In this case, a (shorty) wetsuit is provided.. If you think you may need a wetsuit for other occasions, let us know. The wind may be more noticeable, and nights can be cool enough to wear a light sweater or windbreaker.

 Snorkeling and Boat Tours

↠ Snorkeling gear will be pre-loaded in the boats. Towels, masks, fins, snorkels, and wetsuits when required. This is why we ask for your sizing in advance. We always try to include extra small or extra large masks.

↠ Pack a waterproof bag or ziploc bag to bring on the boats for small items you want to keep dry. (Check out SCRUBBA dry bag or backpack for secure waterproof protection)

↠ Items left on the boat may get wet while you’re snorkeling as other passengers are entering and exiting the boats. 

↠ You may bring your own sarong or travel towel. 

 Cash and Banks

↠ ATMs and banks are located in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, however, seldom work properly.

↠ Isabela Island has NO cash machines or banks. (although we have heard an ATM is planned.)

↠ We recommend bringing cash in small denominations from the mainland.  (Reminder. Ecuador currency is US Dollar)

↠ Few restaurants accept credit or debit cards. We recommend you ask them before you are seated.

 Communications & Phones

↠ Although WiFi may be offered, it is subject to interruptions and this is beyond the control of anyone.

↠ Even if you have international texting and cell phone service, we have found that delivery of texts and messages can be delayed and dumped into your device at the same time.

↠ Guides have local phone service, but they are subject to the same gaps and interruptions.

↠ Expect to be “off the grid.”

 Guide Service & Recommended Gratuities

↠ Pick-up times for group tours are estimates, and you may have to wait 10-15 minutes for the bus to reach your hotel. Please be patient, and do not panic if the bus is late. It will be there soon!

↠ There are 3 kinds of guide service:

Transferistas - Local guides who will manage your logistics and escort you between activities

Naturalist Guides - Guides who accompany groups into the National Park

Specialist Guides - Guides trained for specific activities like snorkeling or scuba

Tipping in the Galapagos is not expected. Feel free to tip for excellent service, but do not feel obligated to tip anyone. They do not look at tipping in the Galapagos like we do in the US. They are being paid for their services, so they do not expect payment beyond that. If you’d like to tip, the following table contains recommendations for gratuities, but please note that these tips are suggestions only and should be adjusted based on your level of satisfaction.

Note:Guide Service in the Galápagos is different from the guide service in Peru. For travelers who are visiting both Machu Picchu and the Galápagos, you may enjoy the benefit of having the same guide with you for all activities in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. However, in the Galápagos, your guide may change from island to island, and each activity could be supervised by a specialist guide. The language skills of local guides in the Galápagos are generally less developed than those in Peru. The Ecuadorian government establishes the rules for hiring guides which is why in some cases you could have more than one guide

Traveling with Children

↠ Please note the following safety precautions available for children on day boat trips:

Boats departing San Cristobal will offer child-sized life jackets, short masks that cover the nose and eyes, fin sizes US 9-13 and 14-18 (sizes vary by brand, so it may be better to bring your own fins), short wetsuit rentals, and a life preserver ring for children to hold on to while in the water.

Boats for tours to Tintoreras and Tunnels on the other 2 islands have masks (short face), fins, wetsuit, and life jackets for children. They also have floating rings. Of course, you can bring your own. It's hard to know if everything will fit perfectly - even for adults, it can be a challenge. This is why we ask you to provide sizing information before you travel.