Ecuador Travel Guide
Recommended equipment
Documentation
Documentation pouch, passport (minimum validity of six months) and photocopy, airline ticket and photocopy, insurance policy and photocopy, Itinerary and emergency contact numbers, traveller’s cheques, credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), cash.
General Equipment
Camera, watertight camera, small travel alarm clock, sunglasses, water bottle, binoculars, diary, pencil, ziplock bags.
Medicines
Personal medications and antibiotics (please advice your travel agency if you have any important health problems or allergies), sea-sickness tablets, the strongest insect repellent that you can find (please do not bring aerosols, they are prohibited by the airline companies), biodegradable shampoo and soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, water-resistant sunblock, lip balm.
Clothing
Please contact us for this information, the clothes that we recommend you bring depend on the Ecuadorian regions that you will visit.
Luggage allowance
- There is a luggage allowance of 20 kilos (one piece of luggage) plus two small “carry-on” bags on flights to and from Galapagos and the rainforest. Any additional pieces can be stored at your hotel.
- The Ecuadorian airline TAME charges approximately US$2 for each extra kilo subject to space and weight availability.
- TAME flights do not always have enough overhead compartment space therefore your “carry-on” bags should be able to fit under your seat.
Currency and payments
- The unit of currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. Credit cards are accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard, but there is often a large service charge added on to the bill.
- Please check if all meals are included in your itinerary, additional drinks or alcoholic beverages must be paid for. On Galápagos cruises or in the rainforest lodges, you will find a card in your cabin where you are asked to note any extras that you have consumed - this is then charged to you at the end of your visit.
- What to tip is obviously determined by the quality of service that you have received. In the case of an excellent level of service we suggest USD$10 per person per day for the guide and USD$100 to be split between the crew or staff on cruises or at lodges. Please remember that these are only suggestions, the amount each person decides to tip is a totally personal decision.
Telephone service
- In Galapagos there are standard phone and cellular phone communication services available in Puerto Ayora. Once you have arrived on the Ecuadorian mainland, we recommend that you use calling cards.
- In Quito there are many Internet “Cyber-cafes” with e-mail and net-phone services; and in Puerto Ayora there are at least 3 Internet cafes.
Electricity
- American Household electricity of 110V AC (60 cycles). Please note that Europe uses a 50 cycle system, therefore if you are European, we recommend that you bring power-plug adapters that go from “round-to-flat”.
Vaccination
- Please check with your doctor before traveling to Ecuador about currently recommended vaccinations. To travel to the rainforest region you will need the yellow fever vaccination and certificate. Malaria tablets are recommended as a precaution in certain regions.
Previous preparation
- It is a good idea to prepare your self physically before your trip. We suggest that you walk or trek with your personal gear before coming so that you are sure that it fits well and is comfortable.
- Why not do some reading about Ecuador, there are many excellent books and videos available. Please contact us if you would like us to send you a list of recommended reading.
Ecuador travel tips
- Put your home address inside your case and your away address on a label outside.
- Carry the most important things in your hand luggage, such as prescription medicine, your itinerary with the address and phone number of your travel agent.
- Please bring only the necessary amount of luggage, you have to consider that in Ecuador there are many beautiful handicrafts to buy with excellent prices.
Contact and emergency details
Ecuador Nature Expeditions
Av. Francisco Hernández de Girón N35-192 y Av. República
P.O. BOX: 17-11-5091 Quito – Ecuador – South America
Telfax : (593-2) 224 1866
Mob : (593-9) 7732 692 • (593-9) 7731 267
E-mail:
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