Visas
Ecuador requires a valid passport issued by the traveler’s country of residence. A visa is not required. The traveler must also hold proof of return, or onward journey. The entrance permits for foreigners are valid for up to 90 days without a visa.
Health
Vaccinations are not required for entering the country. However, yellow fever vaccination is required to enter some Amazon jungle lodges. Because of the high altitudes in certain areas of continental Ecuador, travelers with particular heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult their doctors. It is advisable to drink bottled water everywhere.
Sun rays are very strong in the Galapagos Islands, do not forget to take with you enough sun block.
Time Zone
Ecuador is located at -5 GMT. The Galapagos Islands are -6 GMT, one hour behind Ecuador’s continental time.
Weather in the Galapagos Islands
The warmest months are from December to June. January to March can be hot and humid, but also mostly green at this time. July to November are cooler. The average year-round temperature is 24°C. (76F).
The islands are isolated, so the climate is, determined almost entirely by the ocean currents, which in turn are influenced by the trade winds which push the currents. The Galapagos is a major intersection of several currents, which vary in intensity during the year as their driving trade winds blow and then weaken in a cycle that gives two distinct seasons to the islands. These currents also control the pattern and variety of Galapagos plant and animal life.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Daily High ºC (ºF) | 29 (85) | 29 (85) | 31 (87) | 31 (87) | 27 (81) | 26 (79) | 25 (77) | 24 (76) | 24 (76) | 25 (77) | 26 (78) | 26 (79) |
| Daily Low ºC (ºF) | 22 (71.6) | 24 (76) | 24 (76) | 24 (76) | 22 (71.6) | 21 (69.8) | 20 (68) | 19 (66.2) | 19 (66.2) | 20 (68) | 21 (69.8) | 22 (71.6) |
| Sea Temp ºC (ºF) | 24 (75.2) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
24 (75.2) |
23 (73.4) |
22 (71.6) |
21 (69.8) |
22 (71.6) |
22 (71.6) |
23 (73.4) |
23 (73.4) |
| Rainfall mm (inch) | 68.6
(2.7) |
91.4
(3.6) |
94
(3.7) |
71.1
(2.8) |
33
(1.3) |
22.9
(0.90) |
15.2
(0.60) |
5.1
(0.20) |
5.1
(0.20) |
5.1
(0.20 |
7.6
(0.30) |
30.5
(1.20) |
| Wind factor | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
NOTE: WIND FACTOR SCALE: 1 – 2 (LIGHT) / 3 – 5 (MODERATE) / 6 -7 STRONG
Business Hours
In Quito and Guayaquil most stores, banks, businesses, and money exchanges are open from 9:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. On Saturday many stores and some businesses are opened from 9:00 to 13:00. Shopping Malls open daily including weekends from 10.00 to 20.00 hours and have some bank branch offices, ATMs and money exchange.
Photography and video
The unique wildlife sceneries, flora and fauna, will give you some of the best snapshots of your life. Make sure you bring a zoom lens for wildlife close-ups and at least 1 GB of memory is suggested. For analog photography you may need 100 ASA film for outdoor shots, 200 for cloudy days. A UV filter is necessary.
Check-in procedure at Quito or Guayaquil’s airport
If you have a transfer service included, the day before departure, you will need to reconfirm your pick-up time at your hotel or the meeting time at the AEROGAL/TAME counter. Check-in time is usually 2 HOURS before departure.
You will check need to check your luggage with the airline (TAME or AEROGAL) AFTER passing the INGALA (Transit Control Card) and SICGAL controls. For environmental reasons, your luggage will be checked for animals, seeds, plants, fruits, vegetables or anything that is forbidden on the Galapagos Islands. Luggage allowance is 20 kg suitcase p/p and a carry-on bag of 7kg p/p.
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by a representative of your cruise (normally the naturalist guide), who will take you to the ship, take care of your checked luggage and show you to your assigned cabin.
Luggage’s restrictions
The airline that operates to Galapagos, allows one piece of luggage per person no more than 30 kilos (approximately 60 pounds). We recommend you to take a soft sided bag as it will be easier to store into your cabin. Please lock your luggage during the flight.
What to pack for your Galapagos cruise adventure
We advise you to bring comfortable breathable clothes; shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, at least 2 pairs of tennis or hiking shoes, one to keep dry, others for wet landings, Teva-style sandals, personal medication, a good camera and plenty of memory sticks or film, sun block, sunglasses, binoculars, wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, plastic bags to protect the camera in wet landings.
Dry Landings and Wet Landings
On a dry landing, passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or onto a dock. Wet Landing means that the dinghy edges up onto a beach, where you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides.
Smoking policy on board the ships
It is forbidden to smoke inside the yachts or the vessel. Smoking is allowed ONLY on the sun decks.
Physical requirement for the cruise
We recommend that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails are difficult therefore elderly or disabled people may find them too hard. The passengers with difficulties must notify about their physical condition in order to make the necessary arrangements.
Paying expenses on board
Upon arrival, a bill will be opened for you. A limited number of boats accept credit cards, as is the case with Travellers Checks and Euros . All boats prefer payment in US Dollars cash.
Internet access availability
Internet is only available in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island).
