When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

There really isn't a wrong time. Quito is spring like all year due to being on the equator at 8,000 feet; the rainy season is May through September. The Amazon is hot and humid all year and its rainy season parallels Quito but rains have a cooling and cleansing effect on the otherwise heavy air. The Galapagos has two seasons, one slightly cooler and less humid than the other but most animals are there and active all year.

Do I need a passport or visa to go to Ecuador?

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 period up to 90 days without a visa. We recommend all passengers check with respective authorities before departure.

Which medical issues are there?

No vaccinations are required to enter Ecuador, however, it is recommended to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and there is a minor risk of cholera and rabies. It is strongly recommended to get a yellow fever vaccination if you plan to visit the rainforest during rainy season.
Malaria precautions are more important in most areas below 1,500 m, all year round. Although there is almost no risk in Guayaquil, Quito or Galapagos Islands it is a good idea to check local reports on the risk level of malaria

Which travel insurances are recommended?

We recommend you to conclude a baggage and travel health insurance. You can book the insurances in a travel agency. About rates and conditions please inform you at your insurance company or in the internet.

Which currency does exist and how to prepare for the travel?
As of September 2000 the new currency system is the US Dollar, so you can find bills of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 and coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. There is no restriction to bring any quantity of foreign money or traveler checks.

What is the climate like in Ecuador?

On account of Ecuador's varied regions and because of its location directly atop the equator, it is an excellent travel destination all year-round. Rather than rotating through four seasons, most of Ecuador experiences oscillating wet and dry periods

What about altitude?
Quito is located in an altitude of 2.850 meters. The highest mountains in Ecuador are more than 6.000 meters high. You should be aware of this fact while traveling around. Your body must get used to the altitude slowly and you should give him the time! If you tend to a high blood pressure or problems with circulation, it is recommendable to talk to you doctor in advance

How about public transport?

The public busses and taxis, for example in Quito, are really cheap The destination of the busses, can be seen in the windscreen of the busses. The busses hold, when you wave with the hand in almost every corner. But to get off the bus you nearly only can do so at a bus stop. A one-way Bus ticket costs between 12 and 25 Centavos, doesn't matter how far you go, as long as it is within the network. There are also lots of taxis within the cities. You can stop a taxi, by waving with the hand. During the day a taximeter should be switched on. In the evenings you should first discuss the price. Please only use registered taxis (yellow taxis with registration number and the name of the taxi company)

Which language knowledge is necessary?

The official language in Ecuador is Spanish. Many Indio in the Sierra are however bilingual. Besides of Spanish they also speak Quechua. The Indios, who live in the Rainforest, also speak their own languages. However the bigger cities, you can survive with a bit of English

Is it a problem to travel with children?

Generally it is just partly advisable to travel with children in Ecuador. The hygienic conditions, especially in rural areas, the climate, and the distances can be a problem for children. Furthermore children less than 7 years are not accepted in some Galapagos yachts and Jungle lodges

What is the time difference between central-European time and Ecuadorian time?

The time difference to central-European time is minus 6 hours in winter (Galapagos minus 7 hours) and minus 7 hours in summer (Galapagos minus 8 hours)
What do I need to know about food?
International cuisine is available all around the country, but you must taste some of the Ecuadorians specialties, like Humitas (a steamed cornbread), Llapingachos (fried mashed potato patties with fresh cheese), Locro (a chowder made with potatoes, fresh cheese and avocado), Seafood is popular throughout Ecuador. In the northern coast, many plates are "encocado" (blended with rich coconut milk). You may find an extensive variety of dishes in the coastal area, but the signature dish is the Ceviche (lemon-marinated shrimp, shellfish, squid or fish, in cold soup) served with popcorn.

How much tip is I supposed to give?

Tipping is completely to your discretion, but because of the 10% service tax in restaurants and hotels most people don't feel the need to tip, but if you are pleased with the service, feel free to leave a tip

GALAPAGOS

When is the best time to book my Galapagos cruise?

Galapagos cruise availabilities are limited all year round so we usually recommend to plan as far ahead as possible. This is especially true if you plan to travel July, August, Christmas, New year or Easter when spaces are often fully-booked out well in advance.

If your trip to Galapagos is intended to be a dream holiday for you and you would like a wide choice of yachts available to choose between then it is best to contact us between 3 and 12 months prior to travel.

If you have more flexibility in your plans in terms of yacht choice and travel date and are looking for a bargain then contact us 1 week before your date of travel and we will always try to find the best late deal available for you. This approach does, however, carry with it a much greater risk - you may get lucky and hook-up an awesome late deal or you may get unlucky and find that no good cruises are available at such short notice.

When are last minute prices available?

Typically only 1 week before a cruise departure date.

When is high season at Galapagos?

High season in terms of most popular month to travel to Galapagos and highest tourist volumes is in July, August, Easter, Christmas and new year.

In terms of flight bookings high season runs from 15th June to 14th September and from 1st November to 30th April.

Different boats also have different definitions of high and low season, and some yachts run on just one season the whole year through. Check individual boat prices for each different definition.

How much luggage can I take on the flight to Galapagos? (Kg, pounds)?

You can bring 20 kg, 44 pounds

What kind of weather can we find 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.


What type of food is typically provided on a cruise?

Usually the food is varied with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish/seafood. Expect some typical Ecuadorian dishes too

How do I meet the guide/yacht in Galapagos?

If you are flying from mainland Ecuador on the first day of the cruise then it is really very simple - the guide will be waiting for you at the arrivals area of the airport, and we will give you a sticker to wear so that he can easily recognise you.

Do yachts have electricity points aboard?

This depends upon which yacht you are travelling on - most of the more modern boats do have US-style 2-prong 110V electricity points, while some of the older yachts do not

Can children/babies travel on a cruise?

Each yacht has it's own policy for children/babies - ask Happy Gringo if you are planning to travel with your young family and we will recommend a suitable yacht.

How can I avoid the problem of sea-sickness?

Sometimes the Galapagos seas can be a little rough and some passengers can feel a little sick aboard. Most people find that standard motion-sickness remedies help to ease discomfort.

Can I extend my stay before and/or after my cruise?

Yes, you can extend your stay, and we highly recommend it. Taking a Galapagos tour is only part of experiencing the islands. Staying in the islands is a whole other experience. Go to our sections on Santa Cruz, Santa Isabel, and San Cristobol. All of these places are great to spend extra time renting kayaks, diving, relaxing, and enjoying the company of the people of the islands.

Is snorkeling and diving equipment provided on the ships?

A. It depends on the boat, most boats provide snorkeling equipment which you can rent at a low fee.