Country Facts - Ecuador & The Galápagos Islands
Baggage Allowance:
Strictly limited to 20 kilos per passenger regardless of class booked. Any excess will be charged for by the airline. At the present time each passenger is permitted to carry ONE small item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed, a maximum height of 56cm (22 inches), width 45cm (17.7 inches) and depth 25cm (10 inches), including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. In addition to the above allowance you are also permitted to carry personal items such as a ladies handbag or small briefcase. Further information regarding hand luggage and items that can be carried in your hand luggage can be found by accessing www.baa.co.uk which is the website address for BAA which operates London Heathrow Airport . These restrictions may also be applicable at Madrid Airport en-route to your final destination.
Climate & Weather Watch:
Warm and subtropical. Weather varies within the country due to the Andes mountain range and coastal changes. Andean regions are much cooler particularly in the evenings. Rainfall tends to be higher in coastal regions. Mountainous regions tend to experience extremely variable weather conditions during a short space of time and therefore can disrupt flight schedules. Due to the height above sea level visitors to Quito and Cuenca may suffer from altitude sickness during the first few hours after arrival and you are therefore advised to do things at a steady pace and drink plenty of water.
Clothing:
Dress code tends to be informal however, you may prefer smarter attire in some hotel restaurants but this is not essential. Lightweight cottons and linens are essential in the day as is plenty of sun cream to protect your skin. As the country is located on the Equator burn times are only a few minutes. Comfortable walking shoes along with waterproof sandals or an old pair of plimsoles (for wet landings on the Galápagos cruise) are also required. Warmer clothes are required in the higher regions along with a wind cheater and fleece for your trip to Cotopaxi . Laundry facilities are available in all hotels. It is advisable to leave any valuable jewellery at home.
Currency & Money Matters:
The currency comprises of US Dollars and cents. US Dollar bills and all major credit cards are widely accepted. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels, and foreign exchanges, however please note that some places do charge a surcharge. It is advisable to take smaller denominations of US Dollars.
Customs:
Visitors are allowed duty free: 200 cigarettes or 200g of tobacco or 50 cigars; 1 litre of spirits, 50ml perfume, £145 gifts.
Driving:
Car hire is not recommended.
Electricity:
110 volts (2 flat pins), 60 AC. An international adaptor is required.
Foodstuffs:
The Ecuadorian Agriculture department has very strict guidelines and as such will allow no foreign foodstuffs into the country. No fruit or other fresh produce can be taken out to the islands from mainland Ecuador . Please therefore save yourself any trouble and take no foodstuffs with you.
Immunisation:
There are no compulsory health requirements for this tour, however, this unique programme includes touring at high elevations, and therefore travellers must be in good health. We suggest you speak to your doctor who will be able to give you up to date information, along with his/her recommendations as to inoculations he/she considers available and necessary. Malaria precautions maybe advisable when visiting some coastal areas.
Isabela ll:
Dining aboard Isabela II is informal. There are set dining times, 07.00 - Breakfast, 12.30 - Lunch and 19.30 - Dinner with open sitting for all meals.
You will find bottled water in all cabins and all tea/coffee and water is free of charge. There are no laundry facilities on board, however there is a dryer available onboard. It is advisable to pack some extra T-shirts for swimming. Hairdryers are provided in the cabin. A laundry service is usually offered during the one day stay on Santa Cruz Island .
Medical Facilities:
Hospitals in the towns and cities are generally of a high standard. Most hotels have a resident doctor on call or can contact one if necessary. Isabela II has its own medical centre and doctor on board at all times. Please advise your Tour Manager of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Medication:
Should be carried in hand luggage. Passengers taking needles/syringes should carry a letter from their General Practitioner. All medication should be carried in original packaging with the dispensing label securely attached. Airline check-in staff should be advised the type of medication being carried and they will give further instructions regarding proceeding through security screening.
Passports & Visas:
Full ten year passports are required for all visitors and must be valid for six months after your return to the UK . No visa is required for British Passport holders for stays of up to three months.
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
Taxes:
Airport taxes have been included in the cost of your holiday.The Council of Quito have introduced a Municipal Tax which has to be paid by all guests staying in hotels in the city of Quito. The amount of US$2.00 per room, per night will be charged to your room account and collected upon check-out. This tax will now provide you with free internet access, maps, tour brochures and information on attractions available at tour information points.
Taxis:
Taxis are inexpensive and readily available in the towns and cities. Quito and Guayaquil tend to be metered whilst Cuenca generally has fixed tariffs.
Tipping:
Tipping is expected in Ecuador and you should add 5-10% to your bill in any restaurant. It is also normal practice to tip Tour Managers approximately US$3.00 per person per day (including the cruise aboard Isabela) and your driver/guides US$3.00 per person per touring day providing you have found they have met your expectations. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion , we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection. Tips have been included in your tour cost for all staff and naturalist tour guides aboard Isabela II.
Time Zone:
Ecuador GMT - 5
The Galápagos Islands GMT - 6
Transportation:
As with all countries within Latin America transportation and general touring arrangements may not be as well organised and efficient as when touring around 'English' speaking countries. It is not uncommon to have travel arrangements eg. flight timings altered or amended at very short notice.
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
