Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Do I need a visa to enter or visit Ecuador?
Check with your local Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate. However, most visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days, renewable for an additional 90 days. You do need a valid passport and it should be carried with you at all times.

What is included in the cost of my trip?
Onboard accommodation and meals, visits to the islands with a qualified naturalist guide, bus fares on the Galapagos.

What is not included in the costs?
The airfare to the Islands, National Park entrance fee ($100 cash), the INGALA transit control card ($10 cash) to be paid at the airport where you are departing for the Galapagos, beverages, and gratuities for the crew and guide are not included in the cost.

Do I need to worry about the water on board?
The water on board is safe to drink and complies with all health regulations and international standards. For your convenience, there is a hot and cold water dispenser on board for you to use at any time. Here you can refill your water bottle to take onshore or have with you in your cabin. In addition, a fresh bottle of water is placed in the bathroom of your cabin every day.

Do I need to worry about the food on board?
The food on board is completely safe and meets all international standards. However on mainland Ecuador and in Puerto Ayora, avoid eating uncooked food like salads and unpeeled fruits.

How many pieces of luggage am I allowed to take to Galapagos?
One piece of luggage (40 lbs or 20Kg) and a small carry-on bag that fits under your seat or in the overhead compartment in the airplane.

What is the electricity on board?
110V AC-60 cycles and 220V on certain social areas of the yachts (If visiting from Europe, bring adaptors.)

What language is spoken in Ecuador and on the Galapagos?
Spanish is the official and main spoken language in Ecuador. However, the vast majority of people involved in tourism speak English.

How do I pay my bills?
On board only cash is accepted. On mainland Ecuador and in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, you can use credit cards (with an additional 10% service processing charge), cash and travelers checks.

What is the local currency?
US dollars are used both in mainland Ecuador and on the Galapagos.
Traveler’s checks are accepted under special conditions. You can check with the captain or your guide onboard. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs but only with VISA or MASTERCARD.
Banking hours are: Mon – Fri 9:00am – 16:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Do I need to purchase anything onboard?
You don’t need to buy anything, but all individual bar consumptions should be paid in cash at the end of each cruise.

How safe is it to travel in Ecuador?
It is wise to watch your belongings at all times. Never leave your camera or other personal items unattended.
Ecuador is considered one of the safest countries in the Andean region; however, it is always a good idea to be cautious during your visit.

If you are not visiting the city with a guided tour, find out which sectors are unsafe and avoid them. Also, try to visit the touristic sites at normal hours.
Avoid people who are too friendly or eager to help you, or who offer to show you around.
Don't wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches when walking around the city.
It is recommended that you carry shoulder bags and purses in front of you (in your chest) when entering a crowded place.

Should I carry my passport with me while visiting Ecuador?
It is recommended you make two photocopies of your passport, airline tickets, tour documents, traveler check’s numbers and airline itinerary, so you can leave one copy at home with a friend or relative, and bring one with you separately from the originals.
It is essential that you carry your passport at all times in Ecuador. However, you can leave the original in the safe box at your hotel and carry copies when on a day trip. While you are in Galapagos you can leave all your belongings in your cabin. However, if you plan to use traveler checks in Puerto Ayora you will need your passport.

Is it customary to tip in Ecuador?
If you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to leave a tip for the crew with the captain, and one for the naturalist guide. In the mainland it is also customary to tip the guide, driver or a person serving you.

How old should my children be in order to travel on board the ships?

Children under 6 years are accepted under certain conditions.
Children under 12 have a discount (ask your travel agency)
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

How should I dress on board?
Informally! Shorts and a T-shirt are recommended, but we ask you to remove shoes on board and place them in the shoe box. If you have tender feet you can bring some kind of comfortable sandals or slippers, to be used on board only; otherwise bare feet are totally fine.
From June to October, you might want to bring a light sweatshirt or windbreaker and light pants for the evening.

How should I dress on land, what type of shoes are best?
Again shorts, zip-off leg pants and T- shirts are fine for most visits on land. Sunglasses, hat with a brim and sun block are a must year round! Good walking shoes with a good grip are recommended; again if you have tender feet consider bringing sandals or Tevas for the wet landings.
From June to October, you might want to consider a light waterproof windbreaker for afternoon visits.
From December to April, long-sleeved, light cotton T-shirts might be a good idea if you have fair or sensitive skin.

What’s the climate like in the Galapagos Islands?
There are two main seasons on the islands: wet and hot, and dry and cool.
December to May (inclusive) are hot and humid (28°C / 82.4°F average temperature); although it is warm during the day there might be heavy rain showers that can last for 20 minutes or more. That is why the islands can be very lush and green at this time of the year. Consider using insect repellent while visiting the islands. The water temperature is perfect for swimming and/or snorkeling. It is wise to use a T- shirt or dive top while in the water to prevent sunburn.

Between June and November, it is cooler and windy (24° C/ 75.2°F average although at noon it can reach 33°C / 91.4˚F). It is also the “garua” season (local term for occasional light drizzle) especially around the southern islands. You might want to consider bringing a light rainproof windbreaker.
The water temperature is also cooler (20°C / 68˚F) at this time of the year. This means it is the best time for snorkeling, since the cold waters are rich in nutrients for the marine ecosystem, but you might want to have a wetsuit to keep warm.

Do I need to get any vaccinations to visit Ecuador?
There are no vaccination requirements to enter Ecuador. However, in some specific regions there are mosquitoes that can transmit diseases. If you are visiting the rainforest please contact your local health center for information on preventive measures.

What should I pack for Ecuador?
What to pack depends on where you are going, since one can experience all types of weather in Ecuador’s different regions. We have prepared a list of things that you should pack according to the region:

General Packing List: Passport, traveler checks, medical prescriptions if needed, your usual health and toiletry supplies, sun hat with brim, sunglasses, plenty of high-factor waterproof sunscreen, insect repellent, anti-bacterial gel for hands, clothing for warm and cool weather if traveling between regions, sandals, raincoat, small backpack, money belt, watch with alarm, flashlight, plastic bags for dirty clothes and shoes, cameras, extra batteries, and light comfortable, easy-to-wash clothing.

Andes: In many parts of the Andes, you can experience all four seasons in one day. Be prepared for chilly nights and cold rain. Warm, fast-drying clothes are recommended. Good hiking, water-resistant boots are also highly recommended with warm socks, a warm water-resistant jacket, water resistant over pants, warm gloves, headgear, binoculars and plenty of high-factor waterproof sunscreen (the sun in the Andes is very strong).

Galapagos: Sun hat with brim, sun glasses, good walking shoes, Teva-style sandals (for wet landings), swimsuits, plenty of high-factor waterproof sunscreen, snorkel and mask, windbreaker, light sweater or sweatshirt (especially from June to December), shorts and T-shirts, extra film, memory cards, batteries for cameras, underwater camera, binoculars, motion-sickness pills or bands, anti-histamine tablets or cream.

Coast: The same as for Galapagos, malaria-prevention drugs may also be necessary.

Amazon rainforest: Insect repellent, malaria pills, anti-histamine tablets, binoculars, plastic bags to keep clothes dry, swimsuit, lightweight quick-drying clothes, one long-sleeved shirt, loose-fitting pants, light windbreaker or sweatshirt (especially on boat trips), rainproof poncho that fits over you and your backpack, plenty of socks, Teva-like sandals (find out if your hotel provides rubber boots), Zip-lock bags or sport dry bags for things you want to keep dry.
All clothing should be loose fitting to help keep you cool and to reduce chances of being bitten or stung by insects.

FIT BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

When does my reservation become valid?
From the moment Andando Tours confirms in writing the available space and gives a deadline for you to confirm your acceptance.

Do I need to make a down-payment to confirm my reservation?
Yes. We need a 10% deposit within one week of the written confirmation to guarantee your reservation. Full payment is due 30 days before your trip start date.

What happens if I cancel the trip after receiving the confirmation notice?
We do charge a cancellation fee; the amount retained depends on how many days’ cancellation notice is given prior to your trip date.
If the cancellation is received:

61 days or more prior to your trip date, a service fee of $150 is applied for administration costs.
60 to 31 days prior to your trip date, the 10% deposit is retained.
30 days or less prior to your trip date, the full amount of the trip will be retained.