Galapagos Islands Travel information

INFORMATION FOR TRAVELING:

Required Documents:
Foreign passengers traveling to Ecuador must have a passport valid at least 6 months from the day of arrival.
VISA is not necessary for most of the countries but we recommend asking in your country’s embassy.

Time:
GMT-6 in mainland Ecuador
Galapagos is one hour behind Ecuador´s continental time.

Electricity:
110 volts

Language:
The official language is Spanish, but English is use in the most of restaurants, shops and travel agencies.

Currency:
The local currency is US dollars; the main credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners) are accepted in the continent and Galapagos (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Island).

Food and water:
The fruits have to be washed and peeled, raw salads, cold food are all risk; you will be safe if your food has been properly cooked.
We recommend do not drink tap water; you have to drink bottled water, soft drinks, sodas or any beverage that you prefer.

ABOUT THE MONEY: Bring with you only your daily expending money    (change). Money belt is a good idea; do not advertise that you have a lot of money.
Avoid places that represent a risk for you (dark corners, empty streets late in the night)

ABOUT DOCUMENTS:Copy of your main documents (Visa, passport, travel documents) it is very useful to leave the originals in a safety box. If you have to take your passport with you use a hidden pocket or you money belt.

Entrance Fee to the Galapagos National Park:
The Galapagos Entrance Fee is USD 100 per person (adult) and USD 50 (children under 12 years old). This amount must be paid in CASH, at Baltra airport; credit cards and travel checks are not accepted. Please be sure that you have this amount before your trip. There are not bank facilities at Baltra airport.

GALAPAGOS TRANSIT CONTROL CARD TCT (INGALA):
Before your check-in at the Aerogal Airline counter you must pay $ 10 per person in order to get your INGALA card and the control visitor card. This is an obligatory procedure before you travel to the Galapagos Island.

Equipment and clothing
Clothing should be lightweight and fast drying, shorts and T- shirts (with long sleeves), long pants are also necessary, if you are traveling during the wet season it is important a light rainproof jacket.
Comfortable shoes or hiking boots, sports sandals (tevas or flip – flop) for wet landings or beach time.
It is important to wear a hat during the all seasons, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, insect repellent and plastic bag to keep your camera or special equipment dry.

CANCELLATIONS:
If the cancellation is more than 45 days we will refund a 10% of the deposit, the other 10% will be forfeited as administrative charges.
If the cancellation is between 44 days and the departure date the full rate is charged.