|
Ecuador and Galapagos Tours Ecuador is open for tourism!
Ecuador is a small country that offers a great variety of nature and cultural options for tours. From the fascinating Galapagos Islands to the mighty Andes and the mysterious Amazon, Ecuador tours can be quite rewarding. To the left are links to some of the options that we can offer.
|
NEW ENTRY PROTOCOLS to visit ECUADOR, approved by the National Government :
In light of the new variant of COVID19 recently detected in several countries around the world, the Ecuadorian authorities have decided to reinforce the measures of control for international travelers coming to the country. Travelers will be required to fill out and sign a personal health statement before disembarking from the plane. This document should be handed in to the Ministry of Health representatives at the immigration lounge before clearing customs.
In addition to this, all travelers must comply with the following requirements:
- PCR negative test taken up to 3 days before the arrival in Ecuador. The PCR test has a total validity of 72 hours from the time the sample was taken.
- COVID19 vaccination certificate stating that both doses of the 2-dose vaccines have been received.
- For your trip to the Galapagos Islands, as per the latest measures enforced by boat operators, tourists will be required to be fully vaccinated least 14 days prior to arrival and also, they will have to present a negative result for a COVID19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before their flight to the islands. (if they have spent several days on the mainland before flying to the islands, this might require another test)
- This double requirement (vaccine + test) will be effective on 1st Dec 2021 in line with the sanitary protocols enforced by the Ministry of Health.
- Children from 2 to 15 years of age will only be required to present a negative PCR test result, but no proof of vaccination for this age group is required as of today.
- Keep in mind: unvaccinated travelers over 16 will not be able to enter either Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands.
- Additionally, persons whose point of departure is any of the following countries, or had a stopover or layover there will be denied entry: South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Namibia, and Egypt.
All passengers will be subject to body temperature control for detection of temperature higher than 37.5° C upon arrival of the international flight at Ecuador airport.
All people entering the country must follow the bio-security regulations established by the Ministry of Health.
- Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must also have a “laissez-passez” or “safe passage” arranged through the agency booking the tour. Only official agencies can issue this permit.
- Travelers inside Ecuadorian territory are required to use face masks at all times.
- Some lodges, such as Mashpi and Napo Wildlife Center, do require a negative PCR test that must be presented no more than 72 hours before entering. Just reconfirm with your Pure! travel designer during your booking process.
- Vaccination Progress: Currently Ecuador’s population has approximately 57% that have been administered the first dosage and 28% fully vaccinated.
- Galapagos Islands: The population over the age of 18 is fully vaccinated. Most cruises, hotels, and other services work with local employees already vaccinated.
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Medical and travel insurance (both are expected to become mandatory for the mainland. They are mandatory to go to the Galapagos).
- Present a voucher or invoice that proves that they are entering Ecuador with previously contracted tourist services.
- Present the completed Traveler's Health Card.
- Submit the completed Special Immigration Form.
TRAVELER’S HEALTH CARD
Passengers must fill out and sign, prior to disembarking, the “Traveler’s Health Record,” which will be delivered
by the personnel of the Ministry of Public Health.
SPECIAL MIGRATORY FORM
Passengers must sign a letter of commitment (Special Immigration Form), which states that they agree and
comply with the general government provisions regarding the mandatory preventative COVID19 quarantine.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE MANDATORY PREVENTIVE QUARANTINE (APO)
Passengers who do not have a negative PCR test and/or symptoms related to COVID-19 must comply with the
APO for a period of 10 days and 9 nights or until they receive a negative test result from a new PCR test. In the
case that the passenger continues to show symptoms on the 10th day, they will have to extend their stay for 3
more days. Passengers who enter the country without a PCR test will immediately begin their APO in an
authorized accommodation and a PCR test will be performed by a laboratory that has been approved by the
Ministry of Public Health, and will comply with the APO until a negative test result is delivered.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All costs involved in complying with the APO (PCR test performed at the Ecuador airport, transportation, accommodation,
food, etc.) will be the responsibility of the passengers.
In case of violation of the APO or providing false information in the "Traveler's File," passengers will be subject to
administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions, established in conjunction with the current regulations.
Passengers must keep their travel agent or local operator informed about any conditions and news that may arise upon
arrival in the country.
Protocols will be constantly evaluated and may be modified according to the evolution of the health situation in Ecuador.
Before starting the trip to the Galapagos province, national or foreign tourists
who have not been vaccinated must :
- *If the test result is positive, the passenger will have to quarantine for 10 days and 9 nights in continental Ecuador.
- In the case that the passenger continues to show symptoms on the 10th day, they will have to extend their stay for 3 more days.
- Flight tickets (roundtrip) to the islands
- Passengers must carry their "Health Declaration" form that they filled out upon entering the country.
- Passengers must present a voucher or invoice that proves that they entered Galapagos with contracted tourist services.
- Passengers must have the safe-passage document approved by the Ministry of Tourism, which has been issued by the service operator in Galapagos.
- Transit Control Card issued by operator.
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be prepaid operator.
- must have travel and medical insurance
PROCESS FOR PASSENGERS DEPARTING TO GALAPAGOS FROM QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL AIRPORTS
When disembarking from the aircraft, passengers must cross through the different disinfection points within the airport.
The Ministry of Public Health will take passengers’ temperature before entering the airport. If the passenger has a fever
at the airport, isolation protocol will be activated and they will not be able to enter the islands until they are reviewed by a
doctor and their entry is approved.
Passengers will pass through immigration control.
Passengers must collect their luggage at the airport.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
- Masks are mandatory.
- Passengers should avoid wearing metal and packing objects that are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
- It is recommended that passengers avoid heavy carry-on luggage. Allowed weight is 5 kg (11 lbs). (subject to change)
- Passengers should have all documents, indicated in the "Requirements for the entry of passengers" section, with them.
- Passengers must comply with the physical distance at all times: at least 2 meters (6 feet).
Important: Passengers must abide by the regulations of the Galapagos National Park, the Galapagos Government
Council, the Ministry of Health of Ecuador, and the Airports.
We are pleased to announce that in addition to testing options in Quito and Guayaquil, effective immediately, COVID testing is available for passengers leaving the Galapagos Islands to return to their home countries. Here we outline the various options for travelers:
MEDICAL VIP AT QUITO'S AIRPORT
The lab is located in the commercial center in front of the arrivals and departures building and is open 24 /7. Antigen test results are delivered in 1 hour and PCR results within 36 hours. The lab is proximate to the Layover Stay lounge which I highly recommend using for comfort and social distancing. It is run by a friend and colleague and I am confident in his health and safety practices. Should you prefer hotel services, PCR and antigen tests are also available at some hotels.
GALAPAGOS LAB (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)
Antigen testing is available during specific times (see below). PCR tests are also available. There is an additional cost for the test to be administered at a hotel.
* In the lab: Tuesdays & Thurdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 am
* Santa Cruz Hotels: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
* Santa Cruz Hotels: Saturdays, Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Antigen test results are delivered in 24 hours and PCR results within 72 hours. It is necessary to pay in advance to reserve the service.
GUAYAQUIL LAB
Testing is available 7 days/week. Note Sunday restrictions.
* PCR test - if samples are taken before 9:00 a.m., the results are delivered by email around 8:00 p.m.
* Antigen test - if samples are taken before 3:00 p.m., the results are delivered in 4 hours. If samples need to be taken after 3:00 p.m. guests must be transferred to the laboratory for the test. Results are delivered in 3 hours.
* Sundays: Samples need to be taken in the laboratory. The results Will be delivered in 3 hours.
MEDICAL VIP AT QUITO'S AIRPORT
The lab is located in the commercial center in front of the arrivals and departures building and is open 24 /7. Antigen test results are delivered in 1 hour and PCR results within 36 hours. The lab is proximate to the Layover Stay lounge which I highly recommend using for comfort and social distancing. It is run by a friend and colleague and I am confident in his health and safety practices. Should you prefer hotel services, PCR and antigen tests are also available at some hotels.
GALAPAGOS LAB (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)
Antigen testing is available during specific times (see below). PCR tests are also available. There is an additional cost for the test to be administered at a hotel.
* In the lab: Tuesdays & Thurdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 am
* Santa Cruz Hotels: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
* Santa Cruz Hotels: Saturdays, Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Antigen test results are delivered in 24 hours and PCR results within 72 hours. It is necessary to pay in advance to reserve the service.
GUAYAQUIL LAB
Testing is available 7 days/week. Note Sunday restrictions.
* PCR test - if samples are taken before 9:00 a.m., the results are delivered by email around 8:00 p.m.
* Antigen test - if samples are taken before 3:00 p.m., the results are delivered in 4 hours. If samples need to be taken after 3:00 p.m. guests must be transferred to the laboratory for the test. Results are delivered in 3 hours.
* Sundays: Samples need to be taken in the laboratory. The results Will be delivered in 3 hours.
The Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador now requires that passengers arriving from countries with active yellow fever outbreaks (Brazil, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda) present their International Yellow Fever Vaccination Card upon entry. This requirement is effective immediately.
1) Visitors to Ecuador arriving from a country with an active yellow fever outbreak must be vaccinated at least 10 days prior to entering Ecuador.
2) Travelers to Ecuador arriving from a country with an active yellow fever outbreak must carry their International Yellow Fever Vaccination Card and present it to immigration authorities upon request.
1) Visitors to Ecuador arriving from a country with an active yellow fever outbreak must be vaccinated at least 10 days prior to entering Ecuador.
2) Travelers to Ecuador arriving from a country with an active yellow fever outbreak must carry their International Yellow Fever Vaccination Card and present it to immigration authorities upon request.
As you may have heard, the formerly complimentary bus service at the Baltra Island Airport in Galapagos is now under the direction of “Lobito”. This new company is aiming to improve the bus services provided from Baltra Airport to the docks or to the Itabaca Channel and back. The company has announced that this service will now have a cost of 5 dollars each way, per passenger. This will be a total of 10 dollars per passenger for a round trip to the Baltra docks or the Itabaca Channel and back to the airport. This new fare was implemented and made active July 30th, 2018. This was communicated to all the Galapagos operators with very little notice. Some operators will add that cost to their quotes, others will have clients pay directly.
"It was a great trip, without any problems whatsoever, and I very much appreciate your promptness and responsiveness during the planning and immediate post-planning process. I definitely felt that we did all that I had hoped with great service and smooth transitions among the different components of the trip. And all of this at a reasonable price. So, in general, I am a very satisfied customer, and would gladly work with you again on a future South American trip for my family and myself (which I think is likely). Thanks very much for your help again." David "We arrived back in Chicago last night safely. The trip overall was amazing and an unforgettable experience. We really enjoyed all of the different locations, activities, and guides. Thank you for helping us organize everything and for your recommendations. I will recommend your services to friends and family and will also be in touch for future travel. If you need any other feedback from me, please let me know and I will be happy to share. " Kunal |
The geographical diversity of Ecuador means that there are a number of different climates and microclimates in the country's four regions. Temperatures vary according to elevation and the location of the cities and towns. Due to geographic differences in altitude, longitude and latitude, and the climatic effects of the Pacific Ocean, the Amazon, and the Andes, the various regions and sub regions of Ecuador have very different climates and microclimates.
Ecuador is home to 8 percent of the world's animal species and 18 percent of the planet's birds. Around 3,800 species of vertebrates have been identified in Ecuador as well as 1,550 species of mammals, 350 reptile species, 375 species of amphibians, 800 fresh water fish species, and 450 salt water fish species. Ecuador is also home to 15 percent of the world's endemic bird species. Moreover, there are more than a million species of insects and 4,500 species of butterflies that live in Ecuador. The ecosystems which exist in the country go from sea level to an altitude of around 6400 metres. Its total area is 14,583,227 hectares, including the highlands, the coast and the Amazon region. There are 46 ecosystems which are made up of paramo, woods, valleys and the Pacific Ocean, located in different climate zones. One of the ecosystems which is richest in biodiversity is the tropical rain forest, which large trees of different and numerous species and an abundance of plants, flowers, mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, fish and amphibians.
|
