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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.
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On June 3 the minister of health said that all people over the age of 18 on the Galapagos will be fully vaccinated.
NEW ENTRY PROTOCOLS to visit ECUADOR, approved by the National Government :
Effective July 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., the following changes to Ecuador's entry policies will be in force for both the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador's mainland:
Travelers over the age of 2 from all countries (except Brazil and India*) must present the results of a negative RT-PCR test from within 72 hours of arrival or present a vaccination card showing a completed course of vaccination(s) that finished at least 14 days before boarding. Negative antigen test results are no longer allowed as a means of entry. The National COE will evaluate if the list of countries that must meet these requirements is maintained or expanded every 15 days, depending on the presence of variants of concern, community contagion and low vaccination coverage in those countries.
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 :
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
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.
NEW ENTRY PROTOCOLS to visit ECUADOR, approved by the National Government :
Effective July 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., the following changes to Ecuador's entry policies will be in force for both the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador's mainland:
Travelers over the age of 2 from all countries (except Brazil and India*) must present the results of a negative RT-PCR test from within 72 hours of arrival or present a vaccination card showing a completed course of vaccination(s) that finished at least 14 days before boarding. Negative antigen test results are no longer allowed as a means of entry. The National COE will evaluate if the list of countries that must meet these requirements is maintained or expanded every 15 days, depending on the presence of variants of concern, community contagion and low vaccination coverage in those countries.
- Upon arrival at the airport, all passengers will be required to sign a Traveler Health Declaration form with their itinerary and local contact details. We recommend having this document printed, filled, and signed before your flight.
- If upon arrival a passenger presents COVID-19 related symptoms, despite their antigen test result, they will be evaluated by a health care worker and if needed will be taken to the nearest health center for a full evaluation. If they consider the possibility of infection then they will administer a rapid antigen test. If the result is positive the passenger must do 10-day isolation. If the result is negative then there is no need to self-isolate.
- Travelers in transit to another destination do not need to present negative PCR testing or a digital travel pass.
- For the Galapagos Islands, travelers must present one of the following:
- negative RT-PCR (applies to ages 18 and older) taken 72 hrs prior to arrive to Ecuador
- vaccination against COVID-19 certificate/card completed minimum 14 days prior to traveling to Ecuador
- 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.
- Mashpi Lodge does require a negative PCR test that must be presented no more than 72 hours before entering. The test is covered and coordinated by the lodge, but must be requested in advance.
- Vaccination Progress: Currently Ecuador’s population has approximately 24% that have been vaccinated and 9.8% 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 ($US 50) results are delivered in 1 hour and PCR ($US 100) 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 your clients prefer hotel services, PCR ($US 110) and antigen ($US 75) tests are also available.
GALAPAGOS LAB (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)
Antigen testing ($US 88) is available during specific times (see below). PCR tests ($US 138) 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 ($US 150) - if samples are taken before 9:00 a.m., the results are delivered by email around 8:00 p.m.
* Antigen test - if samples are taken before 3:00 p.m., the results are delivered in 4 hours. If samples need to be taken after 3:00 p.m. guests must be transferred to the laboratory for the test. Results are delivered in 3 hours.
* Sundays: Samples need to be taken in the laboratory. The results Will be delivered in 3 hours.
Antigen test pricing is US$ 94 for hotel service and US$ 75 in the laboratory plus transportation costs to/from the lab.
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 ($US 50) results are delivered in 1 hour and PCR ($US 100) 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 your clients prefer hotel services, PCR ($US 110) and antigen ($US 75) tests are also available.
GALAPAGOS LAB (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)
Antigen testing ($US 88) is available during specific times (see below). PCR tests ($US 138) 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 ($US 150) - if samples are taken before 9:00 a.m., the results are delivered by email around 8:00 p.m.
* Antigen test - if samples are taken before 3:00 p.m., the results are delivered in 4 hours. If samples need to be taken after 3:00 p.m. guests must be transferred to the laboratory for the test. Results are delivered in 3 hours.
* Sundays: Samples need to be taken in the laboratory. The results Will be delivered in 3 hours.
Antigen test pricing is US$ 94 for hotel service and US$ 75 in the laboratory plus transportation costs to/from the lab.
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.
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.
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"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 |
