Highlights | Part-Escorted Package Includes - Flights Miami-Guayaquil, Quito-Miami
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- Intra-flights
- 7 nights accommodations
- All transfers
- 17 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
- Services of English-speaking local guides in the Galapagos
- Shore Excursions
- Galapagos National Park Fee of $100
- Galapagos Transit Control Card fee of $10
Special Features - Galapagos Islands
- Charles Darwin Research Station
Also Available
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Itinerary | 
DAY 1, Sunday - Depart the USA/Guayaquil
Depart the USA for Ecuador. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Guayaquil DAY 2, Monday - Afternoon on Santa Cruz Island
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Arrive at Baltra Island, and then cross the Itabaca Channel to the island of Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, transfer by private bus to the Aventura Lodge. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of one of the islands most tranquil spots, Garrapatero beach. An easy trail brings you onto this white sandy beach surrounded by mangrove trees. A wide variety of birds call this beach home, including flamingos, finches, and mockingbirds. Marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins can ocassionaly be found soaking up the sun. The remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 3, Tuesday - Sail to Floreana Island
The day starts with a trip to Los Gemelos (Spanish for “The Twins”), two enormous collapsed lava chambers formed thousands of years ago. Keep an eye open for Darwin finches, vermillion flycatchers, and short eared owls. Next on your tour is a visit to a 600-acre private reserve for the famous giant Galapagos tortoises. Here you can watch the tortoises roam freely and learn about these amazing animals and the efforts being made to save them. Continuing on your journey, a short ride takes you to explore one of the islands unique lava tunnels. This remnant of long gone lava flows has 20 foot high ceilings and stretches on for nearly 1350 feet. Return to your lodge for lunch! In the afternoon, a two hour boat trip will transfer you to Floreana Island. Upon arrival, your tour will visit La Loberia. This beautiful locale is excellent for swimming and snorkeling, or simply relaxing. Perhaps, you will have the opportunity to watch a colony of sea lions lounging on the shore. From here, a short walk takes you to Floreana Lodge. After checking in, enjoy dinner with a local family and learn about the culture of the island
Overnight: Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 4, Wednesday - Floreana Highlands, Sail to Isabela Island
This morning, enjoy breakfast with a local family before departing for an open-air bus ride to the Floreana highlands. Along the way, your guide will point out wildlife and recount the colorful history of the island's first inhabitants and the tale of the “Floreana Mystery”. Upon arrival at the Asilo de la Paz (Spanish for “Asylum of Peace”), you will visit the cave of the pirates, which served as shelter for pirates and early settlers of the island, and the freshwater spring that provides water for the entire population of Floreana. While here, you can see endemic Scalesia trees, Galapagos petrels, which were once on the brink of extinction, and a nearby tortoise enclosure. After your morning tour, a two hour boat ride will transfer you to Isabela Island, where you will check into the Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon depart by boat for tour of Las Tintoreras islet and bay. Along the way search for blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins gathered among the rocks. After docking, join a hike through an otherworldly jagged lava field, home to large colonies of marine iguanas and sea lions. Following your hike, you can snorkel in the warm waters of the bay for an up-close look at marine life, look for sea lions, sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and the tangled underwater forest of mangrove roots
Overnight: Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 5, Thursday - Full Day on Isabela Island
This morning's outing takes you to Sierra Negra Volcano. A short hike up the slope leads you to the caldera, or large volcanic crater, of Sierra Negra where breathtaking views await. As you hike along the caldera, you will learn more about the volcano while you take in the scenery. The tour will stop for a rest and light snack. The adventurous have the option to continue on a more challenging hour-long hike to Volcan Chico, where steam and gas vents are abundant and additional spectacular views can be found. After a morning of hiking, enjoy lunch at Campo Duro. This beautiful organic farm prepares meals with locally grown fruits and vegetable. Following lunch, you can enjoy a stroll among the fruit trees or relax in a hammock. You can also visit the giant tortoises that the farm cares for in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park. After your visit to Camp Duro, return to your lodge. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Isabela Island on your own. You can enjoy some additional snorkeling and swimming at one of the beaches, take a walk into town, or simply sit back and relax
Overnight: Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 6, Friday - Return to Santa Cruz
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the Wetlands. Your first stop is the picturesque white sand and palm tree lined Villamil beach. A short walk to the summit of Cerro Orchilla rewards you with astounding views of the beach. Next you will stop to see the Wall of Tears. Built in the middle of the 20th century by the prisoners of a penal colony once located on the island, this structure serves as a testament to the hardships suffered by those imprisoned here. On the path to the wall you can see lava lizards, Darwin finches, native plants, and if your lucky, some young Galapagos tortoises released from the nearby breading center. Return to the lodge for lunch and afterward depart for the boat transfer back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, check back into the Aventura Lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station, a specialized breeding and rearing center for the endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoise. The station is a working branch of the international, non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation which works to protect and maintain the Galapagos' precious ecosystems. Here you will learn about the remarkably successful breeding program and meet the most famous giant tortoise, Lonesome George, the last of his particular species
Overnight: Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 7, Saturday - Fly to Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Sunday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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| | Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently. |
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Optionals | Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. |
Rates & Hotels | Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation |
*Not Included:
Gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Guayaquil-Galapagos-Quito.
Passport numbers for all passengers must be submitted before documents can be issued. The route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns. Wildlife and visits listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. Sturdy shoes are recommended for this program.
Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information,
check our Visas page.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | | Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
It is strongly recommended that passengers apply for visas before traveling, even where it may be possible to apply locally. Applying for a visa locally can be a lengthy process.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another | When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 800-232-4636, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/policy/safetyenergyenv/disinsection.htm.
| Ecuador and Galapagos - While no inoculations are required for travel to Quito or Guayaquil, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended if traveling to the Amazon. Please consult your physician before traveling to Ecuador.
You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellant and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs.
The minimum physical demands of your trip are not highly rigorous for a person in good physical fitness but if you choose all the optional walks and excursions available, you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. You’ll get the most enjoyment out of your trip if you are comfortable walking unassisted for two or three hours each day. Walks may include fairly rough, uneven trails and steep stone steps.
Quito is situated at an altitude of 9,400 feet above sea level. Therefore, you should allow a few hours to adjust to the high altitude by resting and eating lightly. Other areas of Ecuador are also situated at high altitudes including Otavalo (8,400 feet), Papallacta (10,800 feet), and Patate (8,400 feet).
| | Climate & Clothing | Ecuador and Galapagos - The climate varies widely according to geographical area. The highlands are cool and dry. Along the coast it is warm and sunny year round. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
The Amazon rain forest is tropical and humid. For walks in the forest bring; light weight, loose fitting, long sleeved shirts & pants, a brimmed hat, and hiking or tennis shoes. T-shirts, shorts and sandals are recommended for use around the lodge. Come prepared with an appropriate rain jacket or poncho, rain can be heavy at times. Rubber boots for hiking will be provided by your hotel but it is recommended to bring plastic bags to protect valuables, a flash light, water bottle, sunglasses, binoculars, a pocket knife, energy snacks, and insect repellent.
Ecuador Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#ecuador-weather
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number or Flight Ticket Number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Passengers are responsible to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure. Passengers are also recommended to reconfirm their flight schedule, seat assignments, special meal requests and frequent flier numbers, as applicable. In the event of an airline schedule change, Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of the schedule change and new flight schedule prior to departure. Gate 1 is not responsible for schedule changes including, when applicable, changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Gate 1 is unable to provide compensation for schedule changes or cancellations implemented by an airline. In the event of any change in flight itinerary made directly between passengers and their airline, it is the passengers' responsibility to advise Gate 1 of amended flight details in writing to service@gate1travel.com. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers, if flights are changed without its knowledge.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers, both inside and outside of the USA, typically on small aircraft, may differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions of hand and/or checked luggage. Most airlines apply charges for checked bags. For detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies please visit http://www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Frequent Flier Programs | Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares are not eligible for mileage accrual. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 land tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Please refer to “Airline Luggage Restrictions” for guidance regarding airline policies and charges for checked bags. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| | Ecuador and Galapagos Flights | Amazon Flights: Due to the size of the plane to and from the Amazon, passengers may only bring up to 25 lbs of luggage. Additional luggage can be stored at your hotel in Quito for no additional charge. Please bring a photocopy of your passport to be given to airport authorities upon check-in for your flight to Kapawi.
Galapagos Flights: Due to the size of the plane to and from the Galapagos, passengers may only bring up to 44 lbs total of luggage.
A mandatory process known as disinsection is used to prevent invasive species from accidentally being transported to the Galapagos ecosystem. After the plane's doors have been shut, d-phenothrin (2% dissolved in a 98% neutral propellant) will be sprayed throughout the plane.
This chemical has the approval of the World Health Organization. The sprayed component has no negative effect on humans, does not trigger allergic reactions, and does not stain clothing.
This procedure reduces the risk of introducing diseases and invasive invertebrate species to the islands and is an important part of ensuring the area's ecological balance.
Please note that for any intra-Ecuador flight, your tickets will be issued locally.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship.
The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money
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| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
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| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.
We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally-crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find alone. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs.
While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping (TFS) allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their shopping in some foreign countries. Currently, about 50 countries allow foreign visitors to have their taxes reimbursed. TFS is subject to national regulations such as minimum spend and restrictions on the types of products on which it can be claimed. TSF is currently available in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Eligible countries and their specific regulations are subject to change at any time including the % of VAT which is reclaimable and the minimum purchase amount restriction. When planning to shop in a country with Tax-Free Shopping and to reclaim VAT/GST taxes, we recommend that you check the current regulations prior to completing your purchase. In many cases, stores will display signage such as “VAT Refunds for Tourists.” Normally, you will need to present your passport and receive a VAT Refund Application form(s) from the store along with an explanation of how to claim your refund. Sometimes this is completed at the airport upon departure or later via mail from your home. Service fees may apply. Alternatively, you may choose to work with a fee-based VAT Refund Service.
| Ecuador and Galapagos - Duty-free shops and artisan's shops offer visitors the opportunity to buy Ecuadorian handcrafts such as ponchos, tapestries, ceramics, jewelry.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Ecuador and Galapagos - The US Dollar is the currency of Ecuador and Galapagos. When traveling to smaller towns in Ecuador it can be difficult to break even $20 and $10 bills; therefore it is recommended to carry plenty of US $1 bills to make tipping and local purchases easier.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
Most US-issued credit cards rely on magnetic-strip technology rather than embedded microprocessor chips which are increasingly common overseas. These “chip-and-PIN” cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don’t accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
General Suggested Tipping
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): $6 or $7 per person per day
- Tour escort helper (in some countries): $1 per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : $3 per person per day, $2 per half day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): $2 per person per half day of sightseeing, $3 per full day
Suggested Tipping: Hotels
- Porter: $2.00 per bag per person
- Wait staff: 5-10% of the bill (lunch or dinner)
- Chamber maid: $1.00 per person per day
Suggested Tipping: Sea Cruises
- Royal Caribbean: Standard gratuities (subject to change) are $9.75 per person per day including Stateroom attendant, Dining Room Waiter, Assistant Waiter, & Headwaiter ($12 per person per day for Suite guests)
- Louis Hellenic: approx $11 per person per day added automatically to the shipboard account
- Galapagos Islands: $8-9 per person per day
Suggested Tipping: River Cruises
- Europe: Crew: $10 per person per day, Gate 1 Cruise Director: $6 to $7 per person per day
- Russia & Ukraine: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
- Egypt: Crew: $5 per person per day
- China: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
- Ecuador: Crew: $12 per person per day; Ship's naturalist: $6 per person per day
- Peru: Crew: $15 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Ecuador and Galapagos - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important |
Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
- Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
- Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
- Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
- Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
- Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard-to-replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
- Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
- Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Ecuador and Galapagos- Ambulance: 131
- Police: 101
| | Languages | Ecuador and Galapagos - Spanish is the local language. Quechua is spoken in some areas as well. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Ecuador and Galapagos - The voltage used is 110 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Ecuador and Galapagos - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Modest casual dress is appropriate. Request permission before photographing people. Common courtesies should be observed.
In the Galapagos: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Galapagos Islands. Please respect efforts to keep the islands in their pristine condition. There is little to no cell phone reception in most areas of the Galapagos Islands.
| | Holidays - Ecuador and Galapagos | | Holidays 2012 | | Jan 1 | New Year's Day | | Feb 20-21 | Carnival | | Apr 5 | Holy Thursday | Apr 6 | Good Friday | Apr 8 | Easter | May 1 | Labor Day | May 24 | Battle of Pichincha | Jul 24 | Birthday of Simon Bolivar | Jul 25 | Guayaquil Foundation | Aug 10 | Independence of Quito | Oct 9 | Independence of Guayaquil | Nov 2 | All Souls' Day | Nov 3 | Independence of Cuenca | Dec 6 | Foundation of Quito | Dec 25 | Christmas | Dec 31 | New Year's Eve |
| | | Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
| | About Your Sightseeing | When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary.
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