Tour: 8-Day Galapagos Family Adventure Tour

TRIP START AND END

ARRIVING – Upon arrival at the international airport in Quito, you can grab a taxi and make your way to the hotel.  There will be taxis waiting and the hotel will be expecting you.  It should cost around $15 dollars and you should negotiate a set price BEFORE you get in the taxi.  If you have paid for an airport pick-up, a representative will be waiting for you – look for your name on a sign!

BRIEFING – The welcome briefing is at 6:00pm at your hotel unless otherwise stated.  If you miss the briefing or arrive too late, instructions will be left for you at the front desk detailing the next day’s activities and times.

DEPARTING – We will be arriving back to Quito late afternoon. If you plan booking your international flight for the same day it is best to book this after 9pm to be on the safe side. Alternatively we can help you book an additional night in Quito. 

MONEY

CURRENCY, BILLS & ATM’S – The currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos is the US Dollar.  There are ATM’s in San Cristobal and Santa Cruz islands but it is best to carry cash into the islands rather than hope the ATM works.  Most, if not all stores will only accept cash and small bills at that.  Make sure all your notes are less than $100 and are in reasonably good condition – the locals and banks aren’t fond of torn or tattered bills. 

FEES – The fees you are responsible for paying are as follows:

• $20 pp INGALA CARD – CASH ONLY
• $100 pp PARK ENTRANCE FEE – CASH ONLY

BUDGET – You are responsible for the above-mentioned fees and meals not included for this trip.  A cheap meal is $5-$15 and an expensive meal is $18-$35. Beers are around $3-5 and sodas, and snacks are $1-2.  An emergency stash of cash is always a good idea – we recommend at least $200.  All that’s left is souvenir money and a tip if you choose to leave one.

TIPPING – 10% is the typical tip in restaurants and is usually included in your bill as a service charge.  For drivers, helpers, and crew during your trip, $5-10 a day.  For your guide, $8-12 per day per person is the norm.  Tipping is in no way required and entirely at your discretion.  It is however of great significance to those who have helped make your tour a success and a great way to express your appreciation for a job well done.

GROUP LEADER & ON-SITE SUPPORT

All of our trips are lead or co-lead by a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide.  Your guides are private for your group and will have a wealth of information about the islands, flora and fauna.  They are locals and speak excellent English.  We are truly grateful for our wonderful guides!  Check out Meet Your Guides for more information.  There is also on-site support in Quito and in the Galapagos.  That means that someone is physically there to assist with any challenges that may arise and doubly ensure that your trip is the trip of a lifetime!

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & VISAS

In order to enter Ecuador, you must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity.  You may also need a visa depending on your home country.  Contact your local emabassy or consulate for the most up to date travel requirements.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE PROPER TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.  It’s also a good idea to have a copy of all important documents with you.  Even better is to take a picture or scan important documents in a email to yourself (passport, airline ticket, etc). 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Bags get lost. Flights get delayed. And the unexpected, well you get the picture. Things happen. Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your investment should a misfortune occur. There are several to choose from and not as expensive as you think. Usually only 5 to 15 dollars a day is wht it costs to give you peace of mind before and during your trip.

For more information, visit our travel insurance webpage.

SECURITY

Purse-snatchers and pickpockets love to prey on the unsuspecting and obvious tourist. It is best to leave your valuables, extra cash, and passport in room or hotel safe as a precaution, especially in Quito. Please visit our Travel SMART section for more information.

SAFETY

Safety is our first and foremost concern on all of our tours.  However, participation in any and all activities is at your own risk.  This is an adventurous tour in nature with a variety of activities that carry their own inherent risk.

DISCLAIMER

All information and itineraries are designed to be as informative as possible and are provided in good faith.  Due to the temperament of Mother Nature and the Ecuadorian Government, itineraries may change and activities may be shifted, omitted or replaced without notice.  Our goal is to give you the best possible tour with a safety first mentality.  We also must comply with all rules set forth by the national and local governments no matter how convenient or inconvenient they may be.  The good news is that we rarely have to change the itinerary drastically and we are very adept at dealing with the challenges of operating in a third world country.  You’re in good hands!