Tour: 13 day Three Worlds of Ecuador: Galapagos, Cloud Forest & Amazon Tour

TRIP START AND END

Arriving in Quito

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 $25-30USD 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!

Departing Galapagos

When you leave Galapagos, you need to present the stub from your INGALA paper (you filled this out on the way to Galapagos). If you lose that stub, you will have to pay another $20USD for a new one.

Arriving in Coca (The Amazon!)

A representative from Sacha Lodge will meet you at national departures area of the international airport in Quito, to guide you on your way to your flight to Coca.  Upon arrival in the Amazon, you and your bags will be transferred to the river and onwards to the Lodge by motorized long boat, which will take around 2-3 hours total.

Departing Coca and Quito

It is an early morning start to the day for your return flight to Quito. We recommend booking a night in Quito after your Amazon experience. If you elect not to, please ensure your international flights home are in the evening or late at night.

MONEY

CURRENCY, BILLS & ATM’S –The currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos is US Dollars. There are ATM’s in San Cristobal and Santa Cruz islands (no ATMs in Floreana or Isabela), but it is best to carry cash into the islands rather than hope the ATM works. Travelers Checks are a safe way to travel with money, but the only way to use them on the islands is to cash them at the bank during weekday hours (and pay a percentage for this service). 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 INGALA FEE – CASH ONLY

This is a visitor control document used to track and moderate tourism and migration to the islands that was implemented in 2006 by the Galapagos National Park. This card is purchased at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil and will need to shown along with your passport upon entering the islands.

$100 GALAPAGOS PARK ENTRANCE FEE – CASH ONLY

This is payable upon entering the Galapagos.

BUDGET – You are responsible for any meals not included in the itinerary.  An emergency stash of cash is always a good idea too – we recommend at least $300.

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 is customary and included in your tour price.  For your leader, $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

Your guides will have a wealth of information about the history, culture and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon.  They are locals and speak excellent English.  There is also on-site support in Quito if you encounter any troubles upon arrival in Ecuador.  That means that someone is physically there to assist with any challenges that may arise and doubly ensure that your tour is the tour of a lifetime!

We are truly grateful for our wonderful guides – check out Meet Your Guides for more information.  

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES & FELLOW TRAVELERS

Spending three weeks with fellow travelers from around the world can be exciting and dynamic. At times, it can be a challenge. For the best possible trip, it is important that all passengers adhere to meeting times as a common courtesy.  With a small effort on your part and some patience on behalf of your fellow travelers, we are certain that the tour will be enjoyable for all.

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 embassy 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. Between 5 and 15 dollars a day will 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, Ecuador.  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.

ALTITUDE SICNKESS

The best way to adjust to altitude is to take it easy in Quito and let your body acclimatize before starting any trek or doing any strenuous activities. Eat many small meals and avoid alcohol. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is very important at altitude.

Altitude sickness may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, insomnia and loss of appetite. Being in “great shape” has no impact on how you’ll be impacted by altitude. If you are concerned about how the altitude may affect you, talk to your doctor before departing on your trip.

WHAT TO PACK

On a tour as long and varied as this, packing light can be a challenge. Everything from swimsuits to rain jackets are required. We have a lengthy packing list of required and suggested items that we provide to all travelers when they book a tour.

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 Governments, itineraries may change and activities may be shifted, omitted or replaced without notice. Hotels, activities and transportation are all subject to availability and may change without notice. If we know in advance of any changes, we will do our best to inform you in a timely manner. 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 South America. You’re in good hands!