Tour: 14-Day Galapagos Photo Tour

Trip Start and End

ARRIVING – The Galapagos Photography Workshop tour begins at the airport in Quito, for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. We highly encourage you to arrive in Quito at least one day before the scheduled departure, so that you can attend a briefing the night before your flight to the Galapagos (and to avoid issues with possible flight delays or lost bags). A taxi from the airport to msot hotels will cost $25-30. Be sure to negotiate a price before getting into the cab.

BRIEFING – As there are no scheduled activities in Quito and people will be arriving at different times, your official briefing will take place the evening before your flight to the Galapagos Islands. 

DEPARTING – The Galakiwi team will transfer you to Baltra airport from your hotel in Santa Cruz on the final day of your Photography Workshop. Upon arrival in Quito you are free to continue on home or to your hotel if you have booked any optional activities with us to extend your stay in Ecuador.

OPTIONAL TRANSFERS AND HOTEL NIGHTS – If you want to arrange for extra nights or activities in Quito before or after your Photography Workshop, this can easily be arranged. Simply advise us at the time of your booking and we would be happy to assist you.

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 INGALA CARD – CASH ONLY  (Fee increase to $20 from $10 effective March 1, 2015.)
• $100 PARK ENTRANCE FEE – CASH ONLY

BUDGET – You are responsible for the above-mentioned fees and 3 meals on the trip.  A cheap meal is $3-5 and an expensive meal is $10-15.   Beer, 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 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

All of our trips are lead or co-lead by a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide.  Your guides 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!

Your Galapagos Photography Workshop includes the added guidance of a photogrphy expert, who is on hand to answer all of your photography questions. Our photography experts are subject to change, but they are all accomplished photographers, with a wealth of knowledge and experience photographing in the Galapagos Islands and around the world. 

Photography Expectations

Improving your photographic skills is a core component of this tour and workshop. Travelers are expected to be comfortable with the equipment they're using and be prepared to participate in a daily learning recap, as well as a project. You can request our packing and gear list information, which includes mandatory equipment needed to get the most out of this tour.

Your Responsibilities & Fellow Photographers

Spending 10 days with fellow travelers and photographers 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 and understand that each photographer may have shooting interests or a skill level that differs from your own.  With a small effort on your part and some patience on behalf of your fellow travelers, we are certain that the photography trip will be enjoyable for all.

Travel Documents & Visas

In order to enter Ecuador (and the Galapagos Islands), 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. 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. 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!

Note: Our student to instructor ratio for this photography workshop is a maximum of 8:1, to ensure that all travelers receive personal attention from our instructors.