Frequently asked questions about Ecuador → Here we present the most frequent questions that our clients usually ask us before traveling to the Galapagos Islands – Ecuador. Before making a general inquiry, please read this page carefully.
Galapagos Islands – The Islands The 18 islands that comprise the Galapagos lie almost 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, directly on the equator, with some islands in the northern and others in the southern hemisphere. The landscape is mostly rocky and barren, but fascinating and beautiful in its way. The islands are volcanic, and thus geologically very interesting, and some of the youngest islands are still in the formation process.
A whopping 97.5% of the archipelago’s land area has been made a national park, and the 70,000 square kilometers of ocean surrounding the islands have been declared a marine reserve, the world’s largest after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, as well as a whale sanctuary. The Galapagos Islands have also been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a biosphere reserve. However, the small area that is inhabited by humans – on the five islands of Baltra, Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Santa Cruz – is surprisingly developed, making visits easy and comfortable.
Of course, the biggest draw to these incredible islands is the wildlife. Many of the islands’ species are endemic, and the lack of natural predators has caused them to evolve utterly without fear of visitors, meaning that tourists are thus able to approach and interact with the playful penguins and seals, the friendly marine iguanas, and Darwin’s finches, the colorful blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds and sally lightfoot crabs, and of course, the famed giant Galapagos tortoise. But human development on the islands is having negative effects on the animals as well as the islands themselves. Habitats are being threatened through the introduction of alien species that are taking over or destroying the conditions necessary for native wildlife to thrive. Strict controls are thus being enacted – visitors must be accompanied by guides and are expected to treat the islands and their animal residents with utmost care. A small price to pay to experience these unique and mesmerizing islands
Las Peñas Historic Quarter Colorful houses in the historic Las Peñas neighborhood, Guayaquil, Ecuador Las Peñas is the oldest neighborhood in Guayaquil, with colorful houses that give character to the cobblestone streets on the slopes.
Eclectic bars and restaurants, art galleries, museums, shops, and romantic views of the city make exploring the alleys an active way to spend a few hours. Climb the 444 steps of Cerro Santa Ana to discover the charms of this neighborhood, in a place where the history and romance of old Guayaquil are pleasant. El Faro (The Lighthouse) Located at the top of the Santa Ana hill (Las Peñas area), El Faro is a lighthouse representing the original lighthouse of the city built in 1841 exit of the Gulf of Guayaquil.
The outpost was a crucial lighthouse during the times when ships came and went from other parts of South America and the Galapagos Islands. The view from the top of the hill is exceptional, providing a 360-degree overview of the city. Malecon 2000 One of the undisputed best things to do in Guayaquil is strolling along the Malecón 2000.
This is the name of the modern boardwalk that overlooks the Guayas River in the city of Guayaquil. It is a place to walk with the family while enjoying the breeze that comes from the sea, and it is especially pleasant at night. Along the 2.5 km stretch of Malecón 2000, you will find restaurants, bars, shops, and an IMAX movie theater amid the ponds, water fountains, historical monuments, and playgrounds. Particular highlights include The La Perla Ferris wheel (the tallest in South America), where views from closed cars after dark capture city lights on one side and river views on the other.
The Rotonda Monument marks the famous conference meeting between Simón Bolívar and San José in 1822. Guayaquil Historical Park The Historical Park is a great option to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for half a day. You will need to take a taxi to get there, but everything is walkable on the site. The park has three areas to explore A wildlife park that houses more than 50 different species of birds and mammals typical of the coastal region. Elevated boardwalks take you onto a 4- hectare loop, with stops for written explanations of wildlife along the way.
The Urban Architecture area displays several traditional houses from the boom times of the early 20th century, which brought a lot of wealth to the former owners. The houses have been restored as cultural heritage, and offer workshops and exhibitions throughout the day.
The traditional area is dedicated to cocoa, fruits, and spices. Tourists can learn how to make cocoa chocolate and visit an ethnobotanical garden, among other things. Malecón del Salado Malecon del Salado is a renovated boardwalk on the Salado estuary, and part of an innovative urban renewal project on the site of a former seaside resort.
A safari theme park with carnival rides, a theater, a water fountain, and restaurants are some of the attractions that draw people from all over the city both day and night. Rowing boats can be hired to explore on the water. Seminario Park (commonly known as Iguanas Park) Located near the coast and flanked on one side by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil, Parque Seminario has a Page 8 of 19unique places for visitors and locals. The park is home to hundreds of land iguanas that roam the lawns and hallways. Vendors in the park sell lettuce to feed the reptiles, which grow over three feet long.
Cerro del Carmen Cerro del Carmen is a hill with 200 steps to the top, where visitors will find an impressive statue of Jesus overlooking the city and the General Cemetery of Guayaquil. Plaza Lagos Located in the trendy Samborondón neighborhood, Plaza Lagos is a complex of restaurants that range from sandwich shops and tapas to high-end restaurants.
Boutique shops surround an artificial lake and palm trees. This is the place to sit outside and relax while enjoying live music on weekends and people watching. Zigzag Bridge True to its namesake Guayaquil, the pedestrian bridge zigzags and crosses the Estuario Salado that connects the dock of the University of Guayaquil with the Linear Park in front of the Catholic University. The park covers an area of 21,720.45 square meters. Trails wind through mangroves and ponds, making exploring here a different kind of city adventure.
Near the university, side is the Urdesa neighborhood, which has a large collection of restaurants with outdoor tables for people to watch.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. tough is beautiful all year round, but especially those months offer to range from the low 70s to the mid-80s which is great for a hike and explore the Galapagos with pleasant conditions especially for wildlife spotting.
where do you have to go first to get to the Galapagos?
from anywhere from the world arrive first to the Guayaquil or Quito, either way, is recommended before you take a domestic flight into Baltra airport that is in the Galapagos
Which city is better to stay in for a few more days Guayaquil or Quito?
The most recommended city is Guayaquil for the sea level altitude is better for everybody without acclimatizing and more activities to do it’s easy to plan at the list for few more day to stay in with the best hotels at your leisure. in the other site Quito is full of history with its beautiful colonial building makes unforgettable experiences plus museums to visit too choose what you like been on sea level or been up to 9.350 ft
How many days do you recommend staying in Ecuador?
We recommend staying 8 to 10 days in the Ecuador Andean Highlands region of the country this will allow you to see the best of Ecuador but mainly even taking more days you can explore the highlands and the Galapagos Islands in about 11 to 14 days without missing anything.
How many extra days do you recommend for Galapagos?
Our trip advisors are the experts to give you an idea and recommendations and more places to explore at this point mostly depends on your time and budget.
How far in advance do I have to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil before my tour to Galapagos?
arrival 24 hours before is the best option that even gives you some time to explore the city but if you can be there 48 hours early gives time to enjoy any of the cities.
How do you get to Puerto Ayora from Baltra airport?
essentially there is no direct connection from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Island Airport, the options are to take the bus to Santa Cruz Ferry Terminal, once you arrive at Santa Cruz Ferry Terminal, take a public Ferry to Baltra Island Ferry Terminal then take a shuttle to Baltra Island Airport.
How long does it take to get to the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador?
The flight to Galapagos from mainland Ecuador takes around two hours, although, from Quito, the flight is usually considerably longer as most flights touch down in Guayaquil to pick up passengers.
Are there luggage restrictions on the airplane?
Mainly most airlines will allow you to check one bag and one carry-on bag with a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds also the size restriction is important normally allowed is 62 linear inches, a regular size for checking is 27 x 21 x 14 inches.
Can I take an international flight once I return to Ecuador from Galapagos?
all the flights are connected once you return to Ecuador according to your schedule but if you don’t have an international flight you can book last minute at the airport without restriction always remember to be at least four hours before an international flight to avoid any inconvenience.
How do I get to the city from the airport?
QUITO: The Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located in the town of Tababela, about 11 miles east of Quito. It takes approximately 45 minutes from the airport to the city of Quito. You can also take a taxi or book a private transfer through our company.
GUAYAQUIL: The Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport is located inside the city of Guayaquil, is pretty close to most of the hotels, and taking a taxi is easier.
Which airline is more popular to flight into Galapagos?
Avianca, Latam, or Tame are the most reliable that goes into the Island also they offer connections with your international flight worldwide.
Can my flight route be changed before my second payment?
At your leisure, if you want to change your flight route without penalties but always remember all changes should be at least 24 hours in advance or before you do the final payment otherways you get a penalty price that will be according to your fly company terms and conditions.
Before you start booking your dream vacations, we recommend purchasing in your country way before you get your International flight.
Are there any Immunizations required to go to the Galapagos Islands?
The World Health Organization doesn’t recommend vaccination proof as a requirement for international travel, citing unequal distribution of vaccines, even as it consults on interim guidance for developing a “Smart Vaccination Certificate. however, you can research more into the next page if you are planning to stay longer or traveling to the deep Amazon.
All we recommend is to drink water that helps your cardio system and if it gets worse we do have Soroche pills that can calm your Motion sickness that is in the worse case this common medication can be found in Ecuador without prescription, other than Motion sickness you have to check with your doctor before your vacation.
What should we bring to the Galapagos islands?
Our weather temperatures are always warm so recommended to have lightweight clothing sandals and suns creme and a hat highly recommended travel light to the Galapagos makes easier your vacations.
Anywhere in the USA. Are always airport connections to get to the closes airport from your home town to fly to Lima Peru at the same time get a flight from Lima to Cusco for one hour then get a taxi from the airport of Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train station than two hours’ train to finally arrive at Machu Picchu.
No problem bringing alcoholic drinks but most of the hotels and lodges are offering all kinds of beverages.
You can buy souvenirs in the main towns at the beginning and end of your cruise.
You can buy a cell phone chip at any shopping center in Quito or Guayaquil.
There is limited phone coverage in Galapagos, but you can buy a SIM card that will work with the main towns. Once you start sailing, cellphone reception will be very limited/nonexistent at some point every hotel and cruises had wifi coverage.
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