Travel documents

Your first step in preparing for your trip is to make sure you have all your travel documents in order. You will be required to present a valid passport when entering Ecuador. If you don’t have a passport, please apply for one immediately as it can take some time to obtain one. If you already have a valid passport, be sure to check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Ecuador, as you will not be allowed to enter the country if this is not the case. Citizens of most countries including USA and Canada can stay a maximum of 90 days without needing a visa. Please check below the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter to Ecuador:

 Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic and Popular Republic of Corea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistán, Somalia and Senegal

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage, medical coverage including coverage for emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss protection. Please contact us if you require more information or assistance purchasing a travel insurance.

ARRIVING & DEPARTING

 Flight arrangements: Please be sure to have your flight reservations in order. Do not forget to confirm and check in your flight up to 24 hours before your flight.

Luggage Allowances: Generally speaking, baggage allowance per passenger is the following:

• International flights: two bags, total 31 kg /68 lb plus one carry on (Please check with your airline the luggage allowance as each airline handles their own policies)
• Galapagos Islands: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 lb plus one carry on bag.
• The Jungle: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 lb plus one carry-on bag (This information can change depending on the destination, please verify with your sales agent.)
• Other domestic flights: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 pounds plus one carry on bag

This information may be subject to change due to International Aviation regulations. Please contact the airline company for exact information.

If You Are Delayed: If you are delayed en route or if you miss a flight connection, please contact us immediately.

 During business hours 9am to 5pm EST: (593-2) 380 11 25

After hours: (593-9) 95050 537

Arriving In Ecuador

Upon arrival you will have to go through immigrations first and then customs. Your passport will be requested and an arrival form (usually handed out on board your flight prior to landing). Be sure your entrance papers are officially stamped showing the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country. A copy of the arrival form will be given to you. Keep it in a safe place with your passport, as you will need it to leave the country. If it is lost you will need to fill out a new one at the airline counter when you check in for your departing flight. Next you will proceed to pick up your luggage. If you require assistance there are porters who can help you. The standard gratuity is US $1 per bag.  If you have arranged transfer services with Latin Roots Travel you will meet our transfer agent just outside customs, he or she will be carrying a Latin Roots Travel sign with your name or the name of your group on it. Normally, if you are arriving on a flight late at night and do not feel comfortable in a foreign country by yourself, we suggest a private transfer, which we can arrange for you.

Customs

Any person that enters Ecuador temporarily is exempt from the payment of any customs duty. You will not be required to pay taxes or duties for your luggage, new or used articles that you will use during your trip, and portable items such as photo cameras, video cameras, laptops, radios or any other electronic equipment or devices.

Altitude

Quito is located 9200 feet above sea level, for this reason some passengers traveling from lower elevations may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. This typically results in shortness of breath, nausea and headaches. In most cases the symptoms will gradually lessen and pass as one’s body adjusts to the altitude, during the first days of your stay take it easy and drink lots of water. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or tea seems to lessen symptoms.  If you have high blood pressure, heart trouble or had issues with altitude sickness in the past please consult your physician before traveling to Quito.

Immunizations

No inoculations are required for entry into Ecuador, except a yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are going deep into the Provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos (The Amazon Basin).  Although no cases of yellow fever have been reported in Ecuador in the last 20 years, the Ministry of Health issued a yellow fever vaccination requirement to all travellers going to certain zones in the Orellana and Sucumbíos Provinces.

All tourists visiting mentioned zones must have the “Yellow fever” vaccination 10 days before entering into the Amazon Region and posses the certificate of vaccination.

This vaccination provides protection for 10 years after which it is required a reinforcement dose.

IMPORTANT: passengers who visit Ecuador and then go to Brazil, Panama or Costa Rica must have a yellow fever Vaccination certificate or will not be allowed to board the international flight (International regulations).

Special Health or Dietary requirements.

Please advise us of any medical or special dietary needs you may have. Please provide this information to our agents at least 60 days prior to your trip.

Tipping

 Tipping is not mandatory; it is a personal matter based on your discretion. However guides, drivers, restaurant and hotel staff will expect a tip from you after receiving a good service. Of course the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity.  The following guidelines could be very helpful if you want to reward an excellent service:

• 10% of bill at restaurants
• $0.50 per bag for porters at the airport and bell boys at the hotels.
• $ 5 to $10 per person for the guide in mainland Ecuador (for a full day tour).
• $ 3 to $5 per person for the driver in mainland Ecuador (for a full day tour)
• Galapagos guides and crew members have their own guidelines depending of the boat or hotel you are going to. In this case you will receive the guidelines on site.