All the
packages within this brochure have been made taking into consideration
the following terms:
· Airfares and
other taxes are not included in our published packages. Airfares and
taxes may vary without prior notice.
· Domestic
flights might not leave at scheduled times.
· When possible,
programs are quoted for luxury, first-class and tourist hotels. However,
sightseeing is always the same high quality we are known for.
· Train portion
is subject to change due to operational reasons. In these cases, circuit
will be completed by car.
· Distances in
Kilometers in Ecuador may be misleading due to difficult terrain.
· For
international sales, all policies of deposits, payments and
cancellations are applicable, as described at tariff guide.
Galapagos
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will meet
me at the Airport in Galapagos ?
Upon the
arrival to the airport, our guides are waiting for you with a placard of
the ship or yacht. They will receive the passengers, check them in
the list to see nobody is left behind and transport them in the airlines’
bus to the dock where the vessel anchored.
Are there any
luggage’s restrictions ?
The airline
that operates to Galapagos, allows one piece of luggage per person no
more than 30 kilos (approximately 60 pounds). We recommend lock your
luggage during your flight.
What is the
smoking policy on board the ship ?
It is forbidden
to smoke inside the yachts and the vessel. Smoking is allowed only on
the sun decks, outdoors where you will find appropriate ashtray. Never
throw cigarette filters over-board.
What time zone
is used in Galapagos ?
Local time in
Galapagos is GMT – 6 (one our less than in Ecuador’s main land). In our
yachts and vessels we work with Ecuador’s main land time.
Is there any
physical requirement for the cruise ?
We recommend
that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails
are difficult therefore elderly or disabled people may find them too
hard. The passengers with difficulties must notify to Peru Gateway
Travel about their physical condition in order to make the necessary
arrangements.
Peru Gateway
Travel reserve the right to refuse a passenger if someone failed to
inform of any physical disability, or who in the opinion of the company,
constitutes a danger to themselves, other guest, members of the crew, or
the smooth operation of the vessel.
What should I
wear during the cruise ?
Galapagos means
nature, moving, enjoying and relaxation, therefore you don’t have to
worry about dressing up. Casual and light clothing is recommended on
board the ship.
For dinning:
you will need a semiformal wear and a sweater or jacket for windy
nights.
For the
excursions: we recommend you to take:
- Cotton long
sleeved shirts
- T-shirts
- Lightweight
pair of slacks
- Shorts
- Good walking
shoes with socks
- Thongs or
Tevas
- Hat with
straps
- Bathing suit
- Sunglasses
(preferably with straps)
- Windbreaker
- Wetsuit (for
snorkels is just needed June to November when the temperature of the
water drops a little)
What else
should we take along with us ?
Besides the
clothes listed above you should bring:
- A small
backpack or bag
- Equipment
- Sun block
lotion (at least protection 8)
- Insect
repellent
- Snorkeling
gear: mask, tube and flippers (all available on board)
- Grooming kit
- Personal
medication
- Books
(available on board)
- Small
notebook and pencil
- Camera gear
- Film
(available on board)
- Binoculars
Visas :
Ecuador
requires a valid passport issued by the traveler’s country of
residence. The traveler must also hold proof of return, or onward
journey, the entrance permits for foreigners are valid for period of up
to 90 days without a visa. People from a group of 26 countries require a
12-X visa for reciprocity reasons, these are: Algeria,
Bangladesh, China, North Korea, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon,
Libya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia,
Vietnam, Yemen and Palestine. We recommend all passengers check with
respective authorities before departure.
Health:
No vaccinations
are required for entering the country. However, yellow fever vaccination
is required to enter the Amazon Jungle, with the presentation of
original certificate. Nevertheless, we recommend you check with your
physician before departure.
Because of the
high altitudes in certain areas of Ecuador, travelers with particular
heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult their
doctors. It is advisable to drink bottled water everywhere.
Language
Spanish is the
official language. Quechua is spoken by a large percentage of the native
and mestizo population. English, is spoken in hotels, tourist shops and
in major visitor centers where sometimes is possible to find people
speaking French and German.
Photography /
Video
The unique
wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, as well as the scenery, markets,
churches, flora, fauna and jungle of the mainland, will give you some
of the best snapshots of your life. Make sure you bring a zoom lens for
wildlife close-ups, 100 ASA film for outdoor shots, 200 for cloudy days,
and a couple of 400 for low-light situations (church interiors). A UV
filter is necessary. Although you may purchase film and batteries in
Ecuadorian stores, it is highly recommended that you bring a sufficient
supply, particularly when traveling to the Galapagos Islands and Amazon
rain forest.
Tipping:
Tipping is
always a courtesy from passengers and in no case should be forced on to
clients. However, if service has been pleasing, the following are our
suggestions:
- Restaurants
and coffee shops: 10% of the bill.
- Hotel/
airport portage: US$ 1 p/ suitcase
- Guides in
Mainland US$ 3 per day, p/p
- Driver in
Mainland: US$ 2 per day, p/p
- Guides in
Galapagos: US$ 5 per day, p/p
- Cruise
crew: US$ 10 per day, p/p
Climate:
Continental
Ecuador: each region of the country has its own climate. In the
highlands, it is spring-like most of the year, although colder and
rainier in the winter months from December to April. Dry months are
from May through October when the temperatures are around 70°F
(21°-26°C) during the day, but often around 50° F (10°-15°C) during the
evening.
iOn the coast,
the average temperature is 83° F (28°C), with the hot, rainy season from
November to May and the dry season from June to December!
In the Amazon
rain forest the climate is humid, warm and quite rainy.
What to Bring:
Highlands:
For Quito and the other highland cities, wear comfortable springtime
clothing during the day and a sweater or coat during the evening.
For the
highlands and moorlands (páramos), warm, winter-like clothing is
essential.
Amazon
Rainforest:
For your Amazon or other rainforest explorations, you may prefer a
long-sleeved shirts and long pants for protection against mosquitoes.
Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and eye-drops must be part of your
traveling equipment, especially if you are sun- sensitive. A camera,
binoculars and a flashlight are necessary for sightseeing, as well as
a waterproof jacket, rubber shoes and swimwear .
Pacific Coast:
Consider that the Ecuadorian beaches are “nature seeking” experiences
which include long walks, swimming, and other physical activities.
Therefore, we advise you to bring comfortable breathable clothes,
tevas-sandals or similar, swimsuits, sunscreen, repellent, wide brim
hat, sunglasses, binoculars, eye drops. Be advised that evening gowns
and accessories are not necessary. At night semiformal, attire is
advised.
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