FAQS

Our guests are educated, inquisitive, and open minded. Our journeys and adventures have a great mix of single travelers and couples. Our guest’s most common trait is a general passion for travel and the wish to share that passion with companion guests.

For most Journeys, a relatively low level of exertion is required. Almost all include short walks, sometimes in tough terrain, considering Natural History interpretation requires accessing nature areas.

Snorkeling is always included in the Galapagos, and this is a soft activity most of the time. Guides and support crew are always on hand to assist during activities or if the currents get too strong.

All our adventures are rated “soft”, and adequate for anyone in good health.

During our land activities, you walk moderate distances on beaches and rough terrain. While on private guided tours, we accommodate those who find long walks and activities too strenuous.

We offer family-friendly activities, and for private, custom trips, we can including a dedicated kid coordinator if you require one. Our menus can be tailored to children´s needs. Active children 8 years and older are well suited for our adventures. Children under 8 years old are more suited for private journeys where specific needs can be met.

Because Ecuador is located on the Equatorial line, it is privileged with 12 hours of direct sunlight all year. It is by excellence, a year-round, pleasant destination. However, there are months that might be more appealing than others depending on where you are going. (Find drier trails in the Andes, calmer seas in the Coast or less rain in the rain forest). All our tours have a note at the end where you find this type of information or you can always ask one of our experts.

Ecuador’s weather is characterized by its variability. It is often best to dress in layers, as you may experience sudden changes in temperature.

Solar radiation is more intense along the equatorial line than in other latitudes, so we recommend you wear sun block with a high SPF even on cloudy days. Sunburn can occur rapidly and become very intense, so it is important to apply sunblock several times a day, especially when entering and exiting the water.

Our tours include two types of accommodations:

  • Comfort class hotels offer high quality bed & breakfast accommodations with a boutique touch.
  • Premium hotels offer a first class experience, including spas, gourmet restaurants, amenities, and ample space for relaxation.

It is important to mention the wide range of choice for accommodations in continental Ecuador. From budget hotels to the most distinguished and renowned luxury properties. We handpick places with character and charm and almost always include boutique hotels in most cities, Colonial Haciendas in the Andean Regions and Ecolodges in the rain forest.

As direct operators we can always tailor-make an itinerary to match your hotel preferences.

Our food practice in all three regions is based on sustainability, local contribution and nutritional considerations.  We offer meals that incorporate local flavors sometimes blended with international cuisine.

Our Journeys have an emphasis on food experiences, and they combine the best of street, local, and gourmet dishes. Vegetarian and low-fat options are available, please let us know your dietary restrictions when booking.

Galapagos

This is the best preserved archipelago in the Pacific, with 97% of its surface belonging to the National Park.

Strict entry controls for plants and chemicals have shielded local farms from unsustainable practices, and allowed them to produce high quality herbs, fruits, coffee, cacao and vegetables and 100% organic.

These farms produce organic beef, free range chickens and eggs. Introduced goats (gone wild) and feral pigs are (legally) hunted, providing a high quality food source while helping with control of invasive species.

The 14 million hectare Marine Reserve is a rich source of seafood, including the unique Galapagos lobster, available only during the allowed season.

While most of the food is shipped from the mainland, we have partnerships with local producers and families to promote the production of clean local foods, save energy in food transportation, provide direct economic benefits and contribute to the health of the community and our guests.

If you want to fully experience Galapagos food, check out our Galapagos for Foodies offering the best of street, local, and organic Galapagos dishes with an international fusion. Ask for local organic options at any of our restaurants.

No previous experience is required for snorkeling. We provide you with all the necessary equipment.

We´ll send you clothing and packing advice, as well as a packing checklist specific for each trip.

Every journey and adventure with us includes:

Accommodations in premium or comfort class hotels; meals as described; all adventure and protective equipment (including front-suspended deore mountain bikes, expedition kayaks, rafting equipment, gloves, helmets, water bottles, and dry bags); professional English-speaking guide.

We do not include hotel and restaurant beverages, tips, gratuities and personal expenses.

For Galápagos we also include: professional Galapagos naturalist guide; land, sea, and inter-island air transportation.

Airfare to/from Galapagos; INGALA Transit Card and the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee are not included.

Yes, we take Visa and Master Card.

You can also choose to pay via PayPal or direct bank transfer.

Our trips are great for single travelers! We usually host groups of different ages where singles and couples mingle. We offer a single supplement based on double occupancy, although in some hotels you´ll find single rooms available. Let us know in advance and we´ll plan accordingly.

International air fare is not included in the cost of our journeys and adventures.

Internal air fares are not included in Colombia and Ecuador.

Flights to and from Galápagos are not included.

We can help you with any local reservations that you may need to accommodate your trip schedule.

It is important to mention that Our Galapagos tours include inter-island airfares when listed.

We recommend you purchase travel insurance before traveling.

Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries traveling to Ecuador for tourism do not require a visa unless they expect to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days in one calendar year (that is, 90 days adding every entry in one year) or if they are drawing income from an Ecuadorian source. For more information check the following link:

http://www.ecuador-travel-guide.org/general/VISASs.htm

You will find all health requirements for travel to Ecuador here:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ecuador

We are extremely proud of our guides! They are experts in their fields, enthusiastic and proactive people with a passion for their craft.

The number of trip leaders depends on the number of travelers in the group. The average leader-to-passenger ratio is 1:10. Read more about our leaders here.

The Galapagos Islands, unlike other wildlife sanctuaries around the world, are a year-round destination.

Because of the confluence of two powerful ocean currents at the equatorial line dividing the Galapagos Islands, we have a dry/cool season from June to December, where water temperatures drop and the ocean is filled with rich marine diversity; and a humid/warm season from late December to May, where water temperatures warm up and afternoon showers are frequent.

Galapagos weather is considered moderate and neotropical, and the endemic species here do not migrate but adapt to weather conditions and food supply.

Colombia is a year round destination, located near to the Equatorial line. Weather varies little during the year. Bogota is cold, Medellin feels like spring. Santander has a nice tropical weather and the Caribbean coast is hot and increases in humidity during October –November.

When it comes to accommodations in Galapagos, we work with Opuntia Hotels, the leading network of Galapagos oceanfront properties. Committed to personalized service and warm hospitality, each hotel has its own charm, subscribing to the highest standards of quality, comfort, and sustainability.

We offer two levels of accommodation:

Our Comfort Class hotels offer high quality bed & breakfast accommodations with a boutique feel. They have been completely remodeled by our professional hotelier team. By Galapagos standards, they are the most comfortable in their class and their stunning oceanfront locations allow for the best access to beaches, piers, attractions and main plazas.
Our Premium Class hotels offer a first-class experience in top waterfront properties, with breathtaking ocean views, stunning décor and fresh, gourmet restaurants that display a fusion of local delicacies and international cuisine.

We offer two Types of hotels in Colombia:

  • Comfort class hotels with high quality bed & breakfast boutique service.
  • Premium hotels with a first-class experience, including spas, gourmet restaurants, amenities, and ample space for relaxation.

Most our trips are all inclusive, and unless noted otherwise, our trips include:

  • Transfers in and out, unless not mentioned
  • Ground transportation
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Entrance fees
  • Described meals plan
  • Specialized tour guides

Citizens of the United States and EU countries traveling to Colombia for tourism do not require a visa unless they expect to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days in one calendar year (that is, 90 days adding every entry in one year) For more information check the following link:

http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/help/faq/visas

Please note that Canadian citizen are charged USD$70 reciprocity fee.