Signature Galapagos Islands Cruise
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Pre-Travel Form
We need some important information prior to your trip. This information will include your flight details which we need for your transfer. Please fill in this information as soon as possible.
Itinerary Viewing Options
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Arrival Details
Arrive to Quito, Ecuador - Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) - at any time on or before first day of tour. Transfer to Holiday Inn Quito Airport.
Departure Details
Depart from Quito, Ecuador - Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) - at any time on last day of tour. Depart from Holiday Inn Quito Airport.
Airport Transfers
If you have purchased your own pre-night or post night accommodations (not through the Women's Travel Club) you will have to arrange your own airport transfer or take a taxi.


 


Emergency contact details for Quito and Galapagos Islands staff: The main numbers you can call anytime are +593 987 004404 or +1-773-280-9571.
Flight Information
The Women’s Travel Club recommends booking flexible/refundable air tickets when possible. Please do not book flights until your tour status is guaranteed. Once your flights are booked please enter your flight information on the pre-travel form above.


If you would like assistance booking international flights for your tour please use the form below. The Women’s Travel Club Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options.


Our Flight management fee is CAD 100.00 + HST, per tour.
Entry Requirements
Visa






For Canadian and US citizens, a tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.




 




Passport






You must present a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity before the expiry date, counting from the date of your arrival. Ensure you receive an entry stamp in your passport to avoid significant problems when exiting the country.




 




Other


At the airport in mainland Ecuador, Galapagos visitors are required to have bags inspected by quarantine staff and acquire a requisite tourist Transit Control Card for a nominal fee.


 


The Ecuadorian Animal and Plant Health Service and the Quarantine and Inspection System of the Galapagos (SICGAL) perform the quarantine inspection as part of a coordinated effort to prevent the introduction of non-native fauna and flora to the vulnerable Galapagos ecosystem. Visitors are also given a declaration form to fill out as another preventative measure of Galapagos conservation. 


 


Visitors may bring 1-2 checked bags weighing no more than 44lbs in total along with one carry-on bag weighing no more than 17lbs. Excess baggage may potential be left behind in a mainland Ecuadorian hotel (check with your hotel) or brought along at an additional charge.


 

Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, visitors pay a mandatory entrance fee in cash to the Galapagos National Park. Currently, the fee is $100 for non-Ecuadorian adults and $50 for non-Ecuadorian children.




 


Vaccinations
While no specific vaccinations are required, we recommend that your routine vaccinations are up to date and that you visit a local travel health clinic or doctor for advice prior to the trip.


 


There is a risk of yellow fever in Ecuador. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, or have transited through an airport in one of these countries.


 


Now any person arriving in Ecuador does not need to present a vaccination card or any kind of COVID test.


 


The Women's Travel Club recommends travelers to be fully vaccinated against COVID. Some countries will require COVID vaccination to enter, it is the traveler's resposibility to insure they meet all requirements.  


 


Travel requirements may change at any time. Please visit your government's travel recommendations page. 
Canada - https://travel.gc.ca/ 
USA -  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Connect with your new travel friends!
Group Chat
Chat with others on your tour on our private, online network. Share information and ideas for your upcoming tour.


 


 


 
Online Meet & Greet
Join the live, online meet and greet to meet your fellow travelers and your tour host. This informal online get-together will happen shortly before your tour.


 


November 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM EST


 
Photo Sharing
Share pictures from the tour on this photo sharing app. Photos can be uploaded to social media. A great way for everyone to have access to the best photos.


 


Click here to join our PhotoCircle.
Suggested Packing List
This is a suggested packing list for your tour. Please keep in mind that your personal needs or requirements may differ from the items on this list.


Where to pack it? A duffle bag is suggested. These are easy to collapse and store to save space in your cabin or room and can usually accommodate everything. Just make sure that anything fragile in the bag is in a thicker case or protected.


Here are a few tips to keep in mind while packing that might make your experience easier:


    

  • Use ziplock bags to create a vacuum seal - you can group together all your clothes, like all t-shirts or all shorts, into just one freezer bag. This saves a ton of space in the suitcase.
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  • Roll your clothes. This is another space-saver and makes it easier to see everything so you can grab what you need without pulling everything out of your suitcase.
    • 

  • Pack in advance - if you are packed a week before departure, that gives you time to double or even triple-check that you have all that you need.
    • 

  • Pack the essentials in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage doesn’t make it - you can never be too safe!
    • 

  • Pack casual. This is a vacation, not a dinner party - no need to bring elegant clothes unless you know you’re going to be at a very fancy dinner. The atmosphere in the Galapagos is very casual.
    • 

  • Don’t pack anything that it would crush you to lose. That might mean leaving your wedding ring at home, but there’s always a chance it could get lost, so it’s better safe than sorry.
    • 

  • If you’re also spending time in Quito, the Amazon, or even Peru, make sure to pack for those climates as well.
    • 

  • Flight information and documents - eticket number
  • Travel insurance policy 
  • Passport (make a copy)
  • COVID vaccination certificate (if required)
  • Pre travel COVID test certificate (if required)
  • Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination (if required)
  • Pen (please bring your own for filling our documents)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
  • Cash, credit card and debit card
  • Cell phone, tablet, etc with charging cables
  • Day pack (for daily excursions)
  • Earplugs (if needed)
  • Electical adapter and converter
  • External charger
  • Face masks
  • First aid kit and medications (bring extra prescription medications in their prescription bottles/packages)
  • Fleece top/sweater
  • Flip flops to walk around the boat or hotel
  • Footwear including comfortable closed toe shoes with ankle support for trekking
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hat (ball cap or brimmed hat for sun protection)
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Hiking socks
  • Jacket or rain poncho
  • Locks for bags
  • Long pants, capris and/or shorts
  • Money belt (optional)
  • Personal entertainment (reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sandals with ankle strap or closed water shoes
  • Shirts (blouses, t-shirts, tank tops, etc)
  • Sleepwear
  • Small travel towel (optional)
  • Smart outfit (optional for evenings out)
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuit (may choose to bring 2 swimsuits: one to wear while the other is drying) and wrap
  • Toiletries
  • Watch and/or alarm clock
Weather
You can expect very pleasant weather on the Galapagos Islands in November. The average high temperature is 79°F (26°C) and the average low temperature is 70°F (21°C). The sea temperature is likely to be around 73°F (23°C). November is still the dry season in the Galapagos Islands, so the likelihood of rain is low.
Currency
The official currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US dollar. Ecuador’s banking systems and commercial sites do not accept $100 bills/notes and smaller vendors rarely carry larger bills/notes, so it’s recommended to carry smaller bills/notes. are also widely accepted.


ATMs are available in the Galapagos although they aren’t prolific. They are however available in all major cities in mainland Ecuador.


Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diner’s Club are accepted by most vendors with Diner’s Club being the most widely accepted.
Electric Outlets
On the Galapagos Islands there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins and type B plugs have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. The Galapagos Islands operate on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.


 




A universal all-in-one travel adapter (can be purchased from retailers like Amazon) will allow you to plug in and charge most electronic devices. Most electronic devices have built-in converters. However, if you plan to use North American appliances like hair dryers, flat irons or curling irons you will need a converter.