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Home Frequently
Asked Questions
1. Do I need a passport to gain entry into Ecuador and the Galapagos
Islands?
A valid passport is required to gain entry into Ecuador.
2. Do I need a visa
to gain entry into Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands?
Certain nationalities from the United States, Canada and most
of Europe do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Consult your
local Ecuadorian Embassy for more information.
3. Can I drink the
tap water on Isabela?
The tap water on Isabela is not drinkable. We recommend drinking
bottled water which can be bought on the islanda.
4. What currency is
used in Ecuador and Galapagos?
The American dollar.
5. Can I use my credit
card on Isabela?
Credit cards are only accepted on the island in the hotel Casa
de Marita.
6. Is there a bank
on Isabela?
There are no banks on Isabela. It is important to bring sufficient
cash for the duration of your stay on the island.
7. What type of immunizations
do I need for Galapagos?
No vaccinations are necessary for entry into Galapagos.
In the Galapagos Islands there are no poisonous animals that
harm humans, nor are there tropical diseases transmitted by
mosquito, so you will be able to fully enjoy your stay. However,
if you do plan to travel through mainland Ecuador you should
consult your doctor to check what vaccinations are necessary.
8. What should I bring
to Isabela?
Hat, sun block, mosquito repellent (January to May), snorkelling
gear, camera and plenty of film, sandals and closed shoes if
you plan on visiting the volcanoes, jeans, light jacket (June
to December) and sea sickness pills.
9. What is the weather
like on Isabela?
Despite the fact that the archipelago is in a tropical zone,
there are large variations in the climate throughout the year.
This is due to the cold and warm currents that flow through
the Galapagos Islands.
Between January and May it is generally hot, with temperatures
of more than 86F (30C). The ocean is quite calm with warm waters
and you find very little wind, which makes for easy navigation.
Most days you will find totally clear skies and during the night
a sky full of stars. Occasionally there are strong sporadic
rainfalls. During the El Niño phenomenon, there can be
torrential downpours.
From June to December you will find a very pleasant temperature
of around 75F (24C). The sky is cloudy the majority of the time
and you will find a persistent drizzle in the highlands. The
temperature is also a cool 64F (18C). The ocean is generally
choppy and there is a steady wind.
10. What language
is spoken on the Galapagos?
Spanish is the official language of the Galapagos and Ecuador.
The majority of guides and hotels speak English.
11. What is the National
park entry fee?
Every visitor that visits the Galapagos Islands must pay the
National Park entry fee of $100 for international tourists,
$50 for visitors from Andean pact countries and $6 for national
visitors. Children under the age of 12 pay 50% and children
under the age of 2 are free.
| Galapagos
National Park |
40% |
| Municipalities
(#3) |
20% |
| Provincial
Government of Galapagos |
10% |
| Marine
Reserve |
5% |
| Protected
Natural Areas of Ecuador |
5% |
| Nacional
Institute of Galapagos |
10% |
| Inspection
and quarantine system (SICGAL) |
5% |
| Nacional
Army |
5% |
12. Galapagos is a
National Park is there any established rules and regulations
I should adhere to?
You must not take samples of any type of plant or animal, or
their parts such as their flowers, seeds, shells etc.
You must not take any geologic material from the islands, such
as sand, gravel, rocks or pieces of lava.
You should not try to touch any animals no matter how tame they
seem. It is also prohibited to swim or snorkel in the resting
area of the white tip sharks "Las Tintoreras".
Although the animals of Galapagos are characterized by their
tameness, it is necessary to keep a distance of at least 10
feet to view and take photographs. When you approach sea lion
breeding colonies stay alert as the male sea lions will defend
their territory if you get too close.
In the visitor sites you will not find any trash cans, for this
reason, whatever trash you bring should be returned to town.
In order to help maintain the natural beauty of our islands,
please help us by picking up any trash found on the trails.
Please walk and take photos from the marked trails only, to
help protect the soil and the plants of the visitor sites.
Do not try to explore off the marked trails. There have been
some fatalities by people who did not follow this rule.
Graffiti damages the natural beauty of our island; never write
anything on any part of the tourist trails.
Campfires pose a real danger to the Galapagos ecosystems. You
should not light a fire in any part of the island that is not
a designated campsite with a grill for cooking.
13. Do I need to bring
an electrical adaptor?
Ecuador uses a 110 volt electrical system with standard 2 prong
plugs.
14. What is the sales
and goods tax in Ecuador ?
The sales and goods tax is 12%. |
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