What to do before you travel?

You are going to Ecuador and Galapagos very soon ? Everything to know about administratives, insurance, health and luggage.

Administrative formalities

Valid passport with an expiration date later than 6 months after your return. No visa is required. These conditions may change. Please check with the Ecuadorian consulate in your country before departure.

Insurance

We ask that you take out mandatory repatriation assistance insurance. (If you paid for your flight ticket with your Visa card, you are currently insured – you can ask your bank about this).

Your health

A good physical condition is recommended because of the altitude and the climatic variations. The trip may be strenuous in some areas. Be able to adapt to the unexpected or to discomfort (bad trails, climate…). We advise you to consult your doctor before your departure for a stay at altitude.

Recommended vaccinations:

The recommended vaccinations are those against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B and A as well as against Typhoid for extended stays. If you plan to visit the Amazon, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against yellow fever 10 days before departure. In general, it is advisable to get all necessary vaccinations before leaving. It is never too late to update your vaccinations.

Personal Pharmacy:

In addition to your usual medical prescription, here is a non-exhaustive list of medications authorized in Ecuador:

  • Vitamin C or polyvitamins
  • Pain medication such as aspirin or equivalent
  • Anti-diarrheal medication such as Diarsed, Imodium
  • Intestinal antiseptic such as Ercefuryl, Ganidan
  • Anti-inflammatory ointment
  • Water purifying tablets such as Hydroclonazone, Micropur
  • Elastic adhesive strips
  • Disinfectant dressings and compresses
  • Double skin anti-blister bandages
  • Throat lozenge
  • Healing cream such as Biafine

Luggage

For more convenience in travel, it is advisable to “travel light” and take only the bare necessities, in the most compact way possible (a large soft travel bag rather than hard suitcases, and a smaller day bag).

For the trek, it is imperative to limit the weight of the bag to 13 kg to avoid overloading the porters or mules.

Useful information if you plan to make purchases on the spot: you are authorized to carry up to 20 kilos in the plane on most regular transatlantic routes (check with the airlines to confirm these conditions on your flight). It is advisable to take out insurance.

Contact our experts if you have any wonderings about formalities, health and luggage.