FAQs Galapagos & Mainland Ecuador - Travel Deals

Do you arrange international flights to mainland Ecuador?

We do not arrange international air travel but we do have a great air travel specialist we refer you to if you’d like.

Do you take care of ticketing for air travel within Ecuador?

Yes. When you book a tour with us we add your Ecuador flights to your invoice. Flights to the Galapagos depart several times daily from both Quito and Guayaquil aboard Boeing 737’s or Airbus 320’s or similar. Our partners in Ecuador hold space on the flights so we are sure to be able to accommodate you (as long as you sign up far enough in advance).

Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once we are within the country?

Ecuador uses the US dollar which was adopted as the official currency in 2000. Be sure to bring cash bills in good condition because bills with markings or tears won’t be accepted. There are also ATM machines in the larger towns. It’s a good idea to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling to Ecuador so they don’t stop the transactions.

Are you able to arrange extensions for our Galápagos tour?

We have been running trips in Ecuador since 1992 and know the country well. We have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be to the Amazon, the Cloud Forest, the highlands in the north or south, or whatever might be your special interest. We can also arrange extensions to Peru and Machu Picchu.

How far in advance should I book?

There are a lot of arrangements to be made for a custom trip like our Galápagos Unbound active adventure. It’s very helpful with our planning if you book four to 12 months in advance. However, if you can’t plan that far ahead, then it’s usually not a problem to book up to about two months in advance. If you find yourself looking for last-minute space just call us and check!

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

If you’ve never been snorkeling we highly recommend you practice before the trip. It’s best to buy your own mask and snorkel (around $20-$45) so that you have a good fit and for better hygiene. Fins are less necessary but are nice to have in terms of going a little faster.

Is snorkel gear included?

Yes it is however if you have a favorite mask or fins, you might enjoy bringing your own.

Is a wetsuit necessary for snorkeling?

No, a wetsuit is not necessary, but most people appreciate the extra warmth.

Is it possible to go scuba diving in the Galápagos?

There are one or two opportunities on our trip to arrange for a separate scuba diving experience at an extra cost. Contact us for details.

What equipment and gear should I bring?

We provide all of the kayaking and camping equipment, while you need to simply bring your clothing and personal gear. We also rent wetsuits and snorkeling gear for your convenience, or your may bring your own. We send a complete list with items to bring such as paddling gloves, a water bottle, flash light, etc. We suggest traveling “light” for this adventure, as the inter-island flights are limited to 25 pounds of luggage per person. (If you rent snorkel gear and wetsuits from us, their weight is not counted in your baggage allowance as we pay for their transfer.)

What is Ecuador's international dialing code?

International Dialing Code - +593

What is Ecuador's official language?

Spanish is the official language in Ecuador. However, all of Adventure Unbound's guides are bilingual.