East Galápagos

• Visas and travel insurance
• Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
• International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes  
• Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.  
• Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
• Pre & post cruise accommodation
• Tips, visas, travel insurance, personal items, single rooms & alternate cabin types.

Arriving in Quito

You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Quito by a local representative.

Quito is located at 2,800 metres above sea level, making it the second highest capital city in the world.  You may feel the effects of altitude, which affects all people differently. If you have just arrived it is suggested you take it very easy for the first day and follow the below recommendations:

• Drink plenty of water, around two to two-and-a-half litres per day. Bottled water is available everywhere.
• The affects of alcohol and cigarettes are made considerably worse by the thin air. Try to avoid these in excess for the first few days.
• Take it easy. Walk slowly and avoid sudden movements.

Physical Rating

This tour has a two star physical rating for the following reasons:

Walking involved / Difficult terrain: This tour includes walking on the islands of the Galapagos and the option to swim and snorkel. A reasonable level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the excursions.

Travelling on a group tour/solo travellers

Travelling on a group tour is a fantastic way to see the world whilst meeting people from different walks of life. Many people who meet on group tours become friends for life! Due to the nature of group travel, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip. Patience can sometimes be required to accommodate different needs of the group and we always ask you to stick to travel and meeting times, so the rest of the group do not suffer.

Solo Travellers

The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.

Tour Guide - what to expect

This tour includes a naturalist guide who will accompany you on all excursions and educate you on the Galapagos Islands.

You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.

Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.

Galapagos Cruise - Unless you have upgraded to your own room you will be sharing a twin room (single travellers only). Passengers travelling together will share a twin or double room. The cabins are small but comfortable and offer porthole windows, A/C, a private bathroom and a safe deposit box.The boat has a lounge, open deck and jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, library, BBQ area and terrace.

Alternative Accommodation

The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.

Cabins

The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.

The Galapagos Boats

This tour will take place on either the Coral I or Coral II boats. You can read all about them here.

Solo Travellers

The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.

Return flights between the Galapagos and Quito are also included in the tour. A local representative will assist with your transfers between the airport and hotel.

Luggage

Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.

Flights

If your tour includes internal flights please be aware there is often a restriction of 15kg for checked baggage. If your luggage exceeds this weight you will need to pay any fees incurred.

Packing List

You should bring items that dry quickly and give you decent coverage from the sun.

What essential items should I bring to the Galapagos?

• A lightweight and waterproof jacket.
• Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential for the islands. There can either be comfortable trainers or walking shoes.
• A small daypack - This should have enough room to carry items on day trips.
• Sun protection. Ensure you have a sun hat and sunscreen to keep you safe.
• Swimwear.
• Insect Repellent

Clothing

• Jeans/trousers
• Underwear and pyjamas
• T-shirts/tops/shirts
• Shorts/dresses/skirts
• Sandals or other shoes for on the boat
• Jumper/cardigan/fleece
• Swimwear/sarong/coverup

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Camera and charger
• Worldwide adaptor
• Portable battery pack
• Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Insect repellent and bite cream
• Sun cream and lip balm
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
• Antiperspirant/deodorant

Other

• One small day bag
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Cloth bag for shopping
• Ear plugs and sleep mask

Documents

• Passport
• Visas
• Insurance
• Printed copy of your passport
• Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers

Laundry

There are no laundry facilities available on the boats.

If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important that you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour guide on-board the cruise.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for the duration of your stay on the cruise. You can expect to find a choice of international and local Ecuadorian cuisine.

Breakfast is included in Quito but lunch and dinner will be at your own cost. There are a huge range of restaurants to choose from depending on your requirements.

Currency

This tour uses the US dollar - the currency of Ecuador.

Galapagos Cruise

Upon arrival, an account will be opened for you. This will cover any extras that you purchase on board such as drinks. Reception will take copies of your passport and credit card and you will be asked to sign a voucher. All major credit cards are accepted on the boat - Diners, Visa, MasterCard, America Express. Euros and U.S Dollars are also accepted.

Permit Fee

The 100 USD permit fee for entering the Galapagos Islands is included in your tour cost.

Cards

The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Quito will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.

Spending Money

We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.

Tipping

Tipping is part of life in South America. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are found in many of the large cities including Quito. These are marketed as free walking tours and are designed to provide travellers with local, in depth knowledge of the city. However all free walking tours are tip based (they have to make money somehow, after all!) and so if you wish to join a free walking tour you need to budget in a tip at the end. Leaving a free walking tour that was considered a good tour without tipping is very disrespectful and will only give travellers a bad reputation.

Budget

Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.

Backup Funds

Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.

Emergency Contact

If you need urgent assistance prior to starting your tour please call 5939-99456205 or 5939-89485967.

For other enquiries and non-urgent matters please contact the Tucan Travel office on 0800 804 8435.

Fitness & Suitability

A basic level of fitness will be required to get on and off the zodiacs for on-shore excursions.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions please let us know at the time you book or as early before departure as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be asked to produce a medical certificate from your doctor approving your participation in this tour. While this would only happen in very exceptional circumstances, if we consider you incapable completing this tour or you have concealed an existing medical condition which is affecting your ability to participate in the tour of Tucan Travel reserve the right to turn you away without reimbursement.

You should ensure that you pack a small medical kit with paracetamol, motion sickness tablets and any personal medication that you require.

Travel Insurance

All clients must have comprehensive travel insurance cover before and while travelling with us. We highly recommend that you purchase your insurance policy at the same time as you book your tour as you will then be covered for Cancellation and Curtailment before your travel begins. Failure to provide adequate cover will result in clients being prevented from joining the tour until travel insurance is purchased without a refund as per our booking conditions.

Safety & Security

You must obey all safety announcements given by the Captain and any member of your cruise Team.

You will be provided with a life jacket, which inflates automatically by pulling the rip-cord.

Age Restrictions

There are no age restrictions and children are permitted on this trip however you should seriously consider if this is suitable for your situation. Should a situation arise that the parents and/or children need to be evacuated to a hospital; there is no hospital in Antarctica and evacuation to the continent may take several days or may not always be possible. The small infirmary on board is merely suitable for first aid treatment.

As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.

Physical rating on your tour

The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.

• Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
• Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
• Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
• Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
• Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.

You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.