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Are departures guaranteed?
There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date, with each trip departing on a Sunday. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation.
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Is there a Single Supplement if I am a solo traveler? Can I book my own room?
There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation that there are at least one other person on this trip to operate. Generally a single supplement fee is not incurred, as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room. If you prefer not to share and have your own room, no problem. In this case a single room supplement of about $525 (based on availability and season) will be needed to cover the extra costs associated with not sharing a room.
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What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
This trip is considered as 2 out of 5. No prior experience is required and your guides will always brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of the trip. The hiking is rated easy and consists of walking on flat terrain or coastline. Kayaking is on calm waters, although due to unpredictable weather patterns, waters can at time be cold and choppy. Biking is also rated easy and consists of riding on a mixture of sand and gravel. There will be transport support for the majority of the activities in the case that someone wants to take a break, relax or avoid an activity entirely.
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What are the guides like?
All guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; meaning they have a degree in guiding, with top-notch skills and knowledge. Each guide has many years of leading experience, including additional courses taken for other outdoor activities and International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, all guides are extremely personable and strive to deliver exceptional travel experiences for each guest.
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What gear should I bring? Do you offer rentals?
All sports equipment will be provided. Refer to the packing list for personal gear requirements.
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When and how do I meet up with the group?
Please be ready to meet the group on Day 1 at 6 PM in the hotel lobby.
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What will the food be like?
Pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are popular in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, and are served with a variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, especially rice, corn, and potatoes. A popular street food is hornado (roasted pig), which is often served with llapingacho (a pan seared potato ball). Some examples of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine generally include Ecuadorian ceviche (shrimp, lime and corn), hearty quinoa soups, patacones (unripe plantains fried in oil), llapingachos (fried potato pancakes), and seco de chivo (a type of stew made from goat).
While in the Galapagos, the dishes are simple, light and fresh, combining the elements of Ecuadorian highlands dishes with meat, potatoes and grains, along with coastal ingredients like yucca, fish and seafood. A local breakfast in the Galapagos Islands typically involves fried dumplings of green plantains (bolones) or fresh fruit.
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Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
As Ecuador has a great variety of cuisine and gastronomy, vegetarians, vegans and gluten free options are widely available and welcome.
If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform Activexpeditions prior to your departure. Our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals and allergy needs.
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What is the minimum and maximum number of guests per trip?
Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10. Trips usually average 8 people.
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Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
Yes, 8 years old.
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When is the best time to go?
Since Ecuador is on the equator, weather patterns are fairly consistent meaning it is a great place to travel all year round. The average temperature annually is 64°F (17.8°C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May.
The Galapagos Islands have two main seasons, dry season and wet (warm) season. June - December is the dry season and generally known for its clear skies and occasional mid-day showers, average air temps are in the mid 70’s and water temps average in the low 70’s. December - May is the wet, or warm, season with more frequent rain and cloudier skies. Temps are warmer, averaging in the mid 80’s, and water temps are in the high 70’s. Remember that during our time in Quito, the weather will be a little colder, at an elevation of 9,300 ft, it averages from the high 60’s in the day to high 40’s at night.
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Do I need a Visa, Passport and Vaccinations?
A valid passport for at least six months past the planned date of departure is required. Make sure you check your passport validity and expiration date prior to travel.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador and travelers can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa. However, sanctions including fines and deportation can occur if you stay past this time period.
Due to the limited medical facilities located on the Galapagos Islands, Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination, and Malaria medication are mandatory for this trip. We strongly recommend to ensure that routine immunizations such as tetanus and diphtheria are up to date and to consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. Please ask your doctor or visit a travelers health clinic for advice.
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Do I need travel insurance?
While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
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What about Covid-19?
We are optimistic that travel will continue to become more plausible with the advent of Covid-19 vaccines, but also understand that there is uncertainty about how quickly these will become widely available to all groups both in the US and abroad. We strongly suggest checking the CDC and WHO for the latest public health guidelines, and if you choose to travel while the pandemic is still underway, that you adhere to recommended health & safety measures before, during, and after your trip. Please note that currently Ecuador requires proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (within 72 hours of departure) in order to enter the country, and that the US currently requires proof of negative Covid-19 test result (within 72 hours of return) in order to re-enter the country.
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What if I need to cancel?
evoTrip upholds Activexpedition’s policies regarding cancellation, which have been made more flexible given the challenges we know are presented by Covid-19. Guests may postpone their existing trip to a future trip, at no extra cost, up until 30 days prior to departure. For cancellations, guests have:
72 hours to cancel with no fee, unless the date of start of services falls within said 72 hour period,
3 days after the booking until 90 days before the trip; $100 USD cancellation fee would be charged,
89 days until 60 days before the trip; 50% of the trip cost would be charged,
59 days or less before the trip; 100% of the trip cost would be charged.