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Ecuador is a safe country. While you travel, here are some tips:

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveler’s checks and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name.

Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

No, you shouldn't drink tap water without first boiling it or, in remote areas, using an appropriate filter or treating it with iodine. In Ecuador, it is always better to drink bottled water when possible. Locals often drink tap water but they have built up a resistance the bacteria that make most travelers sick.

No, all flights to the Galapagos originate in Quito or Guayaquil. Therefore, all international visitors must first fly to one of these two cities before departing for the Galapagos.

All passengers that enter Ecuador must have their passport with validity of at least six months. For visa information, please check with your consulate whether or not you need visa to enter to Ecuador.

• Cotton pants
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• A windbreaker or light sweater for the evenings
• Hat
• Lots of sunscreen
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Sneakers
• Tevas/sandals with security straps
• Sunglasses (with strap)
• An extra pair of prescription glasses (if needed)
• Small water bottle
• Small backpack (for your camera, film, etc)
• Plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry
• Camera and/or video equipment and plenty of film
• Snorkeling gear (not essential)*
• Duffel bag with a lock
• Medications (anything you might be using while your cruise)
• Motion sickness medication (if you are prone to sea sickness)
• Books to read while on the yacht
• Binocular
• Insect repellent

There will opportunities to snorkel during the voyage. Masks, snorkels and fins are available on board (free of charge). We encourage you to bring your own to ensure the perfect fit and therefore the most enjoyable time snorkeling.

The water around the Galapagos is generally calm however it can get rough when the cold Humboldt Current arrives in July through September. If you are prone to seasickness we suggest you contact your physician prior to departure and ask whether medication, patches or wristbands would work best for you.

There is a basic first aid kit onboard for minor ailments however the boat is not equipped to handle serious medical conditions. Passengers are required to obtain medical insurance that covers medical emergency evacuation.

Purified drinking water is available on board and a refillable water bottle is provided.

There are 110V electrical outlets in the cabins using the North American style plugs, with two flat blade prongs. If you are planning on taking a video or digital camera we suggest you take an extra set of charged batteries.

The staff and crew appreciate gratuities. In fairness to all and to make your cruise more enjoyable tips are collected at the end of the voyage and distributed among the crewmembers and the guide. Although we leave the amount to your discretion, we suggest a rate of USD$8-$10 per passenger per day while on the boat.

Due to the cabin sizes on the yachts and the weight restrictions that airlines enforce 20 kgs per person, the amount of luggage you can bring on the boat is limited. You can leave unnecessary items in your joining hotel storage room in Quito.