Before You Leave

 

DOCUMENTS / PASSPORTS:

• U.S. citizens do not require a visa for Ecuador or Peru for visits less than 90 days in length.
• A passport valid for at least 6 months after your travel ends is required.

Foremost, allow sufficient time (up to 6 weeks) if you need a new passport to be issued. You will need two recent photos, plus proof of citizenship or your expired passport. The fee for an adult is $97 for a first-time passport and $67 for a renewal, with delivery by mail in 3-4 weeks. Call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 877-487-2778 for information or email them at npic@state.gov.  You can also visit their website at http://travel.state.gov for further information. Same day service costs an extra $60; frequent travelers should request a 48 page rather than the 24 page passport when renewing.

When you travel, we recommend that you make two copies of your first passport page; keep one copy at home in the unlikely event that your passport is lost, and take one copy along to use as an ID when cashing traveler’s checks should you leave your passport behind in the hotel safe deposit box.

SINCE AIR TICKETS MUST BE IN THE SAME NAME THAT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT, PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED ON YOUR CLASSIC ESCAPES PROGRAM IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required. Visas are not required for Ecuador or Peru.

CUSTOMS: U.S. citizens can import $400 worth of goods per person into the U.S. duty-free.  Antiquities, products made from endangered animals (such as alligator shoes) whalebone, tortoise shell and some furs, cannot be imported into the United States. Importing goods to Ecuador is expensive with high taxation levels, so you are recommended to bring all you need for the trip in your luggage. When leaving the country you may be searched and inspected by security including drug checks carried out often by well trained dogs. There are no taxes for souvenirs and gifts but do not attempt without permits to exit with plants, animals or archaeological items.

INNOCULATIONS: No inoculations are required for entry into Ecuador. However, because of the high altitudes in parts of Ecuador, passengers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult with their doctors before traveling. Please consult your physician, local health authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or via their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel for any addi­tional health precautions. For outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s web site at http://www.who.int/en/ Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

FOOD AND WATER: Do not drink tap water, despite signs posted in hotels. Avoid using ice cubes as well. Be prepared to purchase bottled water, and carry a plastic thermos or bottle to be refilled at clean sources.  You will require considerably more liquid than you normally do, and while there is ample beer (Pilsen and Club are popular;) non-alcoholic sodas are also available. Avoid eating raw vegetables, fruit which you cannot peel, and food from street vendors. While on board the ship in the Galapagos, you can be assured that all salads, vegetables and fruits will be cleaned properly so they are safe to consume.

That said, Ecuador has a great variety of food and drink for the adventurous.  Native dishes are generally highly seasoned and exotic.  Try "Llapngachos" (potato and cheese fritters)  "humitas" (a delicately flavored sweetcorn tamale) or explaining to children that you ate the national delicacy, "cuy" - roasted guinea pig.  The tropical fruit (mango, pineapple, banana, melon, oranges) are not only wonderful, but a good antidote for the altitude's affect on your body.

IN SHAPE: Travelers to the Galapagos should be in good physical condition. If you are able to walk a few hours a day unassisted then you may be able to fully enjoy the Galapagos.  Some of the excursions involve walking along rocky and uneven pathways, short steep climbs or long walks in hot weather.  However, most excursions require moderate activity, and the walks are at a leisurely pace, which provides adequate time for your naturalist guide to describe what you are seeing.  To get to the landing sites on the islands from the ship, you will have to climb in and out of pangas (inflatable dinghies) which will require moderate agility and balance.  If you are concerned about your ability to do any particular hike, or climb in and out of the pangas, please consult with the naturalist on board your vessel beforehand.  In order to enjoy your trip to the fullest potential, it is a good idea to exercise before your trip (walk, swim or bicycle).

Because of the strong currents, there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating.  Most passengers are not affected.  If however, you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly urge you to bring some type of medication to prevent or diminish it.

HEALTH ABROAD: Your program includes some of the most exciting and awe-inspiring areas of the world, yet they may not always conform to US health standards. You will receive information on optional health insurance coverage and we highly recommend you register for this coverage.

HIGHS AND LOWS: Ecuador both offer a great diversity of altitudes, and the phenomenon known as altitude sickness is quite common. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlates with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don't, and some people may experience it one visit and not the next time. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of concentration, nausea, swelling of ankles, and in extreme cases, hallucination.  Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, heavy food and strenuous physical activity. Citrus fruits and bananas may diminish the effects. If you do not feel well, take it easy. Put your feet up, drink plenty of clean (boiled or bottled) water, and take a siesta after lunch. (The hotels in Quito, Cusco and Yucay have oxygen for replenishing your blood supply if conditions warrant.) People with respiratory problems may be affected by the air pollution of Quito, although the local government has taken recent steps to curb emissions. 

ATLTITUDE CHART:

DID YOU KNOW?
Ecuador is about the size of Nevada and its landscape
is so varied that in some parts one can experience
all four seasons in single day!