There's More to See than the Galapagos!
Ecuador is a small country replete with many geographical and historical draws. Visit Ecuador with Galapagos Islands, the amazing site where in the mid-19th century Charles Darwin came up with the theory of evolution; or experience the Amazon rain forest; the highlands with its well-preserved colonial cities, and the snow-capped volcanoes of the Andes. All of our Ecuador Tours include a visit to the Galapagos Islands and Quito, the capital of the country. Choose from a wide variety of side trips that can be mixed and matched as you see fit.
Be in the know before you go
Ecuador:
A valid passport is required to travel and should have at least 6 months validity after your return home. You should have at least 2 blank pages per country that you are visiting. If your passport does not meet this requirement at the time of departure, you can be denied boarding for your international flight and may consequently incur additional expenses You do not need a visa to enter Ecuador as a tourist with a US passport. However, we always recommend that you double check this for last minute changes with your local consulate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a travel alert for countries and territories where Zika virus has been found in Ecuador. If you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant, please consult your doctor before traveling to Ecuador. For up to date information on recommended and required vaccinations and general health travel tips for Colombia please visit the CDC Website, then use the drop down menu to select the countries you are visiting. Please consult with your physician for clarification or concerns regarding recommended or required vaccinations.
Special Considerations for Travel to the Galapagos: Your Galapagos Island Fee ($100) and INGALA card ($20) have been pre-paid by Yampu Tours on your behalf unless you have been advised otherwise by your Tour Consultant. The Galapagos itineraries are subject to change without previous notice, due to weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. The order of the activities is also subject to confirmation by the Galapagos cruise company and will be reconfirmed on arrival.
By traveling to the Galapagos with Yampu Tours, you will be making the choice to travel responsibly. As members of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), Yampu donates $7 for every traveler that travels to the Galapagos with us. We are dedicated to helping preserve the islands while supporting sustainable ecotourism. As an IGTOA member, we are informed, involved, and concerned.
There will also be an optional Galapagos Conservation contribution of $50 per passenger added to your final proposal. The contribution will go towards:
* Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
* Strengthening responsible tourism management.
* Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
* Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As of August 21st, 2018, foreign tourists entering Continental Ecuador will no longer need to take out health insurance, according to the recent Organic Law for the Promotion of Production, Attraction of Investments, Employment Generation and Fiscal Balance
Please note these FAQ’s and Special Considerations for Travel to the Galapagos Islands:
- The representative of the cruise company will meet you at the airport in Quito. They will meet you at the LATAM Airlines exclusive counter and assist with your check-in and luggage. This representative will also deliver your cruise voucher and boarding pass.
- Included in the vouchers you will have a receipt for the Galapagos National Park Fees ($100) and the Ingala ($20) which have been prepaid on your behalf.
- On arrival in the Galapagos, the customs agent will have a list of all clients that have prepaid the fees so all you will need to do is show your passport and voucher. You will then receive a copy of the entrance ticket.
- The Anti-Narcotics Police in Quito are randomly checking the luggage of travelers flying from Quito to the Galapagos Islands. If you are taking one of these flights, you will be required to check your own luggage at the airline ticket counter and you must keep your luggage tag with you. Please be aware that a police officer may ask you to open your suitcase(s) for a more in-depth inspection.
Additional notes for the Galapagos:
The Galapagos cruise takes you to Isabela Island. Please take note that the local authorities in Puerto Villamil, Isabela charge a tax/landing fee of $20 US dollars per person, and must be paid upon arrival. This tax is for maintenance and the use of the town’s facilities (landing dock).
The itineraries are subject to change without previous notice, due to weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. The order of the activities is also subject to confirmation by the Galapagos cruise company and will be reconfirmed on arrival.
The daily boat trips are subject to availability, weather conditions and Galapagos National Park authorizations. Possible places to visit Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plazas and Santa Fe.
Please note that we need scanned copies of your passport(s) for travel to the Galapagos. Please provide us with a copy of your passport at your earliest convenience.
Travelers must clean and wash their shoe soles before arrival to the Galapagos Islands and in this way avoid any inconvenience, trouble or even a fine considered by the Galapagos National Park Officer.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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"The perfect trip from the perfect company! I spent a week in Ecuador organized by Yampu and from the guides to the hotels to all the transfer logistics everything was perfect! I have used Yampu multiple times and they are my go to company for the Neotropics!"
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"Jose put together a package that included 3 days of tours and 2 nights in the highlands of Ecuador with a private guide and driver for our private group of 6. Everything was spectacular. We had amazing hikes around Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Banos and our guide was very knowledgeable regarding the landscape, helped with a pharmacy stop, as well as dinner reservations while in Quito. The lunch spots they chose were also very tasty and I cannot say enough about how friendly and accommodating everyone was at the two Haciendas that were chosen for us. I would not hesitate to recommend Yampu tours to travelers as well as travel advisors. Our company will be using them again next month in Ecuador and I am looking into even more adventures with this company. You will be in great hands!"
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"I just returned from a wonderful trip to Ecuador organized by Yampu. From start to finish everything was perfect! I can not say enough good things about how professional the guides and driver was. Also many precautions are in place for Covid and I never felt unsafe. Yampu is my go to company for years for the Neotropics!"
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"Yampu Tours helped me plan my trip to the Galapagos in December 2020 (yes, during COVID 19). Stephanie Rudolph was my first contact and she not only knew what to ask about, but she also helped me to decide that I wanted to be on a boat, rather than on land with day trips. She was exactly right. She and Jose Irauzqui did a great job with all of my arrangements, such as hotels in Quito, itinerary changes because of flight changes, and guides. I was very happy with this trip."
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"Yet another amazing Yampu vacation created by Steph Rudolph who is the absolute best! She works tirelessly to ensure that she puts together a once in a lifetime vacation that will exceed your wildest dreams. Every detail is thought of in advance, so the only thing that is required of me is to show up and enjoy without a worry in the world. I have traveled with Yampu several times and each time she creates a truly magical experience, one that is tailored to me and what I will absolutely love. Outstanding service and professionalism from beginning to end. Yampu does not just create a vacation, it creates an experience, a spirit if you will, that is joy, peace, happiness. THANK YOU!"
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"Great boat/accommodations; guide; every member of the crew was helpful and disciplined (without being obnoxious). The food was very good. Our brief time in Quito was great, too: very good guide, driver and hotel. We got a good feel for the city in a day and a half.We will highly recommend working with Yampu if anyone wants to know about our trip."
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"Karolina helped me to plan a custom trip to three places in South America that were on our wish list. She bundled flights to get a better price than I could do on my own. The accommodations were outstanding for the areas we visited. We had excellent local guides. In addition, she corresponded with me during the trip to make sure that everything was going smoothly. Karolina was recommended by a friend and she delivered for us."