Galápagos

History of Ecuador

Ecuador's history has often been volatile and violent. It has continually struggled with sustaining stable sociopolitical institutions and has faced continuous economic and geographic obstacles. The indigenous people witnessed various cultures rise, fall, and converge before the Incan and later the Spanish conquests. Since Ecuador’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1822, the country has experienced over 90 changes in power, with new military or civilian governments taking control on average every few years.

Indigenous Ecuador Before the Inca
The Valdivia people, one of the oldest cultures in the Americas, occupied the Santa Elena Peninsula over 5,500 years ago and are recognized as creating Ecuador’s first stable settlement and non-nomadic culture. Around 600 BC, Ecuadorian societies began developing, with social systems becoming more stratified, including castes of shamans and a distinct merchant class. This merchant class conducted long-distance trade with other South American cultural groups, including those in Peru, Brazil, the Amazon, and later Mexico.

The Incan Empire
The Inca struggled in their conquest of Ecuador and eventually attempted to gain power through marriage, fathering a son, Huayna Capac, who ruled between 1493 and 1525. Huayna Capac conquered the remainder of Ecuador, killing all men and boys over 12 years old and throwing their bodies into a lake now known as Laguna Yahuarcocha, meaning "Lake of Blood." The Inca imposed Quechua, their language, which is still widely spoken in Ecuador today.
When Huayna Capac died, he left his empire to his two sons. This division led to a civil war, weakening the empire and leaving it vulnerable when the Spanish arrived in 1532.

Spanish Conquest of Ecuador
The Spanish took advantage of the fractured empire, capturing and executing the Inca ruler. Although resistance continued for more than two years, the resistance leader was ultimately caught and executed in 1535.

The Rise of Colonialism and Catholicism
After 1535, no significant uprisings occurred against the Spanish, and the colonial era was relatively peaceful. The Spanish developed the economy, introduced Catholicism, and built churches and monasteries. However, foreign diseases brought by the Spanish decimated the indigenous population during the 16th and 17th centuries. Forced labor systems akin to slavery eventually led to rebellion. To compensate for labor shortages, Africans were brought in, contributing to Ecuador’s history and culture.

Finding Independence
At the turn of the 19th century, Simón Bolívar, a Creole from Venezuela, led a military campaign that liberated Ecuador and much of South America from Spanish rule. Subsequent disputes, including wars with Peru in 1941, 1981, and 1995 over border issues, continued until a definitive agreement was reached in 1998.

Economic Struggles and Eco-Tourism
Until the 1970s, Ecuador's economy was primarily supported by banana exports. Oil exports later overtook bananas, stabilizing the economy through dollarization despite initial protests. Today, eco-tourism has emerged as a key contributor to Ecuador’s economy.

History of the Galápagos

Discovery, Pirates & Whalers
The Galápagos Islands were discovered accidentally in 1535 by Bishop Fray Tomás de Berlanga while sailing to Peru. Found to be inhospitable yet home to unique animal species, they were named Insulae de los Galopegos (Islands of the Saddle-Shaped Tortoises) on maps in 1570, referencing the giant tortoises.
From the late 1500s to early 1700s, few visitors came aside from pirates, who used the islands as a base to restock food and water. In 1793, whalers arrived, significantly reducing whale populations, decimating fur seals, and driving many tortoise species to extinction.

Galápagos Colonization & Ecuadorian Annexation
An Irishman, Watkins, was marooned on Floreana in 1807, becoming the first resident of the Galápagos. After some time, he stole a whaling ship and sailed away to Guayaquil.
In 1813, during the war, American Captain Porter captured whalers and used the islands to gather intelligence. He introduced goats to the islands, which later devastated native species.
In 1832, Ecuador annexed the Galápagos, bringing convicts, societal outcasts, and political prisoners who further decimated the tortoise population.

Darwin's Visit to the Galápagos & Evolution Theory
Charles Darwin visited Floreana, Isabela, Santiago, and San Cristóbal in 1835. His observations of flora and fauna, including giant tortoises and mockingbirds, laid the groundwork for his theory of evolution, later detailed in On the Origin of Species (1859).

Settlers on Floreana
In the 1920s, Ecuador offered land with fishing and hunting rights, attracting settlers from places as far away as Germany and Australia. However, the harsh conditions led many to leave. Others disappeared or died from thirst. One returned to Germany and wrote Satan Came to Eden about her experience.

World Heritage Site & Marine Reserve
In 1932, Ecuador enacted laws to protect the islands, and by 1936, 97% of the land was designated as a national park. The Charles Darwin Research Station was established in 1964. In 1978, UNESCO declared the Galápagos a World Heritage Site, later extending this designation to include a Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and the Marine Reserve in 2001.
Today, over 30,000 people live on the islands, thriving on ecotourism, agriculture, fishing, and ranching. Scientists and adventure-lovers alike remain captivated by the Galápagos Islands.

Animals of Ecuador

Birds

Ecuador boasts the world's highest density of bird species, with more than 1,600 varieties—a true delight for birdwatchers. Visitors can encounter these vibrant creatures with little effort in the country’s diverse regions. Highlights include the majestic Andean Condor soaring over mountain landscapes, the striking Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, commonly spotted in cloud forests, and the peculiar Hoatzin, which has claws on its wings to climb trees despite its limited flying ability. Other notable birds are the Cloud Forest Pygmy-Owl, the dazzling Emerald-Bellied Woodnymph hummingbird with its vibrant plumage, and the iconic Plate-Billed Mountain-Toucan, famous for its unique bill and emblematic status in Ecuador.

Mammals

Ecuador is home to around 360 mammal species, including 130 species of bats, 20 species of primates, and 30 endemic mammals. Among them are the adorable Olinguito, discovered in 2013 and resembling a mix between a teddy bear and a cat, the elusive Spectacled Bear, the only bear native to South America, and the renowned Three-Toed Sloth. Other fascinating species include the vocal Ecuadorian Mantled Howler Monkey, whose calls can carry for miles, the adaptable Andean Fox, the shy Brazilian Tapir, which prefers watery habitats for safety, and the infamous Vampire Bat, Ecuador's most recognized bat species.

Fish & Marine Life

Ecuador’s waters host about 450 fish species in the Pacific and 800 in its rivers. Notable examples include the notorious Piranha, which rarely attacks living humans, the Electric Eel, capable of generating up to 600 volts, and the fierce Payara or Vampire Fish with its six-inch-long teeth. Other intriguing species are the giant, armored Arapaima Gigas, which can grow over three meters long, and the small but fearsome Candiru, infamous for its ability to enter the human urethra.
The Amazon basin is also home to unique marine mammals like the pink Amazon River Dolphin, the elusive Amazonian Manatee, and the impressive South American Otter, the largest otter in the world, reaching six feet in length and fiercely territorial.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Ecuador’s tropical climate makes it a haven for reptiles and amphibians, with 350 reptile species (including 210 snakes and 20 turtles) and 460 amphibians (10% of the world's known species). Iconic reptiles include the Green Anaconda, Earth’s largest snake, the beautifully patterned Boa Constrictor, and the Basilisk, a small green lizard often called the "Jesus lizard" for its ability to run on water. The Giant South American River Turtle and the colorful South American Yellow-Footed Tortoise are also noteworthy.
Amphibians are equally remarkable, including the thorn-covered Mutable Rain Frog, the distinctive Pinocchio Rainfrog, the striking Rio Pescado Stubfoot Toad, and the Gralarias Glass Frog, which has transparent skin. Ecuador is also home to 55 species of Poison Dart Frogs, each vibrantly colored and equipped with toxic skin used for extracting poison.

Animals of the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their unique ecosystems, featuring mainly birds, reptiles, and marine life due to their isolation from the mainland.

Birds

The islands are home to distinctive species such as the iconic Blue-Footed Boobies, easily identified by their vivid blue feet, and the Red-Footed Boobies with bright red feet and blue beaks. The Nazca Boobies, Flightless Cormorants, and the Galápagos Penguin, whose ancestors originated in Antarctica, are also highlights. Other notable species include the Galápagos Frigatebird, famous for its massive red throat pouch, and the vividly colored Galápagos Greater Flamingo. Endemic species include the endangered Lava Gull, 13 species of Darwin’s Finches, and the fearless Española Mockingbird, which drinks the blood of sea lions during the dry season.

Fish, Sharks, Rays & Intertidal Life

The surrounding waters teem with life, hosting around 550 fish species (13.6% endemic), nearly 30 species of sharks, and various rays. Noteworthy marine life includes the bizarre Red-Lipped Batfish, the giant Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish), and a plethora of sharks, such as scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, and tiger sharks. Rays are equally abundant, with species like the Golden Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, and Manta Ray.
The intertidal zones of the Galápagos feature vibrant invertebrates like the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crab, the endemic Galápagos Hermit Crab, and the camouflaged Ghost Crab.

Sea Lions and Fur Seals

The playful Galápagos Sea Lions are a common sight, often lounging en masse along beaches. Males can grow up to 550 lbs, and pups are typically born between May and December. The Galápagos Fur Seal, smaller and preferring shaded areas, can be found in spots like Santiago’s James Bay.

Whales

The nutrient-rich waters between Isabela and Fernandina attract whales and dolphins year-round. Regular sightings include Orcas, Common Dolphins, and Sperm Whales, while seasonal visitors include Humpback, Minke, and Blue Whales during their migrations to warmer waters.

Culture of Ecuador

The culture of Ecuador is diverse and very unique, with a blend of cultures, and with the indigenous and mestizo populations preserving their traditional customs to this day.

Ecuador's Indigenous Cultural Heritage

Five separate ethnic identities are present in Ecuador: Mestizos (70% of the population), Indigenous peoples (7%), Afro-Ecuadorians (7%), Montubio (7%), and White. Much of Ecuador's rich heritage, including traditional dress, shamanistic practices, and the Quechuan language, comes from the 13 indigenous groups.
The Huaorani tribe has lived in the Amazonian rainforest for more than a thousand years and remained isolated from the rest of the world until 1956, being self-sufficient and developing a unique culture and language that defies all linguistic classification. Since they came into contact with the modern world when oil companies started encroaching on their territory, some were relocated to missions by the government and started embracing ecotourism, while others receded deeper into the rainforest to continue to live as they always have.

Afro-Ecuadorians

Since their forced introduction to Ecuador during the Spanish conquest, Afro-Ecuadorians have often been marginalized. The majority of them live in the northwest of Ecuador, in the coastal province of Esmeraldas, which has helped foster their cultural heritage and customs. However, their musical talents and domination of Ecuadorian sports have significantly impacted Ecuadorian culture.

Ecuadorian Cuisine

Ecuadorian cuisine is delicious, containing a lot of pork, cheese, yuca, plantains, and fresh fruits, and is very varied according to regions. In the mountainous regions, the cuisine is richer and contains a lot of potatoes, corn, avocado, and cheese. In the coastal regions, in addition to seafood, the use of coconut and rice is more common. The national dish of Ecuador is ceviche, an assortment of seafood marinated in lime juice and salt, and cuy (guinea pig) is a delicacy reserved for special occasions. The Amazon cuisine is more exotic, using many local exotic fruits found nowhere else, and meat from turtles, monkeys, giant ants, snakes, and chonta worms. With so many exotic fruits to choose from, Ecuador's fresh fruit juices are a delight and a big part of Ecuadorians' lives. They can be served pure or mixed with milk.

Traditional Clothing and Dress of Ecuador

Native traditional dress is important to Ecuadorians and shows their cultural diversity. The indigenous Otavaleños are easily recognizable with men sporting a long braid called the shimba, wearing white calf-length trousers, a blue poncho, and a felt hat, and women dressing similarly, but with colors reversed.
In the Highlands, women usually wear brightly colored full pleated skirts with embroidery on the hem.
In the Amazon rainforest, several indigenous tribes still wear traditional feathered headdresses.
On the Ecuadorian Coast, people dress in a more modern fashion, but the Montubio people can be recognized by their wearing of sombreros and cowboy-style hats, while the Tsáchila can still be found dyeing their hair red and wearing distinctive striped clothing—dark and white striped skirts for men and brightly colored striped skirts for women.

Headhunters

Many cultures worldwide have practiced headhunting, but the Jivaro are the only ethnic group known to shrink the heads of their enemies, a practice known as tsantsa. The aim of this practice, which includes skinning the head, discarding the skull and remains, boiling the flesh, sewing the eyes and mouth shut, and sealing hot pebbles and sand into the head, was to also kill the soul of their victim, as well as their body.

Conservation in Ecuador & Galápagos

Ecuador Conservation Challenges and Combative Efforts

Ecuador is very rich in biodiversity and supports 14 nature reserves, 11 national parks, a wildlife refuge, and various natural heritage sites. However, as the country largely depends on bananas and oil exports, which necessitate environmental fragmentation, it struggles to find a balance between its economy and ecology. In recent years, Ecuador made the difficult choice of exploiting the masses of oil sitting underneath the Amazon rainforest. This brought many protests, most notably from the indigenous groups.
There have been success stories: in 2013, 47,500 acres of rainforest entered the Chai Nunka Reserve, a victory from the Socio Bosque Program. And in 2015, Ecuador broke the world record for reforestation as thousands of Ecuadorians helped plant 647,250 trees and 216 plant species in 150 locations throughout Ecuador, as part of a long-term goal to eventually reforest 500,000 hectares of land, which would neutralize Ecuador's current deforestation rate.
 

Galápagos Conservation Challenges and Combative Efforts

The biggest threat to the endemic animals of Galápagos are the species introduced as far back as 1535, starting with mice and rats, and later domestic animals brought in by settlers. Rats have destroyed hatchlings of giant tortoises, feral pigs fed on green turtle eggs, feral dogs attacked colonies of land iguanas, and goats decimated many of the endemic plants. Thankfully, 95% of the Galápagos' native species have managed to survive.
The Ecuadorian government has made many efforts to remove invasive species, with projects working on eradicating goats, donkeys, pigs, fire ants, and the Baltra cat from some of the islands. Next on the conservation list is the eradication of cattle, burros, rodents, the freshwater tilapia, and the sterilization of dogs and cats.
97% of the Galápagos' landmass is a protected national park. In 2016, Ecuador announced the creation of a marine sanctuary of 15,000 square miles, meaning that one-third of the Galápagos waters are protected.

Flora of Ecuador

Ecuador is home to more than 10% of the world's plant species, most of which (10,000 species) grow in the Andes in the northwest of the country, followed by the Amazon (8,200 species), many of which are endemic.

Mangrove Swamps
River deltas and tidal zones of bays and coasts are home to mangrove trees, which can grow up to 30 meters tall in San Lorenzo, in northern Esmeraldas.

Coastal Desert
Arid scrub vegetation and cacti grow on the dry and arid coast of southwestern Ecuador.

Ecuador's Coastal Lowlands and Central Coastal Plain
Ecuador's coastal lowlands feature deciduous forests and savanna regions in which Bombacaceae trees, Mimosaceae trees, and rain trees are some of the most common sights, all growing between 60 and 80 meters tall, with wide canopies.
Much of the flora of the coastal lowlands has been cleared for agriculture. Only two species of palm trees remain: the canopy royal palm or chivila, and the Ecuadorian ivory palm, endemic to western Ecuador, both species being important for the economy of the region.

Lowland Rainforest of Northwestern Ecuador
Ecuador's rainforest has amazing biodiversity and an abundance of plant species, with new ones constantly being discovered, mostly vascular plants, cacti, ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and trees, including the Euterpe precatoria palm, the giant Ceiba tree (Kapok tree), which can reach up to 200 feet, growing more than 13 feet per year, and the Naranjilla tree, covered with thorns and purple flowers, which gives small oranges with green juice.
Several varieties of vines and lianas grow on trees, sometimes strangling them or hanging off them. As a way to protect themselves, many plants are covered in thorns, secrete harmful toxins, or simply taste terrible. Bromeliads form little ecosystems of their own, their leaves forming a bowl that catches rainwater and nutrients, which in turn makes a perfect home for up to 250 species, including snails and tree frogs.

Cloud Forests
The cloud forests are found on the western and eastern sides of the Andes and are lush, green, cool, and moist, making them a perfect home for mosses, which grow on tree trunks, ferns, algae on leaves, and over 4,200 species of very unique, beautiful, and exotic orchids, including the Monkey-Faced orchid and the nameless world's smallest orchid at just over 2 millimeters wide, with transparent petals.

Páramo
Above the cloud forests and below the snow caps is the páramo, a scrubland that dominates the Andes. Hard grasses, cushion plants, small herbaceous plants, and small trees live in this harsh environment, including the Espeletia with wide rosettes and yellow daisy-like flowers and the endangered Polylepsis trees.

Flora of the Galápagos
Around 600 native and 825 introduced species grow on the Galápagos Islands, 35% of which are endemic.

Littoral/Coastal Zone
The main vegetation in these regions are four species of mangrove trees that populate the lagoons. They are important in protecting the coastline from erosion and also in providing protection for the nesting sites of many bird species.

Arid Zone
The Arid Zone is the largest vegetation zone on the islands and is home to three types of endemic cacti: the candelabra cactus, the lava cactus, and the prickly pear cactus, which is the primary diet of giant tortoises and land iguanas. Other plant species found in this zone are the Floreana daisy, Galápagos lantana, manzanillo, muyuyo, palo verde, grey mat plant, and the Galápagos purslane.

Transition Zone
This zone transitions from the arid zones to the cool, moist highlands, including vegetation from both. Small shrubs and trees in this area include the iconic Pega Pega and hardwood Matazarno, both of which are endemic. Other common vegetation includes the guayabillo, the passion flower, and the Galápagos tomato.

Scalesia Zone
This zone is found between heights of 650 to 1300 feet, in the larger islands. Due to its altitude, it is more moist, and therefore more lush and cooler. The most famous trees in this region are the Scalesia trees, which can grow to 60 feet and are covered with moisture-loving vegetation such as mosses, ferns, and orchids.

Zanthoxylum or Brown Zone
The main vegetation in this area are the Zanthoxylum fagara or "cat's claw," and the brown lichens that grow on trees and form a brown carpet on the ground, giving the zone its name.

Miconia Zone
This zone, found only on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz at 3,200 feet high, is named after the Miconia robinsoniana shrub, the most endangered plant on the Galápagos, with pink and purple flowers and reaching up to 16 feet in height. A common sight in this zone is the Galápagos cotton plant.

Pampa or Fern-Sedge Zone
This zone is found in the highest zones of the Galápagos Islands. It is lush and green and home to grasses, ferns, mosses, lichens, and orchids, including the Galápagos orchid and the Galápagos peperomia.

Geography of Ecuador

Ecuador is one of South America's smallest countries, situated on the equator, with 276,000 square kilometers of land on the continent and 8,000 on the Galápagos Islands. It has three distinct types of terrain: the Sierra, the Oriente, and the Costa, due to two parallel mountain ranges of the Andes spanning north to south.

La Costa
This coastal region along the Pacific Ocean on the west of the country is varied in composition, including jungle, mangrove forests, white sand beaches, fishing villages, and cities, such as Guayaquil, which is also Ecuador's primary port. La Costa enjoys a cool sea mist from June to November, but overall, it has a mild climate.

La Sierra
La Sierra is situated in the Andes, and it is comprised of active volcanoes, crater lakes, hot springs, cloud forests, and moorland. There are two major chains of the Andes: the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental, in the valleys of which wheat, corn, barley, and quinoa are grown. This part of Ecuador draws in more tourists than any other, with a wealth of outdoor activities available. There is heavier rainfall from October to May, and it is drier from June to September.

La Oriente
The Oriente region covers half of Ecuador, extending from the eastern borders of the Andes to and including the Amazon jungle, to the borders of Peru and Colombia. Although there are jungle tours to explore the rainforest, it remains rather impenetrable in most areas. The climate in this part of Ecuador is tropical.

Geography of the Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are situated 600 miles from Ecuador's coastline on the South American continent. The archipelago comprises 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones, and some islets, and has a land area of 7,882 square kilometers. The Marine Reserve spans around 53,282 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
Isabela is the largest island, with its highest point of 5,600 feet being the Wolf Volcano, right on the equator.

Population
The Galápagos is one of the few locations in the world without a native population. The population of 30,000, a mix of Ecuadorians, Spanish descendants, Americans, and others, lives on four islands, with Santa Cruz's Puerto Ayora being the largest town.

Galápagos Ocean Currents
The biodiversity of the Galápagos is due to three ocean currents converging: the South Equatorial surface water current, the Peruvian/Humboldt current, and the Cromwell Equatorial Subcurrent.

Galápagos Marine Reserve
It incorporates 133,000 square kilometers of sea surface between the islands, including inland waters, as well as the area within 40 nautical miles stretching out from the outer islands' coasts.

Geology of Ecuador

Geologic History
It is estimated that South America and Africa were joined until 150 million years ago, before starting to split. Over time, the South American plate collided with the Pacific plates, resulting in the uplift and formation of the Andes mountain range, which runs all along the west of South America.

Geologic Composition
The country is sectioned into three parts by two Cordilleras of the Andes traversing it: the Cordillera Occidental in the west and the Cordillera Real in the east, with more reachable peaks than anywhere else in South America.
The Cordillera Occidental was created when the Pacific Ocean's floor met and uplifted against the Cordillera Real. Three impressive volcanoes are found on the Cordillera Occidental: Quicocha, Pululahua, and Quilotoa.
The elevated continental Napo Uplift block, responsible for much of the volcanic activity in Ecuador and with two additional volcanoes, is an autonomous tectonic feature separate from the two other Cordilleras. The Reventador volcano is the easternmost active volcano. The Sumaco volcano, being an alkaline volcano, differs in lava composition.

The Avenue of Volcanoes
"The Avenue of the Volcanoes" was named after the fourteen impressive volcanoes found within an area of 200 kilometers in the Ecuadorian Sierra. They include Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano, which stands at 5,897 meters high; Volcán Cayambe with two lava domes formed on top of an extinct volcano; Tungurahua, characterized by its ash explosions; Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador at 6,268 meters; and Pichincha, with two volcanoes, including a stratovolcano, which lies only 9 km west of Quito and last erupted in 2008.

Geology of the Galápagos
The Galápagos have never been part of the South American continent, but they are affected by the same geologic forces.
The Nazca tectonic plate moves at the speed of 6 to 8 cm per year and plays an important role in the growth of the islands in the volcanic hotspot of the Galápagos archipelago. Underwater volcanoes form through cracks in the plate and grow until they reach the ocean surface. As the tectonic plate keeps shifting, new cracks appear, forming new volcanoes and creating, in time, a chain of volcanic islands. The oldest island of the Galápagos can be found on the east of the archipelago, while the youngest is on the west, with younger volcanoes lying further east still, not having yet reached the ocean surface and formed islands.

Galápagos Volcanoes
Most of the volcanoes on the Galápagos are rounded shield volcanoes. Lava erupts from vents and cracks on the structure, and the outflow creates smaller parasitic cones. Visitors will often see black hardened lava fields, mainly on Santiago's Sullivan Bay, and lava tunnels and pit craters in the Santa Cruz Highlands.

Recent Eruptions
Sixty eruptions have been recorded since the archipelago was discovered in 1535, but only 6 volcanoes remain active today: 5 of which are on Isabela and one on Fernandina. The most recent eruptions have been in 2005 and 2009 on Fernandina Island, and in 2008 on Isabela Island.

Money in Ecuador and the Galápagos

Currency
The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar, with no restrictions for entry or exit. However, $100 bills are not accepted by banks or shops, and it is recommended to carry $20 bills or less, as small shops rarely have large bills to give as change.

ATMs and Credit Cards
ATMs can be found in the Galápagos, but they aren't plentiful and are non-existent on some of the islands. We advise researching ATM locations before you leave, as well as fees for international transactions.
ATMs are available in all major cities of Ecuador, and many locals accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diner’s Club, which are the most widely accepted. We recommend carrying both U.S. bills and traveler’s checks while visiting Ecuador and exchanging them in Quito, Cuenca, or Guayaquil.

Tipping
It is customary to tip restaurant staff, naturalist guides, and boat staff in the Galápagos, at your discretion.

Health & Safety in Ecuador and the Galápagos

Health & Vaccinations
For travel only to Quito and the Galápagos Islands, no vaccinations are required. If you plan on visiting other parts of Ecuador, particularly the Amazon or coastal regions, consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel.
The Centers for Disease Control advises being inoculated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), the flu, and being up-to-date with routine vaccinations.
If visiting the Galápagos, we recommend bringing seasickness medication with you if you are susceptible to motion sickness.

Travel Insurance
We recommend taking out a travel insurance policy to protect you against theft, loss, and injury. However, you may need to research one that also covers activities listed as "dangerous activities," as many policies don't.
We also recommend keeping receipts for all medical treatments and obtaining a statement from the police in case you ever need to make a claim for loss.

Entry Requirements to Ecuador and the Galápagos

Visas
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. If traveling to the Galápagos, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after their expected return to the U.S., a return ticket, and proof of financial means of support.

Customs in Ecuador
Most visitors to the Galápagos travel by plane from Ecuador. At the airport, visitors are required to have their bags inspected by quarantine staff and acquire a requisite tourist Transit Control Card for a nominal fee, to ensure no non-native fauna or flora are brought to the islands.

Galápagos Flight Regulations
Visitors may bring 1–2 pieces of luggage weighing no more than 44 lbs in total and one carry-on bag weighing no more than 17 lbs. Excess baggage will incur an additional charge.

Galápagos Park Regulations, Fees, and Rules
Upon arrival in the Galápagos Islands, visitors pay a mandatory entrance fee in cash to the Galápagos National Park. Currently, the fee is $100 for non-Ecuadorian adults and $50 for non-Ecuadorian children.
In an effort to conserve the Galápagos Islands’ fragile ecosystem, the Galápagos National Park Service has established park rules for its visitors. We recommend familiarizing yourself with them to ensure you leave no trace behind in the Galápagos Islands.

In the Galápagos

Phones
Large, inhabited islands have cell service. However, travelers must activate global roaming with their provider, which can be expensive.

Internet
Some hotels and restaurants provide Wi-Fi, and some internet cafés can be found in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo on San Cristóbal Island, but internet service is generally scarce throughout the Galápagos Islands.

On Mainland Ecuador

Phones
Public phones are now disappearing in Ecuador, but the use of mobile phones is widespread. You will need a GSM (Global System for Mobiles) phone activated for global roaming if you bring your own phone, but the charges per minute can be high. The best option is to buy a prepaid SIM card from one of Ecuador's main cellphone networks. Another option is to buy an activated phone with prepaid minutes at a local store or major airport. Ecuador's main cellphone companies are Porta, Movistar, and Claro.

Internet
Wi-Fi is widespread in Ecuador. It is not always free or fast, but you can generally find access, especially in Guayaquil or Quito. Internet cafés, however, are fast disappearing.

Power in Ecuador and Galápagos

Type A and B power sockets can be found in the Galápagos Islands and mainland Ecuador, though the majority are two-pronged wall sockets. The standard voltage is 110V, with a standard frequency of 60Hz.

Flying to Mainland Ecuador

There are two international airports in Ecuador, in Quito and Guayaquil. It is easy to find connecting flights from either airport to major cities in the region or beyond. If you travel from the United States, there are regular flights from Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, with flight times typically ranging from 5 to 6 hours.
Ticket prices are higher from June to September and from December to January.

Flying to the Galápagos

There are two airports on the Galápagos: Isla Baltra and Isla San Cristóbal, both of which have flights from Quito and Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador with Avianca and LATAM airlines. There is a 20kg/44lb limit per person on checked luggage with both airlines.