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Are departures guaranteed?
There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation.
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Can you accommodate other date requests beyond those that are listed?
Yes, with a minimum of 2 people this trip can be offered every week, all year-round (with Day 1 always starting on Fridays). If you have other dates you’d like to request, please let us know.
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What are the accommodations like?
We have selected charming, high-quality accommodations throughout this adventure. In the Galapagos we stay at beachfront properties with well-appointed rooms, excellent food, panoramic views, and - apart from our final night’s hotel - swimming pools. Our stays include 2 nights at Golden Bay (4-star), 4 nights at Iguana Crossing (4-star), and 1 night at Angermeyer Waterfront Inn (5-star). In Quito, we typically stay at the Dann Carlton, an ideally located, boutique 3-star property.
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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. 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 will be needed to cover the extra costs associated with not sharing a room. Please inquire if interested.
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What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
This trip is rated as 2 out of 5 difficult. 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 quite easy on mostly flat terrain along the coastline and the biking is also easy on sand and some gravel. The kayaking is on calm water. There will be transport support for the majority of the activities in case someone wants to take a break or just wants to relax.
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What are the guides like?
All guides have a professional background from Ecuador’s University of Tourism; 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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How do you address sustainability on your trips?
We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture of Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
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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
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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 in Quito.
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What will the food be like?
In the Galapagos, our hotels are renowned for their cuisine which emphasizes locally grown, organic produce and sustainably sourced fish and shellfish. Options such as shrimp and fish ceviche, traditional sancocho (an authentic Ecuadorian soup which is made with fish and yucca) as well as more fusion style offerings. In Quito and mainland Ecuador, you’ll find a wide variety of offerings including excellent street food. Chicken, pork, beef, and cuy (guinea pig - though this is more common in the Andes) as well as an array of carbohydrates, including corn and potatoes. A popular street food is hornado (roasted pig), which is often served with llapingacho (a pan seared potato ball). Some other examples of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine generally include hearty quinoa soups, patacones (unripe plantains fried in oil), llapingachos (fried potato pancakes), and seco de chivo (a type of stew made from goat).
A wide variety of fresh fruits are available, particularly at lower altitudes, including granadilla, passionfruit, naranjilla and several types of bananas. Another local favorite are fresh juices, including the tree tomato or a colada morada (a traditional Ecuadorian drink made with fruits, spices, and purple corn flour).
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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 Activexpedition 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.
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Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
Yes, 8 years old.
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What is transportation like?
Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with many people and consists of both dirt and paved roads. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group. While in the Galapagos, the speedboat from Santa Cruz to Isabela can be a bit challenging for those prone to sea sickness. We recommend carrying some Dramamine or similar anti-nausea medication with you.
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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.
No vaccinations are required for this trip, however we recommend checking with your doctor prior to travel.