Frequently Asked Questions – Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Updated 20 February 2023
Do I need to bring towels, a mosquito net, a sleeping bag, pillows, and sheets?
It is always advisable to bring your own towels. Pillows and sheets are provided by host families and at the Eco-reserve accommodation.
A sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner is not required unless you are planning to travel and stay in backpackers’ hostels. However, you may prefer to use your own sleeping bag.
Are mosquito nets available at the Eco-reserve accommodation and with host families?
No, because we do not have a problem with malaria in the Galapagos Islands.
How much money should I bring? How should I bring my money, e. g. cash, cards etc? How can I exchange money at the destination?
Your money can be brought in a variety of ways and US dollars are Ecuador’s official currency.
You can bring cash (US dollars), and you can also bring either VISA or MASTERCARD (NOT MAESTRO), as these are the most widely accepted ones, and with them you can withdraw cash easily at cashpoints/ATMs.
You may not be able to withdraw as much cash per day as you are able to in your home country. Check with your bank to make sure you can use your card in the Galapagos and Ecuador. If you are on the mainland and can’t use your card in one machine, check with another one from another bank.
You need to make sure your cards have a 4-digit password as most Ecuadorian ATMs don't recognise longer ones if you want to withdraw money. Also make sure there is a chip on the front of the card, so the ATM is able to read it.
Visa, MasterCard, and Diner's Club are the most widely accepted cards.
It is possible to use credit cards in some of the shops, travel agencies and restaurants, but you may be charged 25% more than the initial price.
Three meals are included with the project fees at your accommodation, but you will need extra money for snacks, trips, and extra meals.
A burger at a restaurant will cost between $8 and $20.
Island hopping and getting to know the other Galapagos Islands near San Cristobal Island usually costs the following: A ferry from ONE Island to another is $35 one way, a hostel can cost between $25 to $35, a regular lunch costs $6, and dinner costs $7. When traveling to other Islands, remember to bring extra cash as not many establishments accept cards and ATMs might not work.
What vaccinations are required for my trip?
Unfortunately, as we are not medical professionals, we are not able to give you advice about which vaccinations to take when visiting Ecuador. It is of the utmost importance that you consult your local doctor about this matter.
You may also consult this website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/south-america-antarctica/ecuador
You do not need to have specific vaccinations to come to the Galapagos.
Check with the Ecuadorian government for up-to-date information about COVID regulations.
Make sure that you bring enough prescribed medication for your whole trip.
Should I bring gifts for my host family, and if so, what? What can I bring for my placement?
Firstly, bringing gifts is not compulsory. If you decide that you would like to bring a gift, good ideas are items from your home country, such as chocolate, biscuits, and/or games played in your home country. Souvenirs from your hometown are also acceptable.
For your placement, you could bring art materials, markers, pencils, blu-tac, and/or used I-pads and laptops. Please check with William before you start your trip.
Should I bring a backpack or suitcase?
If you are going to the conservation project or are planning on traveling independently, a backpack is always the best option. Take into account how long you will be staying in the country, and if you intend to do a lot of traveling.
You can bring a suitcase for all your things, along with a smaller backpack for your essentials and to use if you want to travel at the weekend.
What is the weather like throughout the year?
In general, the Galapagos climate is divided into two seasons:
Hot, wet season from December to May/June. Temperatures in the warm, wet season are around 30° C., with sunny days interrupted sometimes by short but heavy cloudbursts of rain. During the rainy season, nights are fresh, so it is advisable to bring a light sweater.
Cool, dry season from May or June or July to December. The seasons are not exactly fixed, and weather conditions are changeable, around the end of the seasons. The weather is warm all year around, but December to May can be very hot.
Note:
The Eco-reserve accommodation is on higher ground, and closer to vegetation, so humidity is higher than in accommodation closer to the coast.
Will my host family speak English?
All host families speak Spanish as this is the official language of the country. They will rarely speak English. However, they are usually willing to learn some phrases. Spanish is not necessary, but it will make your experience in Ecuador much more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Is tap water safe to drink?
No, we don’t drink from the tap. However, since January 2013, we have had a new, purifying tap water system, which allows you to brush your teeth or take a shower and not be concerned about getting sick. Also, our host families will provide suitable drinking water.
What is appropriate clothing for my placement?
Education and Care Project
The dress code is very relaxed in Ecuador, but at your placement you should not show your cleavage, or wear tank tops or beach shorts or miniskirts. Smart casual clothes are necessary for teaching. Girls should try to wear trousers or smart shorts and their tops should not be too revealing.
Conservation Project
You need long pants and long-sleeved shirts, like safari clothes, good walking shoes or boots, a hat, and sunglasses. Wellington boots can be bought on the island. Wear clothing that is resistant to physical activity, that can protect you from mosquitoes, and ones that you won’t mind getting dirty.
Participating in Sports Project
Please wear appropriate sportswear and trainers. Girls, please ensure your shorts are not too short and your tops are not too revealing.
What type of plug should I take with me?
In Ecuador households generally accept a Type A plug (Flat 2 pin). Voltage: V120 & V240.
Will a holiday affect my placement?
A holiday may affect your placement as many placements are closed then, but this is a perfect time for you to experience Ecuadorian culture and take part in the festivities for the day. Some of the holidays only last a day and Ecuador does not have one or two week holidays.
Will I be able to use my cell phone?
You can easily purchase a local sim card in Ecuador, so you will be able to use your cell phone, but it is important to make sure that it is not registered with a blocked network.
You can also use WIFI to communicate. WIFI in the Galapagos may not be as fast as the one back home. There are WIFI connections in your accommodation and some businesses.
If you download WhatsApp, your calls will be free.
How will I do my laundry?
You will have the option to go to a laundromat. You can ask the local staff where the nearest one is, and some families have washing machines and they can provide the service. You only have to give them detergent.
There is a laundry service at the accommodation at the Eco-reserve.
How far is my accommodation from my placement?
For conservation volunteers, transportation is arranged for you that takes you to different parts of the island where you take part in your projects. This may take 10 to 45 minutes.
What can I do at the weekend and in my free time?
If you haven’t figured out specific places that you would like to visit on the mainland, our staff can recommend interesting places depending on the type of activities that you like. Once you get to know the rest of the volunteers in town, we recommend that you travel together because they sometimes have very cool ideas or at least you can be travel companions, as well as help you to get to know other parts of the island.
If you book tours in your home country or online, it will cost much more than booking them on the island. If you ask for advice from William, it will be much cheaper, as he can book them at the local price. All tours must be paid for in cash. If you pay with a credit card, there will be a 27% increase in the cost of the trip. Some activities are listed below:
· Island hopping
· Going to the gym: There are 2 local gyms.
· Snorkelling and diving
You may snorkel on your own near the beach or go on diving and/or snorkelling trips by speed boat to more distant places around San Cristobal. A day diving or snorkelling tour by speed boat to different areas of San Cristobal Island will cost from $150 to $250. The best time to snorkel is during low tide and when there is no full moon. You can become a certified diver, such as OW, AOW, etc.
Activity
1 Trips to Other Islands
They range from $300 to $450 for 2 to 4 days. It is also possible to walk or go by taxi to local beaches.
2 Surfing
Local beaches are good for surfing. You can rent a surfboard for the time you will be here.
3 Running and Cycling
There is a cycling/walking track you can use.
4 Skating
There is a skate park you can use.
5 Walking
Along the seashore and around the island.
6 Bar and Restaurant Hopping
There are various types on the island, in the main town.
What safety precautions should I take while traveling in Ecuador?
As in any other country in the world, traveling represents some safety risks, and being a foreigner makes you a conspicuous potential target. The same rules of common sense apply here as when travelling in any other part of the world. If you follow this advice, you are very unlikely to have any problems in Ecuador.
Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport or Guayaquil ‘s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport are very safe to stay in if you have a long wait between flights. If you have an overnight stay, we can arrange a host family stay and transfers, and you pay the host family when you arrive.
You should arrange taxis at the taxi counters at the airport, and only take official taxis when you step out of the exits. If you are staying for one night, you can ask your hotel to arrange transfers. If you catch a taxi on the street away from the airport, it is risky.
Make sure you have all your medications and sunscreen and that you also have insurance that covers emergencies, flights home if you do have an emergency, Covid, and loss of belongings. If your luggage does not arrive off your first flight in Quito or Guayaquil, please file a report at the airport and include William’s contact information, i. e. his cell number.
What should I do if I need medical attention?
If you require medical attention or have an emergency, always call Projects Abroad local staff first - we are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. If you need to seek medical attention yourself, you can try the following option on San Cristobal Island:
Hospital Oskar Jandl: 593 5 2520 332, +593 5 2520 935, + 593 5 2521 210
Address: Calle Jaime Roldós y Juan Pablo II
A member of our team will go with you to translate if you need a doctor or medicine.
Please remember to keep all your receipts for your insurance claim.
Where will I keep my passport and valuables?
San Cristobal Island is very safe, with a very low crime rate. There are locked safety boxes in the host families’ accommodation and in the office.
Are there any specific medical concerns I should be aware of?
A change of environment, climate, food, and lifestyle often results in minor, and occasionally more serious illness.
1 Water
Tap water in Ecuador is not generally safe to drink, but purified bottled water is widely available in shops and will be provided by your host family and at the eco-reserve.
2 Dehydration
The climate in Ecuador can be very hot, obviously depending on the area and the season, but especially in spring (March to July), temperatures are often in the high 30s Celsius (Approx. 95 - 100 Fahrenheit.) Obvious symptoms of dehydration are: Not needing to urinate or dark coloured urine (this should be seen as a danger sign in hot climates), feeling faint, tiredness, headaches, feeling sick and lack of coordination. Treatment for mild dehydration is simply to drink lots of water, ideally mixed with re-hydrating salts. More serious dehydration requires medical attention, and an intravenous fluid supply. The simple answer is to force yourself to drink plenty of water as often as possible.
3 Yellow Fever
Please note that San Cristobal Island is free of yellow fever but other areas of Ecuador are not.
What should I do in case of an emergency or accident?
In an emergency, your first priority should be to ensure your own safety, and that of other people. Your second priority should be to contact William. Please notify him as soon as possible if you require medical treatment or have been the victim of a crime. In medical emergencies he can help you obtain good treatment quickly and is happy to liaise with your insurance company on your behalf.
If you have been in an accident, or have been attacked, and cannot call him yourself, show someone the phone numbers of our local staff and ask them to call us. We will provide an emergency card which we will ask you to carry in your wallet.
Police and Emergency services: 101 (police) 000 (fire)
What is local transport like?
The local taxi service is cheap, safe, and reliable. You can hire bikes but will be able to walk to many places since distances on the island are small. If necessary, will arrange transportation to your projects.
How will I get to my placement?
Either walking or with our transportation.
We will show you how to get to your placement on your induction day. We normally try to place volunteers within walking distance or just a short public transportation ride from home.
Are there any traditions and/or behaviour I should be aware of?
People in Ecuador are conservative, and do not like public displays of affection. Please avoid wearing revealing clothes, short shorts or skirts or sleeveless tops when you are teaching or working in a project.
People do not drink to excess or take drugs.
What are the most common religions?
Most people on the island are Christians, including Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, and Pentecostals.
Quito Airport or Guayaquil Airports
At both airports, it is possible to have host family accommodation with a pick-up service to and from the airports. Please contact William if you need more information. You pay the family directly when you meet them.
Suggesting Other Projects and Activities
If you would like to suggest other projects and activities such as yoga that you are able to coordinate, please let William know.