Here you will find practical information in connection with trips to the Galápagos
Language: Spanish
Provincial capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Population: 30,000
Religion: Roman Catholic Church
Currency: US dollar
Area: 7,790 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
The time difference between Sweden and the Galápagos varies depending on whether Sweden has summer or winter time:
Summer time – 8 hours
Winter time – 7 hours
Transport on the Galápagos
The only way to travel between the different Galápagos Islands is by water. We use different types of ships, depending on whether it is a cruise trip with accommodation on board or if we spend the night in hotels on the different islands. In addition to overnight cabins, our cruise ships also have a restaurant, lounge and sun deck. The ships we use to transport us between the islands and look around us at sea are smaller than the cruise ships, but always comfortable.
Price level in the Galápagos
Prices are generally higher in the Galápagos than in the rest of Ecuador. Approximately SEK 200 per day covers food, drink and drink on travel days when this is not included.
Tip
Restaurants usually charge a service charge of 10 percent on the bill. If you have been satisfied with the service, you can add an additional 5 percent to the serving staff. Drivers and local guides also expect tips because they are normally low paid. The standard here is about 10 US dollars per day. See also our drinking recommendations in the program for your particular trip.
As always, it is of course voluntary to tip.
Currency and credit cards
In the Galápagos, you pay in US dollars. Most business owners prefer smaller banknotes.
The following credit cards are accepted at most locations: Visa, MasterCard and Diners, and to some extent American Express.
Electricity
On the Galápagos, alternating current is used: 110 volts. The electrical sockets are intended for contacts with two flat “spikes” and possibly a round “spike”. Therefore, feel free to bring an adapter with several options.
Telephone and internet
According to COUNTRYAAH, the area code for the Galápagos is 005935. Swedish mobile phones may not work in Ecuador and the Galápagos. In that case, you can buy a SIM card for the local network. If your Swedish mobile phone works in the Galápagos, it can be very expensive to use it. Please check the prices with your mobile operator before departure.
Internet cafes are available in several places and cost 1-2 US dollars for half an hour.
Hygiene
We recommend that you bring hand alcohol for hygiene. There are no public toilets on the small islands. Toilets, on the other hand, are available in the cities and at the airports (Baltra and San Cristobal).
Customs and traditions
The local authorities urge visitors not to touch animals, birds or plants, nor to bring sand, plant seeds, soil or rock from the islands. It is also forbidden to feed the animals.
Smoking
During all flights and transport, there is an absolute ban on smoking. Smoking is prohibited during excursions in the Galapagos Islands.
Passports and visas Galápagos
Read about passports and visas when traveling to the Galapagos.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of return from the Galápagos and Ecuador. If you are a Swedish citizen, you do not need a visa to the Galápagos and Ecuador for stays of 90 days. If you are not a Swedish citizen, you must investigate which rules apply to you. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you have the right travel documents with you to the airport.
No later than one month before departure, you must send a copy of the photo page in your passport to Albatros Travel, Tøndergade 16, 1752 Copenhagen V.
Vaccinations Galápagos
Below you will find an overview of the vaccinations that are recommended when traveling to the Galápagos.
Yellow fever
Previously, the vaccination against yellow fever was to be renewed every ten years. This has now changed, so that a vaccination makes you immune to yellow fever for the rest of your life.
It has been observed that older people sometimes have a tendency to have more severe side effects and therefore one should be careful about vaccinating the elderly.
If you do not want to be vaccinated against yellow fever because of this, you should ask a doctor or the clinic where you are vaccinated to write in the vaccination card that you have not been vaccinated against yellow fever for medical reasons. This is accepted by the immigration authorities.
Malaria
Malaria occurs on the Ecuadorian mainland, but not in the Galápagos.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever occurs throughout Ecuador, including in the cities. There is no vaccine or preventative medicine for dengue fever and you should be careful to protect yourself against mosquito bites with mosquito spray with DEET or AUTAN. The dengue mosquito usually sticks around sunset and sunrise.
