---
title: "Galapagos: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Galapagos? Read on for tips to help you prepare for your trip!
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%2021a-2%20(1).jpg
---

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# Galapagos: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Galapagos: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%2021a-2%20(1).jpg)

### About Galapagos

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#faq)
- [Other if Needed](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/galapagos#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

Quito, the capital of Ecuador and gateway to the Galápagos, sits at 9,350 feet, making it the second-highest capital city in the world. The city boasts the best-preserved historic center in Latin America, as well as the famous site known as 'la mitad del mundo' (the middle of the world) which marks the rough location of the equator. Six hundred miles from the Ecuadorian coastline are the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a plethora of endemic plant and animal species. The island's beauty and mystery captivated early explorers and scientists for centuries - famously known for inspiring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Stand face-to-face with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and sharks as you experience the out-of-this-world landscapes.

Itinerary disclaimer: Don't forget the Galapagos is a remote island and the accommodation might be a little rustic - that is all part of the experience!

 

**Capital City:** Quito

**Galapagos** **Population: **25,000

**Currency: **U.S. Dollars

**Time Zone:** GMT-6

**Emergency Number: **911

**Outlet:** Type A/B

![Iguana](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Iguana.jpg)

![Galapagos-Tortoise](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Galapagos-Tortoise.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. We love sturdy hiking sandals, such as Chacos or Keens, for warmer climates.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine is a great option for any bumpy boat rides.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn.Protect your skin from unwanted damage by loading up on SPF. Make sureyou buy Reef Safe too.

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Breathable, Non-Cotton Hiking Shirts** - For protection from the sun, light colors are nice because they're cooler than dark colors.

**Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You will have access to clean water for refilling at all the hotels.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need we say more?

**Portable Chargers** - Stay juiced my people.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Ear Plugs ** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Laundry Soap ** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Swimsuit** - You'll be hitting the beach.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

The official language of Ecuador (and therefore Galapagos) is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken and understood at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

 

- **Hello** - ¡Hola! (O-la)
- **Goodbye** - ¡Adios! (AH-dee-ohs)
- **Thank you** - Gracias (GRA-see-as)
- **Do you speak English?** - ¿Habla inglés? (Ab-la in-GLAYS)
- **I (don’t) understand** - Yo (no) entiendo (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
- **How are you?** - ¿Cómo está? (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
- **I’m fine, thank you** - Bien, gracias (bee-EN, GRA-see-as)
- **What’s your name?** -  Cómo te llamas? ((KOH-moh te ya-mas?))
- **My name is…** - Me llamo… (May ya-moh… )
- **Where is...** -  ¿Dónde está… (DON-day es-tah...)

- The bathroom - el baño (el BAH-nyo)

- An ATM - un cajero (un kah-HEH-roh)

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

 

![Galapagos](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Galapagos.jpg)

#### Weather

[SANTA CRUZ WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n0d56n90d41/santa-cruz/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- The Galápagos is the 1st UNESCO World Heritage site in the world. Ecuador also boasts the world's 2nd, its capital, Quito.
- Since the islands are situated on either side of the equator, there is infinite summer. Because of its location, straddling north and south, the Galápagos is the only place in the world where you can find wild penguins in the Northern Hemisphere.
- There is a lack of predators on the Galápagos islands so wildlife lives without fear of human interaction. The Galápagos National Park, however, enforces strict rules for human interaction to protect the animals and their habitat.
- The Galápagos contains most of the world’s reptile, mammal, and bird species, with approximately 97% of the reptiles and mammals and 80% of the land birds. They also have 30% of the world’s plant species.
- Charles Darwin largely based and found evidence for his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the Galápagos through his observations of the humble finch, also known as Darwin's Finches. Darwin's Finches are considered to be the world's fastest-evolving vertebrae, adapting to the closed and rapidly changing ecosystems of each island that he found each finch.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $8-10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $3-4 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants (full service)**  |  | USD $10% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling 

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Tap water is not safe for foreigners to drink. Purified, boiled, and bottled water is suggested for drinking.

 

**Do I need a Visa?** For Visa information, click [here. ](https://www.galapatours.com/faq/entry-requirements-galapagos)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ecuador) 

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner), or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** There are many ways to get around the island whether by bike, bus, or taxi. However, there are some areas where tourists are not allowed without a Guide.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available?** Uber is available in Quito.

 

**What about Wifi?** Being that you are on an island, keep in mind wifi will be spotty in some areas.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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