Galapagos travel tips

Packing for the Galapagos

• Sun Hat with wide brim
• Sunscreen
• Small backpack
• Shorts (2
• T-shirts or Tank Tops (3)
• Light Pants (2
• Sweater (1)
• Windbreaker (1)
• Rain Jacket or Poncho (1)
• Walking Shoes with good traction (1 pair)
• Tevas or similar sandals (1 pair)
• Sunglasses with strap
• Bathing Suits
• Camera, spare batteries and film
• Binoculars
• Favorite CD's, DVD's

Documentation

• Valid Passport
• Copy of Passport with the Photo ID page and Ecuador entry stamp
• Airline Tickets
• Emergency Contact Numbers
• Traveler's Checks Paperwork
• Copy of travel insurance policy

Financial

• Traveler's Checks
• Credit Cards
• $10 US for Control Visitor Card
• $100 US for Galapagos Park Fee
• Collection of Small Bills for Tips and Miscellaneous Items
• Credit Cards
• Credit Cards, including American Express, Diner's Club, Visa and Master Card, are accepted in larger businesses. Visa and Master Card are considered different cards and are not accepted interchangeably. Master Card is the more frequently accepted of the two.

Personal Care & First Aid Kits

• Personal Prescription Medicines with copy of the prescription
• 10 Cotton Buds
• 10 Adhesive Bandages
• 1 Pair Tweezers
• 1 Tube Tincture of Benzene
• Extra Strength Tylenol or Ibuprofen
• Antihistamines
• 1 Package Antiseptic Towelettes
• Antibacterial Hand Gel or Wipes
• 1 Tube Double Antibiotic Ointment
• Antacids
• 2 Butterfly Closure Strips
• Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medicine
• Selection 4 x 4, 3 x 3 or 2 x 2 Bandages
• 1 Roll Adhesive Tape
• Antibiotics
• Non-adhering Sterile Dressing
• Sea Sickness medication

Personal Care Items

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hair Care Items
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Sun Lotion (Minimum SPF 15)
• Lip Balm with sunscreen
• Feminine Hygiene Products (as needed)

Immunizations

While no shots are required for travel to the Galapagos Islands, you should consult with your physician 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to discuss health precautions you may wish to take.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) (Hepatitis A is water and food born)
• Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing areas in this region
• Yellow fever vaccination, if you will be traveling to the jungle
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles
• Malaria tablets if you will be traveling to the jungle or the mainland coast
• Rabies, if you are traveling to farms in the Andean highlands

Due to the high elevations, if you are flying in or out of Quito (9,000 ft/3,000 m) in conjunction with your trip, and have high blood pressure or heart conditions, you should check with your doctor as to medical precautions before traveling. Those people who should avoid high elevations may prefer flying in and out of the port city of Guayaquil rather than Quito.