Safety information WW
Please inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.
Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:
- Please listen to any safety instructions and other directions from the leader
- Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor
- Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to find you.
Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List).
In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services.. Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us know there is a problem.
Dietary requirements WW
Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements and we will do our best to meet your needs.
If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel.
Vaccinations & health information for Ecuador & Galapagos
This information is subject to change. In all cases, we highly recommend you consult your GP both for up to date details and for more information on what is appropriate to your situation. As a rule, travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK - including, for example, the MMR and diphtheria, tetanus, polio vaccines.
It is recommended for most travellers to have:
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus vaccinations.
Some travellers may require:
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Tuberculosis/TB
- Yellow Fever
If you will be arriving into Ecuador from a country with endemic Yellow Fever you will need to provide a Yellow Fever certificate. If you have recently travelled to a country with Yellow Fever - including Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda - you must be vaccinated at least 10 days prior to entering Ecuador and you must always carry an International Yellow Fever Vaccination card.
Requirements can change, and we recommend you check in good time ahead of your holiday.
On mainland Ecuador there is a low risk of malaria; the recommendation is to be aware of the risk and prevent/avoid bites. There is no risk of malaria in the Galápagos Islands.
Parts of Ecuador (including Quito at 2,800m) are at high altitude. Discuss the health risks associated with travelling to high altitude and how this relates to your health specifically with your GP before you travel. The Travel Health Pro website has a factsheet with more information and advice on how to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and recognise symptoms.
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism requires all travellers to the Galápagos to provide the following mandatory information before travelling to the islands:
- Pre-existing medical conditions and/or allergies
- Emergency contact information
- Medical/travel insurance information
- Advance Passenger Information
This information will be collected on the holiday; your local guide(s) will advise you further.
Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country’s embassy/consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution, it is recommended to:
- Keep medication in its original packet
- Take a copy of your prescription
- If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country you’re visiting
For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk
Passport & Visa information for Ecuador & Galapagos
Passports
Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry – this is a legal requirement and you may be denied entry if your passport does not have this.
Visas
Visas are not required for British Citizens, Australian, Canadian and US passport holders. Other British passport holders and nationalities should check the entry requirements in advance.
As of July 2025, all visitors will need to complete a registration card before travelling. The instructions on how to do this are below:
- Visit the official website: www.aduana.gob.ec
- Navigate to: Servicio al Ciudadano → Para viajeros: Formulario de Registro Aduane
- Create an account using your passport or ID number and a secure password
- Complete the entry or exit form with your personal details and declare any goods, if applicable
- Once submitted, you will receive a QR code, which must be presented at customs control
The registration card may be submitted up to 3 days before your travel date.
Additional Information:
If you are travelling with over $10,000 in cash, jewellery, or high-value documents, you are required to declare them. This measure is in accordance with Ecuador’s Law on the Prevention, Detection, and Combat of Money Laundering and aims to enhance border security and streamline customs procedures.
