Before You Depart

Spirit of Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to Ecuador and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. If you are planning a connecting flight, please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. Flight schedules are subject to change.

Date Airline Airport Depart Return
2024: May 20 LATAM Airlines Miami (MIA) 3:50 PM 2:31 PM
2024: Aug. 26 TBA Miami (MIA) TBA TBA
2024: Oct. 14 N/A N/A N/A N/A

 

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT AND FREQUENT FLYER MILES

Airlines do not assign seats in advance for group fares – seat assignments are arranged upon check-in at the airport. smarTours is not involved with seat assignments. If you require a specific seat due to a medical condition, please obtain a doctor’s note you can present to the airline at check-in.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

Due to the late evening arrival of our air-inclusive package, the group welcome briefing will take place after breakfast on Day 2 of the itinerary.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Ecuador for stays less than 90 days in a 12-month period. Ecuador requires that travelers have at least 1 blank visa page in their passport. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required, however, some cities like Quito (altitude of 9,350 feet) may be at a higher altitude than you are used to. Travelers may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities about altitude sickness prevention and any other suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.

CLIMATE

Since Ecuador is located near the equator, the weather is temperate with average daytime high temperatures ranging from 60’s to the 80’s. However, in areas of higher elevations (Quito) as well as in the Galápagos Islands, morning, late afternoon and evening temperatures will be considerably cooler (30’s to 50’s).

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar ($). Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need U.S. Dollars. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

Electricity

Ecuador operates on 120 volts/60 Hz and uses plug types A & B. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.