Frequently asked questions

We’d suggest a minimum of 4 days, but 6–8 days is the sweet spot to see the iconic islands and their wildlife at a relaxed pace. Eight days or more lets you reach the remote western and northern islands. Tell us how long you have and we’ll suggest the best route.

Typically: your cabin, all meals, daily guided excursions with a certified naturalist, snorkelling gear and transfers between the airport and the boat. Not usually included: international/inter-island flights, the National Park entrance fee, alcoholic drinks, wetsuit rental and tips. Each quote spells out exactly what’s covered.

Every boat follows the same park rules and visits the same extraordinary wildlife — the difference is comfort. Tourist & Tourist Superior offer great value; First Class adds more space, better guides and cuisine; Luxury brings the finest cabins, food and service. Use our compare tool to see them side by side.

Seas are calmest in the warm season (December–May), and larger vessels ride more steadily than small yachts. If you’re prone to motion sickness, choose a bigger boat, pick a mid-ship cabin and bring your usual remedy — most guests are completely fine.

Yes — many of our day tours come in both. Private means your own guide and vehicle, fully flexible to your pace. Shared joins a small group at a friendlier price. Just tell us which you’d prefer.

Absolutely — that’s what we do best. Tell us your dates, interests, pace and budget and we’ll craft a tailor-made trip across Ecuador and the Galápagos. Start with our plan-my-trip form.

We’d suggest at least 3 nights (4 days). Most Amazon lodges are reached by a short flight from Quito to Coca followed by a motorised canoe ride, so the first and last days are mostly travel. With 4 nights you get more time on the trails, lagoons and canopy towers — and a better chance of spotting wildlife. Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the right lodge and length.

Lodge programmes usually include your accommodation, all meals, guided excursions with a naturalist and a local guide, and the canoe transfers to and from the lodge. Flights to Coca and drinks are normally extra. Every lodge is a little different, so we list exactly what’s included in your quote.

Light, quick-drying long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sun protection, a hat, a torch (flashlight) and binoculars if you have them. It’s a rainforest, so expect some rain whatever the month. Most lodges lend rubber boots — we’ll confirm for yours.

Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you go. Yellow fever vaccination is commonly recommended for the Ecuadorian Amazon, and your doctor can advise whether you need anything for malaria. We’re happy to share what other travellers on the same trip have done.

Send us an enquiry, we reply with ideas and a quote, and once you’re happy a deposit secures your trip. Day tours will also be bookable online (via Bókun). We accept credit card, PayPal and bank transfer.

No. Enquiring is completely free and no-obligation — ask as many questions as you like before you decide anything.

Confirming your booking. A day tour is confirmed once payment is received — by credit card, PayPal or bank transfer. We always suggest a quick call, email or WhatsApp the day before your tour to make sure every detail is right. It isn’t obligatory, but it helps.

Day tours — if you need to cancel a confirmed booking:

• More than 7 days before the tour: 10% of the tour price.
• 3–7 days before: 50% of the tour price.
• Within 72 hours of the start: no refund.

Changing your date. Changes made more than 6 days before the original date are free of charge, as long as the new date is within 2 months.

Galápagos cruises and multi-day programmes follow the boat or lodge operator’s own policy, which is usually stricter the closer you get to departure. We send you the exact terms with your quote, before you pay anything.

Whatever you book, we strongly recommend travel insurance — it’s well worth the peace of mind.

Honestly, there’s no bad time — wildlife thrives year-round on the equator. The best month depends on what you most want to see. We’ve built a full month-by-month Galápagos wildlife calendar to help you choose.

Most nationalities don’t need a visa for short tourist stays (please check your own country’s rules). You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months and onward travel. For the Galápagos you’ll also pay the National Park entrance fee and obtain a Transit Control Card on arrival.

Most of our trips are easy to moderate and we tailor them to you. Galápagos excursions involve walking on uneven volcanic terrain, wet and dry landings from a dinghy, and optional snorkelling — all at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to take it in.

Ecuador is generally safe for travellers taking normal precautions, and our guides look after you throughout. No vaccinations are mandatory for most visitors, though a yellow-fever vaccine is sensible if you’re heading into the Amazon. Always check the latest advice with your doctor before travelling.