Galápagos Yacht Adventure - Trip Information Package

This adventure includes a convenient one night pre-trip stay at the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. As most North American-based flights arrive late in the evening, this will allow you time to reset and refresh for Day 2's early departure to the Islands.

Plan your arrival to Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). We recommend that all passengers traveling to Galápagos consider 1-2 nights in mainland Ecuador before their trip to allow for potential flight delays and misconnections – and so that you are well rested and ready to meet your group on Day 2!

Also note that Quito sits at 2850m or 9,350ft elevation. Altitude sickness is not common, but you may feel mild symptoms on arrival (headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite- which can also be symptoms of jet lag!). Remember to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

If you'll be arriving early, please note that the Quito airport is located 35 km (22 miles) from downtown Quito. Please see the ‘Recommended Pre-Trip Accommodations’ section below and let us know which pre or post-trip hotel you’ll be staying at in your Travel Details Form. You can connect with your group members via a private Facebook group that we send out to you about three months before the start of your trip. You may decide to meet up early and share a room!

If you are arriving on Day 1 of the trip, an arrival transfer will be provided to take you to the Wyndham Hotel. The hotel is located at the airport, and one of our representatives will meet you and help you to locate the van that will take you on the short ride to your hotel.

Sworn Goods Declaration

This new system is part of the ongoing effort to streamline guest entry processes and safeguard the islands' fragile ecosystem. To complete the online form, you will need the flight information from Quito to San Cristóbal (Galapagos) that is outlined above.

Submissions are required at least 48 hours before travel.
Complete the declaration via declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec
The electronic form is in Spanish and English

Day 2: Group Rendezvous and Traveling from Quito (UIO) to Galapagos (SCY):

Time: approximately 6:00 AM or earlier (your morning flight will be confirmed about one month before your trip)
Location: Lobby of the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel
A Wild Women Expeditions/Lindblad representative holding a Wild Women Expeditions sign will meet you in the lobby of the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel. Your group will travel to the airport together. They will assist you with the check-in and provide you with your boarding pass, bag tag and your receipt for the transit card.
Your tourist control card is included in your trip, and you will be checked in at the airline counter with assistance after your bags are inspected. Please keep this card safe with your passport, as you will be asked to show it again at departure.
Upon arrival on Baltra Island, Galápagos, you will form a line to process passengers for the Park Entrance fee. This is included in your trip package, and purchase will be facilitated by a Lindblad assistant.
Once you go through, claim your bags, and meet your guides outside! You will take a short bus ride to the pier to board the Defina.

The official trip group welcome and trip orientation will occur once we are on board the National Geographic Delfina.

RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

The following hotels are recommended and all have an airport shuttle service to and from Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

For convenience:

Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel

Conveniently located next to the airport, and is also your included first night hotel accommodation on Day 1. Shuttles are free to/from the airport and operate 24/7. If you're feeling energetic, you can walk the half mile (1 km) to the hotel.

San Jose de Puembo

Just 14 km away from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and 27 km away from the city of Quito, this hotel is in the heart of the Puembo Valley in a restored Ecuadorean Hacienda, the Hacienda San Jose, which dates back to the 18th Century. Amenities include free airport shuttle, WiFi, Indoor/outdoor heated pool, fitness centre and restaurant. All guest rooms are designed with both business and leisure travellers in mind. Rooms include features such as LCD satellite TV, a coffee maker, work desk, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.

For experiencing Central Quito:

Hotel Le Parc

Unwind in style at the hip, upscale Le Parc. This truly exclusive hotel is a symphony of contemporary chic, from the 5-foot gas fireplace in its lobby restaurant, to the stunning rooftop bar with spectacular views of the city. Twenty-six unique suites are available with king sized beds, and four suites with two full sized beds. All rooms feature Egyptian cotton linens, duck down duvets, and a spacious modern bathroom. The hotel has a compact gym with sauna and a full-service L’Occitane Spa. You will be within walking distance of Carolina Park’s jogging trails, botanic gardens, and close to some of Quito’s top restaurants. To book, click here.

Patio Andaluz

Patio Andaluz is an elegant boutique hotel located in the heart of Quito’s Historic Center. Just two blocks from the Plaza Grande and within easy walking distance of churches, museums, and historic sites, this colonial style hotel will allow you to experience the true culture of Quito. Enjoy complimentary services and amenities, including free WiFi in all 32 available suites. Relax and enjoy the El Rincon de Cantuna patio restaurant, the Marquez de Jerez Cava bar for wine and tapas, and the Olga Fisch folklore artisan shop. To book, click here.

DEPARTURES FROM THE GALÁPAGOS

One night post-trip accommodation is included at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel. Transfer to Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) anytime after breakfast on the last day of the trip. There is a free shuttle from the hotel. You can book your spot at reception the night before. If you are extending your stay in Quito, you are responsible for arranging your personal transportation.

RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

If you are extending your stay beyond the official trip dates, the following hotels are recommended and all have an airport shuttle service to and from Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO):

For convenience and airport proximity:

Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel

This is also the location of your last night included hotel stay. Conveniently located next to the airport, shuttles are free and run every 30 minutes 24/7.

For experiencing central Quito, please see suggestions above under 'recommended pre-trip accommodations.

TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS

You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location: Quito, Ecuador. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:

Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists

Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel

Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.

Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!

PASSPORTS & VISAS

You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.

Passports:

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Important: A copy of your passport may be requested by Wild Women Expeditions pre-trip to book domestic flights and obtain your Tourist Control Card for the Galapagos Islands.

Visa:

No visas are required for U.S., Canadian and most European citizens. Visas are required for some Asian, Central American and Eastern European countries.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

TIPPING

For guides & crew: Aboard our yacht, gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on their performance. Tipping is a personal matter and passengers are encouraged to tip an amount they find appropriate. Suggested budget is $300 USD. All tips will be divided between the crew, staff and your naturalist guide. It's best to bring cash with you, though ATMs are available on some islands, the fees are high and they're not always reliable. See "Money Matters" below for more information about ATM machines.

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Rooming Arrangements:

Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum two women per room/cabin), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner

Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay:

Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage:

Complimentary Starlink internet access for all guests, 24/7

Laundry Service:

There are no laundry facilities available throughout the trip.

Potable Water:

Filtered drinking water is provided at dispensing stations on board. We suggest you do not drink water from the tap in your cabin. Water bottles (provided, and yours to keep) can be refilled from these water dispensers.

If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Quick Facts:

- Full country name: “Republic of Ecuador” or in Quechua, “Ikwadur”
- Capital City: Quito
- Language: Spanish, Quechua, Shuar + 12 other Indigenous languages
- Area: 283,560 km2
- Population: 16 million
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

- Major Industries: Petroleum and agricultural products
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Electricity: 110/AC 60 cycle (plugs are same as in the USA)

Time:

Ecuador is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5). Daylight savings time is not observed. Galápagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador (GMT-6), which corresponds with the Central Time Zone.

Climate & Weather:

Due to the Galapagos equatorial location, it is a destination that can be visited during any season. However, during the fall months, you can expect rougher sea conditions.

Between December and May, the islands experience a “wet (but warm) season.” The Galapagos’ climate is more tropical—you should expect daily rain showers and cloudier skies. Bonus: The ocean temperature is much warmer for swimming and snorkelling!

Galapagos Island Travel Info and Weather

MONEY MATTERS

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.

Onboard:

The ship is equipped with a point of sales system that will track your daily shipboard expenses. You may be asked to sign for certain items, and you will be presented with an itemized ship’s bill at the conclusion of your voyage. Personal checks issued by U.S. banks, travelers checks, U.S. dollars, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted to settle accounts on board. The official currency on board is the U.S. dollar. We are unable to cash personal checks or travelers checks on board. Please note that all onboard purchases are subject to Ecuadorian sales tax, currently 14%.

Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:

Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter

We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.

Credit Cards:

Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted in big cities and resort hotels but not in family-run guesthouses or restaurants.

Cash:

The currency in Ecuador is USD.

Be sure to bring small bills ($1, $5, $10 are best – bills over $20 USD are rarely accepted).

ATM Machines:

There are ATMs (Cirrus, MasterCard, Maestro, Plus, and Visa) in Guayaquil, Puerto Ayora, and Quito. However bank fees can be high, there is sometimes a limit on how much you can take out, and sometimes the machines are not well stocked with bills. If you plan to use an ATM, please check with your bank to find out if your ATM card can be used overseas, and make sure the card has been programmed with your personal identification number (PIN).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Useful Websites:

GETTING FIT

Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.

A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.

Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.

Fitness Tips:

You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.

That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.

Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

Take every opportunity you can to be active.
- You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
Rev up your ticker!
- Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.
Join a local walking or running group.
- This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.

Work on your upper body and core strength.
- Weight lifting, yoga and pilates can help with this.
- If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.Warm up, cool down and stretch.

Hydration.
- When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
Nutrition.
- Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
Have fun!
- The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
WWE Fitness Blogs:

Getting Fit: How to Design a Pre-trip Fitness Program

Getting Fit: Tips on Self-Care

GENERAL FAQ'S

For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].

Galápagos Yacht Adventure - Trip Information Package

What you need to know before you go!