BOOKING YOUR SAFARI:
- African Portfolio Inc. requires a $500 per person, non-refundable reservation fee (fully applicable to the tour price) to make a provisional reservation on your behalf.
- African Portfolio Inc. will confirm provisional reservations upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit of 30% the tour price (fully applicable to the tour price). Travel during peak holiday periods or for groups of 10 travelers or more may be subject to additional deposit or early payment requirements.
- Provisional reservations may be released if the deposit is not received by the stated due date.
- Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure, after which reservations may be released and cancellation penalties applied.
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS:
- African Portfolio will book internal flights (scheduled or private) in conjunction with your safari as described in your online itinerary.
- Clients are welcome to make flight arrangements independently; our safari consultants can advise the required flight sectors and times to coordinate with your land arrangements.
- If you prefer the assistance of a specialist, we would refer you to Corporate Traveler, who are part of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. They offer reliable and responsive customer service, through a dedicated team so you’ll work with someone that knows you and your air travel preferences. Their dedicated travel manager will also be in communication with us to ensure all your scheduled flights coordinate well with your land arrangements and internal flights.
Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific, about 1000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: United States Dollar
Symbol: $
ISO code: USD
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: TAME, Avianca
International Airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito), José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil)
Domestic Airports: Mariscal Lamar International Airport (Cuenca), Eloy Alfaro International Airport (Manta)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, featuring a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Highlights include ceviche (marinated seafood), llapingachos (potato patties), and locro de papa (potato soup). Notable local drinks include canelazo (spiced alcoholic drink) and horchata (sweet rice drink).
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: 22°C
Summer:
Average highs: 26°C
Average lows: 16°C
Winter:
Average highs: 24°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Ecuador is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 120V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
