Galapagos & Machu Picchu Tour COMF

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.

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 

Ecuador is a small country and internal flight times are usually less than one hour, making air travel a quick and easy way to get around. Most flights operate out of Quito although Guayaquil also has direct services to main centers. 

Galapagos Islands: There are daily flights to the Galapagos Islands from both Quito and Guayaquil; note that airfares to Galapagos are much higher than to any other domestic destinations. There is also a national park admission charge, payable in cash only. 

Since getting around by public transport is so easy, few people rent cars in Ecuador. Nonetheless, there are international and local car hire companies operating in Ecuador, with cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca the places to arrange pick-up and drop off. It may be difficult to hire a vehicle in smaller towns and even in main cities, you should arrange your vehicle hire in advance. 4-wheel drive is necessary for some areas.

Drivers need to be at least 25 years old and have a major credit card for the deposit. Some companies will hire cars to those aged 21-25 but the surcharges are much higher. Check for existing damage and make sure the car comes with a spare tire and a jack. Drive carefully, make sure the car is always secure and check what the car rental insurance policy covers.

The national speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways and around 50kph (30mph) in urban areas unless otherwise indicated. There are strong penalties for even the most minor driving offenses. An International Driving Permit is not required, but insurance is.

Taxis are widely available, particularly in larger cities and towns. Fares tend to be low but should be negotiated in advance. Taxis are metered in Quito, but rarely elsewhere. Taxis may be hired for a whole day. Drivers do not expect tips. All licensed taxis have a registration number prominently displayed.

Increasingly popular, cycling is a good, if somewhat strenuous way of seeing Ecuador. Mountain bikes are recommended and you should ideally bring your own as bike hire services are scarce outside of Quito. Bring your own spares too. Bikes can also be taken on buses, canoes and almost every other type of transport if you find you’ve run out of energy. Organized bike tours in Ecuador tend to be one-day trips, and mostly downhill, having been ferried to the top of the descent in a car by the company you book with.

Ecuador’s bus and coach service is extensive and affordable. Taking a bus can be an exhilarating, exciting way to see the country although it can also be cramped and scary too given the recklessness with which some drivers tackle corners and overtake. There are a number of different companies throughout the country and services to almost anywhere that you might want to go. Some of the most established have their own bus stations separate from the main terminals (terminal terrestres) and operate air-conditioned, comfortable buses, ideal for longer distance journeys.

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% 

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. 

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 

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.

Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.

Currency 

Local currency: Peruvian Sol 
Symbol: S/ 
ISO code: PEN 
Subunit: céntimo 
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200 
Coins: céntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca 
International Airports: Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) 
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa), Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo) 

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: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

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: 

Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola. 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

 Winter: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

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 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.