Frequently Asked Questions
Ecuador Birds Tours consists in creating Top Tailor-made Birding, Photo Birding Tours, Nature and Wildlife Packages in Ecuador. Below you will find general informationn about Ecuador and also from our Birding Tours.
About Ecuador
Ecuador is located in South America. It borders to the North with Colombia, East-south with Peru, and West to the Pacific Ocean.
The Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, are situated 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian mainland in the Pacific Ocean. The only way to reach the Galapagos is by flying from either Guayaquil or Quito. Its one of the main tourist attractions in the world for its rich wildlife, history and endemic tortoises.
Ecuador is in the Eastern Time and does not follow daylight savings time. Sunrise is around 6:00 a.m. and sunset about 6:30 p.m.
The Galapagos Islands are one hour behind mainland Ecuador.
Around 17.3 Million people; most are located in the Pacific Coast and Highlands.
The main cities are Quito (Capital), Cuenca, Coca, Ibarra, Manta, Loja and Guayaquil.
Ecuador is divided into four distinct regions: the Andes, Pacific Coast, Amazon, and Galapagos. Each region experiences different weather patterns, with the country having two primary seasons: summer and winter. However, temperatures vary year-round, ranging from 10°C to 30°C depending on the region.
The Highlands (La Sierra):This region is home to many of Ecuador's major cities, including Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca. The climate here is subtropical, with cooler temperatures. In Quito, temperatures range from highs of around 25°C (70°F) to lows of 10°C (50°F). The dry season lasts from June to September. In higher-altitude areas like the Antisana Reserve at 4,000 meters (13,120 ft.), temperatures can drop below 10°C.
The Galapagos Islands: Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos experiences a rainy season, a dry season, and a transitional period. From May to December, temperatures are cooler, around 22°C (72°F). From January to April, the weather becomes more tropical, with warmer air, clear skies, and occasional brief rain showers.
The Amazon Rainforest: This region remains hot, humid, and wet throughout the year. The best time to visit is from July to February, while March to June there is more rain expected, but great also for birding and wildlife.
The Pacific Coast: The coastal lowlands are hot year-round, with temperatures averaging between 25°C and 31°C (77-90°F). The rainy season occurs from December to May
The official language is Spanish, but our Indigenous population speaks Quichua, which is our native language. English is the most spoken foreign language and you’ll find that in hotels and tourist areas.
As of year 2000, we use US Dollars and we also have Ecuadorian Dollars (just in coins).In the countryside and remote places of Ecuador, it is better to have small bills like $20 and $10s.
The majority of outlets in Ecuador are standard U.S.-style two- and three-prong electric outlets with 110-120V AC (60 Hz) current.
If you are happy with your service, it is customary to include an additional tip between $20-$100 for birding guides. In restaurants, bars you can either add the tip to your final bill or give cash directly to your server.
A valid passport is required to enter and leave Ecuador.
North America and Europe Tourists:
Tourists from Europe or North America do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. It is crucial that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Ecuador, or you will be denied entry. While traveling in Ecuador, always carry a color copy of your passport.
India, Asia or other countries:
Citizens of other countries may require a visa and should apply at the Ecuadorian embassy in their home country. The process to get a visa in India takes about 90 days so plan accordingly.
About your Birding Tour
Yes, all our birding guides are local and experts over 25 years of Experience in Birding and will show you the best of Ecuador including History, Culture, Landscapes, Family Stories and off course Birds!!
Be sure to check our Trip Advisor Reviews and Testimonials.
If you want continuous internet access on your phone, we recommend purchasing our internet package, which includes a prepaid Claro card with 10GB of data for USD $40.00 per card. Most restaurants, cafes, and hotels also offer free Wi-Fi, but signal strength can vary depending on the location, especially in the Amazon Basin.
If required, please request before arrival to our Tour Manager, Diego Cruz.
Trip members need to be in good health and good physical condition to be able to fully enjoy an expedition to the Galapagos and/or mainland Ecuador. Experiencing the Galapagos Islands may involve being on a boat with slippery decks/surfaces and wave activity as well as frequent transfers ashore to landing sites, or to dive sites, aboard small boats known as pangas, requiring some physical effort and balance. Some of the landings are on stone jetties with wet, slippery lava rocks, while others take place on sandy beaches with some surf.
Traveling through the Highlands of Mainland Ecuador may involve experiencing high altitudes typically between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition that might impact their travel experience, please let us know.
Yes, its always recommended to have a travel insurance policy that include medical coverage, including coverage for emergency evacuation. This coverage is essential for passengers to manage the risk of such expense where their health and safety are concerned. Passengers not having this coverage will be required to cover their own medical evacuation costs under most circumstances. Also, policies should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage loss. Though it is unlikely, various reasons may cause trip interruption/cancellation including but not limited to: actions of the Galapagos National Park, actions of the Ecuadorian or international authorities, weather conditions, travel restrictions, mechanical and operational problems, international or domestic airline problems, and other unforeseen circumstances.
For Amazon - Coca Flights:
For local flights to Coca City, in Aeroregional Airlines, each passenger is allowed one checked bag weighing up to 23kg, and one carry-on up to 10kg.
For Galapagos - Baltra and San Cristobal Flights:
For local flights to Galapagos Baltra or San Cristobal, in LATAM or Avianca, each passenger is allowed one checked bag weighing up to 23kg, and one carry-on up to 10kg, However, it will depend in your tickets conditions.
Within Galapagos - Isabela to Baltra Flights:
For smaller flights from Isabela to Baltra, the allowance is one checked bag up to 10kg. Any excess baggage fees can be paid directly at the airline counter. Check your ticket conditions as well.
Extra Luggage between Slopes:
If you have luggage you won’t need, you can store it at our lodge, Hacienda Jimenita, free of charge before your Galapagos or Coca flights.
In Quito and the highlands: Dressing in layers is essential for staying comfortable in Ecuador’s variable climate. Due to the proximity to the Equator, the sun can be intense, so protecting yourself from sunburn is important. Sudden rain showers are common, so having a rain jacket is always good. For higher elevations, like Antisana or Papallacta Pass, you’ll need a warmer sweater or jacket. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are also essential. In the cloud forest regions, where rain is more frequent, trails can get muddy, so sturdy, non-slip shoes are a must.
In the Galapagos: Comfortable trail shoes or hiking boots are necessary. Opt for light, casual clothing. The Galapagos climate is warmer, so shorts, t-shirts, and summer clothing are ideal. Be sure to bring a hat and sunblock.
Its no problem, Ecuador Birds Tours, it’s Partners and Lodges offers a varied menu, including international and local cuisines, designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs including vegetarians, vegan, any special requests. Passengers with special dietary needs must address their requirements in our “Registration Form”, before arrival.
The food on this trip is fresh and amazing! You will try delicious Ecuadorian and Local Organic Food.
For example, you will try Traditional Soups like Quinoa, Locro (Potato Soup with Fresch Avocado), Menestrone with Organic Vegetables and others. Other traditional dishes are: Empanadas, Llapingachos (cheesy potato cakes), Ceviche (sea food), Aji (hot pepper sauce), Encocados (seafood in coconut sauce) and tons of fresh and exotic fruit. We will adapt to your dietary requirements.
Our headquarters is located in Pifo, Ecuador and we also have representative office in Dresden, Germany.
For 24/7 customer support you can reach our whatsapp number at +593 99 373 2879.
No, you do not need Yellow Fever, Malaria or other vaccinations to visit Ecuador.
For our Galapagos Cruises its INCLUDED the use of Wetsuits and Snorkel Gear like mask and fins. Please let us know the sizes before arrival.
For our Galapagos Island Hopping about our Galaxy Yatch Day Tours, the Wetsuit is not included. It costs $10.00 per person per day. Mask and Fins are included.
