Frequently Asked Questions
We have addressed the most common questions tour participants might have. If you still have any inquiries or concerns that haven't been covered, please feel free to reach out to us through the message box on the 'CONTACT' page or by emailing us directly at welcome@ecuadorexpatjourneys.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
When should I arrive?
Each of our 'Crash Course' tours begin in Quito after breakfast at 9AM in the conference room of our tour hotel. Your hotel stay the night PRIOR to the tour start day is INCLUDED in the price of the tour. We do recommend arrival at least 1 or 2 days before the tour starts to allow for a bit of acclimatization to the high altitude. We will be happy to help you make any additional hotel reservations you may require.
What airport do I need to fly into and which airline should I use?
You should book your flight to Quito, whose airport code is UIO. Many carriers have daily flights to Quito from numerous major cities in the US and Canda, including American Airlines, Delta, United. LAN, COPA, JetBlue and TAME. We provide pick up and transport to the hotel for our Crash Course participants at no extra cost.
What kind of travel documents will I need and how long can I stay in Ecuador?
You will need a current passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Ecuador. A VISA is not required. Your passport will be stamped with a tourist VISA as you pass through immigration which is good for 90 days.
How do I pay for the tour or services?
To confirm your spot on one of our tours, you will need to make a down payment of 50%, which can be completed via PayPal or by a direct bank transfer. The remainder can be paid any time, up to and including the first day of the tour. For details regarding cancellation or rescheduling, please visit the 'Book Now' page.
What kind of hotels will we stay in for the Crash Course Tour?
As we attempt to keep costs accessible and show you the “real Ecuador” we do not stay in international chains or in fancy hotels. The places we stay are clean, comfortable, often family owned and with a local feel. Private bathrooms and hot water are guaranteed at all hotels.
What is the electrical current and will I need an adaptor?
The electrical current is 110 (the same as US and Canada.)
Are there any shots I need to take in order to travel to Ecuador?
There are no immunizations required to visit Ecuador. Some visitors choose to visit a travel clinic and receive immunizations and some do not….we leave it up to you and your doctor to decide.
Should I purchase short term travel insurance for my visit?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you have health insurance in the event of any accidents or illnesses during the trip. As a convenience to you, we offer a very affordable health/accident traveler's insurance plan which can be purchased.
How much money should I bring for a tour and how do I access cash in Ecuador?
Since the tour includes your lodging, transport and most expenses, you do not need to bring a large amount of cash with you. ATM machines are easily available, but credit cards are only accepted in the larger cities. Any cash you bring should be in small denominations…up to $20, as larger bills are rarely accepted. DO NOT bring Travelers Checks, as they are generally not accepted in Ecuador and can be extremely hard to cash.
What type of clothing will I need in Ecuador?
It is best to travel light and prepare to wear layers. It can be cool at night and quite hot at mid-day. Afternoon rain showers are the norm for most of the year. Dress comfortably and conservatively. Close-toed shoes with good traction are recommended. Avoid sandals or shoes with heels, as the terrain can be uneven. Shorts are not commonly worn in the mountains, but are fine on the coast. You can check any weather app to get an idea of temperatures in Ecuador's major cities.
What else should I pack for my trip?
You will receive a detailed list of items you will need to bring once your reservation is confirmed.
Will I be able to use my cell phone in Ecuador?
Check with your cell phone provider. If you are able to unblock the signal, you can buy a phone chip when you are here in Ecuador.
Will I have Internet Service during the tours?
The Hotels and Hostals where we stay will have complimentary Wi-Fi in the rooms. However, service interruptions are common in some areas. Internet cafes can be found at each of our stops for those needing access to the internet.