Post booking travel FAQs for Galapagos Islands

4 weeks before departure, you will receive an email to notify you that your pre-departure letter has been uploaded which will include important information such as emergency contact information. At this point you will also be able to see your airline reference which will be added to your itinerary. 

You will receive all your pick-up times for tours and transfers locally when you arrive in-country, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information

No, we do not provide paper tickets. The only thing you need to check-in and fly is the airline reference which is on your itinerary (look for reference made up of 6 letters and numbers). This reference can be used to check in online or at the airport along with your passport. You may have multiple airline references if you have several flights.  

No, you do not need any vouchers for tours or hotels. Just give your names and passports on check-in and to the guides.  

The My Routes App stores your itinerary, travel documents, flight updates, recommendations, and local weather. Once downloaded, most features work offline. You can also message your Travel Specialist directly through the app.  

If you are staying on land in the Galapagos and need assistance, please contact our local office in Ecuador on +59 02-240-2181 or +59 02-240-6850 during office hours 9am-5pm local time.  

In an emergency outside of these hours you can call +593 999 19 2012 or +593 2 2402181

If you're exploring the islands on a cruise please speak with your onboard crew in the first instance.

No. There is no separate Galápagos visa. UK citizens enter the Galápagos under Ecuador’s entry rules, which allow visa free tourist stays (typically up to 90 days).

Tourists can stay in the Galapagos Islands for up to 60 days. To enter Galapagos, you must have: 

• Evidence of a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host
• Evidence of a return flight to the Ecuadorean mainland
• A transit control card (TCT) Latin Routes would include this as part of your booking

Galapagos National Park fee of $200 per adult will be included as part of your booking unless stated otherwise.

For your international flight we advise you to check-in online. Airlines open check-in between 24-48 hours before departure. For domestic flights, you can also check-in online or at the airport. To check-in to any flight, you need the airline reference which is added to your itinerary 4 weeks before departure.  

Seat selection policies vary depending on the airline and fare type. In most cases, you can pre-book your seats for a fee via the airline’s website once you have made the booking. Please contact your Travel Specialist for your airline reference if you wish to do this more than 4 weeks prior to departure. You can normally select seats for free at the point of check-in, usually 24-48 hours before departure.  

For international flights, clients travelling in Economy are allowed 1 checked bag up to 23kgs which is included in the cost of your holiday, unless otherwise stated. For Premium and Business class clients, 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 32kgs are included unless otherwise stated. 

For domestic flights, 1 checked bag up to 23kgs is included.

For the Galápagos Islands, health prep is usually simple, but it is worth covering the basics.

• Be up to date with routine UK vaccinations and consider travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid, depending on your plans.
• Mosquito bite prevention is important as dengue can occur. Pack repellent and wear light long sleeves in the evenings.
• Bring sun protection and any prescription medication, as supplies can be limited on the islands.
• A yellow fever certificate may be required if you have recently travelled from certain countries before entering Ecuador, so check based on your routing.

The local currency is the US dollar (USD). Bring cash in small notes for day to day spending, as card payment can be limited outside larger hotels, and some places add a surcharge for cards. ATMs are available in the main towns, but it is best to have cash before you need it.

Tipping is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving around 5 to 10% for good service is fine. For naturalist guides and crew on cruises or day trips, tips are typically given at the end and are discretionary, based on the service you have received.

The Galápagos Islands are 6 hours behind the UK when the UK is on GMT, and 7 hours behind during British Summer Time.

For the Galápagos Islands, pack light, practical kit for warm days on the water.

• Lightweight clothing and swimwear
• Reef safe high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Light waterproof / windproof layer for boat rides
• Comfortable trainers or walking shoes, plus water shoes for wet landings
• Dry bag and reusable water bottle
• Snorkel mask if you prefer your own, plus any personal medication

For the Galápagos Islands, you will need a UK (type G) to type A/B travel adaptor.

The islands follow Ecuador’s sockets, which are type A (two flat pins) and type B (two flat pins plus a grounding pin). Electricity is typically 120V, 60Hz, so check your devices are compatible.

Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer good WIFI. Coverage can be limited in remote areas. Check roaming costs with your mobile provider before travel.  

In the Galápagos, the key customs are about protecting the islands.

• Follow your guide’s instructions and stay on marked trails
• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed animals
• Do not take shells, sand or plants as souvenirs
• Use refillable bottles and avoid single use plastics where possible

No, your Transit Control Card ($20) and National Park fee ($200) will be included in your trip cost, unless stated otherwise

All transfers listed on your itinerary are included in the cost of the holiday. If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend taking official taxis booked by your hotel.  

Changes may be possible, but fees or fare differences could apply. Contact your travel specialist as soon as possible to discuss your options.  

If you are arriving at the airport, please proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a Latin Routes sign displaying your name. If you cannot locate your driver, remain in the arrivals hall and call the emergency contact number provided in your final travel itinerary.  

In the Galápagos Islands, it’s best not to drink tap water. Stick to bottled, filtered or boiled water, and avoid ice unless you know it’s been made with purified water.

No. The Galápagos Islands are at low altitude, so altitude related effects are not a concern.

The Galápagos Islands are generally a low hassle place to travel, with organised excursions and a strong focus on visitor management. Most travellers feel comfortable, but it’s still sensible to take normal precautions with valuables and to follow local guidance, especially when transiting via mainland Ecuador airports.

No fresh food, seeds, nuts, honey or unprocessed plant material.

Only certain packaged foods are allowed.

Bags are scanned on arrival; undeclared items are confiscated.