CURRENCY:  When traveling to Ecuador you do not need to change dollars to a different currency.  U.S. dollars are the official currency in Ecuador, but there are different coins.  You should take decent-looking bills although they do not have to be pristine.  It is best to travel with 20s and lower denomination bills because sometimes it is difficult to get change, especially in the rural areas.
       The one time 50s or 100s are easily accepted is if you are going to the Galapagos and use them to pay your National Park entrance fee.  They charge $100 per person whether you are there for one day or 30.  If you return within a two-year framework and have kept the receipt they initially issue you, re-entry is free.   

TIPPING AT NAPO:  When visiting the Napo Wildlife Center, you will need to pay your bar bill with cash or travelers checks.  They do not accept credit cards.  As far as tipping goes, we had been told that there was only a common tip box to worry about; however that is not the case.  The tip box is for the behind the scenes workers and kitchen staff.  In addition, you will need to tip your local guide, your lead boatman and his assistant.  The bar man’s tip is separate as well (10% of your bar bill is recommended). 

TIPPING IN THE GALAPAGOS:  We had been told that the Yacht Fragata would accept credit cards to pay the bar bill; however, that is not the case.  Their policy is to only accept cash or travelers checks.  This particular yacht gives the occupants of each cabin two envelopes for tips – one is for the naturalist guide, the other is for the crew.  They stress that tipping is totally voluntary, and whether or not you tip, they wanted the envelopes returned. 

WEATHER:   The weather was cooler than expected in the Galapagos Islands.  We took our rain/wind jackets but left sweaters and fleece vests in storage at the hotel in Quito.  Several times we would have been better served to have had a sweater under our jackets.
     Don’t be fooled by Ecuador being on the Equator. Most of the mainland destinations are high in the mountains, and you’ll need layers and fleece as well as a hat and gloves. Take a look at what we’re wearing in some of the photos. On the other hand, tropical heat was in full evidence at Napo.

DRINKING WATER:   It is necessary to drink bottled water wherever you travel in Ecuador.  Water was provided in our rooms in all the hotels.  Mercedes made sure that Edwin always had a large bottle in the van so that we could replenish our smaller ones.  Bottles were placed in our cabins on the Galapagos boat and there was a large cooler in the dining area where we were free to re-fill the bottles at any time.  We always tried to keep a bottle or two in reserve for emergencies. 

HEALTH:  When traveling in many less developed countries be sure to carry a “medicine chest” with good supplies of common medicines, such as cold pills, cough drops and various bandages, as well as extras of prescription drugs. Finding a pharmacy is not easy outside very large cities. 

SEASICKNESS:   Information from Jimmy, the wearer of the Relief Band.  “I would recommend ordering the Relief Band Explorer and one extra tube of conductivity gel.  Also good to have on hand, one pair of extra batteries that people can get from their local stores that sell "button" batteries (or they can be ordered from the website).” 

ALTITUDE SICKNESS: Before you go, read about altitude sickness and be aware of the danger signals. If you go to Mount Cotopaxi you will be over 14,000 feet and may feel the effects. Be sure your traveling “medicine chest” contains lots of Pepto Bismol and Immodium, our similar medicines. If you do get hit, let your system clear before taking the Immodium. Drink plenty of water and start eating wisely as soon as you begin recovering. 

REST STOPS: Make it clear to your organizers and driver that you would like regular rest stops and ask them to plan accordingly. Suitable ones are few and far between in Ecuador.

 


It was hard to get warm at Bellavista, but hard to cool off at Napo.