There are bound to be questions when travelling. Information on everything from weather to internet connections can be found below.

• Book This Trip

  To help expedite your booking, please have the following information ready before you call us:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s): Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver’s license.
  • Traveler’s Address(es)
  • Traveler’s Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing Tauck’s Travel Protection Product (see below).
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

  For reservations, call 866-636-6500 or contact your travel agent to book today!
  
  Tauck Reservation Sales Counselors are available:

  Monday through Friday 6 am - 8 pm
  Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
  Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm (Eastern Time)

  Some additional questions you might have about booking this trip:

  Special Requests
  We will be happy to advise hotels of any special requests, provided we receive them at time of booking. We regret that requests cannot be guaranteed.

  Deposit Date
  Upon your request, we will hold space tentatively for you and give a “Deposit Due Date,” by which a deposit must be received or space is automatically released. Your deposit is $1,100 per person.

  Final Payment is due at Tauck’s Norwalk, CT office 60 days before departure. Any bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

  Final Documents, which may include airline tickets, when applicable, are sent by first class mail upon receipt of final payment. They include joining instructions, hotel lists, tour itinerary, clothing suggestions, luggage tags and other pertinent information. We recommend overnight mailing service for any reservation that is made within 30 days of the tour departure date to ensure timely delivery. The additional expense will be added to your tour cost.

• Inclusive Prices

  Cruise prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and cruise ship accommodations, motor coach transportation, port charges, land excursions, admissions, entertainment, sightseeing, special dinners, porterage, and the services of the Tauck Directors, hotel and ship staff, and local guides and drivers are included.  All-day soft drinks, daily cocktail hour, and wine with dinner aboard the cruise ship are also included. Transportation from Mariscal Sucre International Airport  to the Swissôtel Quito is included, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight or train arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation from the Hilton Colon Guayaquil to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport is also included when you check out of the hotel. Transportation to and from the airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.
  
  Child Pricing - For safety and security purposes, at time of booking, room accommodations for children under 18 year of age must be made in the same room as a an accompanying adult; exceptions may be granted under certain circumstances with parental consent. Quadruple accommodations are not available for four persons 18 and older. To qualify for a child discount, the child’s birth date must be provided at time of booking. Tauck Travel Protection is not discounted for children.
  
  Hotel and Ship Accommodations – The cruise price includes all hotel and cruise ship accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
  
  Triple and quadruple staterooms on board the M/V Santa Cruz include upper and lower berths and are limited to two persons age 18 or older sharing a room with one or two persons under the age of 18.
  
  Please note that we cannot guarantee adjacent, adjoining or connecting rooms. We will do all that we can to secure rooms next to one another or connecting when possible. A hotel may consider “adjacent” to be across the hall.
  
  Your first class expeditionary ship accommodates fewer guests than large ocean-going vessels. Your outside stateroom includes these amenities: a music system, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds or one queen bed. 
  
  Other cruise ship facilities include the following: lounge, restaurant, sun deck, Jacuzzi, library, gift shop, and a glass bottom boat.
  
  Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
  
  Tauck Director – Each Galápagos: Wildlife Wonderland tour is conducted by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 guests who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
  
  Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for restaurant, hotel and ship staffs, local guides and drivers, and the Tauck Director are included.
  
  No Options Sold - Tauck Directors will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.

• On Tour Flights

  Airfare While on Tour – Two on-tour flights must be purchased through us as part of your tour package.

• Not Included

  Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
  
  Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. Airport transfers are included for these extended stays as described above under Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult Extend Your Trip in the Accommodations section above on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.
  
  Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section below on this webpage for more information.

  Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:

  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary

  Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.
  
  Personal Expenses  such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant. Please note that there is a departure tax that must be paid at the Guayaquil Airport when departing after your tour, and is not included in the price of the tour.

• Tauck Travel Protection Product / If You Have To Cancel

  Tauck’s Cruise Protection and Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Guests booking a Tauck cruise have the option of purchasing cancellation protection from Tauck in the event they need to cancel their cruise after booking.

  Tauck's Travel Protection is available to all travelers, with the exception of residents of Puerto Rico.  Residents of Puerto Rico are eligible for some cancellation protection by purchasing Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver (see below).

  Tauck’s Cruise Protection

  Under Tauck’s all-inclusive Cruise Protection, you can cancel your cruise for any covered reason up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the cruise cost, based on your original method of payment. The following conditions apply:

  Section I – Should you have to cancel your cruise for any reason, Tauck’s Cruise Protection reduces the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Section I is provided by Tauck.

  Section II – Travel Insurance and Services
  Cancellation for Covered Reasons – Should you have to cancel your cruise due to illness, injury or other covered reason, any cancellation or airline penalties not refunded by Tauck would be reimbursable under Section II. This Protection also provides 24-hour emergency assistance services as well as:

  • Airfare Protection – Should you need to cancel or interrupt your cruise for covered medical reasons, airfares and air penalties are covered.
  • Medical Protection – Reimbursement for covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or ill during your cruise (including pre-existing conditions if purchased at time of booking).
  • Luggage Protection – Reimbursement for lost, stolen, delayed or damaged luggage.

  The cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection is $530 per person.

  The above is a summary of the plan. Please refer to the Description of Coverage pamphlet provided with written confirmation of your cruise reservation for the complete details of the policy terms, limitations and exclusions applicable to Section II of the plan.

  The coverage and services provided under Section II are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA under policy number 9429-9500423 and administered by BerkelyCare.

  This optional Cruise Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your cruise reservation. Cruise Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Cost is not refundable under any circumstances. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

  Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Should you have to cancel your cruise en route for any reason, a non-refundable Cancellation Fee Waiver reduces cancellation fees outlined (except in Extreme Circumstances*), provided we are notified of your cancellation the day before your cruise departs. The cost for this Cancellation Fee Waiver is $400 per person.

  This Waiver is not insurance; it does not cover airline penalties, luggage damage, personal injury, or does not protect travel agent commissions. The advantage of this Waiver is that you may cancel for any reason. This optional Cancellation Fee Waiver must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Cost of Waiver is not refundable under any circumstances.

  *Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

  If You Have To Cancel

  Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the fees listed will apply.

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  Loss of cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection ($530) or Cancellation Fee Waiver ($400) per person

  59-30 days before departure
  Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee, per person

  29-1 days before departure
  Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee, per person

  Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  $1100 per person

  59-30 days before departure
  Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

  29-1 days before departure
  Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

  Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office.

  In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein.

  Cruise Interruption Fees – If you have to interrupt your cruise en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

  Partial Room Cancellation – A person canceling or leaving a cruise while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another. The price charged the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

  Click here to download our complete Description of Coverage.

• Additional Information

  Airline Security Measures –
  
  If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
  
  If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
  
  For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
  
  If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
  
  Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
  
  Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved.Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
  
  Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.
  
  Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed. You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
  
  Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
  
  The route of the cruise and daily program varies according to Galapagos National Park Service policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
  
  Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins upon your arrival at the Swissôtel Quito on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. We will provide transportation from the Hilton Colon Guayaquil to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil on the day of your departure; your tour ends at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
  
  Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
  
  Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image and that of your child not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.

• Preparing to Go

  Travel Document Requirements –

  If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Ecuador. You will not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.
  
  If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact a consulate or embassy of Ecuador to determine what travel documentation is required.

  If you are traveling with children 11 years old or younger, you must bring two photocopies of each child’s passport  – in addition to the copies we suggest you bring for safekeeping – as they must be provided on the first morning of the tour for proper ticketing for the flight to the Galápagos Islands on Day 3.

  Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

  You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

  We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

  Travel with Children-

  Age Recommendations ― Children 6 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age of 8 years old to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
  
  Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels.
  
  There are no babysitting services available on the cruise ship. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
  
  Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety during the cruise. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
  
  Special Travel Documentation for Children
  Authorization for Travel
  
  If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a notarized note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
  
  If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
  
  Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
  
  Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
  
  In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

  Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
  
  We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
  
  Air Conditioning – All guest rooms at the Swissôtel Quito and the Hilton Colón Guayaquil, the staterooms onboard the M/V Santa Cruz, and motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
  
  ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommends that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
  
  Clothing and Packing – Your adventure in the Galápagos is informal and casual. Essentials include bathing suit(s), tee-shirts, short and long pants, long and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, and a windbreaker, sweater or light jacket for evenings.
  
  The hotels in Quito and Guayaquil provide valet laundry services. There are no laundry facilities on board the M/V Santa Cruz; however, a dryer is located on the sun deck to dry wet clothing. Irons and ironing boards are available in your guest room at both hotels.
  
  Most importantly, bring comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes with adequate ankle support. You will also need reef shoes or aqua shoes for beach landings and walks over rocky, uneven lava terrain. Your feet will get wet when you transfer from ship to shore on many landings.
  
  Snorkel gear is available on board the ship; however, if you have prescription lenses you should bring them. Wetsuits are available on board for a fee. You may also wish to bring an underwater camera. Scuba diving is not available.
  
  We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
  
  Following is a list of recommended items to pack for travel to the Galápagos Islands:

  • Casual daytime wear
  • Short and long pants
  • Short and long sleeve shirts
  • A light sweater or jacket for the evenings
  • Comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes with adequate ankle support
  • Aqua shoes or reef shoes
  • Bathing suit(s)
  • Lightweight waterproof slicker
  • Collapsible umbrella
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
  • Camcorder
  • Battery-operated travel alarm clock
  • Small backpack for long walks
  • Adequate personal toiletries and sundries
  • Zippered plastic bags for protecting valuables
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in your in-the safe in your room while traveling

  Children may want to consider bringing along pocket toys and games with a “sound off” button or portable radio/CD players with headphones. Journals, binoculars and cameras are also great things for children to have with them to make the most of their adventure.
  
  Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the tour departure date. If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.
  
  Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 9,186 ft.(2800 m) above sea level. There are a few climbs of 90 ft. (30 m) or more to reach desired observation points.
  
  Health - To enjoy this cruise, participants must be in good health. This is a rigorous tour and you need to be in good physical condition with good balance as the terrain varies from sandy beaches to uneven lava and rocks. Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support are essential. There are some walking sticks available on board the ship, but you may want to bring your own. The walks range from 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 km) in length and last from 1½ to 2½ hours.
  
  All ship-to-shore transfers use Zodiacs or "pangas" (capacity 9 to 12 persons). Occasionally you will get wet with spray. Some wet landings require guests to wade through knee-high deep coastal water.
  
  There are four decks on the M/V Santa Cruz; however, there is no elevator.
  
  We are not able to accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
  
  The M/V Santa Cruz does not have mechanical stabilizers because the water around the Galápagos Islands is very calm. We travel between the various islands so the areas in which we cruise are sheltered. If you are prone to seasickness, bring a non–drowsy, over-the-counter, anti-nausea medication. Anti-nausea wristbands are also a good idea. The anti-nausea patch is not recommended for use in the islands as it tends to impair vision in direct sunlight.
  
  Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the trip, both on board and for onshore excursions.
  
  The M/V Santa Cruz does not permit smoking in any interior space. Smoke and open fire will activate the smoke detectors. Smoking is allowed on outside decks only. Please refrain from smoking onshore, in shore excursion vehicles and zodiacs. Please do not throw your cigarettes overboard, as it is a violation of international maritime pollution laws and they can easily be blown back onto the ship. There are ashtrays placed in specific exterior deck areas. Smoking is also not permitted on the motor coaches.
  
  The only islands with bathroom facilities are Baltra, Santa Cruz, and San Cristóbal, where there are visitor centers. Meals are served on board the Santa Cruz, so we will be returning to the ship for lunch and dinner. Zodiacs or Pangas will travel back and forth to the ship during shore excursions.
  
  The infirmary on the M/V Santa Cruz is staffed by a licensed Ecuadorian doctor. If you avail yourself of his services, a charge will be posted to your personal shipboard account. The ship is registered in Ecuador. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine if coverage applies while you are traveling, and purchase appropriate travel insurance if necessary.
  
  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child or children, we strongly suggest you bring along a letter from both parents of the child authorizing any emergency treatment, as medical facilities may require permission from the child’s parent or parents.
  
  If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

  VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

  Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

  For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren’t required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

  Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

  Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

  Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations. 

  If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided. 

  Luggage Restrictions:

  Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

  Due to the casual nature of this tour and climate conditions, we request that you bring only one piece of checked luggage on this trip. Additionally, flights to and from the Galápagos Islands restrict each passenger to no more than 44 lbs (20 kg) of luggage. If you exceed this limit, you will be charged 1% over the net rate of the intra-tour airfare.
  
  If you are taking a carry-on piece of luggage with you it must weigh no more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and the dimensions can not exceed 24 x 15.5 x 8 in (61 x 39 x 20 cm).
  
  Checked Luggage – General
  
  While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
  
  Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
  
  Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. (Please note that it is 44 lbs for this tour.)Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.
  
  We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
  
  Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
  
  Carry-on Luggage - General
  
  Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
  
  For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

• Destination Information

  Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually ample opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
  
  Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to Ecuador.
  
  Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar. In the main cities most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses (casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6 to 8% is often charged. Hotels are unable to exchange large amounts of currency.
  
  Shipboard accounts aboard the M/V Santa Cruz may be paid by U.S. dollars and Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards. There is no foreign exchange facility on the ship.
  
  To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to oanda.com by clicking here.
  
  Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country we visit has its own customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with the specific required declarations of Ecuador before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may find additional information by visiting VisaHQ.com by clicking here.

  If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
  
  If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.

  Many countries levy Value Added Taxes (VAT) on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
  
  Electrical Current – In Ecuador and on board the M/V Santa Cruz, all hotel rooms and staterooms are equipped with 110 V, 60 Hz, alternating current, which accommodates U.S.-style two flat-pronged plugs. If you bring electrical devices that are not compatible with these standards you may need to bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
  
  Internet Access - Access is available as listed below:

  Swissôtel Quito: High speed access in rooms for a fee.
  M/V Santa Cruz: Stationary access in the Library for a fee. Wireless access is also available  for  a fee.
  Hilton Colón Guayaquil: High speed access in rooms
  
  Time Zones – Quito and Guayaquil are 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); the Galápagos Islands are 6 hours behind. Ecuador does not have Daylight Savings Time. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to timeanddate.com by clicking here.
  
  Weather – In the Galápagos, temperatures range from 75° to 86°F (24° to 30°C) year round. The weather is hot and sunny in the islands and sea temperatures average 67° to 72°F (19° to 22°C). For guests planning on swimming, most swimming takes place at midday hours.
  
  The Galápagos Islands lie almost on the equator about 650 mi (1,046 km) west of the coast of Ecuador. The islands have an unusual climate in view of their proximity to the equator; rainfall is low and temperatures are lower than would be expected. There are no extremes of heat or cold. Although there is more rain on the larger islands which are hilly (such as Seymour Island), rainfall is low at sea level and comes during the months of January through April. Light drizzle and even fog, however, are not uncommon at other times of the year.

  To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

   

  	Average Temperature
  	Guayaquil, Ecuador		Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	88 / 70	31 / 21	82 / 73	28 / 23
  February	88 / 72	31 / 22	85 / 73	30 / 23
  March	88 / 72	31 / 22	87 / 74	31 / 24
  April	90 / 72	32 / 22	84 / 74	29 / 24
  May	88 / 68	31 / 20	82 / 72	28 / 22
  June	88 / 68	31 / 20	79 / 71	26 / 22
  July	84 / 66	29 / 19	77 / 69	25 / 21
  August	86 /64	31 / 19	75 / 67	24 / 20
  September	88 / 66	31 / 19	75 / 67	24 / 20
  October	86 / 68	30 / 20	76 / 66	25 / 19
  November	88 / 68	31 / 20	78 / 68	26 / 20
  December	88 / 70	31 / 21	80 / 70	27 / 21

   

  	Average Rainfall
  	Guayaquil, Ecuador		Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  Month	Inches	Millimeters	Inches	Millimeters
  January	9.1	231	2.7	69
  February	9.5	241	3.6	91
  March	9.9	251	3.7	94
  April	6.0	152	2.8	71
  May	2.4	61	1.3	33
  June	1.3	33	0.9	23
  July	0.4	10	0.6	15
  August	0.0	0	0.2	5
  September	0.1	3	0.2	5
  October	0.1	3	0.2	5
  November	0.2	5	0.3	8
  December	1.3	33	1.2	30