There is an endless list of unspoiled travel destinations worldwide, few are traveled, making tourists and travelers miss out on some of the world’s best secrets. One such travel destination is Ecuador. Visiting this South American country is going to be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. It is not such a big country but it truly has such a big heart with some of the best tourist sites in the world. Apart from the tourist sites, the people are friendly and there really is an endless list of experiences to talk about in Ecuador. But before you go, there are quite a few things you need to know and some preparations you have to make. Let’s take a look at what you need to sort out before you hop on the plane.
What You Need Before You Travel
So, if you do decide to visit Ecuador, here’s a list of things you need to get in order.
Passport and Visa
To start off, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the return date of your trip. With this, you will also need a travel visa – various travel agencies work with the embassies and consulates to help visitors gain visas into Ecuador. With these two documents, you are allowed access into Ecuador and you can move around the country freely so you can explore all that Ecuador has to offer.
Money
Quite obviously, another vital element you need is money – not too much money but enough. Indeed, there are ATMs available all over the country (except in the villages) but it is still advisable to make use of credit cards. With the US dollar as the official currency of Ecuador, there’s no need for complicated maths in converting values. The only problem is there is an influx of counterfeit money (especially with the larger bills), so it’s safest to hold your money in smaller bills. Due to this problem, most businesses refuse to accept larger bills – so for those more expensive purchases, you can use your credit cards for payment.
Vaccinations and Other Medication
Next, you need to make sure you have your vaccinations. This is necessary as certain regions in Ecuador are hotspots for yellow fever and malaria. It will be advisable to get your shots before traveling out.
You are also advised to consult your doctor and discuss the best possible medications. Traveler related issues like diarrhea, constipation, seasickness, and altitude sickness are also ones to watch out for. To be on the safe side, pack the necessary Pepto-Bismol, band-aid plasters, antibiotic creams, Imodium, and painkillers. If necessary, don’t forget to include allergy medications, motion sickness pills, a small first aid kit, and anything else that’s important for your general health. Most pharmacies in Ecuador have these in stock, but to be on the safe side, carry yours.
Travel and Tours Agents
Another essential thing to look out for is a good travel and tour agent. Not only can they help you get your visa they can also inform you of the best tourist destinations in the country.
Many tour agents are natural travel enthusiasts who make it fun and worthwhile. They also offer some of the sweetest travel deals and packages when it comes to visiting places like the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. Galapagos Islands last-minute deals are well worth having so that your vacation doesn’t break your bank account.
Destination: Galapagos Islands
So, now that you’ve got your essentials in orders, let’s look at one of the best travel destinations in Ecuador – the mighty Galapagos Islands.
Touring with a great, knowledgeable agent could give you access to Galapagos cruise discounts and money off many more fun activities which can make all the difference to your stay and your experiences. There is always a long list of activities available such as swimming, photography, diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Not to talk about kayaking, horseback riding, bike riding, and wildlife observation.
Take the time to find a great agent so you can make the most of lower prices and unbeatable experiences. Be sure to follow the Galapagos Islands rules while visiting the area and you would be guaranteed the best travel experience of your lifetime.
The Galapagos Islands is not the only tourist destination in Ecuador. They also have the fantastic Amazon Rainforest, The Andean Mountain, and the Cloud Forest, where you can make lots of memories while learning a lot about the local wildlife. Hurry and book yourself a trip to Ecuador, you can guarantee that you will keep coming back again and again.