Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands - Time Difference and Jet Lag

When we are abroad, we often want to check in on our loved ones at home. However being unaccustomed to the time difference, we might unknowingly wake them up in the middle of their sleep. To prevent that, we suggest that you download a world clock application on your smartphone which shows dual or multiple time/clocks from different cities/countries. We have also included the time zones below for your reference. Mainland Ecuador’s time zone is GMT -5. It does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). However, the Galapagos Islands have a different time zone which is GMT -6.

Overcoming Jetlag

Being jet-lagged is a common problem that many travellers have to face on the first few days following their arrival. It may prevent you from experiencing the city and place to its fullest. Therefore the quickest way to get over a jet lag is to be very strict with your sleeping time on the first few days.

For example, if you arrive with an early flight, you should not go to bed in the afternoon even if you are exhausted. Persevering till actual bedtime in Ecuador will help your body adjust to the local day and night rhythm quicker. You will probably be waking earlier than necessary on the first few days but as the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm! Breakfast in hotels like Hilton Colón in Quito is ready as early as 6 am! Time difference and jet lag can be a blessing in disguise indeed!

If you arrive in the evening, it might take you a slighter longer time to adjust. Make sure that you do not nap the next day until nighttime, and you will feel much better the following day.