Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - Travel Safety

Book your trip safely to Ecuador and Galapagos

Would you feel safe transferring money to Panama, Barbados or Ecuador for renting a car that you would only get in a few months? Travelling to the Galapagos Islands is not a child’s play, and large sums of money are involved. An average 15-day cruise tour of the Galapagos Islands including departure and arrival in other cities would cost at least 8000 € per person. Even on a shorter cruise, an estimated amount of 250 € a day is required. Many vendors have nothing to do with the actual cruise providers and fake advertisements are common on the international market. Therefore it is important that you transfer your money to a trustworthy vendor.

We have direct contact with the cruise providers in Galapagos Islands and are able to offer you the best prices available. We operate under the German travel law which guarantees our customers maximum security and assurance. Our terms and conditions can be viewed here.

Some tour operators may recommend you to book directly with local travel agencies. However, these agencies operate under the Ecuadorian law where price protection is not mandatory. Furthermore, the local travel agencies are not required to have a security certificate and chattel paper. Contrary to popular belief, prices offered at local travel agencies are not cheaper. Considering the amount of money and time invested in this trip, you should make your bookings with a trustworthy travel operator. We can offer you a price quote for you to compare prices with other operators. Request for a quote from us today!

Safety and Security in Ecuador

Places with large numbers of visitors in Ecuador are usually safe, and there should not be any safety or security issues. That being said, we advise travellers not to try their luck and to follow their instincts. We suggest that you use the hotel’s safe to store your expensive jewellery or better, leave them at home instead. We recommend you bring a copy of your passport and save the rest of your cash as well as the original passport in the safe provided by the hotel. However, do remember to take along enough cash with you.

Using public transport

In recent years, cameras are installed in taxis to ensure the safety of passengers. We recommend you to book your taxi through the hotel. Public buses are also safe for travellers. You should always take care of your personal belongings like you would in every country. Read more about the local infrastructures here.

Natural phenomena in Ecuador

The rainy season in Ecuador is from January to April, and there may be floods or landslides. However, they are less frequent nowadays. Ecuador has implemented better mitigation methods to counter flooding and landslides on its roads and slopes.

The Ecuadorians have learned to live with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The two most active volcanoes in Ecuador are Cotopaxi and the Tungurahua at Baños. However, there is no need to worry as warning systems and evacuation measures are all well in place.

Small-scale earthquakes are occasionally felt at the coasts and beaches in Ecuador. This is due to the movement of oceanic plates off the coast. However, bigger waves as a result of an earthquake are barely a hazard and can do little to no damage to the coast and its infrastructures. The coastal areas and beaches are not fully developed for tourism, but there are several small hotels and resorts on these beautiful and untouched beaches. If you want to be on the safe side, you can choose an accommodation that is situated on a hill to avoid high tides or sudden surges of more massive waves.

All in all, Ecuador is a safe travel destination where you do not have to worry much about your safety and security.