Before Your Trip

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km (525 nmi) west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site: wildlife is its most notable feature.

The Galápagos Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of around 23,000.

Before you rush out to shop for your trip, we recommend you to take a moment to read this information, in order to make sure you are prepared to have a trip of a lifetime.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PACK?

• Sun hat with wide brim
• Windbreaker, rain jacket, or poncho
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses with strap
• Small backpack
• Dry bag or Ziploc bags
• Shorts, T-shirts or tank tops
• Light pants, preferably quick dry
• Sweater or fleece jacket
• Tevas/Keens or sports sandals
• One pair of hiking shoes
• One pair of sneakers
• Bathing suit
• Camera, spare batteries, underwater
• Any medications you may require
• Dramamine if you are prone to seasickness
• Binoculars

INGALA REGISTRATION

At Guayaquil or Quito Airports you should fill in the personal information form. The INGALA registration is important to get a transit control card which is necessary to enter.

GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATIONS

You are about to visit a Natural Heritage Site, therefore you must follow the rules imposed by the controlling authorities such as the Galapagos National Park. During your visits the naturalist guides will emphasize these regulations:

• Do not remove animals, plants, rocks or their remains (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood) from the islands.
• Be careful not to transport any live animals to the islands, or from island to island.
• Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands.
• Do not touch or handle the animals.
• Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous, and it can destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
• Do not disturb or chase any animal from its resting or nesting place.
• Stay within the designated visiting areas.
• Do not litter while on land or sea.
• Do not deface the rocks.
• Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
• Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
• Restrict your visits to officially permitted areas.
• Conservation is everyone’s business. Please do not hesitate to show your conservationist attitude

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Time Zone

Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are on different time zones. Time on the mainland is GMT-5. Time in the Galapagos Islands is GMT-6.

• Electricity

110 v, 60 Hz, Standard American plug.

• Money

U.S. dollar, including coins. Red Mangrove accepts Travelers Cheques and all major credit cards.

• Documentation

Visas are not required to visit Ecuador. A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration is a must. If you plan to dive, please bring your certification card.

• Sickness

If you are prone to seasickness, please bring along your medication and take it 30 minutes before departures.

• Sun Protection

WHILE IN GALAPAGOS

• Flora

Galapagos hosts an interesting array of flora in a complex ecosystem. The plant life of Galapagos is extraordinary, with 560 native species, 180 of them endemic.

• Fauna

The Islands have a wide array of endemic fauna, invertebrates, birds, and reptiles and a few mammals native to the islands. The Galapagos is home to tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sharks, rays, fur seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, starfish, marine iguanas, green turtles, and the Sally Lightfoot crab. Native bird life includes 57 species, such as Darwin’s finches and the lava gull, Galapagos penguin, dark-rumped petrel, Galapagos flightless cormorant, lava heron, Galapagos martin, and Galapagos dove. Galapagos offers exceptional opportunities for close encounters with nature and wildlife. Keep in mind, however, that this is a natural laboratory of unusual species; it is not a zoo, and what you see will depend on the season.

• Weather

ABOUT OUR LODGES

We are the only brand with multiple lodges on multiple islands in the Galapagos, and our lodges are all held to an exacting standard of quality. From our rooms, to our food, to our environmental practices, we strive to be the best we can possibly be.

You will experience a harmonious balance with three islands, three styles, three flavors, three experiences!

Aventura Lodge at Santa Cruz

• Rustic elegance in a privileged location in Puerto Ayora.
• Three different categories of rooms.
• Terracotta-colored, soft adobe walls seem to rise organically from the mangrove forest— whimsical.
• Red Restaurant and Sushi Bar offers variety of sushi and international food.

Floreana Lodge

• Constructed over a black lava field.
• 10 wooden cabins are located directly in front of the sea.
• This remote place with only 120 inhabitants.
• Electricity is available from 6am until 00h00.

Isabela Lodge

• Isabela Island has the most beautiful beaches of the Galápagos.
• Puerto Villamil has only 2000 inhabitants, most of them fishermen.
• The main deck is available for having a drink or just relaxing.
• Isabela Restaurant offers different international menus.

EXPECTATIONS

We are passionate about offering you the very best experiences in the enchanted islands. Rest assured, we will do our best every single day to meet your expectations! If you have specific concerns, such as allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us before arrival so we can accommodate your needs.

We know how privileged we are to be guardians of this piece of paradise, and we want to you to feel the same. We welcome you to start this adventure, hoping that it will be an unforgettable and transforming experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.