|
|
|
Ecuador Travel Information
Thank you for your interest in the International
Wilderness Leadership School, The following information is included to help you with planning your travel arrangements.
QUITO
Quito is the starting and ending place for our trip. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador at 9,000 ft, is a fascinating city on the equator with spectacular mountain views and Spanish colonial architecture.
AIRLINE TICKETS
Make certain that your ticket matches the full name on your passport. Plan on arriving on day 1 of the itinerary, most flights arrive in the evening hours. Please make certain that we have your flight and arrival information so that we can meet you at the airport! Make certain to reconfirm your flights. Your instructor will meet you at the airport with an ‘IWLS’ sign, and bring you to the hotel.
Flights leave out of either Miami or Houston. Continental Airlines and American Airlines have
regularly scheduled flights to Quito.
VISAS/TRAVEL TAXES
No Visa is necessary to visit Ecuador. However, there is a departure tax of about $30.
IMMUNIZATIONS
We recommend that you check with your doctor for the most current immunization information. If you have received immunizations, either in the past, or for this trip, make certain to bring your immunization book/card. You can go to the Center for Disease control website to learn more. http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ Malaria medication is not necessary unless you are planning a side trip to the coast or the jungle.
PHOTOCOPY ALL DOCUMENTS
Make certain to copy your passport, airline tickets, credit cards, traveler’s checks, immunization book etc. This can be very helpful in the event that anything is lost or stolen. Consider emailing colored scans of your passport to yourself so they will be easily accessible in an emergency.
BAGGAGE
Flying to and from the U.S. you are allowed two 50 lb. bags. If possible, pack your backpack and gear inside a large duffle bag. This protects your things more as you are traveling.
CURRENCY
Ecuador uses American dollars. Credit Cards are also widely accepted throughout the country.
SPENDING MONEY
We recommend bringing at least $500 cash or travelers checks for restaurants in Quito and Banos, gifts, and travel after our climb. Always carry a credit card for emergencies as well.
DRINKING WATER
All of our water will be treated with Iodine, water filters, or boiling.
CLIMATE
The weather in the highlands of Ecuador have been described as an eternal spring. The days tend to be pleasantly warm with the chance of showers in the afternoon. A light sweater normally suffices for the cool evenings in Quito. On the mountains, temperatures are often in the single digits at high elevations in the early morning hours. Temperatures increase drastically throughout the day.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is required for your trip. Travel insurance policies frequently cover costs associated with plane tickets, personal or medical emergencies, rescue, evacuation, trip cancellation, and theft. Individual participants are responsible for any costs associated with leaving the trip early for any reason. Resources for travel insurance include Access America 800 284 8300, Travelers Insurance 800 243 3174, and the American Alpine Club 212 722 1628. www.travelex.com offers travel insurance.
Please contact us if you have any questions, or, if you would like any additional information.
Phone: 1.800.985.IWLS (4957)
Email: info@iwls.com
|
|
