Is it better to do a cruise or land-based stay?

Cruises are better for seeing more remote islands, while land-based stays offer more flexibility for couples who want to choose their own restaurants and timing.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

It helps significantly in the Andes, but in the Galápagos and at tourism hubs, English is widely spoken by guides and lodge staff.

How do I handle the money situation?

Ecuador uses the USD. Bring plenty of $5, $10, and $20 bills; ATMs are rare on smaller islands and often run out of cash.

Planning an Adventure Trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos

Spend 7 days in the Ecuadorian Andes for hiking and multi-sport activities, followed by 5 days in the Galápagos for wildlife immersion. You must book your domestic flights between Quito and the islands separately from your international flight to secure lower fares and better connection times.

Establish your Andes base. Fly into Quito and immediately transfer to a lodge in the Avenue of the Volcanoes (Cotopaxi or Quilotoa area) to acclimate. Spend the first 3 days hiking at elevation before attempting strenuous activities like mountain biking or high-altitude climbing.
Book the Galápagos window. Decide between a land-based trip or a live-aboard cruise. For a couple, a land-based trip on Santa Cruz or Isabela allows for more spontaneity, while a cruise ensures you hit remote islands. Book this portion at least 6 months in advance.
Secure the TCT. Upon arrival at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, you must purchase a Transit Control Card (TCT) for $20 USD before checking in for your Galápagos flight. Keep this card safe, as you will need it to leave the islands.
Coordinate inter-island transport. If island hopping, use the public speedboats (lanchas) between Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal. Budget $30 per leg and bring ginger chews for motion sickness; the Pacific swells here are notoriously rough.

Is it better to do a cruise or land-based stay?: Cruises are better for seeing more remote islands, while land-based stays offer more flexibility for couples who want to choose their own restaurants and timing.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: It helps significantly in the Andes, but in the Galápagos and at tourism hubs, English is widely spoken by guides and lodge staff.
How do I handle the money situation?: Ecuador uses the USD. Bring plenty of $5, $10, and $20 bills; ATMs are rare on smaller islands and often run out of cash.