Travel in times of the Covid-19 pandemic has been greatly complicated – Particularly when it comes to visiting the Galapagos Islands. Because of our isolation, and relatively elderly population, we are especially vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic. We do have an excellent and modern hospital in San Cristóbal, but it does not have the capacity to deal with an outbreak of infections. For this reason, the local authorities have added an extra layer of security for visitors to the islands, over and above that required for visitors to continental Ecuador.
In addition to the enhanced security measures for entry to Ecuador and Galapagos, local authorities have issued a set of guidelines and protocols, to all sectors of the tourist industry, directing measures to minimize the risk of contagion while hosting, transporting and guiding tourists. The requirements, such as mandatory face masks, interpersonal distancing and mandatory isolation are applicable to travellers as well as to their hosts and will be enforced by local authorities.
These guides are based on our current knowledge of the published protocols. We cannot predict how strictly they will be applied, or how they may change in response to current circumstances.
Insurance
We urge travellers to obtain travel interruption and cancellation insurance that includes disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Article 49 of the Special Law of Galapagos (LOREG) requires that all foreign tourists visiting Galapagos carry private health insurance which covers the considerable cost of air-evacuation to the continent in the event of serious injury or illness. You should not assume that your existing public or group insurance is adequate.
Protocol Changes
From time to time, the Gobierno or Ministry of Tourism has issued bulletins easing some restrictions, only to have them reinstated later. We advise adherence to the stricter requirements until the protocols themselves are officially revised.
Visiting Galapagos now requires additional documentation, including evidence of a negative Covid-19 test, reservation with licensed lodging establishments and appropriate health insurance.
Once in Ecuador, you must comply with mandatory health protection requirements which, at this time, include wearing a mask and observing 2m spacing when in public.
At the same time, there are strict testing and tracing procedures to identify and, if necessary, isolate suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection.
All the sectors of commerce and tourism have been issued specific protocols to reduce risk of contagion. The ones with the most obvious impact are those that govern group activities in relatively confined spaces, such as bars and restaurants, taxis, shops and, in particularly boat-based sightseeing on Liveaboard Cruises or Daily Tour and Vivencial Fishing Boats.
