We organise free activities during your volunteer project so people get to know each other, including:
Picnic in the highlands
Cooking class
Conservation classes with the coordinators
Identification of marine species, birds and plants of the island
Free use of snorkel equipment to enjoy the underwater marine life of Galapagos
Accommodation in Quito
The first night's (arrival day Saturday) accommodation in Quito is in a shared twin or triple room or in a private room at the volunteer house, which is located in the lively neighbourhood La Mariscal surrounded by restaurants and bars. The house has a spacious living room with a TV, DVD and a comfy sofa, a big table to eat with all your housemates and a great kitchen that is fully equipped for you to cook your meals. You will also be staying at the volunteer house if you choose to participate in the Intro Week in Quito.
Accommodation in San Cristobal
Our volunteer house is located in Divino Niño neighbourhood, a 5-minute walk from the beach. The house has space for 7 volunteers in total divided into two shared bedrooms. The first floor has a room with capacity for 4 people and has two bunk beds. On the second floor there is another room with 3 beds.
The volunteer house has a shared bathroom, an equipped kitchen, living/dining room, and a small rock garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the volunteer house. Sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, towels and cleaning services are included. There is no air-conditioning but we have fans.
If you would like a single or double private room you will stay in a nice hostel which is 5 minutes walking distance from the volunteer house. Here you will be in a private twin room with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is hot water most of the time. There is a shared well-equipped kitchen where you will be able to cook your own meals and a common area where you can eat or chill or do homework. There is also a terrace where you can relax and watch the sun set. Bed linen and towels are included, as is the cleaning services several times a week.
Arrival with Intro Week
Arrival transfer from Quito airport to your accommodation is included with Intro Week, if you choose that option.
Getting to the Project
Our Galapagos project costs include the return flight from Quito to Galapagos.
When you arrive at Quito airport you will have to pay your $20 INGALA card.
Once you arrive in San Cristobal, you will first have to pay your National Park Entrance Fee. Please go to the line of foreign visitors and pay USD $100.00 (not included). Please take into account that this amount can only be paid cash.
On arrival in the Galapagos, a driver will be holding a sign with your name on it and drive you to your accommodation, the volunteer house. There one of the coordinators will meet you for an introduction meeting.
Local transportation to and from project sites is included when they are not in walking distance.
Flight Back to Quito
The return flight to Quito from the Galapagos is on Saturday. Do not book any onward international flights until Sunday.
Meals are not included in the program but there is a small kitchen in the volunteer house and a slightly larger kitchen in the hostel, there are also lots of great restaurants and cafes nearby. On the Galapagos almost all items are more expensive than the mainland, and as you will be cooking for yourself, it would be wise to do some advance shopping in Quito for products such as:
Rice/pasta
Canned products
Any sweets or savoury products you might like
Cereals
Packaged and vacuum sealed cheese and meat products
While shopping, please take into account that you are not allowed to take fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds, etc. You can purchase fruit and vegetables at the local market or shops. Remember to check your baggage allowance before you start shopping for the essentials.
Climate
The climate in the Galapagos is hot most of the year. The weather can change, however, it is often quite hot and sunny. June to December is the cool, cloudy dry season, and December to June the warm, sunny rainy season.
What to Bring
Obligatory Items:
Rubber boots (if you leave your boots at the project at the end of your stay, they are donated to the local community)
Gardening gloves
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Recommended Items:
Comfortable shoes, sandals, T-shirts, short & long sleeved shirts, warm jacket, shorts, swimwear, bath & beach towel
Toiletries
Rain gear
First-aid kit
Reusable water bottle
Snorkel equipment (we have masks and tubes available free of charge)
Visa Requirements
When you arrive in Ecuador you will get a T-3 visa stamp, which will allow you to be 90 days within the country. Do you plan on staying longer than 90 days? Check with your local Ecuadorian embassy which is the best visa for you and what are the current requirements. Take this into account when buying your ticket, as the airline may refuse you to board the plane if your flight leaves after 90 days and you do not have a visa.
Vaccinations
Remember to check the required and recommended vaccinations. Do not forget to bring your original yellow fever certificate and vaccinations booklet as it may be checked on border crossings.
Money Matters
In Ecuador we use US dollars and the easiest way to get them is an ATM. If you want to bring dollars in cash, make sure to get small notes with the highest denomination being $20. Not many stores accept $50 or $100 notes.
Donations
If volunteers would like to bring donations to the project, please let us know. We will get in touch with the project to see what is most needed at that moment. Don’t give donations directly to the project without consulting the coordinator.