COVID-19 action plan

About | Policy and standards | COVID-19 action plan

Tropical Herping follows the protocols established by: Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism, Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health, World Health Organization (WHO), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 contagion. For our operations, we select partners (hotels, restaurants, and drivers) who follow the health and hygiene protocols aligned with local regulations.

At the beginning of each trip, our tour leaders will provide guidelines to ensure the group correctly follows the protocols established by the local authorities. These are as follows:

For passengers:

Every passenger must use face masks in public places. Event participants must keep social distance between one another: one meter (~three feet) in open places and two meters (~six feet) in closed environments. Passengers should wash their hands properly and apply 70% alcohol or antiseptic gel on their hands regularly.

For guides and tour leaders:

Guides and tour leaders must avoid direct physical contact with passengers whenever possible, maintaining the established social distancing. Guides and tour leaders should wear masks and apply 70% alcohol or antiseptic gel regularly both on their own hands as well as on the passengers' hands. The leader of the group must be aware of passengers who present symptoms related to COVID-19. If necessary, they must isolate the passenger from the group and arrange for his or her immediate transportation to the nearest health facility for medical evaluation.

During transportation:

Every passenger must use face masks during transportation. The driver must provide passengers with disinfectant at the entrance of the unit. Whenever possible, the unit's windows must be kept open to ensure proper ventilation. It is recommended not to turn on the air conditioner during transportation. The driver will make sure the unit is cleaned and disinfected at the beginning and end of each trip. Passengers will not be able to consume food and beverages inside the unit. The driver must take care of the disinfection of the passenger's backpacks and luggage in general. Passengers must keep social distance whenever possible.

At restaurants:

According to the new local regulations, the establishment must have a biosafety protocol in place in order to serve customers. Tropical Herping will only use restaurants that comply with the maximum (30–50%) capacity allowed by the local authority during the pandemic. The guide will inform the protocol of the establishment to the passengers. The group members should keep social distance whenever possible. It is mandatory for all group members to wash their hands before and after each meal. Group members are encouraged to store their face masks in a plastic bag while eating.

At hotel and lodges:

Upon arrival, all group members should wash their hands properly and apply 70% alcohol or antiseptic gel in their hands, as well as wear masks in shared areas of the establishment. Hotels and lodges must have the government-recommended biosafety protocol in place. The guide will inform the protocol of the establishment to the group. The group members should keep social distance whenever possible.

Entry requirements for Ecuador and Galápagos

All travelers arriving in Ecuador should provide proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken no more than ten (10) days before entering the country. As long as the traveler does not present symptoms of COVID, the traveler does not need to perform mandatory preventive quarantine and they may freely move within the continental territory of Ecuador.

All travelers wishing to visit Galápagos must show proof of a PCR test with a negative result taken within 96 hours of entry into the islands. With a valid negative PCR result, there is no quarantine required upon arrival in Galápagos.