There is a lot of misinformation about Ecuador.

Checking in and out you must use an agent; the authorities will not deal directly with you. I spent four months there and spent more than $2,000 on fees!  There are probably only three places that you will go, Bahai de Caraquez, Puerto Lucia Yacht Club (Salinas) and the Galapagos.

Bahai de Caraquez

Tripp Martin (09916 95959) an American former cruiser, runs the show here.  He will automatically give you a written quotation for all of his services and the government fees.  Ask if there will be any extras – I got hit for a few extra $40 taxi fares for delivery of papers.

Galapagos

I was told that you could not go to Galapagos from Ecuador without an Autografo.  Nonsense. I arrived and was treated in exactly the same way as a boat arriving from another country, i.e. I was automatically given a 21-day permit.  (Arriving on a Friday the permit was only issued on Monday so I got three extra days).  I used Johnny Romero as an agent, others used Bolivar Pesantes – reports vary.

Puerto Lucia Yacht Club (Salinas)

Now read this very carefully!

There is only one agent here, Roque Proano. romarpro@hotmail.com He does not speak good English and in fact, sent me an email telling me that his clients visiting Ecuador should speak Spanish.

My advice:

1.      Get a written (email) quotation in advance for everything – so you need to have a plan/timescales etc.

2.      If he charges you for any government taxes/levies, insist on a Factura (receipt) from that government department for any amount he is trying to extract from you.  Only then will you know that it is a genuine fee. Do not accept his own homemade receipt.

3.      Refuse to pay any extras for disbursements not quoted.  It is amazing how much you might be charged for photocopies or legal certification of documents.

4.      When you engage him and you have your quotation, explain that you will not pay for any amounts over and above the quotation.

Anthony Swanston

SV Wild Fox

Related content

Puerto Amistad (Bahía de Caráquez)

Puerto Lucia (La Libertad)

Galapagos