Welcome to World Connect’s donor trip to Panama and Ecuador from April 29 to May 5! Below you will find some information that will be useful while planning your travels.
REGISTRATION FORM & PAYMENT DEADLINES:
Please complete the following Guest Profile form at your convenience (Click here). This allows us to easily record your vital travel information. Once we know your rooming preference we will send an electronic invoice for payment.
FLIGHTS FROM THE US:
International arrival and departure flights are booked by travelers independently. In addition to your international flights to and from the United States you are responsible for purchasing the flight between Panama and Ecuador. Please see the exact flight details below. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent we are happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Meredith (meredith@elevatedestinations.com) once you have booked your flights.
Here are our recommended arrival/departure times:
MAIN PROGRAM:
- April 29th: Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) anytime before 4pm
- May 2nd: Flight from Panama City to Quito
Copa Air Flight 829 (PTY – UIO)
PTY (Depart 9:36 AM), UIO (Arrive 11:39 AM)
*Please note that the flight between Panama and Ecuador is not included, and should be booked with your international flights. Travelers should book the flight listed above to ensure you arrive in time for the day’s programming.
- May 5th: Leave from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UOI) anytime
PRE-TRIP PANAMA CANAL EXTENSION:
- April 27th: Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) anytime
POST-TRIP LALIBELA EXTENSION:
- May 8th: Leave from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UOI) anytime depending on when your flight from Isabel Island arrives back in Quito *
*Please note that your flights between Quito and Isabel Island are priced out separately from the extension cost and are subject to change.
EXTENSIONS:
While the main program is from April 29th to May 5th, Elevate has created both pre-trip and post- trip extension options for this trip. If you are interested in partaking in either of the options listed below please reach out to us as soon as possible so we can provide you with further information.
• Pre- trip Panama Canal Extension (April 27-28): Admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline during your partial transit of the Panama Canal, an architectural marvel and historically significant conduit of maritime trade.
• Post- trip Galapagos Extension (May 5-8): Isolated 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, these mysterious islands still beckon the most curious travelers from around the world who seek to find awe-inspiring biodiversity and travel experience a world away.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. We encourage you to review your travel insurance options before making payment to Elevate Destinations.
Elevate Destinations is partnered with the Travel Insurance Center, a broker of travel protection products. For assistance, contact Alan Lightbody, Agent Representative, E-mail alightbody@travelinsurancecenter.com, Toll Free 1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, or Direct 402-343-3648.
Guests may acquire travel insurance through the Travel Insurance Center, or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.
PASSPORT:
Please make sure your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date. Your passport should have at least 3 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more if you are visiting several countries on this trip. Please note that the last two amendment pages are not acceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
VISA/TOURIST CARD:
If you would like to use a visa-processing service, we recommend A1 Passport and Visa in Washington, DC, for their great customer service. For questions regarding your visa application you can reach A1 Passport directly at (202) 639 1500.
Panama
For important information regarding visiting Panama, please visit the Embassy of Panama website. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens seeking to enter Panama. Please find the following requirements for entry below:
Ecuador
For U.S. citizens staying less thank 90 days, a visa is not required to enter Ecuador either. For more important information regarding visiting Ecuador, please visit the Embassy of Ecuador website.
Please find the following requirements for entry below:
HEALTH CONCERNS
Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician regarding the recommended immunizations for travel to Panama and Ecuador. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots. Comprehensive information can be found on the CDC Websites for Panama and Ecuador.
Panama
In addition to being up to date on routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends that some travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Rabies, Yellow Fever* and take prescription medication medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria**.
*Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Panama, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. For more information on this recommendation, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Panama.Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. Please note that Panama City falls within an area in which the yellow fever vaccine in recommended. For details please examine this map.
**Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Panama, see malaria in Panama.
Ecuador
In addition to being up to date on routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends that some travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Rabies, Yellow Fever* and take prescription medication medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria**.
*Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Ecuador, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Ecuador. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Country entry requirement: The government of Ecuador requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever – for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. You’ll note that Panama is listed as a non holoendemic country (a portion of the country has risk of yellow fever transmission).
**Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Ecuador, see malaria in Ecuador.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Donor Travel Team:
Naomi Garner
naomi@elevatedestinations.com
Meredith Hauser
meredith@elevatedestinations.com