IsabelaIsla Isabela

The questions people ask first about Isabela, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).Ecuador-wide
• SIM or eSIMClaro and Movistar (plus CNT) sell prepaid SIMs in malls and shops with a passport; Claro has the widest coverage.Ecuador-wide
• Tap waterNot safe from the tap in most places (Quito and Cuenca's water is treated but pipes vary); drink bottled or filtered.Ecuador-wide
• TippingRestaurants: 10% service often included; add a little for good service.Ecuador-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ecuador-wide
• SafetyPuerto Villamil is a small, low-crime town and walking it at night is normal.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Sit-down mealSet lunch or dinner menu (rice, beans, meat)$8–10
• BeerBeer at a beachfront barHappy hour 17:00–20:00, two drinks for $10 at some bars.Happy hour 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, two drinks for $10 at some bars.$6–8
• Museum or sight ticketTortoise breeding centre entryguided tour is mandatory; guides wait outsideabout $10
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personUS$10
• Mid-range bedDouble room with private bathroom, a night, per roomUS$60
• High-end bedDouble room with private bathroom, a night, per roomUS$120

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$45 · Mid US$90 · High US$180

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

IBB General Villamil Airport (Isabela) (Small airstrip near Puerto Villamil; inter-island flights by small aircraft, seats limited, book ahead (check))

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$40–70 excl. bed

Mid

$70–130 excl. bed

High

$130+ excl. bed

• The Santa Cruz–Isabela speedboat is often rough: sit at the back, take seasickness precautions, and arrive 30–60 min early for the agricultural bag search.
• Foreign visitors pay a $10 Isabela entrance fee on arrival ($5 for Ecuadorians); the Santa Cruz departure also carries a $1.50 port fee plus $1 taxiboat each end.
• Internet and mobile coverage are much weaker than Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal: Claro has 3G in town, Movistar only 2G, and few restaurants offer Wi-Fi.
• Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico tours need rain gear, sunblock, sturdy shoes and a full water bottle; the walk is about 16 km (9.9 mi) and 4.5–5 h.Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico tours need rain gear, sunblock, sturdy shoes and a full water bottle; the walk is about 9.9 mi (16 km) and 4.5–5 h.
• Snorkelling inside the Las Tintoreras shark lagoon is not allowed; swim at the beach behind it instead.