|
Questions about the Dreamkapture & Guayaquil |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen planning a visit to new place, especially a foreign country, it is perfectly normally to have many questions. This is why Dreamkapture Travel and Hostel provides you with this easy guide to the often asked questions about our hostel and the city of Guayaquil. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Dreamkapture and Guayaquil. We have separated the questions in two groups: “Most Commonly Asked Questions” and “More Specific Questions.” If you have a question which is not addressed here you can always contact us, and we will happy to answer your question. Contact Us Links to your Questions and Answers
Most Common Questions:Where is Dreamkapture?Dreamkapture is in Guayaquil Ecuador, located in the north of city center near the intersection of Francisco de Orellana and Dreamkapture is located in the suburb of Alborada in the northern part of the city. There are many good restaurants nearby where you can enjoy our local crab dishes, ceviches, and other typical foods. Our neighboorhood is friendly and the people are nice and helpful. Dreamkapture Travel and Hostel Alborada Doceava Etapa
How do I get to Dreamkapture?If you are coming to Guayaquil by plane or by bus: The best way to get here is by Taxi. Dreamkapture is only about 10 minutes from the Bus Terminal and the Airport by Taxi. We are on Juan Sixto Bernal, which is the same street that Hamburguesa El Colorado is on. This street is directly across from where the restaurant Cafe Tere is located on Benjamin Carrion. This is only a few city blocks away from the La Rotonda Mall and New City Mall. Your Taxi driver should know where this is. In Spanish for your taxi driver:
NEVER take a taxi without a license plates!Only use Taxis which have a company name and phone number on the car, registration displayed in the window, and the driver has lamenated identification displayed inside the taxi.
Dreamkapture Travel and Hostel Alborada Doceava Etapa
What should a taxi cost?Taxis are the best way to get around in Guayaquil. Here are some approximate prices for destinations in Guayaquil.
Also see Airport Assistance & Private Pick Ups How Far is Dreamkapture from?This is a quick reference for distance and/or time to touristic destinations in Guayaquil and elsewhere in Ecuador.
Other Cities in Ecuador What is around Dreamkapture?There are lots of things around Dreamkapture Hostel. Shopping:
What are the room rates for Dreamkapture?We have a selection of rooms here at Dreamkapture Hostel. (Prices are subject to change)
How do I make a reservation or inquiry about room availability?The best way to make a reservation is by using our Contact link at the top of this page on the Dreamkapture Hostel Website. You will find a list of the rooms and prices; as above in the "What are the room rates for Dreamkapture?" Email is check constantly throughout our office business hours 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Please tell of us which of the rooms listed on the Contact link page you are interested in, and if the room is available, we will confirm your reservation request or make another room suggestion. It is best if you make room request more than 24 hours in advance or with enough time to receive a response from us regarding your request. More Specific Questions:Air-conditioningIt is hot in Guayaquil and if you are not used to it we highly recommend you consider asking for a room with A/C. You can read more below in the section on Climate. We currently have 4 private rooms with A/C. 3 of these rooms have matrimonial beds and private bathrooms. The other has 3 beds ( one single and one bunk bed) with a private bathroom. Airport AssistanceAirport pick-up is available by a private service which Dreamkapture can arrange for you. There is an additional cost for this service of $15 ( it can be more if there is a longer wait for your arrival). You need to confirm with Dreamkapture to arrange this and provide your name, flight number, arrival time, number of people in the group, and the amount of luggage you are traveling with. The airport in Guayaquil is safe and secure. The best way to get to Dreamkapture Hostel is by a taxi inside the airport. The cost is usually about $4 - $5 dollars There is NO bus service from the airport. Baggage / Luggage StorageDreamkapture Hostel in Guayaquil we can store your lugguage for you. The cost is $5 per week, per backpack or suitcase sized items. We do offer free storage to clients who purchased their Galapagos cruise or Jungle Tours with Dreamkapture Travel. BreakfastAt Dreamkapture Hostel we serve a complimentary breakfast from 7:30 am to 10:00 the next morning of your arrival. If you arrive early and want to have breakfast it is $2.00 per person. There are no early or late breakfast options provided by the hostel. There is a kitchen for guest which you are welcome to make your own meals and there is food shopping near by. Check Out and Arrival Times at the HostelDreamkapture accommodates 24 hour arrivals. We have a night manager in the office Monday - Saturday nights and on Sundays someone on the property to receive you. Our check out time for your room is 12:00 noon. Check out time from the hostel is 5:00 pm. If you are leaving on a late bus or flight, we offer an extended stay option for $5.00 per person until 11:30 pm. With the extended stay option you can use the kitchen, computer, Internet, TV, bathrooms, jacuzzi pool. But you will not have a room and are only aloud in the public areas. If you are arriving late in the night, you might want to make reservations for the next night as well if you are planning on staying in Guayaquil. If you arrive before 12:00 noon it is possible your room will Not be ready at that time. Other guest need to check out of the room first, and then the room needs to be cleaned before we can get you settled in. If the room is vacant from the previous night we can check you in to your room immediately. Check ins between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 AM will be considered as the previous night and will require payment. This type of early arrival will still need to check out the same day by noon if they are only staying one day. If you are arriving this early and want to go directly to a bed, it is best to reserve 2 nights; the night you are arriving and the next day. To make an inquiry or request a reservation Contact Us. ChildrenFor children under the age of 2, there is a $2 charge for each child. Children needing their own bed will be $11 each. The number of children and accommendations are limited to the rooms we have available and the capacity of the rooms. Children need to be monitored by their parents at all times. In addition children and parents need to keep noise levels at a minimum, and be respectful of other guest staying at the hostel. To see more about the rooms we have available click here. Rooms and Rates. ClimateThe Galapagos Islands: are isolated so the climate is determined almost entirely by the ocean currents, which in turn are influenced by trade winds that push the currents. In general, December to May are the warmest months with temperatures of 80ºF to 90ºF (26ºC to 35ºC). June to November is cooler 70ºF to 80ºF (20ºC to 26ºC). Mainland Ecuador - Highlands: It is spring-like most of the year. May through November is dry with an average temperature of 70ºF (20ºC). December to April is slightly cooler though still very pleasant. Mainland Ecuador - Coast: The average temperature is 83ºF (28ºC), with a hot, rainy season from December to May and a dry season from June to December. Mainland Ecuador - Jungle: In the Jungle the climate is hot 77ºF (25ºC), humid and rainy. Communications / TelephoneYou will find wireless phone coverage here at Dreamkapture. There is also wireless internet available and a computer for our guest to use. There are NO phones in the hostel for guest to use, but there is a cabina phone businesses near by the hostel which clients can make local and international calls at. Clothing...What should I wear?Guayaquil is HOT year round. If you are not used to the heat it is best to be prepared by having light clothing, for example: t-shirts, shorts, skirts, light blouses. Footwear: running/tennis shoes are always good, sandals, flip-flops (usually on tourist wear theses) are good options. At night it can get cool and during the rainy season there can be mosquitos. Pants and a long sleeve shirt or light jacket will often be enough to keep you comfortable. Another thing that is highly advisable to have is insect repellent. Customs and Forbidden ItemsIn regards to the What to wear above, Shirts should always be worn outside on the streets and in any kind of store. You should also always wear shoes outside. Women should not dress provocatively even though it is hot. It is always advisable not to wear too much, if any jewelry or watches for safety reasons, and large cameras are also discouraged. Drugs are illegal in Ecuador and in the Hostel. If you are found using illegal drugs in the hostel, the police will be contacted and you will be removed without any refund from the property. Currently Alcohol is not sold on Sundays. There are no bars open on Sunday and closing time can be early on Saturday nights. This is the law in all of Ecuador. It is illegal to possess items made from protected animals, artifacts, and illegal plants. To avoid problems check before you buy and try to take such items home with you. Documents RequiredAccording to Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the Country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Ecuador. A Visa is not required by anyone regardless of their nationality if they will not be staying more than 90 days. Dogs at the HostelAt Dreamkapture, Clients are allowed to bring small dogs under these conditions:
There are some parks and open spaces very close to our hostel where you can take your dog for a walk, and for it to go to the bathroom.. If you agree with these conditions, let us know and we will send you a room confirmation. Duration of your stayAt Dreamkapture we offer both one night and extended staying options. It is important to let us know in advance in order to secure a room for an extended stay. Our check out time is at 12:00 noon. You need to be ready to check out of the room at that time. ElectricityHere at Dreamkapture we have 110v electricity as does the rest of Ecuador. The plug ins are north american standard. . If necessary you should bring your own adapter. Exit Fee from EcuadorPreviously there was a departure Tax, but not anymore. NO Departure Tax while leaving Ecuador * It is best to confirm with your airline to be certain. Flights to / from Galapagos and JungleDreamkapture Travel can make all the arrangements for your air travel needs for Galapagos cruises and jungle tours. Dreamkapture Travel agency is located at the hostel. Visit us online at: www.galapagos-cruises.ca FoodAt Dreamkapture Hostel we provide a complimentary breakfast the next day of stay. This is served only between 7:30 and 10:00 am. There is no option for an earlier or later breakfast. If you would like to buy breakfast the day of your arrival between the hours of service; it is $2 per person. Dreamkapture has a quest kitchen and refrigerator for your use. We are located close to shopping and you are welcome to utilize these facilities to make your own meals. Galapagos National Park & Marine ReserveGuayaquil is located approximately 1000 km from the Galapagos Islands and all flight to the Galapagos depart from Guayaquil. If you are intersested in Galapagos Cruises contact us at Dreamkapture Travel we specialize in Last Minute Cruise Deals. The Galapagos National Park protects 97% of the land mass on the islands. In addition, the Galapagos Marine Reserve protects a further 138,000 square km of sea surrounding the Islands. The Park’s mission is to protect, conserve and manage the Islands ecosystems and its biological diversity for the benefit of humanity, local populations, science and education. All the ships strictly adhere to the rules of the Galapagos National Park. All cruise itineraries are approved annually by the National Park. All our passengers are always accompanied by a fully qualified Galapagos National Park guide. HealthIt is always best to consult with your doctor about necessary and recommended vaccinations prior to coming to a foreign country. With some people there is an adjustment period getting use to local food. It is advisable that you have insect repellant for mosquitos and sun block. There virtually pharmacies on almost every corner and it is quite easy to purchase medication for sickness here. You should have an ample supply of any medications you are currently taking and have a list of them written down as a reference for replacing any of them. InsuranceWe recommend the following insurances: life, international medicine, baggage loss and baggage delay, loss of personal belongings lost or stolen personal objects during the length of the trip. It always good to be precautious. Internet & WirelessYou will find free Internet at Dreamkapture Hostel. There is a computer for guest to use and Wireless Internet for laptops and smartphones. You can also find many Internet Cabinas/Cafes nearby. LanguageThe standard language in Ecuador is Spanish, but at Dreamkapture members of our staff speak Spanish, English, and French. Laundry ServicesThere are numerous laundry facilities with in 1 or 2 blocks of Dreamkapture. These places you drop off your clothes and they will wash, dry, and fold. Price is by the kilo of laundry cleaned. These places are usually NOT open on Sundays. MoneyThe currency in Ecuador is United States dollars. ATM machines usually accept MasterCard, Visa and cards affiliated with the Cirrus, Maestro, Banred and ATM system. Exchanging money is Extremely difficult in Guayaquil; next to impossible. There are no exchange places at the airport or the bus terminal at this time. Banks do not want exchange money either unless it is EUROS or maybe British Pounds. The only place we know of which to exchange money is on the street. This is down town on av. Chile and 9 de Octubre. These are just men on the street who will make exchanges. We do not know the rates for any exchanges and we don't recommend this. You should try and exchange your money for US dollars prior to coming into Ecuador. DO NOT BRING TRAVELERS CHECKS... these are almost impossible to use or to cash in Ecuador. Important note: Most shops, restaurants, individuals, and even some banks will not accept $100 bills, we recommend taking smaller denomination notes. The smaller the bills you have, the better. Most places in Guayaquil are relunctant to make change. This includes Taxis. ShoppingGuayaquil is a city of shopping with many malls and local areas to shop. You can find everything from modern items to authentic Ecuadorian made goods. Refer to "What is Around Dreamkapture?" Smoking PolicySmoking is only allowed in the outside common areas in the hostel. All of our rooms are smoke free. Guests are encouraged to be considerate of others who may be within the vicinity and not to throw their butts on the ground or in the plants. Surf BoardsIf you are traveling with surf boards it is HIGHLY recommended that you have straps or rope to tie down your surf board to the taxi. 99.9% of the taxis in Guayaquil will be small economy cars and the best place to put the surf boards is on the top of the car. The taxi drivers WILL NOT have straps or ropes. This is your responsibility. If you are traveling with another person and you do not have equipment to tie down your surf boards, it may be extremely difficult to get more people in the taxi. You may even need 2 taxis depending on the size and number of surf boards you are traveling with and how many people are in your group. TaxisTaxis are everywhere in Guayaquil, BUT It is always best to take a taxi from a private company which the hostal can arrange for you. Getting yellow taxis off the street is not avisable for safety reason. Taking a taxi from the airport or bus station is okay Here are some approximate prices for destinations in Guayaquil.
Private taxis will be on a meter, other you should agree on a fare amount before getting inside.
Also see Airport Assistance & Private Pick Ups Time ZoneThe Time Zone is Standard Time GMT (UTC) - 5
Above is the current time in Ecuador with the exception of the Galapagos Islands that are one hour less. Travel to Other PlacesGuayaquil is somewhat of a stepping stone to other locations. From Guayaquil you can make your way to Quito, Cuenca, Montanita, Riobamba, Loja, Vilcabamba or to more distant locations such The Galapagos Islands, Peru, or maybe just the flight home from the International airport in Guayaquil. In the Dreamkapture office we have information and a very knowledgeable staff about International Buses, National Bus service, City Buses, Flights and Cruises to the Jungle and Galapagos. We welcome you to visit Dreamkapture Travel at: www.galapagos-cruises.ca for your Ecuador Vacation plans. WaterWater from the taps is considered drinkable, but it is highly recommended you drink bottled water. Even the locals only drink bottled water. Bathing and brushing your teeth should be fine with water from the faucet. |
