Our arrival in Quito

We took a Delta flight that left Atlanta at 6 PM US Eastern time and arrived in Quito at 10:25 PM. Note - Quito is on US central time and the Galapagos are actually one hour behind Quito.

The process for customs and claiming luggage was pretty simple.

• There is no form to fill out for US citizens and no visa fee. 
• No one asks to see an immunization card unless you're from a known yellow fever country.
• At customs they have the technology to capture your fingerprints but it is not used all of the time. 
• I distinctly remember someone handing me a card about protecting their bananas by not bringing in seeds or bananas but I didn't pay much attention. 
• All luggage is put through an x-ray machine before you leave the airport. I think their primary concern is seeds and other food products. 
• The customs and airport staff were all very friendly. 
• We were curbside with luggage by about 11:15 PM. There is a taxi line outside the airport so we had no trouble finding one. 
• I was told that a taxi should cost $25-$35 on the meter. The driver offered us $25 off the meter. I clarified that it was $25 total and not person (I've seen that trick before) and it was. I tipped him $5. 
• Our tour package had us staying at the Hilton Colon. The cab ride was about 45 minutes and we were checked in by 12:15 AM.