My US passport expires in less than 6 months. I have tickets to Ecuador/Galapagos in 2 weeks. Is it the US govt that doesn't let you go to Ecuador or is it the Ecuadoran govt that doesn't let you in once you land in Quito? What suggestions/options do I have? Is there any leeway?

travel.state.gov/travel - part of US Dept of State website on passports and international travel states that you must have 6 months valid on your passport to ENTER Equador.

Looks like you will be paying for an expedited passport for your trip. (Directions on how to do so are on Dept of State website). You are fortunate that it seems you do not also need a visa.

Yep - renew now expedited. There are two places you can run into trouble -- the airline may not let you board if they have a question whether you'd be admitted to Equador. They don't want to be responsible for shipping you back home.

Then if the airline does let you board - the immigration officers in Quito could reject you.

Get going on this first thing Monday morning. There is no leeway on things like this.

try a passport expediting service. they can get you one in just 2 days. rushmypassport.com

karast: First and only post to link to a commercial website?? That is often a sign of advertising, which is not allowed on Fodors.

Just an FYI . . . . .