Situated on the equator, Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean Highlands. Despite its size it is probably the world's most bio-diverse country, crammed with an astounding variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation existing in the contrasts of climatic zones. Within a short time the traveler can experience dramatic changes in scenery, temperature and altitude, journeying between Pacific Coast beaches and the sweltering, mosquito-ridden rainforest; to the charming capital city of Quito surrounded by ice-covered volcanoes; and to colorful highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains.
The people, their cultures and traditions have also been formed, and are influenced by, their geographical environment. The backbone of the country is the Andean highlands, made up of two mountainous chains and over 30 volcanoes. Between them lies the central highland valley or sierra, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, at about 8,960 feet (2,800m) above sea level.
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This is the heartland of agricultural activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities, and is where the bulk of the population live. Larger towns like Saquisilí and Otavalo swell on market days when villagers come to sell their produce and handiwork in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere of festivity. The sierra is also home to most of the old and historically important cities, including Quito.
With its beautiful colonial architecture, magnificent panoramic scenery, vibrant indigenous groups and welcoming people it is one of the most enticing and rewarding countries to visit in South America.
And, as if it needed anything further, one of the world's greatest treasures of natural history lies in the bewitching Galapagos Islands, famed for its fearless and unique wildlife, and is the highlight of most trips to Ecuador.
The Basics
Time:
Local time is GMT -5 (Galapagos Islands are GMT -6).
Electricity:
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
Language:
Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main language spoken among the indigenous people.
Health:
A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador, particularly for those traveling to the regions of the Amazon basin. There is high risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas below 5,000ft (1,500m). There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and Amazon regions.
The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito repellent liberally throughout the day. High altitude can affect some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500ft/2,800m)
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Customs:
Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip is often requested. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest in the highlands compared to the coast. Politeness and good manners are essential for communication and a light handshake is the practiced form of greeting.
Communications:
The international access code for Ecuador is +593. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Quito is (0)2. Calls made from hotel rooms can be very expensive, but public telephones can be found in most public buildings in the main cities; the most cost-effective way to telephone internationally is from call centers, which are located in most towns and cities.
They also offers fax services and sometimes Internet connections, but Internet cafes are available in the main towns. The local GSM cell phone network does not have roaming agreements with international operators; European, Australian and other phones from non-GSM cell phone networks will not work, but cell phones can be rented at the international airports or at cellular phone shops.
Contacts
Tourism
Ministry of Tourism, Quito: +593 (0)2 250 7559 or www.vivecuador.com
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Ecuador Embassies
Embassy of Ecuador, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 7200.
Embassy of Ecuador, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7584 2648.
Embassy of Ecuador, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 563 8206.
Embassy of Ecuador, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 4021.
Consulate of Ecuador, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 303 0590.
Foreign Embassies in Ecuador
United States Embassy, Quito: +593 (0)2 256 2890.
British Embassy, Quito: +593 (0)2 297 0800.
Canadian/Australian Embassy, Quito: +593 (0)2 245 5499.
South African Embassy, Lima, Peru (also responsible for Ecuador): +511 440 9996.
Irish Honorary Consul, Quito: +593 (0)2 357 0156.
Ecuador Emergency Numbers
Emergencies:
Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Location: The airport is situated three miles (5km) from Quito city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT -5.
Contacts: Tel: +593 (0)2 2944 900 ext 2608.
Facilities: Facilities include shops, restaurants, cafes and duty-free shopping and tourist information desks. Banks, ATMs and currency exchange are available. There is also telephone and Internet access. Passengers with special needs are catered for and a wheelchair service is available on request.
Departure Tax: Airport tax: $2 (Domestic), $40.80 (International)
Website: www.quitoairport.com
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Climate
Ecuador's geography has endowed the country with a variety of microclimates.The coast is hot all year, with a humid rainy season between December and May. In the mountains climate depends on altitude, becoming cooler the higher you go. The Amazon region is hot, humid and wet while the Galapagos Islands are dry with a steady year-round average temperature of 77ºF (25ºC).
Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must hold a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days per year, though this is not applicable to holders of passports issued in Cook Islands or Niue.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Passport/Visa Note: Passports should be valid for at least six months on arrival. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
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Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915
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