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The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador is among the most rewarding travel destinations in South America. With its array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, picturesque volcanic landscapes and the dense Amazon Rain Forest, it packs its perimeters with more points of interest than many countries twice its size. All of this no more than a day drive from its picture perfect colonial capital of Quito. |
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| GEOGRAPHY |
LOCATION:
The Republic of Ecuador is located on the Western Hemisphere, on the northeastern corner of South America. The neighboring countries are: Colombia in the North and Peru in the South.
Its continental territory is located between latitude 010 27 ' 06'' N and longitudes 050 00' 56 ''S and 750 11' 49'' W to 810 00' 40'' W. The islands of the Galapagos Archipelago are located to the West of the continental territory, approximately 1.000 km from latitude 10 75' 00'' N and longitude 10 20' 00 '' S and between longitudes 890 15' 00''W to 920 00' 00''W.
SIZE:
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in Latin America. Despite its size, Ecuador offers great variety of places to visit, many different cultures, and many activities to enjoy such as nature tours, mountain climbing above 6000 meters, paragliding, white water rafting , or scuba diving and snorkeling in crystalline waters. In other words, Ecuador is a synonym for DIVERSITY.
SURFACE: 270.670 km2 / 109.484 m2
GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION: Ecuador is divided into 4 regions: The Coast, The Andes, the Amazon Region and the Galapagos Islands
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| MONEY EXCHANGE |
On September 13, 2000, Ecuador completed its dollarization process; the sucre was eliminated, at least theoretically, and the country's currency was legally changed to the US dollar.
Despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas for several years. In the event that you are faced with sucres, you should know that before dollarization bank notes were printed in denominations of 5.000, 10.000, 20.000 and 50.000 and coins in denominations of 100, 500 and 1.000. Moreover, for several months preceding dollarization, the government froze the exchange rate at 25.000 sucres to one US dollar.
Changing Money and Checks:
As a result of dollarization, we recommend more than ever that you carry both US bills and traveler's checks while in Ecuador. Other foreign currencies are difficult to change outside of Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil.
Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, and in Quito and Guayaquil a few stay open until 8pm (in Quito Banco del Pinchincha on Amazonas stays open until 8). Likewise, casas de cambio are open Monday through Friday from 9 to 6. A few banks and casas de cambio are also open on Saturday mornings.
Traveler's Checks:
Traveler's checks are a great way to keep track of your funds while away from home. Best of all, in the event of loss or theft they are relatively easy to replace, though some companies reimburse you faster than others. American Express usually replaces checks within 24 hours, while lesser-known companies can take well over a week.
Cash:
While we recommend that you bring most of your money in the form of traveler's checks, you should also carry some cash, especially in out-of-the-way places such as the Oriente or remote Andean or coastal villages. Carry mostly $1, $5, and $10 bills, and make sure they are in good condition or you will definitely have trouble using them.
Credit Cards:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard credit cards are accepted in good hotels and restaurants in Quito and Guayaquil. Some banks in the capital offer cash advances on credit cards upon presentation of a valid passport.
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| PEOPLE |
The distribution of the major indigenous groups is as follows:
Otavalos, Chibuleos, Salasacas, Cachas, Tiquizambis, Canaris, Saraguros and others who use the generic Quichua name throughout the highlands;
Cayapas and Tzachilas are located on the north and north central coast respectively; Huaorani, Shuar, Achuar, Cofanes, Siona-Secoya, Zaparos, Canelos and Quichua in the jungle of the Amazon region. There is also a very small group located in the north western part of the province of Carchi, in the border with Colombia, whose name is Awa-Coaiquer.
Each of the mentioned groups keep its own customs and clearly defined culture. As a general rule, all indigenous groups from the highlands and the Quichua from the jungle, speak Quichua. All the others speak their own languages.
Another important ethnic group in the country is the Afro-Ecuadorian. The Black population arrived in this country through various migrating flows from Colombia and the Caribbean.
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| SHOPPING |
Shops are generally open during weekdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 7:00pm. On Saturdays, shops close at 12:30pm and remain closed on Sundays.
Banks close at 1:30pm each weekday. Offices are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 7:00pm. Government offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
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| TAX |
Airport Departure Tax:
International flights:
US $40.80 is charged when leaving Ecuador from Quito Airport.
US $27.15 is charged when leaving Ecuador from Guayaquil Airport.
Domestic flights:
US $7.60 is charged when departing from Quito Airport
US $4.43 is charged when departing from Guayaquil Airport. |
| HOLIDAYS & FESTIVITIES |
| Jan |
1 |
New Year's Day |
| Mar |
Varies |
Easter & Good Friday |
| Apr |
Varies |
Easter & Good Friday |
| May |
1 |
Labour Day |
| 24 |
Battle of Pichincha |
| Jun |
24 |
Birthday of Simon Bolivar |
| Aug |
10 |
Independence Day |
| Oct |
9 |
Independence of Guayaquil |
| 12 |
Columbus Day |
| Nov |
2 |
All Souls Day |
| 3 |
Independence of Cuenca |
| Dec |
6 |
Foundation of Quito |
| 25 |
Christmas |
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| COUNTRY ORIENTATION |
No tourist visa required for U.S. citizens. Enter the country with only a valid passport for a period up to 90 days.
Yellow Fever Vaccination required for all Travelers to Ecuador?s Amazon Rainforest
'Transit Control Card' will be issued for tourists arriving in the Galapagos, for control of arrival and departure dates. Cost of US$ 10.00 ? this is additional to the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee of US$ 100 per person and will be charged at the airport.
For the purposes of this section, the country has been divided up into six principal areas:
Quito, The Cities of the Andean Highlands, Guayaquil, The Littoral, The Oriente and the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands: Situated about 800km (500 miles) west of the Ecuadorian mainland, the islands are bleak, barren and rocky. Made famous by Charles Darwin's scientific voyage in the 'Beagle' during the last century, the islands' unique wildlife-which includes giant tortoises, lizards and iguanas-remains the most interesting feature for the modern-day visitor. The islands have been turned into a national park in an attempt to preserve their natural state, and in 1978 UNESCO declared the Galapagos to be 'the universal natural heritage of humanity'.
Quito: The capital city has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichinca with its twin peaks of Ruca and Guagua. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza Independencia and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances of this.
The Cities of the Andean Highlands: The Pan-American Highway traverses the country from north to south, a spectacular route which passes through all the principal cities of the Andean Highlands. Tulcan, centre of a rich farming area, is the northernmost of these. Further south is Chota, still inhabited by the descendants of former slaves who retain some of their tribal customs. The peak of Mount Imbabura signals the approach to the valley of Otavalo, the town of the same name being famed for its craftwork and Indian market. Approaching Quito, one passes a granite monument which marks the Equator. South of Quito, the region of Latacunga and Ambato has much fine scenery, marked by an avenue of volcanos. Interesting provincial towns surrounding Cuenca include Ingapirca, an ancient Inca settlement. In the highlands of southern Ecuador, Loja is the last city of importance on the Pan-American Highway, being originally a trading station on the Spanish 'gold road'.
Guayaquil: Ecuador's biggest city, it is also the chief port and commercial centre. A good starting point for sightseeing is the Rotonda, the city's most historic landmark, which faces the beautiful garden promenade of Paseo de las Colonias.
The Littoral: This is a narrow coastal belt, 560km (350 miles) in length. The chief ports provide visitors with some of the best resorts for deep-sea fishing on the west coast. Particularly attractive are the towns of Playas Posoria and Salinas, while Esmeraldas, one of the country's most important ports, is also known for its beautiful beaches.
The Oriente is a primeval world of virgin forests and exotic flora and fauna, still mainly inhabited by the Indians. The principal towns of the area are El Puyo, Tena, Macas, Lago Agrio, Sucua and Zamora. It is also the gateway to the Amazon region, passing through the spectacular gorge of the River Pastaza.
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| WEATHER |
Climate:
Ecuador is located on the equator, and its climate varies by elevation, not by season.
Guayaquil and the coastal plain (Costa) are hot and humid, with a mean annual temperature of about 26 C (78 F). The best time to visit this area is between December and April.
In the central highlands (Sierra), temperatures are 7-21 C (45-70 F), depending on elevation. Quito, located about 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, has an average annual temperature of 13 C (55 F).
The eastern jungle (Oriente) is warmer and more humid than the Costa, with temperatures as high as 38 C (100 F), and annual precipitation 203 centimeters (80 inches). The 5,790-meter-high extinct Cayambe volcano is the only place on Earth where temperature and latitude both can reach 0 degrees. |
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