Destination:
Ecuador

Overview

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 contrasting climatic zones. Within a short time the traveller 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 colourful highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains.

The people, along with their cultures and traditions. have also been 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. This is the heartland of agricultural activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities, and is where the bulk of the population lives. Larger towns like Saquisilí and Otavalo swell on market days, when villagers come to sell their produce and handiwork in a vibrant and colourful 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 any further promotion, one of the world's greatest treasures of natural history lies in the bewitching Galapagos Islands - famed for its fearless and unique wildlife, the island chain is roundy considered the highlight of any holiday in Ecuador.

Basics

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 travelling 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), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. Medical facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly recommended.

Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually added to good quality hotel and restaurant bills, but often the waitron does not receive this fee, so it is discretionary to add another 5-10%. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped and tour guides usually receive a $4-$8 tip.

Safety
Ecuador is generally a safe country to travel to but visitors should be vigilant with their belongings as most crime is opportunistic. Travellers are warned not to store belongings in the overhead lockers or under seats on public buses and trains. Due to a risk of kidnapping and armed crime, travel to the north-eastern areas bordering Colombia is not advisable, and travel to the northern provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana should be avoided. Ecuador has many active volcanoes, which are poorly monitored. Recent eruptions have caused the evacuation of thousands of people, particularly in the Baños area. Tungurahua volcano near Baños erupted on 6 February 2008, and there has been heightened activity in July 2008; travel to Banos at this time is not recommended due to the possibility of further eruptions. You should avoid hiking to Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma as violent gangs are known to operate in the wooded areas; a cable car provides access, but there have been several recent cases of armed robbery and rape reported in the area. Several incidents have also occurred along the hiking trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja, in which hikers have been robbed of all valuables by masked men. There is an ongoing risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest; all public gatherings and demonstrations are to be avoided.

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.

Business
An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a tie with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is recommended to have some business cards, company brochures and presentations translated into Spanish. Note that business disputes that would in countries such as the United States be dealt with by civil litigation are often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing during lunch.

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 centres, 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.

Duty Free
Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; perfume for personal use; and gifts and personal effects to the value of US$200 for a stay of up to seven days, US$300 for eight days to six months, and US$400 for stays of six months to two years.

Currency

The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000 the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main centres most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses ( casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6-8% is often charged.

US$ 1 =

US$ 1.00

£ 0.65

C$ 1.02

A$ 0.97

R 8.46

EUR 0.79

NZ$ 1.26

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador, particularly for those travelling 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), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. Medical facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly recommended.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in Ecuador. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the country. Extensions are possible for travellers who do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Ecuador Tourism
Ministry of Tourism, Quito: +593 (0)2 250 7559 or www.quito.com.ec

Foreign Embassies in Ecuador

Ecuador Embassies

Regions and Cities

Quito

Quito, the capital city, is the central hub of Ecuador, and the starting point for all other destinations in the country. In a beautiful setting at an altitude of 9,350ft (2,850m), nestled in the Andes Mountains and the snow-capped 15,728ft (4,794m) Pichincha volcano, the city of Quito is a vibrant amalgam of modern business executives and the traditional culture of the 'indígenas', or local Andean people.

The city is divided into two areas: the Old Town, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its history and the architectural influence of the Spanish evident in its red-tiled roofs lining steep, cobblestone streets; and the more tourist-oriented New Town, with its shopping centres, hotels, embassies and travel agencies.

Quito is the cultural centre of the country. Indígenas make up a large proportion of the population and evidence of their culture is all over the city, from the handicrafts displayed on street corners and ramshackle shops selling traditional everyday goods, to the women in thick woollen clothing and felt hats queuing for bus tickets. Quechuan language pervades the streets and central plazas (squares) throughout the city.

A city rich in historical churches, monasteries and convents, containing a wealth of religious paintings and sculpture dating back to the 16th century, there are also a few museums worth visiting in Quito, like the Museo del Banco Central with its beautiful pre-Colombian artefacts, the ethno-historical Museo Mindalae, and the contemporary art museum Museo Guayasamin.

Quito is a beautiful city with natural settings to enjoy, like the tranquillity of the Botanical Gardens with their glassed orchid houses; and the magnificent views from the Pichincha Volcano, which can be accessed by hiking or via the Telerifico, the world's second-highest cable car.

Also a popular base for learning the Spanish language, Quito has over 60 language schools dotted about the city.

Galapagos Islands

The volcanic Galapagos Archipelago is made up of 13 major islands and six smaller ones lying about 600 miles (970km) from the mainland and located on the equator. It is the second largest marine reserve in the world, spread over 19,500 square miles (50,000 sq km), and was made a National Park in 1959. Positioned between three ocean currents, the climate is unique, and as a result, roughly 50 percent of the species are unique to the islands. Famous for its exceptional and fearless wildlife, it has become a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Galapagos Islands are a popular vacation destination, and the Ecuadorian government maintains strict control over tourist access in an effort to preserve the local ecosystem. All visitors must be accompanied by a certified tour guide, and there are additional restrictions regarding the size of tour groups and level of activity in a given area, so it's best to make bookings ahead of time.

Visitors to the archipelago will be guided around various islands, each one with different species of fauna and flora. It is possible to pass within inches of mating iguanas, walk between nesting frigate birds, stand beside blue-footed boobies feeding their chicks, gawk at fur seals, and watch thousands of brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling across the black volcanic rocks. In the sea, visitors can swim, snorkel and dive with sharks and turtles, and come mask to face with sea lions and penguins. Also to be seen are albatrosses, lava lizards, flamingos, giant tortoises, masked boobies and Darwin finches.

Although the islands are volcanic and largely bare of vegetation, they have different geological features that make them dramatic and strangely beautiful. These include a 30-foot (10m) high cactus forest, exquisitely twisted lava flows, spatter cones and lava tunnels, bizarre rock formations, and red, black or white sand beaches.

The islands first became famous with the scientific voyage of the 'Beagle' by Charles Darwin during the 19th Century, where he was inspired to formulate his theory of evolution by natural selection. Today the archipelago draws an average of 65,000 visitors a year who want to experience for themselves the extraordinary wildlife of these otherworldly islands.

Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, is the most developed town on the archipelago, and is the centre of the Galapagos tourism industry. Most visitors stay in this friendly little town while arranging a boat tour to the rest of the islands or anchor in the harbour during their cruise.