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Ecuador Information

Overview

The Ecuadorian government has set itself the goal to turn Ecuador into one of the five best destinations of the American continent.

The country’s varied and beautiful landscape should make this goal feasible. Straddling the equator in western South America, Ecuador has territories in both the Northern and the Southern hemispheres. The country is geographically divided into the Amazon, the Highlands, the Coast, and the Galápagos Islands.

Ecuador’s coastal region (the western lowlands) is made up of fertile plains, rolling hills, and sedimentary basins traversed by a plethora of rivers that rush from the heights of the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. All five coastal provinces, encompassing 640km (398 miles) of coastline between them, have attractive beaches and plenty of hotels and resorts for tourists.

The Andes mountain range crosses the country from north to south. The Amazon Region can be geographically divided into two sub regions: the High Amazon and the Amazon Lowlands. The Highlands is comprised of the Andean foothills which slowly descend towards the Amazon River Basin. The Napo, Galeras, Cutucú, and Cóndor ranges are located here. The most impressive elevated regions of this area are in the north and include Volcano Sumaco. The Lowlands, found further to east, are home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and important rivers: the Putumayo, the Napo, and the Pastaza.

The Archipelago of Colón (commonly known as the Galápagos Islands) is made up of 13 main islands, 17 islets, and dozens of ancient rock formation. Apart from its beautiful beaches and unique and varied ecosystems, the Galápagos Islands are home to towering active volcanoes.

Ecuador today remains a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation, where more than 14 indigenous groups maintain their own traditions and ways of life.

Top Things To See

Explore Quito, Ecuador’s capital, set at 2,850m (9,348ft) above sea level, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha, and only 22km (14 miles) from the equator. See how the city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, with its plazas, churches, museums and palaces; and why parts of the Old Town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (website: www.quito.com.ec).

Be fearless and approach volcanoes; the region of Latacunga and Ambato has much fine scenery, marked by an avenue of volcanoes. Photograph the beautiful greenish-blue alkaline waters of the volcanic Laguna Quilotoa. Shiver at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano which, at 5,895m (19,345ft), is the world’s highest active volcano, in the Parque Nacional Cotopaxi.

Stand on the equator at the granite monument that marks it, on the approach to Quito.

Look at the Spanish colonial architecture of Cuenca (founded in 1577) and the nearby ancient Inca settlement at Ingapirca.

Sightsee in Guayaquil – the chief port and commercial centre. Start in the Rotonda, the city’s most historic landmark, which faces the beautiful garden promenade of Paseo de las Colonias. Across the Malecón Simón Bolivar are the Government Palace and city hall while, at the northern end, find the ancient fortress of la Planchada.

Travel to the Littoral, a narrow coastal belt, 560km (350 miles) in length. 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 relaxing island of Muisne is fast becoming a popular destination.

Observe ancient traditional customs, such as those in the region of Santo Domingo de los Colorados, which remains the domain of the Colorados Indians. Indeed, El Orienteis the term used by Ecuadorians to refer to the Amazon basin in eastern Ecuador, which is still a primeval world of virgin forests and exotic flora and fauna, mainly inhabited by Indians.

Lay eyes on what inspired the theories of Charles Darwin by paying a visit to the Galápagos Islands. The unique wildlife includes giant tortoises, lizards and iguanas and some 50% of the islands’ species are found nowhere else in the world.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Explore the rainforest of the lower Amazon basin and its abundant plant and animal life in the Oriente region. It is probably best to do this as part of an organised tour, which can be booked with a number of local operators providing tailor-made itineraries and experienced guides.

Hike along trails in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, one of them following the shores of Lago Limpiopungo, located at an altitude of 3,800m (12,465ft). The Parque Nacional Podocarpus is a popular destination for walking.

Set off into the rainforest from Baños, Ecuador’s tourist Mecca for adventure sports and trips, also offering climbing expeditions to the nearby volcanoes. Climb the Cotopaxi volcano which, at 5,985m (19,345ft), is one of the world’s highest and is best reached, by experienced climbers only, from Quito.

Cruise round the Galápagos Islands, whose most famous inhabitants are the giant Galápagos tortoises (weighing up to 272kg/600lb). Adventure tours around the islands are available, either in large cruise ships or in smaller ships and yachts (advance booking is essential).

Try out various watersports at the beach resorts. Good snorkelling is available via chartered boat trips around the Isla de la Plata (located in the Parque Nacional Machalilla, Ecuador’s only coastal national park).

Ride on the roof of a train on the famous precipitous ‘Devil’s Nose’ train passage, from Riobamba down to the Pacific coast. Train schedules are fairly erratic and visitors should check locally prior to travelling.

Shop at a traditional lively street market, such as Chota’s Indian market (particularly good for traditional art and weavings), renowned throughout Ecuador.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Ecuador has some of the best beer in South America; the most popular brand is Pilsener, along with Club and Biela. Good, inexpensive Chilean and Argentinian wine is available, alongside pricier international drinks. Restaurants have waiter service and there are cafe-style bars.

Things to know: Alcohol cannot be sold after 0200.

National specialities:
• Cuy (roasted guinea pig).
• Llapingachos (pancakes stuffed with mashed potato and cheese).
• The best of the jungle fruits include chirimoya, with a delicious custard-like inside; mamey, which has a red, sweet, squash-like meat; and pepinos, a sweet white and purple striped cucumber-like fruit.
• Shrimp or lobster ceviche. This is traditionally accompanied by popcorn and chifles (thinly sliced and fried green bananas).
• Locro (soup of potatoes, corn and cheese).

National drinks:
• Naranjilla (fruit juice with a taste somewhere between citrus and peach).
• Canelazo (made from sugar cane, alcohol, lemon, sugar and cinnamon).
• Pisco – the local brandy.
• Chicha (fermented corn drink).
• Herbal teas made from native plants.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: 10% service charge is usually added to the bill in hotels and restaurants.

Nightlife

There is little nightlife, except in Quito and Guayaquil where there are excellent restaurants and other attractions. In smaller towns, social life takes place in the home and in private clubs. The cinema is the most popular form of entertainment. Things liven up from Thursday to Saturday evenings. Bars are generally open between 2000-0200, with clubs staying on until about 0400.

Shopping

Bargaining is acceptable in small shops and in markets, but prices are usually fixed in ‘tourist stores’. A few stores around the major hotels have fixed prices. In the Province of Azuay, the cities of Cuenca and Gualaceo offer a wide variety of handicrafts at feriasor special market days. The top attractions are the ferias of Otavalo, Ambato, Latacunga, Saquisili and Riobamba, most held once a week. They offer the visitor excellent bargains for Indian crafts and silver. Principal silver stores are in Quito. Special purchases include native woodcarvings, varnished and painted ornaments made of bread dough, Indian tiles, woollen and orlon rugs, blankets, baskets, leather goods, shigras (shoulder bags) and hand-loomed textiles, indigenous art and native weapons.

Shopping hours: Generally, most shops are open Mon-Sat 0900-1800. Family shops, set up outside the main towns, often stay open as long as someone is awake. Some shops open Sunday.

Climate

Warm and subtropical. Weather varies within the country due to the Andes mountain range and coastal changes. Andean regions are cooler and it is especially cold at nights in the mountains. Rainfall is high in coastal and jungle areas. In the Galápagos the weather is dry and mild.

Required Clothing

Lightweight natural fabrics; rainwear in subtropical areas. Warmer clothes are needed in upland areas.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
12 Feb Amazon and Galapagos Day.
27 Feb Civicism and National Unity Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
24 May Battle of Pichincha.
10 Aug Independence Day.
9 Oct Guayaquil Independence Day.
2 Nov All Souls’ Day.
3 Nov Cuenca Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
12 Feb Amazon and Galapagos Day.
27 Feb Civicism and National Unity Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
24 May Battle of Pichincha.
10 Aug Independence Day.
9 Oct Guayaquil Independence Day.
2 Nov All Souls’ Day.
3 Nov Cuenca Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.

Note

Ecuador’s Carnival (in March/April), the Foundation of Guayaquil (usually in October), the Foundation of Cuenca (usually in November) and the Foundation of Quito (usually in December) are not official public holidays, but are widely observed. Other holidays, in addition to the above, may be marked locally.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes*

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: Sometimes**

Health Care

There are plenty of pharmacies in urban areas. Good medical care is available in Quito, Guayaquil, and most of the big cities. Medical facilities outside the major towns are limited. Acute surgical and cardiac services are not available on the Galápagos Islands; therefore, for more serious illnesses, patients may be evacuated to the USA. Health insurance (to include emergency repatriation) is strongly recommended.

Note

* Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 1,500m (4,920ft), with moderate to high transmission risk in El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha and Sucumbios. There is no risk in Guayaquil or Quito.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended if travelling to the east of the Andes. There is no risk in Quito, Guayaquil or the Galapagos Islands.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galápagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller’s cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and casas de cambio.

Banking Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1600/1700; Sat mornings.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passport Note

Passports must be carried at all times.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: (a) A measles vaccination certificate is required by all nationals travelling from Germany and Italy and must be shown on arrival. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.

Contact Addresses

Ministerio de Turismo (Ministry of Tourism)

Avenida Eloy Alfaro N32-300 y Carlos Tobar, Quito, Ecuador
Tel: (2) 222 8304.
Website: www.vivecuador.com

Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in the UK

Flat 3B, 3 Hans Crescent, London SW1X 0LS, UK
Tel: (020) 7584 2648 or 7808 8800 (consular information, 1500-1700).
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1330, 1430-1730.

Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in the USA

2535 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Tel: (202) 234 7200 or 7166 (consulate).

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits are trouble-free. 

It is advised against all travel to the province of Sucumbios, which borders Colombia.  Armed groups are active in this province and there is a risk of kidnapping and crime.  

Visitors are advised against all travel within 16 km (10 miles) of the Tungurahua volcano in all directions due to an eruption on 6 February 2008. At present, the Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano and have restricted access to Baños, Pelileo and the immediate surrounding areas. Visitors should also monitor local media for updates.

Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and they sometimes turn violent. Take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering, particularly under present political circumstances.

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.

Travellers should be aware of the risks of crime in all areas and take sensible precautions at all times. You should be particularly vigilant in poorer urban areas, after dark and on public transport. It is recommended not to travel alone.

Some bus robberies have been reported at the Macará and Huaquillas Ecuador/Peru border crossings and in the provinces of El Oro, Los Rios, Guayas and Azuay.

’Express kidnappings’ are on the increase. Visitors should exercise caution when arriving in, and travelling around, Ecuador and be aware of the general risks of crime for visitors. Although tourists were not initially targeted, there has been an increase in this kind of robbery and some tourists have been affected. Visitors should be particularly aware around the city of Guayaquil and in the south of Ecuador, including the Ecuador/Peru border crossings of Macará and Huaquillas, as the majority of reported cases come from these areas.

The threat from terrorism is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. 

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Ecuador Overview
• Ecuador Things to See
• Ecuador Things to Do
• Ecuador Events
• Ecuador Climate
• Ecuador Public Holidays
• Ecuador Health
• Ecuador Currency
• Ecuador Passport & Visas
• Ecuador Contact Addresses
• Ecuador Travel Advice