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.Straddling the Equator 1000km (622 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are famous for being the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. There are 13 large islands and six small, which were formed by oceanic volcanoes some three to five million years ago. Visitors come to the islands to see the unparalleled variety of wildlife that flourishes due to the remote location and temperate climate. The most famous residents are the giant tortoises after whom the islands are named, although other common species include iguana, dolphins, boobies and cormorants. The animals are so used to human company visitors can even swim with penguins and sea lions. Snorkelling and sailing are also popular.

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

Passport/Visa

Passports

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

Passport Note

Passports must be carried at all times.

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.

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.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Health

Vaccinations

* 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.

Food and Drink

It is advisable to drink only bottled or sterilised water in Ecuador. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks

Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Altitude sickness is a risk, particularly if flying directly into Quito (2,800m/9,186ft).

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.

Getting There

Getting There by Air

The main airlines are TAME (EQ) (website: www.tame.com.ec) and LANEcuador (XL) (website: www.lanecuador.net).

Approximate Flight Times

From London to Quito is 17 hours, and from New York 9 hours 30 minutes.

Main Airports

Quito (UIO) (Mariscal Sucre) (website: www.quitoairport.com) is 8km (5 miles) from the city centre. To/from the airport: Buses and shuttles operate frequently (journey time – 20-30 minutes). Return is from Avenida 10 de Agosto. Taxis are also available. Facilities: Tourist information, VIP lounge, public telephones, medical service, bars, car hire, duty-free shops, banks/currency exchanges and restaurants.

Guayaquil (GYE) (Simón Bolívar) (website: www.tagsa.aero) is 5km (3 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: There are bus and taxi services into the city. Facilities: Banks/currency exchanges, postal service, VIP lounge, duty-free shops and restaurants.

Air Passes

oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are Aer Lingus (EI), American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to 34 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure Tax

US$25.

Getting There by Water

Main port: Guayaquil is the main port in Ecuador for both passengers and freight (website: www.puertodeguayaquil.com). There are passenger/cargo services from Europe, which take around 20 to 22 days, and from the USA.

Getting There by Road

The Pan-American Highway bisects the country. It begins at the Colombian border in the Carchi province and runs south on to Quito, Riobamba, Cuenca, Loja and ending at Macará near the border with Peru. Part of the highway is toll-administered and the condition of the road is mostly quite good. However, it mainly goes through mountains, making it fairly dangerous to drive.

Bus: Panamericana Internacional operates direct services to Venezuela, and connections to Colombia, Perú, Chile and Argentina (tel: (2) 250 1585). Rutas de América operates direct services once or twice a week to Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, with connections to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile (tel: (2) 254 8142). Visitors should remember to carry their passports at all times as there may be frequent checks, both within Ecuador and at border crossings.

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.

Contacts

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).


Galapagos National Park Service, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador

Tel: (05) 526 189 or 526 511 or 527 410

or

Galapagos Chamber of Tourism, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador

Tel: (05) 526 206
Website: www.galapagostour.org