Home

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Travel Information Ecuador
First Class Galapagos Cruise
Tourist Class Galapagos Cruise
Galapagos Hotels
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos History
Galapagos Animals
Galapagos Conservation
Galapagos Rules
Galapagos Map
Reservations
_______________________
AMAZON REGION
Jungle Lodge El Jardin Aleman
Sacha Lodge
Kapawi Lodge
Reservations
_______________________
HOTELS IN ECUADOR
Hotels Quito
Hotels Baños
Hotels Guayaquil
Hotels Cuenca
Hotels Galapagos
Hotels other places
Reservations
_______________
DAY TOURS
Cotopaxi NP 1 day
Otavalo 1 day
Quito City Tour
Quito Middle of the world
Reservations
_______________
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Climbing Cotopaxi
Climbing Chimborazo
Climbing Iliniza
Climbing Cayambe
Climbing Pichincha
Trekking Pasochoa
Trekking Quilotoa
Reservations
_______________________
BIKING
Mountain Biking Cotopaxi
Mountain Biking Otavalo
Biking Papallacta Hot Springs
Mountain Biking Nono
Mountain Biking Pichincha
Reservations
_______________________
RAFTING
Rafting Upper Napo River
Rafting Anzu River
Rafting Quijos River
Rafting Toachi River
Reservations
_______________
PERU
Peru Cuzco - Machupichu
Reservations

Travel Information Ecuador

The Land: Ecuador contains some of the most varied geography in South America. There are four distinct regions: Andean highlands, Amazon Basin, Galapagos Islands and the Pacific Coast. Quito is the capital city.

The People: Ecuador has more than 10 million citizens, those in the highlands are a mixture of European and Indian blood. Most indigenous people are living in small mountain settlement or in the Amazon region. Coastal dwellers are descendants of indigenous peoples, Europeans and Africans.

Language: Ecuador has two official language: Spanish and Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire. English is spoken in major visitor centers.

Climate and Clothing: Even though Quito and the central highlands are nearly on the Equator, the altitude is between 7.000 and 10.000 feet (2.100 and 3.000 meters) and the weather is surprisingly comfortable year round. The driest months here are July through October, when the temperatures are 70 F (20 C) during day and 50 F (12 C) in the evening. During the rest of the year, expect some afternoon showers. Dress light-weight clothes for day, adding a sweater or jacket in the evening. A light raincoat and/or umbrella is useful in the wettest months, and bring a heavy sweater, jacket or coat for mountain travel. Good walking shoes are essential.

In the Jungle, tropical temperatures average around 82 F (28 C). Rainfall is almost year-round, but specially from June to November. During rainy season the jungle is most attractive and the rivers are most navigable. Clothing is the same all the year: light, cotton clothes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for the jungle walks, sun hats and sunglasses indispensable. (Rubber boots you get in your Lodge).

On Galapagos Island and Pacific Coast the average temperature is 83 F (28 C) with the hot, rainy season from November to May and the less hot, dry season from June to December. Clothing is the same as in the jungle.

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 Hz

Entry Requirements: You need a valid passport and proof of return transportation. Tourist card is completed upon arrival; they are free of charge and valid for up to 90 days.

Customs: 300 cigarettes and one bottle of liquor are admitted duty free.

Departure tax: On international flights departing from Quito US $ 43.80 tax o Guayaquil  US $ 27.- tax.
(Subject to change)

Currency: The monetary unit is US Dollar.

Health: No vaccinations are required for entry. Travelers with heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their physician about high-altitude travel, as well as preventive measures for visiting tropical areas. Bottled water is advised and available everywhere.

Local time: GMT minus 5h; no daylight saving time. Galapagos Island, GMT minus 6h.

Banking Hours: 09.00 to 15.30, Monday through Friday.

Shopping Hours: 09.00 to 20.00, Monday to Saturday.