Welcome to Ecuador

Ecuador has the biggest biodiversity per area in the world! In a study by Conservation International, Ecuador ranked among the 17 “mega diverse” countries, alongside the United States, China, Australia, Brazil and Mexico. With 9.2 species per km2, it occupies the first place in the world with regards to species per area.

The richness of Ecuador lies in its DIVERSITY, both natural and cultural. Ecuador has 4 diverse and unique regions: the Amazon Rain forest, the highland Andes, the Coast, and the Galapagos Archipelago.

These four regions are subdivided into provinces. Besides its exuberant biodiversity, Ecuador is home to an impressive variety of ethnic groups, including communities who still practice ancient cultural traditions.

Location: Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in America. It lies on both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres and is divided by the Equator, thus the name of the country.

It borders Colombia (North), Peru (South and East), and the Pacific Ocean (West).

Area: about 270.670 km2 or 168.186 square miles.

Distance from north to south: 1.081 km or 672 miles.

Population: approximately 13 million.

Language: The first language is Spanish, however, most of the indigenous population speaks Quichua. There are 18 different languages among native communities.

Provinces:

• Galapagos
• Coast: Esmeraldas, Manabi, Los Rios, Guayas, Santa Elena, El Oro.
• Andes: Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolivar, Chimborazo, Cañar, Azuay and Loja.
• Amazonia: Sucumbios, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe.

Religion: 95% Catholics

Currency: American Dollar. The Ecuadorian government has also produced a series of local coins have the same value as the U.S. that coins (which are also accepted). Banks open from 9h00 to 17h00 and on Saturdays only half day. Money exchange is offered every day in main hotels.

Government: Democratic. Current President is Economist Rafael Correa Delgado.

Climate: The climate throughoutthe country ranges from tropical equatorial rain in the Amazon to per petual snow on the top of the mountains. Cities in the highlands have temperatures that vary from 50oF to 70oF, while coastal cities’ temperatures vary from 60oF to 80oF during the day. The weather in the jungle is constant: rainy, humid and warm. The Galapagos Islands are sunny and warm during the months of December-May; the temperature drops from June to November.

What to wear:

• In Quito and the highlands the weather is very unpredictable. A common saying is that you can live the four seasons in one day: from intense sun to hail. One needs to look out the window before deciding what to wear each day. During June, July and August the weather is more sunny but windy. During the rest of the year you would need warmer clothing like those you would wear during the fall. A raincoat or jacket would be useful all year long, since at night it gets pretty chilly.
• Guayaquil and other coastal cities: wear summer clothing all year round. During the rainy months, December to May, the weather is still very warm. During the months of June to November the weather is cloudy and a bitcolder. Bring along a light jacket.
• Galapagos: wear comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing. Shorts, t-shirts and summer clothing will be just fine. Don’t forget a hat, a camera, sun block, and a bathing suit. During the months of June to November the weather is cloudy and a bit colder. Bring along a light jacket.
• Amazon or Jungle: wear clothing adequate for rain. If you can get yourself a raincoat (poncho), take it with you, as well as several sets of light pants and long sleeve shirts. Shorts are less useful because of the insects and abundant vegetation that you will walk through on your excursions. A hat, rubber boots and insect repellent are also a must. For pictures, you need high-speed film.

Airport tax: $28,27 for anyone leaving the country from Guayaquil, and $40,80 from Quito.

Tourist visa: Visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa.

Taxi rates: Approximately $3 to $6 per ride from the airport to the city. These rates vary among the main cities.

Transportation: Main cities (Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca) have local airports serviced by the local airlines: Tame, Aerogal, Icaro and Lan, besides international airlines. Bus lines offer Land transportation where you can just jump on the next bus leaving to your destination. Each city has its own terminal, with frequent departure to each one of the different provinces Ecuador.

Suggestions for a pleasent stay

While the authorities are clearly making significant efforts, it’s necessary to take some precautions. We suggest some recommendations:

• Don’t walk at night in badly lit areas.
• Leave documentation and valuable things in your hotel room or in the safety deposit boxes.
• Carry your backpack at the front. Especially if you are carrying a photo camera.
• Whenever you sit on a coffee shop, restaurant, Internet, phone box or any open space, keep your things next to you.
• Be aware if someone comes suspiciously too close to you.
• Don’t allow any stranger to enter into your room.
• It’s recommended not to visit any plaza too late at night.
• If you travel on a bus, don’t receive any candy or papers from strangers.
• When you are at the airport, pay special attention to your belongings.
• Be careful any time you go to an ATM; it’s better if you go during the day.
• Don’t let strangers offer you accommodation. Consult a travel agency.

Mountain climbing

ASEGUIM is the association of mountain climbing guides of Ecuador. We recommend that if you plan to do mountain climbing at any level, you contact them to access professional and certified guides. They also offer rescue operations. Phone: (02) 222-2954, cel 099 822 363, www.aseguim.org

Office of tourism public prosecutor:

The highest duty of the Ecuadorian Republic is to respect and support human and personal rights; they offer judicial safety to tourists who visit the country. It is cost free.

Monday thru Friday from 8h00 to 12h00pm and from 14h00 to 18h00

Quito: 02 2905-053
Guayaquil: 04 2320-685
Cuenca: 07 2844-282
Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island: 05 2526-048
Loja: 07 2572-668
Puyo: 03 2883-767