COUNTRY OVERVIEW
Nestled on a dramatic landscape between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador bursts with phenomenal scenes, exceptional biodiversity, bustling savannas and alluring historical culture – making this South American haven a visitors delight. A priceless jewel amidst South American gems, Ecuador is a delightful medley of snow-clad peaks, sultry rain-forests, towering volcanoes, inimitable archipelagos, colossal national parks, pristine beaches, animated wildlife and heavenly grasslands just waiting to be savored.
Ecuador is never short of exhilarating excitement – from the Galápagos archipelago and the Yasuni National Park filled with exotic fauna to the historic architecture of the city of Quito and the Quilotoa Laguna with its scenic grandeur. Architecture buffs will relish the colonial brilliance of Cuenca with its cobblestone streets and stunning churches. Mountain climbers will find Ecuador a stunning proposition thanks to the challenging trails made available at beautiful Cotopaxi, a luring volcano for all adventurers.
ECUADOR TRIPS
HIGHLIGHTS
Cotopaxi Volcano, Galapagos Islands, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Rafting through the Amazon Rainforest, Volcanic Hot Springs, Hummingbird Sanctuary in Cloud Forest, Negra Volcano, Snorkeling, Tintoreras, Lava Tunnels, Isabela Island, Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruze Island, Beaches
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Ecuador Visas are issued on arrival. A passport valid for six months after date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
VACCINATIONS
Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Typhoid immunizations are recommended for all travelers. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel
WEATHER
Average temperatures in Quito, Ecuador.| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average High (F) | 64 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 66 | 65 |
| Average Low (F) | 49 | 49 | 49 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 49 | 48 | 49 |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The climate of Ecuador varies by region, due to differences in altitude and proximity to the equator. The coastal lowlands to the west of Ecuador are typically warm. Coastal areas are affected by ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy. The weather in Quito is consistent to that of a subtropical highland climate. The city has a fairly constant cool climate due to its elevation and proximity to the equator. There are only really two obvious seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season (summer) runs from June to September and the wet season (winter) is from October to May.
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travelers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Be sure to inform your credit card company as well as your bank you will travel internationally into South America. This will eliminate any credit card holds for fraudulent activity.
CURRENCY
Carrying cash, an ATM or traveler’s check card and also a credit card that can be used for cash advances in case of emergency is advisable. The best places to exchange money are normally bureau de change, which are fast, have longer hours and often give slightly better rates than banks. Local currency is the US dollar (USD). Better hotels, lodges, and camps will accept credit cards, however it is advised to withdraw cash when visiting remote areas and villages.
GOVERNMENT
Ecuador is a presidential republic.
RELIGION
Religion in Ecuador is an expression of the different cultural heritages in the Ecuadorian culture including the Spanish colonization, the Native Amerindian and the Afro-Ecuadorian. There are majority Catholic and Protestant. There are also small communities of Jewish and Baha’i faith.
