GENERAL INFORMATION
Official name:
Republic of Ecuador
Area:
256.370 Km2 (110.000 square miles)
Capital city:
Quito (2 million inhabitants) in the Highlands
Population (2003):
13.4 million
President:
Dr. Alfredo Palacio
Main Cities:
Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca
Official languages:
Spanish and Quichua. English is widely used.
Independence date:
August 10
Currency:
U.S. Dollars (Euros can be easily changed)
Religion:
Majority Roman Catholic (95%)

Ecuador is located in the northwest of South America, on the equator. This small piece of land covers one of the most diverse fauna and flora resources as well as a geography.

Ecuador has four regions:

• The Pacific Coast with some marvelous beaches;
• The Andes, spectacular snow-capped mountains throughout the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, with Indian markets and colonial cities.
• The Amazon Region is the most extensive ecosystem, is the home of the greatest variety of plants and animals.
• The Galapagos Islands made famous by Charles Darwin and his Theory of Evolution, is the habitat of giant tortoises, iguanas, seals, penguins, etc. Ecuador’s total area is 256.370 km2.

Ecuador is the country that has more Natural Protected Reserves than any other, despite Ecuador's small territory. In all corners skilled artisans, mostly belonging to indigenous communities, work with the land’s resources. The hole handicrafts production represents the lifestyle of the indigenous people, portraying their religion, myths and imagery.

Ecuador is a multi-racial and multi-cultural nation. It has a population of over 13.5 million. Throughout its three regions 13 indigenous groups still survive. Ecuadorian people are gentle and friendly; you will be warmly welcomed all over the country in large and small cities.

Are you looking for adventure?

Ecuador has some of the most tumultuous rivers in the Amazon region. Rafting and kayaking are the most popular sports in this paradise of pure, crystalline water.

In Ecuador there are also hiking, biking scuba diving, horseback riding, trekking and climbing opportunities.

Ecuador is an excellent travel destination year-around thanks to its location directly atop the equator line.

The general weather trends in Ecuador are:

• The Amazon region has a warm, humid and rainy climate. The average temperature varies from 23ºC to 26ºC (73ºF to 79ºF).
• The Andes climate varies according to the altitude. In Quito: 7ºC (45ºF) at night to 26ºC (79ºF) at noon, averaging 15ºC (59ºF).
• The Pacific coast is very warm averaging 25ºC (77ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF) during the year.
• The Galapagos Islands have a warm and dry weather year-round, with an average temperature of 28ºC (82ºF).

ELECTRICITY:
110 volts, 60 cycles AC is used. Most outlets are for two flat prongs. Ecuador uses the NTSC system.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS:
Valid passports are required for entry into Ecuador. No visas are needed for stays of up to 90 days. Before landing, your airline will give you an embarkation/disembarkation card to be filled out and presented to the Immigration officer.

INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TAX:
USD 25.00 has to be paid at the airport per person.

HEALTH:
Travelers with heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their physicians about high-altitude travel, as well as preventive measures for visiting tropical areas. Do not forget that Quito is located at 2800m of altitude.

TRADITIONAL FOODS:
Ecuador is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes.

Ecuador's signature dish is Ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in lemon and onions. Ecuadorian Ceviche is always dished up with popcorn! Ceviche can be made of fish, shrimp, shellfish, squid, or all of the above.

For more information before visiting this unique destination full of adventure, biodiversity and art that brings you into contact with ancestral cultures and nature, PLEASE CONTACT US!