Fast Facts
Language & Religion: Spanish and Quichua, Roman Catholic (90%)
Government: Democratic republic
Population: 12,563.000 (1999 est.)
Money: US DOLLARS (bills and coins) are widely accepted, as it is the official currency; nevertheless, you will also find coins on the same values as the USA coins produced by the Ecuadorian Government and that are also valid. Banking facilities are available on all main cities.
Credit cards: American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in the majority of the hotels, restaurants and shops in the main cities as well as in some artisans centers. If you plan to visit the Indian markets where there are plenty opportunities to buy wonderful handicrafts we recommend to take some cash or travelers checks.
Weather: Ecuador with 256.000 sq. kilometers has one of the most varied geographies in South America with four distinct regions: The Andean highlands, the Pacific Coast, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands (located at 1000 kms- 600 miles away from the Continent). Quito, the Capital is located at 2850 mts above the sea level.
Highlands: The driest months are July through October, when the temperatures will average 70F during the day and 50F at night. During the rest of the year, afternoon showers are expected and the temperature drops a little.
During the dry season lightweight clothes are appropriate for the day, adding a sweater or jacket in the evening and for the rainy season a light raincoat and/or umbrella is useful; we suggest bringing a heavy sweater, jacket or parka for mountain travel. Good walking shoes are essential as well as sun blocker. Remember you will be right on the Equator where the sun is stronger even on covered days.
Coast: The average temperature is 83F being the hot, rainy, humid season from November to May. The dry cooler season is from June to October. Cotton or tropical clothing is appropriate with a stole, sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. Sun hat, sunglasses are recommended as well as sun block.
Amazon Rainforest: Tropical temperatures average around 82F. Rainfall year-around, heavier falls from June to November. During the rainy season the rainforest is at is best green and wonderful. Clothing requirements are the same all year: light tropical clothes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for jungle walks, sneakers are always a very good idea; hat and sunglasses are indispensable.
The Galapagos Islands: Located at 600 miles from the continent on the equator, the tropical climate is tempered by Pacific breezes. The islands have two seasons: The rainy, hot season from December to May and sometimes extended up to June when humidity is high with averages temperatures of 80F. There may be occasional showers, but days are generally hot and sunny. From June to November, some cool winds are expected, bringing occasionally light misty-type drizzle called “garuaâ€, temperatures average 70F during the day and it will be cooler at night.
Visa: Visitors to Ecuador need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.
Health: It is recommended you keep all standard vaccinations up to date and seek your own medical advice as soon as you know you are travelling in order to allow enough time for any necessary vaccinations.
Communications: International direct dialing is available in all main cities as well as e-mail and fax. In the Galapagos Islands most of the Deluxe and First class boats have available internet connections as well as international phone calls.
Electricity: 110 volts, 60 AC will be found everywhere in the country.
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Government: Democratic republic
Population: 12,563.000 (1999 est.)
Money: US DOLLARS (bills and coins) are widely accepted, as it is the official currency; nevertheless, you will also find coins on the same values as the USA coins produced by the Ecuadorian Government and that are also valid. Banking facilities are available on all main cities.
Credit cards: American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in the majority of the hotels, restaurants and shops in the main cities as well as in some artisans centers. If you plan to visit the Indian markets where there are plenty opportunities to buy wonderful handicrafts we recommend to take some cash or travelers checks.
Weather: Ecuador with 256.000 sq. kilometers has one of the most varied geographies in South America with four distinct regions: The Andean highlands, the Pacific Coast, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands (located at 1000 kms- 600 miles away from the Continent). Quito, the Capital is located at 2850 mts above the sea level.
Highlands: The driest months are July through October, when the temperatures will average 70F during the day and 50F at night. During the rest of the year, afternoon showers are expected and the temperature drops a little.
During the dry season lightweight clothes are appropriate for the day, adding a sweater or jacket in the evening and for the rainy season a light raincoat and/or umbrella is useful; we suggest bringing a heavy sweater, jacket or parka for mountain travel. Good walking shoes are essential as well as sun blocker. Remember you will be right on the Equator where the sun is stronger even on covered days.
Coast: The average temperature is 83F being the hot, rainy, humid season from November to May. The dry cooler season is from June to October. Cotton or tropical clothing is appropriate with a stole, sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. Sun hat, sunglasses are recommended as well as sun block.
Amazon Rainforest: Tropical temperatures average around 82F. Rainfall year-around, heavier falls from June to November. During the rainy season the rainforest is at is best green and wonderful. Clothing requirements are the same all year: light tropical clothes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for jungle walks, sneakers are always a very good idea; hat and sunglasses are indispensable.
The Galapagos Islands: Located at 600 miles from the continent on the equator, the tropical climate is tempered by Pacific breezes. The islands have two seasons: The rainy, hot season from December to May and sometimes extended up to June when humidity is high with averages temperatures of 80F. There may be occasional showers, but days are generally hot and sunny. From June to November, some cool winds are expected, bringing occasionally light misty-type drizzle called “garuaâ€, temperatures average 70F during the day and it will be cooler at night.
Visa: Visitors to Ecuador need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.
Health: It is recommended you keep all standard vaccinations up to date and seek your own medical advice as soon as you know you are travelling in order to allow enough time for any necessary vaccinations.
Communications: International direct dialing is available in all main cities as well as e-mail and fax. In the Galapagos Islands most of the Deluxe and First class boats have available internet connections as well as international phone calls.
Electricity: 110 volts, 60 AC will be found everywhere in the country.