Ecuador Tours and Travel

Galapagos Islands / Jungle Lodges & Cruises / Active Adventures
Traditional Tours & Hotels / Cuenca and the South

The geographical diversity of Ecuador means that there are a number of different climates and microclimates in the country's four regions. Temperatures vary according to elevation and the location of the cities and towns. Due to geographic differences in altitude, longitude and latitude, and the climatic effects of the Pacific Ocean, the Amazon, and the Andes, the various regions and sub regions of Ecuador have very different climates and microclimates.

Ecologically, Ecuador is one of the richest countries on the planet. The amazing biodiversity throughout the nation's various regions means that there are thousands of unique species of flora and fauna in Ecuador. Ecuador is home to ten percent of the world's plant species, the majority of which grow in the northeastern Amazon, where an estimated 10,000 species thrive.
The diversity of the climate here has given rise to more than 25,000 species of trees. Moreover, the Andes is home to an estimated 8,200 plant and vegetable species. In the orchid family alone, 2,725 species have been identified in the area. In the Galapagos, there are about 600 native species and 250 more which were introduced by man. Three of the twelve key biodiversity zones identified by the naturalist Norman Myers can be found on the Ecuadorian mainland.
Ecuador is home to 8 percent of the world's animal species and 18 percent of the planet's birds. Around 3,800 species of vertebrates have been identified in Ecuador as well as 1,550 species of mammals, 350 reptile species, 375 species of amphibians, 800 fresh water fish species, and 450 salt water fish species. Ecuador is also home to 15 percent of the world's endemic bird species. Moreover, there are more than a million species of insects and 4,500 species of butterflies that live in Ecuador.

The ecosystems which exist in the country go from sea level to an altitude of around 6400 metres. Its total area is 14,583,227 hectares, including the highlands, the coast and the Amazon region. There are 46 ecosystems which are made up of paramo, woods, valleys and the Pacific Ocean, located in different climate zones. One of the ecosystems which is richest in biodiversity is the tropical rain forest, which large trees of different and numerous species and an abundance of plants, flowers, mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, fish and amphibians.

There are 10 national parks, 14 natural reserves, a wild life refuge and a recreation area which are considered natural heritage and protected by the State. They cover an area of around 4,669,871 hectares of land and 14,110,000 of water, divided into four regions. The biodiversity is the main wealth of these areas, although there are also a number of communities in the urban sector as well as indigenous and country people in the rural area.

Time: Local time is GMT 5 (Galapagos Islands are GMT 6).
Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin plugs are standard.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main language spoken among the indigenous people.
Health: A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador. There is risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas below 5,000ft (1,500m). There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito repellent. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. High altitude can affect some people's health so those visiting Quito (6500ft/2800m) are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Medical facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly recommended.
Climate: The Pacific coast has a rainy season between December and May and a dry one from June to November. The temperature oscillates between 23 and 26 degrees centigrade. The Highlands, on the other hand, has a rainy, cold climate from November to April and a dry one from May to October. The temperature here is between 13 and 18 degrees centigrade. In the Amazon, the climate is rainy and humid between January and September, with temperatures between 23 and 36 degrees centigrade, and it is dry between October and December. The Galapagos has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 22 and 32 degrees centigrade. All this climate variables are exactly what made Ecuador such a megadiverse country.
Visa and Passport
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must hold a valid passport. An entry stamp is issued on arrival, which is valid for 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must take a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must hold a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days per year, though this is not applicable to holders of passports issued in Cook Islands or Niue.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
Passport/Visa Note: Passports should be valid for at least six months after you arrive in the country.. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay.
Money: The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000 the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main centres most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses (casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6-8% is often charged.
Tipping: A 10% charge is usually added to good quality hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Tour guides usually receive a discretionary tip from the group.
Safety: Ecuador is generally a safe country to travel to but visitors should be vigilant with their belongings as most crime is opportunistic. Travellers are warned not to store belongings in the overhead lockers or under seats on public buses and trains. Due to a risk of kidnapping and armed crime, travel to the north-eastern areas bordering Colombia is not advisable, and travel to the northern provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana should be avoided. Ecuador has many active volcanoes, which are poorly monitored. Tungurahua volcano near Baños erupted on 14 July 2006, causing the evacuation of thousands of people, and again on 17 August 2006. Travellers to Baños should be cautious in the surrounding area, as there is still a possibility of further eruptions. Reventador volcano near Quito has been showing signs of activity, and visitors are advised to stay away from the surrounding area due to the omission of poisonous gases. You should avoid hiking to Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma as violent gangs are known to operate in the wooded areas. Several incidents have also occurred along the hiking trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja, in which hikers have been robbed of all valuables by masked men. Violent demonstrations occurred in the cities of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, but the situation has returned to normal. However there is still an ongoing risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest; all public gatherings are to be avoided. Demonstrations are likely to increase in the run up to and after the presidential elections to be held on 15 October 2006. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and disruption to road transport in the El Oro, Esmeraldas, Manabi and Los Rios provinces.
Customs: Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip is often requested. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times.
Business: An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a tie with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are usually somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and most people have a second card printed with personal addresses, home telephone numbers etc for social use. Note that business disputes that would in countries such as the United States be dealt with by civil litigation are often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Ecuador is a Roman Catholic country and therefore it is best to act modestly and conservatively. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing for lunch.
Communications: The international access code for Ecuador is +593. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Quito is (0)2. Calls made from hotel rooms can be very expensive, but public telephones can be found in most public buildings in the main cities; the most cost-effective way to telephone internationally is from call centres, which are located in most towns and cities. They also offers fax services and sometimes Internet connections, but Internet cafes are available in the main towns. The local GSM cell phone network does not have roaming agreements with international operators; European, Australian and other phones from non-GSM cell phone networks will not work, but cell phones can be rented at the international airports or at cellular phone shops.
Duty Free: Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; perfume for personal use; and gifts and personal effects to the value of $200 for a stay of up to 7 days, $300 for 8 days to six months, and $400 for stays of six months to two years.

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Ecuador Tours and Travel

Exploring Ecuador

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Ecuador Tours and Travel

Exploring Ecuador

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email