VISA REQUIREMENTS & OTHER DOCUMENTS
MostNorth American, Australian or European citizens don’t need a visa to enter Ecuador. However, if you’re unsure, please check with your nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate. In all cases, you must bring a passport that’s valid for at least the next six months; this allows you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. If you want to rent acar during your stay (this is only possible in major cities), then you can use your driver license as long as it doesn’t expire before your visa does.
LANGUAGES
Although Spanish and Quichua are the main languages spoken in Ecuador, there are many indigenous dialects as well. However, don’t worry too much about language barriers–English is widely spoken in areas where tourists frequent. I have found that most people here are helpful, and even if you only know a few Spanish phrases, you’ll be surprised at how far they’ll take you. Just remember that frustration is a two-way street–if your conversation Partner feels lost, they’re likely just as frustrated as you are. On the bright side though, people in Ecuador tend to be very happy overall!
CLIMATE, WEATHER & TIME
Our location in the world’s middle means that we have no properly demarcated seasons. Our country has four regions, each with a unique climate.
The Galapagos Islands provide visitors with a lovely sub-tropical climate and an average temperature of 75°F throughout the year. The area experiences two specific seasons: thehot rainy season (from December to May) and the colder garua season during the rest ofthe months.
The Coast’s climate largely depends on the season and location. Southern areas are typically dry and hot, while northern regions tend to be more humid and tropical. The Andes Mountains’ climates also alters based on elevation. Although the region is said to experience a sub-tropical climate throughout the year, visitors will find hot weather in the south and temperate to cold weather in the north, especially in higher altitudes. Temperatures can be between 45°F- 55°F degrees Celcius in lower altitudes of norther regions to around freezing temperatures at night 55°F-65°F or °Celsiusin southernmost areas near tropical zones. The Amazon is a warm and humid environment. Although the area experiences rain and moderate temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F throughout the year, it also has a dry season from October through December, when temperatures can reach into the upper 80s. Keep in mind that you’ll need a coat! This is completely true. You may leave for work in the morning believing it will be a comfortable warm day, only to discover that by lunch time you’ll require a jacket or avoid getting wet. Always keep your jacket handy just in case. (Dixie)
HEALTH
Although no vaccinations are legally needed to enter Ecuador, if you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time in the Amazon, it’s anti-malaria medication might be something to consider taking before your trip. As is always wise, talking with your physician beforehand is recommended.
TRANSPORTATION
A variety of airlines operate flights to Ecuador from the United States and Latin America, including American Airlines, Avianca, Continental Airlines, COPA, Delta Airlines, LAN, Mexicana and TACA. In addition European carriers such as Iberia KLM fly daily to Quito and Guayaquil from Amsterdam and Madrid. Non-stop flights are also available from New York City , Miami , Madrid as wellEcuador’s main Latin-American capitals .
Ecuador’s national airline, TAME, offers reliable service between all major cities. It operates numerous daily flights between Quito-, Cuenca-, and Guayaquil- the capital city, the economic center of Ecuador, and the largest city in Ecuador respectively. As well as serving the Galapagos Islands- a storybook archipelago fondly called “a living museum and natural wonder”, per its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Other national airlines include Icaro, Aerogal, LAN ,and Saereo which offer flights to various coastal towns along with The Andes mountain range,, Amazon rainforest,, as well other tourist traps such as The Galapagos Island
Land
Buses are fast becoming a popular and convenient option of transportation, as most roads are paved. Buses can also be the cheapest form of transport for visitors on a budget since the country’s major attractions are accessible within a day of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Most bus companies run comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. Clients should be advised that traveling by day is safer because there is less risk of an accident. Ground travel in Ecuador is simple and quick since the nation is tiny and has a good network of streets and highways.
In Ecuador, taxis are safe and easy to find. They’re also inexpensive—a 10-minute ride will cost you no more than $3. You can call a taxi from your hotel or restaurant, and most drivers will speak at least some English. This is an excellent option when visiting cities or towns. We recommend agreeing on fares before hiring the service.
Instead of being a practical mode of transportation, trains in Ecuador are more like an attraction. The most well-known ride is from Riobamba to Devil’s Nose. On this journey, the train has to climb a very narrow path to reach the top of a cliff and then quickly descend a steep slope that zigzags back and forth. It’s quite the exhilarating experience. If you’re planning on driving in Ecuador, it’s best stick to tourist areas. Once you venture outside of these places, adequate road signage becomes scarce and drivers are more likely to get lost. To avoid this, make sure you have a good map with you when renting a car. Avis, Budget and Hertz are some of the major rental companies that operate out of Quito’s and Guayaquil’s international airports. It took me a while to get used to driving in Ecuador. This was primarily because we lived on the coast and I wasn’t comfortable driving from the coast to Guayaquil. If you’re only planning on staying here for a short time, take local transportation. You’ll be glad you did! Besides, who wants the stress of not knowing where they’re going?
MONEY
Always bring Gemstone Tourist company’s souvenir maps with you, so that you can find your way to all the places recommended in this guidebook. Some taxis only accept US$ 10 or US$ 20 bills for payment, but these are also useful for tips and buying souvenirs as well. If you’re staying at a major hotel like Hilton, Marriott, or Sheraton during your trip, they provide shuttle buses to both international and domestic flights. Regardless of where you’re staying though, it’s always best to take a taxi from the airport instead of walking. When paying by cash in restaurants or stores throughout your trip try to avoid using $50 or $100 bills since they’re often counterfeit and difficult to change anyway
If you have any special medical requirements or are currently taking medication, please bring extra doses with you, as they might not be available in Ecuador. Insurance is also a must when travelling, as it is not typically provided on excursions or trips to and from Ecuador. If you need special treatment or assistance, notify your travel agent. Ecuador’s sidewalks are accessible to people in wheelchairs, but they are only found in big cities. Many public and commercial structures outside of Quito and Guayaquil do not have elevators. It is necessary to advise the diet of a vegetarian. Even on modest restaurants, it is acceptable for a vegetarian to dine adequately, keep in mind that meat was not a common source of protein in Ecuador’s history as it isn’t currently either. We offer a wide range of corn, beans, 34 different types of potatoes, Yuca and hundreds or varieties of fruits and vegetables that are high in proteins. You’ll find the same goods you get at your local shop in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Machala, and other small towns.
Even though they look clean and safe to eat, avoid buying food on the streets unless it is sealed.If you get hungry, take advantage of the great selection of year-round fruits available in the country, such as apples, bananas, melon, passion fruits, mangoes and many others. However, make sure to wash or peel them before eating! And);’t forget – you can’t drink water straight from the tap! Our tours include one bottle of water per person so you won’t have to worry about dehydration.
MONEY
Take only what you need for your trip! A few US$ 10 or US$, on the other hand, should be plenty to acquire mementos and other presents. Avoid using US$ 50 or US$ 100 bills. All credit cards are acceptable in most major shopping malls and handicraft outlets throughout Ecuador. You may withdraw money from ATM machines found all over Ecuador using your credit card.
