Ecuador, a tiny country by comparison to its neighbours, sits along the equator stuck between Peru and Colombia. It is a land of staggering contrasts – from snow-capped Andean peaks to remote Amazon rainforests, from chains of volcanoes to Pacific beaches. However, tiny Ecuador is home to more species of bird than the entire North American continent.

Located in a high-level valley, Quito is Ecuador's enchanting colonial capital with several snow-capped peaks surrounding the city. From here you can access most of the country’s highest mountains, visit several fascinating Indian market towns and be in cloud forest within a couple of hours drive. To the south, the corridor of high-altitude volcanoes makes for one of the most dramatic journeys anywhere in South America and at the same time divides the tropical Amazon rainforest to the east with the hot Pacific coast to the west. And about 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador lie the Galapagos Islands, the most astonishing wildlife rich islands that paved the way for one of science’s most important theories. The Enchanted Isles are one of the most spectacular wildlife arenas left in the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Electricity: 120V, 60Hz
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
Dialling Code: 593

Climate

The highlands' dry season (the best time for hiking and climbing) is June to August, which coincides with the wettest months in the Oriente or Amazon region. Trekking in the Oriente is best done in the dry season, from late August through February.

Festival Calendar

March -April - Holy Week and Carnival – Again celebrated with water fights. Ambato also has a fruit and flower festival at the same time
May 1st - Labour Day - A day of workers’ parades
May 24th - National holiday celebrating independence from the Spanish in 1822
June 24th - Corpus Christi - most of the celebrations take place in highland towns, featuring processions and street dancing
June 24th to 29th - Saint John the Baptist, Saint Peter and Saint Paul - fiestas in Otavalo only
July 24th - Simon Bolivar’s Birthday
August 10th - Quito’s Independence Day
October 12th - Columbus Day
September 1st to 15th - Fiesta del Yamor - grand festival that takes place in Otavalo only
November 1st and 2nd - All Saints and All Souls Day
December 6th - Fiesta commemorating the founding of Quito. Celebrations include bullfights, street dancing and parades

Visas

At present, most nationalities do not require a visa for entry into Ecuador for stays no longer than 90 days. Please check your local embassy for updated information.

Currency

Ecuador can be an economical country to travel through in South America. The Sucre, the local monetary unit, was devalued and was finally replaced with the US dollar in 2001.

Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most recognized credit cards in Ecuador. American Express has only recently found its way onto the scene. Be careful when using them, as merchants will often charge you a transaction fee in order to cover their costs. For this reason alone, we strongly suggest that you only use credit cards in Ecuador in cases of emergency.

Casas de Cambio are open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturdays. Banks are open from 9am to 1:30pm Monday to Friday and only sometimes on Saturdays.

Health

Vaccinations

Recommended though not compulsory are for dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, rabies, diphtheria, and cholera (There is a minor risk of cholera).

Best time to go

There are really only two seasons in Ecuador, wet and dry, and they vary depending on the region you are travelling in. The Galapagos and coastal regions are mainly influenced by the ocean currents. The hot and rainy season runs from January until April. With not too much rain you must expect some torrential downpours at times. From May until December it can be rather cooler but you can experience more overcast days. High seasons in the Galapagos are June through to August, and December to January. If you are heading into the Amazon, you must bring rainproof gear. We would suggest rubber boots and even though most lodges do provide these. Please note, that extra large sizes are rare! In the Amazon, August through to February are the driest seasons with April to June being the wettest.

In the highlands, the dry season is from June to September as well as December.

Nevertheless, Ecuador’s weather is unpredictable. When packing, ensure to bring something for every
weather condition.

Upon arrival

Once you’ve reclaimed your baggage and cleared customs, our friendly staff will warmly welcome you to Ecuador, assist you with your luggage and take you to your hotel by private air-conditioned minivan/bus. Please do not leave the airport terminal building unless you have made contact with Amazing Peru staff.