Ecuador

Region

South America.

Area

272,045 km² (105,037 sq miles).

Population

13.8 million (2007 estimate).

50.7 per km².

Capital

Quito. Population: 2.1 million (2008 estimate).

Government

Democratic republic since 1978.

Geography

Ecuador is bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The Andes running from the Colombian border in the north to Peru in the south have two main ranges - the Eastern and Western Cordilleras, divided by the Avenue of Volcanoes. The coastal plain between the Andes and the Pacific is covered by tropical forests and plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar. The Amazon jungle comprises 36% of Ecuador's land area, but contains only 3% of the population. Colonisation is, however, increasing in the wake of the oil boom.

Language

Spanish is the official language, but Quichua (Kichwa) and other indigenous languages are common.

Religion

Christianity, with 95% Roman Catholic.

Time

Mainland: GMT - 5.
Galapagos Islands: GMT - 6.

Social Conventions

Casual wear is widely acceptable, other than for business. Smart clothes are often required when visiting hotel dining rooms and better restaurants. Revealing clothes should not be worn in towns.

Photography: A tip may be requested if you wish to take someone's photograph and it is better to seek permission first.

Electricity

120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs used are American-style (two perpendicular flat blades above a circular grounding pin) and Japanese-style (two perpendicular flat blades).

Head of State

President Rafael Correa since 2007.

Recent History

Elected in October 2006, Ecuador's left-wing president Rafael Correa, aligned with Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, has pushed through a new constitution which gives him more power. He has pursued nationalization policies, pledged to close a US military base and broken relations with the neighbouring Colombia over a border incident. The two countries were on the brink of war after Colombian forces attacked a guerrilla camp on the Ecuadorean side of the border.

Climate

Weather varies greatly, depending on the altitude. The coastal and Amazonian lowlands have a wet equatorial climate, but the higher you go, the colder it becomes. Most large cities are located in a fairly comfortable subtropical zone, although it can be very cold at night in Quito. Further up, it can be cold at all times. Ecuador is a year-round destination, but highland areas are best visited during the dry season - from June to September.

Required Clothing

Lightweight natural fabrics; rainwear in subtropical areas. Warmer clothes are needed in upland areas.

Hotels

Hotel rooms should be booked at least one week in advance. Outside the main towns, a more or less standard price is charged per person for one night in a pensión, residencial or hotel. There is, however, a minimum charge per person. A 10% service charge and 5% tax are added to upper- and middle-range hotel bills.

Cheaper hotels usually charge 5% at the most. There is also a range of accommodation on the Galapagos Islands. Booking hotels during fiestas and festivals can be difficult. Visitors should book well in advance.

Grading: Hotels in Ecuador have been graded into three main categories according to standard and price bracket. All categories provide at least basic facilities.

Budget

Basic and cheap accommodation can be found in pensións, residencials and hostals. It is recommended to view the room before checking in. Hot water is uncommon, apart from in the highlands and in more upscale hotels, but rooms often have air conditioning or, at least, a fan.

Camping / Caravanning

Camping facilities in Ecuador are very limited, although it is allowed in most parks and reserves, and some hotels may offer cheap rates for camping in their grounds. Camping is prohibited on the Galápagos Islands except in one of the designated campsites, or sometimes in a pension garden. A permit is required and can be obtained from the park offices.

Unique Accommodation

Attractive colonial haciendas and jungle lodges make unique places to stay.

GDP

US$54.7 billion (2008 estimate).

Main imports

Industrial materials, nondurable consumer goods, fuels and lubricants.

Main exports

Petroleum, bananas, coffee, cacao, cut flowers and shrimp.

Main trade partners

USA, Colombia, China, Brazil and Japan.

Economy

Following economic crisis and poverty, the adoption of the US Dollar (in 2000) has stablised the nation's economy. However, 38% of the population are still below the poverty line (2006). Growth was at 3.4% in 2008, with unemployment at 8.7% and inflation at 8.6%. Ecuador has substantial petroleum resources, which has earned more than a half of the country's export revenue in recent years. It is the world's largest exporter of bananas and also grows coffee, cocoa, palm oil and sugar in significant quantities.

Fishing is another important sector: seafood exports have expanded rapidly to the point where Ecuador is now the world's second-largest producer of shrimps. The mining sector produces gold, silver, copper and other metals. Ecuador is a member of the World Trade Organisation. In recent years, the country's increasing oil revenues have largely been devoted to paying off the country's substantial foreign debt. Ecuador is a member of the main regional integration bodies: the Andean Union and Asociación Latinoamericana de Integración (ALADI).

Currency

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents.

Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Some coins are usual US cents and some are Ecuadorean centavos. They have the same value.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.

Credit / Debit Cars

Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galápagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.

Travelers Cheques

Traveller's cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and casas de cambio.

Banking Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1600/1700; Sat mornings.

Exchange Rates

Date Jan 2009

£1.00 = US$1.45

€1.00 = US$1.37

Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Ecuador without incurring customs duty:

300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco.

1l of alcohol.

A reasonable amount of perfume.

Gifts and personal effects up to US$200 (for stays of up to seven days) or US$300 (for stays of eight days up to six months).

Prohibited Exports

The export of gold bars or antiques is prohibited.

Shopping

Bargaining is acceptable in small shops and in markets, but prices are usually fixed in tourist stores. A few stores around the major hotels have fixed prices. In the Province of Azuay, the cities of Cuenca and Gualaceo offer a wide variety of handicrafts at feriasor special market days.

The top attractions are the ferias of Otavalo, Ambato, Latacunga, Saquisili and Riobamba, most held once a week. They offer the visitor excellent bargains for Indian crafts and silver. Principal silver stores are in Quito.

Special purchases include native woodcarvings, varnished and painted ornaments made of bread dough, Indian tiles, woollen and orlon rugs, blankets, baskets, leather goods, shigras (shoulder bags) and hand-loomed textiles, indigenous art and native weapons.

Shopping hours

Generally, most shops are openMon-Sat 0900-1800. Family shops, set up outside the main towns, often stay open as long as someone is awake. Some shops open Sunday.

Food and Drink

Ecuador has some of the best beer in South America; the most popular brand is Pilsener, along with Club and Biela. Good, inexpensive Chilean and Argentinian wine is available, alongside pricier international drinks. Restaurants have waiter service and there are cafe-style bars. Things to know: Alcohol cannot be sold after 0200.

National specialties

Cuy (roasted guinea pig).

Llapingachos (pancakes stuffed with mashed potato and cheese).

The best of the jungle fruits include chirimoya, with a delicious custard-like inside; mamey, which has a red, sweet, squash-like meat; and pepinos, a sweet white and purple striped cucumber-like fruit.

Shrimp or lobster ceviche. This is traditionally accompanied by popcorn and chifles (thinly sliced and fried green bananas).

Locro (soup of potatoes, corn and cheese).

National drinks

Naranjilla (fruit juice with a taste somewhere between citrus and peach).

Canelazo (made from sugar cane, alcohol, lemon, sugar and cinnamon)

Pisco - the local brandy

Chicha (fermented corn drink)

Herbal teas made from native plants

Tipping

10% service charge is usually added to the bill in hotels and restaurants.

Nightlife

There is little nightlife, except in Quito and Guayaquil where there are excellent restaurants and other attractions. In smaller towns, social life takes place in the home and in private clubs. The cinema is the most popular form of entertainment. Things liven up from Thursday to Saturday evenings. Bars are generally open between 2000-0200, with clubs staying on until about 0400.

Health

Diphtheria - Yes;

Hepatitis A - Yes;

Malaria - Sometimes*;

Rabies - Sometimes;

Tetanus - Yes;

Typhoid - Yes;

Yellow Fever - Sometimes**.

* Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 1,500m (4,920ft), with moderate to high transmission risk in El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha and Sucumbios. There is no risk in Guayaquil or Quito.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended if travelling to the east of the Andes. There is no risk in Quito, Guayaquil or the Galapagos Islands.

Health Care

There are plenty of pharmacies in urban areas. Good medical care is available in Quito, Guayaquil, and most of the big cities. Medical facilities outside the major towns are limited. Acute surgical and cardiac services are not available on the Galápagos Islands; therefore, for more serious illnesses, patients may be evacuated to the USA. Health insurance (to include emergency repatriation) is strongly recommended.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period:

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day;

12 Feb Amazon and Galapagos Day;

27Feb Civicism and National Unity Day;

10 Apr Good Friday;

1 May Labour Day;

24 May Battle of Pichincha;

10 Aug Independence Day;

9Oct Guayaquil Independence Day;

2 Nov All Souls' Day;

3 Nov Cuenca Independence Day;

25 Dec Christmas Day;

31 Dec New Year's Eve.

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day;

12 Feb Amazon and Galapagos Day;

27Feb Civicism and National Unity Day;

2 Apr Good Friday;

1 May Labour Day;

24 May Battle of Pichincha;

10 Aug Independence Day;

9Oct Guayaquil Independence Day;

2 Nov All Souls' Day;

3 Nov Cuenca Independence Day;

25 Dec Christmas Day;

31 Dec New Year's Eve.

NOTE: Ecuador's Carnival (in March/April), the Foundation of Guayaquil (usually in October), the Foundation of Cuenca (usually in November) and the Foundation of Quito (usually in December) are not official public holidays, but are widely observed. Other holidays, in addition to the above, may be marked locally.

Things to Do

Hiking in the Andes - High-altitude walks in the Cotopaxi and El Cajas national parks require some stamina due to the lack of oxygen, but this is your chance to see the stunning scenery of the grass-covered paramo plateaus, surrounded by volcanoes.

Scaling volcanoes - Cotopaxi - the world's highest active volcano - is one of the best mountains to start your climbing career. The climb doesn't require previous experience, but you need to be very fit and accustomed to high altitude.

Jungle - The wet equatorial forest of the Oriente is teeming with wildlife. Some areas are dotted with eco-lodges from where travellers embark on canoe expeditions through the intricate network of rivers and creeks that form the Amazon basin.

Cycling down the Andes - A few tour agencies in Quito offer cycling trips that take in the high-altitude paramo at an altitude of 4,000m (13,123ft) down to the lush tropical forests at 1,000m (3,280ft), passing the numerous climatic zones in between.

Cruising in the Galapagos - One of the world's most enticing destinations, the remote Pacific islands are full of unique creatures that you can't find anywhere else in the world. The ultimate experience is swimming with the giant Galapagos tortoises. Cruises should be booked in advance.

Surfing - The Pacific coast of Ecuador has sandy beaches that draw crowds of surfers. The village of Montañitahas grown into a surfers' enclave with plenty of cheap accommodation and active nightlife.

Devil's Nose - Riding on the train's roof is not forbidden by the local tourist authorities in Ecuador - it's more encouraged. The famously precipitous Devil's Nose'train route takes you from Riobamba to the Alausi station, with most passengers opting to ride on top of the carriage.

Indian shopping - Indigenous markets are an ethnologist's wonder, but also a cheap and efficient way to stock up on gifts for your friends and families. While the Otavalomarket mostly caters for tourists, the market in Saqisili is a authentically local affair.

Things to See

Quito - Set at 2,850m (9,348ft), the Ecuadorean capital boasts one of the continent's best-preserved colonial downtowns. Its lavishly decorated 16th-century churches are full of exquisite religious art, while its plazas remember marching conquistadores, shackled slaves and Jesuits preaching to the Indians.

Avenue of Volcanoes - Driving along the Panamericana on a sunny day, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering snowcapped volcanoes that invite for a hiking or climbing adventure. The most notable of them are volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

Equator line - The huge granite monument marking the equator line is not far from Quito (www.mitaddelmundo.com). Local guides will show how water swirls clockwise and anti-clockwise direction on both side of the line to prove its scientific significance.

Cuenca - Founded in 1577, Cuenca (www.cuenca.com.ec) is perhaps the best example of a South American colonial city. You are likely to feel the ambience already when checking into your hotel, most of which are located in heritage buildings. The nearby Ingapirca site gives a glimpse of Ecuador's pre-colonial history.

Guayaquil - The long riverside promenade in Ecuador's commercial capital (www.inguayaquil.com) is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with shady gardens and nice restaurants. Nearby, Barrio las Peñas is a former slum converted into a bohemian district, full of galleries, souvenir shops and bars.

Littoral - This narrow coastal belt has several attractive towns, such as Playas Posoriaand Salinas, while Esmeraldas, one of the country's most important ports, is also known for its beautiful beaches. The relaxing island of Muisneis fast becoming a popular destination.

Baños - This tourist resort is booming despite having been several times evacuated because of its violent neighbour - the permanently erupting Tungurahua volcano. At night, you can watch from a safe distance how the mountain exhales fumes and lava streaks.

Galapagos Islands - This is the place to see the main characters in Charles Darwin's Origin of Species' - Darwin finches and more unusual creatures, such as the flightless cormorant, Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana and the unique tropical penguins (www.galapagospark.org).

Travel Advice

Most visits are trouble-free. It is advised against all travel to the province of Sucumbios, which borders Colombia. Armed groups are active in this province and there is a risk of kidnapping and crime.

Visitors are advised against all travel within 16 km (10 miles) of the Tungurahua volcano in all directions due to an eruption on 6 February 2008. At present, the Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano and have restricted access to Baños, Pelileo and the immediate surrounding areas. Visitors should also monitor local media for updates.

Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and they sometimes turn violent. Take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering, particularly under present political circumstances.

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.

Travellers should be aware of the risks of crime in all areas and take sensible precautions at all times. You should be particularly vigilant in poorer urban areas, after dark and on public transport. It is recommended not to travel alone.

Some bus robberies have been reported at the Macará and Huaquillas Ecuador/Peru border crossings and in the provinces of El Oro, Los Rios, Guayas and Azuay. "Express kidnappings" are on the increase. Visitors should exercise caution when arriving in, and travelling around, Ecuador and be aware of the general risks of crime for visitors.

Although tourists were not initially targeted, there has been an increase in this kind of robbery and some tourists have been affected. Visitors should be particularly aware around the city of Guayaquil and in the south of Ecuador, including the Ecuador/Peru border crossings of Macará and Huaquillas, as the majority of reported cases come from these areas. The threat from terrorism is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Passport note

Passports must be carried at all times.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: (a) A measles vaccination certificate is required by all nationals travelling from Germany and Italy and must be shown on arrival.
(b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Note

Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.

Telephone

Country code: 593. Public phone boxes are scarce at present, but telephone offices can be found everywhere and are cheaper. Also, cellular public phones can be used with a pre-paid card.

Mobil Mobile Phones

Roaming agreements exist with one international mobile phone company. Coverage is variable.

Internet

Internet access is broadly available, especially in Quito where there are a number of Internet cafes.

Media

Under the Ecuadorian Constitution, journalists are given freedom of speech. However, the seizure of three private TV journalists and one radio journalist by the government in July 2008 prompted many concerns. Defamation in Ecuador is punishable by prison sentences of up to three years. By law, the government is given free air time on radio and TV.

Post

Airmail to Europe and the USA takes anything from a week to a month, while incoming deliveries are even less certain.

Mon-Fri 0800-1900, Sat 0800-1200. Shorter hours are likely in rural areas.

Press

Dailies include El Comercio, El Tiempo and La Hora, with regional editions.

Hoy, El Telégrafo and El Universo, based in Guayaquil.

There are two English-language newspapers, Inside Ecuador and Q, though both are published irregularly.

International newspapers and magazines are available at international airports, main post offices and in some bookshops.

Radio

Radio Sucre provides news and information, Cadena Radial Ecuatoriana (CRE) is a Guayaquil-based commercial network and Radio Nacional del Ecuador is government owned.

Radio Centro is privately owned.

Getting around by Air

TAME (EQ) (www.tame.com.ec) flies frequently between Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations throughout the country. A number of small airlines serve the coast and eastern part of the country. Flying is the usual mode of transport for intercity travel. Galapagos Islands: There are daily flights to the Galapagos Islands on national airlines from both Quito and Guayaquil; note that there is a national park admission charge, payable in cash only.

Water

Ecuadors rocky coastline makes coast-hopping an inefficient and even dangerous means of transport for visitors. Several navigable rivers flow eastwards into the Amazon basin. Dugout canoes, which carry up to about 25 people, are widely used as a means of transport in roadless areas, particularly in the Oriente jungles and in the northwest coastal regions. Tourist boats, luxury cruisers, converted fishing boats and hired yachts can all be used to travel between the Galápagos Islands.

Road

Traffic drives on the right. An extensive network of roads spreads out from the main north-south axis of the Panamericana (Pan-American Highway). Roads can have variable conditions, particularly in the highlands, due to the terrain and weather; potholes and cracks in the road are sometimes sizeable. There is a lack of road markings and signage, so driving at night is particularly best avoided.

Bus

Long-distance buses leave from the terminal terrestre (central bus station). Tickets are inexpensive and should be bought in advance to secure a seat. Long-distance coaches can be very comfortable and air-conditioned. Other modes include busetas (minibuses that travel long distances quickly) and converted pick-up trucks. The standards of buses decrease in rural areas. Travellers are advised to keep their passports with them at all times as police checks are common. Keep luggage within sight. It is not recommended to travel at night.

Car hire

International and local car hire companies operate in Ecuador. 4-wheel drive is necessary for some areas. Drivers need to be at least 25 years old and have a major credit card for the deposit.

Regulations

The national speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways and around 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, unless otherwise indicated. There are strong penalties for even the most minor driving offences.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is not required, but insurance is.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Quito to other major cities and towns in Ecuador:

Getting there by Air

TAME (EQ) (www.tame.com.ec) flies frequently between Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations throughout the country. A number of small airlines serve the coast and eastern part of the country. Flying is the usual mode of transport for intercity travel. Air Passes: oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are Aer Lingus (EI), American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to 34 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure tax

US$25.

Main airports

Quito (UIO) (Mariscal Sucre) (www.quitoairport.com) is 8km (5 miles) from the city centre.
To/from the airport: Buses and shuttles operate frequently (journey time - 20-30 minutes). Return is from Avenida 10 de Agosto. Taxis are also available.
Facilities: Tourist information, VIP lounge, public telephones, medical service, bars, car hire, duty-free shops, banks/currency exchanges and restaurants.

Guayaquil (GYE) (Simón Bolívar) (www.tagsa.aero) is 5km (3 miles) from the city.
To/from the airport: There are bus and taxi services into the city.
Facilities: Banks/currency exchanges, postal service, VIP lounge, duty-free shops and restaurants.

Getting there by Road

The Pan-American Highway bisects the country. It begins at the Colombian border in the Carchi province and runs south on to Quito, Riobamba, Cuenca, Loja and ending at Macará near the border with Peru. Part of the highway is toll-administered and the condition of the road is mostly quite good. However, it mainly goes through mountains, making it fairly dangerous to drive. Long-distance buses leave from the terminal terrestre (central bus station).

Tickets are inexpensive and should be bought in advance to secure a seat. Long-distance coaches can be very comfortable and air-conditioned. Other modes include busetas (minibuses that travel long distances quickly) and converted pick-up trucks. The standards of buses decrease in rural areas. Travellers are advised to keep their passports with them at all times as police checks are common. Keep luggage within sight. It is not recommended to travel at night.