GEOGRAPHY
Covering 283,520 sq. km., Ecuador contains some of the most varied geography in South America. The Andes Mountain Range runs through the country from north to south, splitting continental Ecuador into three distinct regions: the Amazon basin, the highlands and the coastal plains. Our fourth region is formed by the unmatched and beautiful Galapagos Islands, which are 900 km. west of the continent. The capital city, Quito, is located at 2,828 m. above sea level.
POPULATION
There are over twelve million citizens: approximately 40 percent are indigenous, another 40 percent are mestizo and the rest are of different descents, including European. Most of the population is settled on the coast and in the inter-Andean valleys. The most populated cities are: Guayaquil (2.8 million), Quito (1.8 million) and Cuenca (350,000).
LANGUAGES
There are two official languages: Spanish and Quichua. Other important languages belong to the many indigenous groups living in the tropical rain forest and on the coast. They are the following: Shuar, Hoaorani, Siona-Secoya, Cofan, Chachis and Tsachillas.
CLIMATE
Ecuador’s weather is the result of its great environmental diversity, and it is very difficult to predict and generalize about the climate. Due to our 0 degree latitude, we recieve practically equal sun radiation all year. That is, we have the same amount of daylight on solstices and the equinoxes, so we don’t have the typical four seasons experienced in many parts of the world. We have a wet and dry season that varies quite drastically depending on the region. On the coast, and in the Andean valleys which drain towards the Pacific Ocean, there is generally a wet season from the end of December to May. In the Amazon basin (Oriente), and the Andean valleys which drain towards the Atlantic, the rainy season is generally from May to July. But because of the intricacy of the Andean range and the small area of the country, at times the influence on the weather could be from either side. In any case, temperatures depend more on altitude than on seasons. The snow covered volcanoes have below freezing temperatures, the inter-Andean valleys, where most cities are located, have an average high temperature of 22 degrees C and an average low temperature of 18 degrees C. The coast has an average high temperature of 32 degrees C and an average low temperature of 20 degrees C.
VISAS
Every visitor must have a valid visa. If the country in which they hold citizenship has a special agreement with the government of Ecuador, they need only a valid passport and round trip tickets to get a temporary visa.
HEALTH
There are no vaccinations required in Ecuador; however, if one is traveling to the Amazon or the coast, malaria and yellow fever prevention is recommended. Those with heart problems should consult their doctor about the altitude.
TAXES
There is a departure tax of $45.00 USD. In the Galapagos, there is an entry tax of $100 USD. Most national parks, protected areas and some indigenous communities have an entry fee of approximately $10 USD. Hotels and restaurants charge a 12% sales and 10% service tax.
CURRENCY
The monetary unit is the US Dollar. The main hotels in the large cities can exchange major foreign currencies.
LOCAL TIME
Local time is GMT-6.
ELECTRICITY
110 volts / 60 cycles.