Ecuador is a small country in South America. It has a coastline with the Pacific Ocean, and shares a border with Colombia to the northeast, and with Peru to the southeast. Ecuador Also administered by Ecuador are the islands of Galapagos.
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Fast Facts about Ecuador
Official Name: Republic of Ecuador
Capital: Quito (1,400,000, metropolitan area)
Population of Ecuador: 13,363,600
Languages: Spanish, Amerindian dialects
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Religions: Roman Catholic (95%), others
Size: 283,560 sq km (109,483 sq miles)
Region: South America
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When to visit Ecuador
Ecuador is not a very wet country. It has two seasons, but even the wet season isn't particularly wet. Along the coast, the wet season is from January to May while in the Oriente, it runs from July to August. Any time of the year is good for visiting the Galapagos, though the sea will be rough between July and October. High season for the Galapagos are mid-Dec to January, and again, from June to August.
Travel Warning
Some places in Ecuador should be avoided due to security risks. These include the areas bordering Colombia, because of high crime incidence and kidnapping. The Cordillera del Condor region should also be avoided due to the presence of landmines.
What to wear in Ecuador
Lightweight to medium weight clothing is suitable any time of the year, bring along rainwear if going to the subtropical areas and warmer clothing for highlands.
Getting into Ecuador
The main gateway into Ecuador is Quito International Airport (UIO), officially the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, named after South American liberation hero, Antonio José de Sucre. The airport charges a departure tax of US$40.80 as of August 1, 2007. It is located just 5 minutes from the city centre, and its close proximity to downtown makes it impossible to be expanded. A new airport is being built 90km to the east of the city, in Tababela, and is scheduled to begin operations in 2010.
Ecuador Entry Requirements
Nationals of US, Australia, Canada, Britain and the EU do not need a visa to enter Ecuador.
Where to stay in Ecuador
Click on the name of the towns listed below to view hostels and budget accommodation available for booking there.
Click here for Budget Hostel Listing with Price and Room Availability
Banos
Coca
Coca - Yasuni National Park
Cuenca
Guayaquil
Isinlivi
Manglaralto
Mindo
Otavalo
Puerto Lopez
Quito
Salinas
San Pedro
Tena
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Getting around in Ecuador
Taxis are available in Quito. Always take licensed taxis that use the meter -- it is usually cheaper than pre-negotiating the fare.
Things to see and do in Ecuador
Explore Quito, the capital. Its old quarters is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and has well-preserved plazas, churches, museums and palaces.
Explore volcano country for magnificent panoramic views. Go to Latacunga and Ambato, visit the blue-green volcanic lake of Laguna Quilotoa, and go to the base of Cotopaxi, at 5,895m (19,345ft) it is the tallest active volcano in the world.
Go to Guayaquil, the main harbour port of Ecuador, and visit its landmarks, including the Rotonda, the Paseo de las Colonias, the Government Palace and the fortress of La Planchada.
Admire the town of Cuenca for its colonial architecture.
Go to Ingapirca to view its Inca settlement.
Make a trip to the Galapagos Islands to view the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin on his revolutionary theory.
Sightseeing Tours of Ecuador
The following are local tours that are available for you to book:
CUENCA Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
GUAYAQUIL Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
QUITO Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
Money matters in Ecuador
Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its currency since 2000. Banknotes come in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 while coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, and $1. Banking hours are from 8:30am - 4:00/5:00pm Mondays to Fridays.
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