ECUADOR
TRAVEL TIPS
A collection
of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
A
small country that spans from the Galapagos Islands, to the Pacific Coast,
up to the Andes Mountains and down to the world´s largest rainforest,
the Amazon Basin. Ecuador's unequalled natural beauty, diverse population,
and fascinating history make it an incredible travel destination. Take
a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will help you be more prepared
for travel anywhere in Ecuador.
ECUADOR
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 272,045 sq km (105,037 sq miles).
Population: 12,810,000 (official estimate 2002).
Population
Density: 44.7 per sq km.
Capital:
Quito. Population: 1,399,378 (2001).
Government: Democratic republic since 1978. Head of State and Govenment:
President Lucio Edwin Gutiérrez Borbúa since 2003.
Language: Spanish is the official language but Quechua and other indigenous
languages are common. Some English is spoken. |
|
Religion: More than 90 per cent are nominally Roman Catholic.
Electricity: 110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.
GEOGRAPHY: Ecuador is bordered to the north by Colombia,
to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. There
are three distinct zones: the Sierra or uplands of the Andes, running
from the Colombian border in the north to Peru in the south (of this there
are two main ranges - the Eastern and Western Cordilleras, which are divided
by a long valley); the Costa, a coastal plain between the Andes and the
Pacific with plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar; and the
Oriente, the upper Amazon basin to the east, consisting of tropical jungles
threaded by rivers. The latter, although comprising 36 per cent of Ecuador’s
land area, contains only 3 per cent of the population. Colonisation is,
however, increasing in the wake of the oil boom.
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ECUADOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Ecuador as with all countries, needs valid passports from all people entering
the country and proof of return tickets to the traveler's home country
or another country after Ecuador, you may get away with a single ticket,
the risk is yours. In addition the travelers from the following countries
will need a consular visa to enter Ecuador as Tourists stated in alphabetical
order: Algeria, Bangladesh, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, India,
Iran, Iraq, Jordan, North and South Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Palestinian Authority, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam and Yemen.
Upon
entering it is mandatory for visitors to complete an international embarkation/disembarkation
card, it is then stamped with your passport. Do keep this card in your
passport, losing it can make problems when exiting the country along with
spot checks on buses, clubs, restaurants or in the streets.
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ECUADOR CUSTOMS
Once
you've cleared immigration at the main airports or entered via road and
past checkpoints you will be inspected by the customs officials although
unless you're bringing in several items of the same thing to sell out
here few tourists are ever troubled or have any problems in this area
although weaponry is not permitted.
Importing
goods to Ecuador is expensive with high taxation levels so, you are recommended
to bring all you need for the trip in your luggage. When leaving the country
you may be searched and inspected by security including drug checks carried
out often by well trained dogs. There are no taxes for souvenirs and gifts
but do not attempt without permits to exit with plants, animals or archaeological
items.
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ECUADOR GETTING AROUND ECUADOR
Ecuador
has a more efficient air transportation system than most other Andean
countries. It also has the virtue of being a small country, and relatively
cheap, which allows even budget travellers the option of an occasional
internal flight. Quito's international airport is about 10km (6mi) north
of the city centre. The nation's other major airport is in Guayaquil,
about 5km (3mi) north of the city centre. Both are regularly serviced
by buses and taxis. The main domestic airlines are TAME and LAN, though
there are other small airlines and charter planes available. Almost all
flights begin or end in Quito or Guayaquil. There are flights to several
of the Galápagos Islands, but these are expensive. It's also possible
to make the trip by boat, but it works out no cheaper.
Most
travellers use buses to get around. Busetas (22 seat small buses) cover
long distances quickly; larger autobuses are slower but tend to be more
social and fun. Keep your passport with you when travelling by bus, as
there are frequent (usually cursory) transit police checks on the outskirts
of towns. Avoid taking night buses through Guayas Province, as the routes
are favored by highwaymen. Pickups (camionetas), trucks (rancheras) and
taxis can be hired for long journeys - negotiate a price before you ride.
Rental cars are available in a few major towns, with prices comparable
to those in the US or Europe. In order to keep the struggling train system
alive, foreigners pay more to travel by train than locals do. Passengers
are permitted to ride on top of some carriages - dress warmly for the
exciting views. The dramatic ascent from Alausi to Guayaquil is one of
the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.
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ECUADOR TRAVELING RESPONSIBILY
Do
respect the local culture and etiquette whilst in Ecuador also shown in
this Website, especially taking photographs of indigenous groups as well
as video recordings (ask always permission first), also try to stay in
local hotels as the costs are often lower although style and non-backpackers
along with older generations may enjoy greater facilities with the larger
chains, the more rustic locations may offer more cultural education, all
tastes, budgets are of course catered for in Ecuador. While in the streets,
never give money to children (give them sweets, or pencils).
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ECUADOR SAFETY
Ecuador is a fairly safe country to travel. The normal rules of large
city applies everywhere and so Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca the country's
most highly populated areas should be respected for tidy safety precautions
and some ideas for care and attention have been summarized below.
1.
All important documents should have carbon copies made of them and if
possible scanned onto e-mail accounts with non-accessible mailing systems
such as top secret hush mail as well as Yahoo, Crosswinds, Gmx, or Hotmail
for access in Ecuador for back up copies that can easily be reprinted
while in the country.
2.
Do ensure your major documents including airline onward tickets, credit
cards and passport are not all kept in one place as well as your cash
because the worst thing that could happen is that you lose all resources
in one fell swoop. Credit cards, money wires and travelers checks are
still the safest way to travel.
3.
Don't always go for the cheapest hotels usually in more dangerous areas
or around bus stations and wherever possible take a taxi home after darkness
unless you're close and in an area well lit. Beware of anyone becoming
very friendly rapidly or offers services and guided tours, be direct and
firm.
4.
For backpackers do ensure your equipment is lockable as well as ladies
with shoulder bags should carry them in front and not behind them.
5.
Travelers should not expose cameras or expensive jewelry including watches,
as they may become a studied target and prey for an odd robber.
6.
Do not ever carry any type of drugs with you including Marihuana because
even a small piece will make the police authorities think that you are
involved in the trafficking of drugs and you'll be placed under arrest
and sent to prison for several years while the trials can often take up
to a year to come to fruition.
In
addition try to avoid dubious areas such as bars or discos where you either
see or acknowledge these types of practices and if checked in these places
get a witness to be present while you're searched so that no one can plant
anything on you.
7.
Many thieves use accomplices who act as decoys distracting your attention
while his partner gets your valuables or pickpockets something from you
so do be always conscious of these practices.
8.
Check with your hotel, other tourists and information kiosks for the dangerous
areas and keep away from them.
9.
It is wise to travel by day as more road hold ups by robbers occurs at
night including buses with both intercity and longer journeys such as
from Quito to Guayaquil so, do try to travel during daytime.
10.
Don't go into parks after darkness or areas with no people and if you
do suffer or come up against a dangerous situation hand over your valuables
in case of being attacked by withholding your items.
11.
Be careful in crowded areas, markets, night life areas and buses where
pickpockets and bag snatchers can thrive usually in the main cities.
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ECUADOR SPOT CHECKS
Spot checks with travelers passports are verified near the main frontier
areas of Peru and Colombia as well as at police checkpoints on main routes
of the country. The other main checks can be made in discos, bars and
coastal holiday resorts that have high frequencies of foreigners. Street
checks are rare and could be fakes just wanting money if you don't have
your passport or a photocopy, they will nearly always be in uniform with
police numbered codes or badges so, if you are asked by non-uniformed
officials ask for their ID and ask them to escort you to a nearby police
building, if they refuse you'll know immediately they are criminals and
bandids and so don't give them any documents.
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ECUADOR HEALTH
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers
over one year of age arriving from infected areas. Travellers arriving
from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended
for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease
has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination
certificate to enter the country.
2:
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate
is no longer a condition of entry to Ecuador. However, cholera is a serious
risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice
should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include
vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see
the Health appendix for further information.
3:
Typhoid poses some risk in rural areas.
4:
Malaria risk, predominantly in the benign vivax form, is high throughout
the year below 1500m in 148 cantons in 19 provinces. A high proportion
of falciparum cases in Esmeraldas Province are reportedly resistant to
chloroquine. There is no risk in Guayaquil or Quito.
Food
& drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated.
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first
been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is available. Milk
is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available
and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water.
Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled
milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork,
salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked
and fruit peeled.
Other
risks: Endemic onchocerciasis occurs in rural areas. Hepatitis A and B
are hyperendemic and inoculation with gamma globulin is highly recommended.
Hepatitis D is endemic in the Amazon Basin. Dengue fever might occur.
Altitude sickness is a risk flying directly into Quito (2800m).
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival
should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health
care: Medical facilities outside the major towns are extremely limited.
Health insurance (to include emergency repatriation) is strongly recommended.
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ECUADOR COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone: Country code: 593. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile
telephone: AMPS network is operated by Otecel, and AMPS-TDMA
network is operated by Conecel. A GSM 850 network was set up in 2003.
Internet: ISPs include Interactive (website: www.interactive.net.ec).
Telegram: These may be sent from the chief telegraph office in main towns.
Post: Airmail to western Europe and the USA takes up to one week, but incoming
deliveries are less certain.
Press: Dailies are in Spanish and include El Comercio (website: www.elcomercio.com)
and Hoy (website: www.hoy.net), published in Quito; and El Telégrafo
(website: www.telegrafo.com.ec) and El Universo (website: www.eluniverso.com),
published 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: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America
(website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies
change and the most up-to-date can be found online.
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ECUADOR BUSINESS PROFILE
Economy: Ecuador’s economy rests on the twin pillars of
oil and agriculture. Some commentators believe that the potential fluctuation
in oil prices leaves the country susceptible to market crashes. It is
the world’s largest exporter of bananas and also grows coffee, cocoa,
palm oil and sugar in significant quantities. The timber industry yields
valuable hardwoods and the country is also a leading producer of balsa
wood. 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, but it is the discovery of substantial new oil reserves
in the mid-1990s that could transform Ecuador’s economy. In August
1997, work began to expand the trans-Ecuadorian pipeline. The other main
components of the industrial sector are food processing, chemicals and
textiles. Ecuador pursued an isolationist foreign and trade policy for
many years until a programme of economic reform was begun during the 1990s.
In November 1992, Ecuador withdrew from OPEC and, in August 1995, joined
the World Trade Organization. Since then, the country’s increasing
oil revenues have largely been devoted to paying off the country’s
substantial foreign debt. In addition, after a period of poor relations
with the IMF, Ecuador has sold many former state assets as part of a deal
with the IMF in 2002 to secure future funding. Ecuador is a member of
the main regional integration bodies: the Andean Union and ALADI (Asociación
Latinoamericana de Integración). The USA is the largest single
trading partner, accounting for over 40 per cent of Ecuadorian exports
and supplying around one-third of imports. Other significant trading partners
are Japan, Colombia, Germany, Italy and Korea (Rep).
Commercial
Information: The Federación Nacional de Cámaras
de Comercio del Ecuador can offer advice. This chamber usually swaps location
(between Quito and Guayaquil) every two years; it has been in Quito since
March 2004: Amazonas y República, Edificio las Cámaras,
Apartado 17-01-202, Quito (tel: (2) 244 3787; fax: (2) 243 5862; website:
www.ccq.org.ec). In 2006, it will be in Guayaquil: Francisco de Orellana
y Miguel Alciras, Ciudadela Kennedy Norte, Edificio Las Cámaras,
Guayaquil (tel: (4) 268 2771; fax: (4) 268 2725).
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ECUADOR
SOCIAL PROFILE
Food & Drink: 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.
Specialities include llapingachos (pancakes stuffed with mashed potato
and cheese); shrimp or lobster ceviche. This is traditionally accompanied
by popcorn and chifles (thinly sliced and fried green bananas); locro
(stew of potatoes and cheese); humitas (flavoured sweetcorn tamale); and
the national delicacy of roasted guinea pig. Bakeries offer delicious
sweet pastries and empanadas (hot crispy meat-or cheese-filled pastries).
Another popular snack is patacones (squashed fried green bananas). You
will often find that most Ecuadorian homes have a special pounding stone
for making this tasty snack. Restaurants have waiter service and there
are cafe-style bars.
Ecuador has some of the best beer in South America. The most popular brand
is Pilsner. International drinks and whiskies are available, but expensive.
An Ecuadorian speciality is a unique fruit juice called naranjilla –
a taste somewhere between citrus and peach. Good Chilean wine is available,
but expensive. The best local drink is canelazo, made from sugar cane,
alcohol, lemon, sugar and cinnamon. Another local drink is pisco, made
from fresh lemon. Alcohol cannot be sold after 0200.
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.
Special
Events: For a full list of special events, contact one of the
Ecuadorian tourism authorities (see Contact Addresses section). The following
is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Ecuador:
Jan 6 Epiphany. Feb Festival of Fruits and Flowers, Ambato; Carnival (three-day
national celebration). Mar Peach Festival, Azuay. Apr Holy Week. May 24
Battle of Pichincha Day. Jun Corpus Christi (harvest festivals in mountain
villages); Festival of the Friendly Rooster, Chimborazo. Jun 24 Festival
of John the Baptist, especially in Otavalo. Jul 24 Simón Bolívars’
Birthday. Aug 10 Independence Day. Sep Festival of Yamor (native masks,
costumes and dances), Otavalo; Banana’s Fair, Machala. Oct 9 International
Fair, Guayaquil (celebration of town’s independence). Nov 2 All
Souls’ Day (visits to cemeteries). Nov 3 Independence of Cuenca.
Nov 30-Dec 8 Quito Bullfighting Fair. Dec 6 Founding of Quito (bullfights,
folklore exhibits and sporting events). Dec 24 Christmas Eve (costume
pageants). Dec 31 New Year’s Eve.
Note:
Booking hotels during fiestas and festivals can be difficult. Visitors
should book well in advance.
Social
Conventions: Casual wear is widely acceptable, but businesspeople
are expected to dress smartly. It is important to be punctual when arriving
for meetings. Smart clothes are often required when visiting hotel dining
rooms and better restaurants. Beachwear should only be worn on the beach
and revealing clothes should not be worn in towns. Smoking is widely accepted.
Photography: A tip may be requested if you wish to take someone’s
photograph and it is better to seek permission first.
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ECUADOR CURRENCY
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador.
Currency: US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations
of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1
and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The US Dollar replaced the Sucre as the
official currency of Ecuador in September 2000.
Currency
exchange: Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at
exchange houses (casas de cambio), the latter being generally the best
option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate
of commission varies between 1 per cent and 4 per cent, so it is worth
shopping around. ATMs are available in large urban areas.
Credit
& debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard
and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for
details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers
cheques: Travellers cheques are generally accepted in the larger
cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks.
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ECUADOR
SHOPPING
Bargaining is acceptable in small shops and in markets, but prices are
usually fixed in ‘tourist stores’. A few stores around the
major hotels have fixed prices. In the Province of Azuay, the cities of
Cuenca and Gualaceo offer a wide variety of handicrafts at ferias or special
market days. The top attractions are the ferias of Otavalo, Ambato, Latacunga,
Saquisili and Riobamba, most held once a week. They offer the visitor
excellent bargains for Indian crafts and silver. Principal silver stores
are in Quito. Special purchases include native woodcarvings, varnished
and painted ornaments made of bread dough, Indian tiles, woollen and orlon
rugs, blankets, baskets, leather goods, shigras (shoulder bags) and hand-loomed
textiles, indigenous art and native weapons. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-2000,
Sat 0800-2100 (times are for shopping malls; local stores may have shorter
opening hours). Some shops open Sunday.
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ECUADOR TIPPING
At airports a tip of US$ 0.50 is adequate for porters helping you with
your luggage while in hotels and restaurants, a 10% service charge usually
is sufficient already for tips, if you wish to give another tip in relation
to good service a further 5-10% is discretionary. If you have a car and
park it for an hour or so there are boys and men who will take up a look
out position on most streets and they warrant between US$0.25-$0.30 cents
again at your discretion.
Be aware that in the main city's airports such as Guayaquil, Quito and
Cuenca, taxi drivers usually speculate on prices. Remember that the minimum
ride costs US $1. Especially in Quito Taxi drivers "must" use
taximeters, if they don't have it on, it is because they are planning
to charge you more than the average rate and speculate. If you don't mind
paying more than the established rates, arrange a price previously.
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ECUADOR PEOPLE
Of the current 13 million Ecuadorian population over half are Mestizos,
those of Spanish and Indian descent. According to the area they habit
they are called "montuvios" or "cholos" in the coastline
for example. Where as in the Andes they are nicknamed "longos"
or "indios".
The main concentration of black people are in the province of Esmeraldas
in the north west of Ecuador with the rest spread around the other provinces
along with other white cultures in the major cities.
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ECUADOR CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Climate: Warm and subtropical. The Andean regions are
cooler and rainfall is high in coastal and jungle areas.
Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens, and rainwear
in subtropical areas. Warmer clothes are needed in upland areas.
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ECUADOR SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Rainforest treks: Travellers wishing to explore the rainforest
of the lower Amazon basin and its abundant plant and animal life should
head to the Oriente region (see Resorts & Excursions section). It
is probably best to do this as part of an organised tour, which can be
booked with a number of local operators providing tailor-made itineraries
and experienced guides. The presence of hundreds of waterways, many of
which are tributaries of the great River Amazon, means that such tours
invariably involve travelling by boat. Usually, these are large motorised
canoes travelling up the main rivers (such as the Aguarico or the Napo),
although trips on non-motorised boats along the smaller waterways are
also available, which is a far better way to observe the wildlife. Several
indigenous communities living in the region have preserved their traditional
lifestyles and are actively engaged in resisting the ongoing attempts
by oil companies to develop and exploit the Ecuadorian rainforest.
Hiking: There are some good hiking trails in Cotopaxi National Park, one of them
following the shores of Lago Limpiopungo, located at an altitude of 3800m
(12,465ft).
Climbing: Several tour operators based in Baños, Ecuador’s tourist
mecca for adventure sports and trips to the rainforest, also offer climbing
expeditions to the volcanoes. Experienced climbers may head to the Cotopaxi
volcano which at 5985m (19,345ft) is one of the world’s highest
and is best reached from Quito.
Wildlife: Apart from the rainforest, Ecuador’s rich wildlife is best
represented in the Galápagos Islands, whose most famous inhabitants
are the giant Galápagos tortoises (weighing up to 272kg/600lb).
Adventure tours around the islands are available, either in large cruise
ships or in smaller ships and yachts (advance booking is essential). The
amount of time visitors are allowed to stay on the islands is regulated
by the Government. For further details on the Galápagos Islands,
see the Resorts & Excursions section.
Watersports: There are 2800km (1750 miles) of coastline along the mainland, with beach
resorts offering various types of watersports. Good snorkelling is available
via chartered boat trips around the Isla de la Plata (located in the Parque
Nacional Machalilla, Ecuador’s only coastal national park). Fishing
is particularly good off the western coast. Whitewater rafting is also
popular in and around Baños.
Scenic
train journeys: Several of Ecuador’s railway routes, particularly
those in the Andes, pass through spectacular mountain scenery, often at
dramatic altitudes. The Ecuadorian custom of riding on the roof of the
train makes the views even more breathtaking. One of the most famous routes,
whose climax is the precipitous ‘Devil’s Nose’ passage,
is from Riobamba down to the Pacific coast. Train schedules are fairly
erratic and visitors should check locally prior to travelling.
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ECUADOR TIME ZONE
Ecuador is in Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the
Equator, between Colombia and Peru. Ecuador Standard Time is GMT-5.
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