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GENERAL INFORMATION
Location
Continental
Ecuador is located on the northwestern coast of South America,
between Colombia to the north and Peru to the south and east. It is
crossed by the Equator, from where derives its name. Ecuador also
owns the Galapagos Islands, located approximately 970 kilometers
westward off the coast. It is one of the smallest countries in South
America, with 256,370 square kilometers. Mainland local time is -5 GMT (US Eastern Standard
Time) year round. The Galapagos are on -6 GMT (US Central Standard
Time) year round.
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Geography
and Climate
Ecuador
is crossed from north to south by the Andes, which divides its
continental territory in three big regions, generally known as Costa
(Western Lowlands), Sierra (Andes) and Oriente (Amazon). These three
regions are at no more than a 30-minute flight from each other and
at a maximum of eight hours by car, which allows seeing dramatic
changes in the landscape and sensations in a very short period of
time.
In
each corner of Ecuador, there are fascinating things, either in
variety of species of animals and plants as well as the diversity of
peoples and ancestral cultures.
In
general, we can distinguish in the whole country 7 geographical
zones, each of them with its own characteristic climate, and you
can clearly notice the differences by the predominant vegetation in
each zone:
The
humid coastal region up North, with its humid tropical weather,
where you can observe the always green vegetation and where some
areas of primary tropical rainforests can still be seen.
The
dry coastal region down South, characterized by the presence
of dry tropical forests, and where annual rainfall is relatively
low. It is in this region that the largest city of Ecuador
is Located, Guayaquil, with almost 1.9 million habitants.
Across the coast there are Haciendas dedicated to livestock,
farming products for exportation such as bananas and other
tropical fruits. Temperatures on the coast are in the warm
range of 18-32°C
The
western slope of the Andes, also known as Chocó, is covered by
the presence of cloud forests and a great variety of Flora and Fauna
that have remained relatively unaltered due to the land's
irregularity. Temperatures here may vary from 20 to 26°C.
The
Andean region, also known as Sierra, is formed by the Eastern and
Western mountain ranges, and in between are the inter-Andean
valleys, which Alexander von Humboldt named Volcano Avenue. The Highlands
above 3000mts, are better known as Paramo, where a cold
temperature prevails during the day (12°C or less) and can
dramatically drop during the night to a few degrees below zero. Both
ranges are decorated with the snowy Peaks, which exceed 4500mts
of height. The highest point is Chimborazo, with 6,310mts. In the
valley, haciendas and small towns predominate; the average
temperature goes from 12 to 20°C.
Quito,
the second largest city and capital of Ecuador is right on one of
these valleys, with approximately 1.5 million inhabitants. There are
a few small areas where some of the original forests that used to
exist in these valleys can still be seen.
The
western slope of the Andes is a place where a great variety of flora
and fauna of the cloud forest can be observed. Some places in this
region are also conserved intact due to the irregularity and
ruggedness of the land.
The
Amazon region is also the most humid region of the country, and
it is crossed over by several rivers that flow to the mighty Amazon.
Tropical rainforest prevails in this area, even though there are
also great land extensions for livestock ranches and farms,
specially in the western side, next to the main roads and rivers.
Oil is extracted from this region, and it is at the present time the
main source of income for the country. Temperature in this zone is
similar to the coast's, but with more moisture and rainfall.
The
Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean at 970km from the
Ecuadorian coast. The archipelago is a group of 13 major Islands, 6
minor Islands, 47 small, rocky islands and several rocks that cover
a total surface of 7,850 km2.
The influence of different winds and currents throughout the year
produce two different seasons, being the warmer Rainy season
from January until May and the cold Garua season
with from June to December.
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Diversity
On
each of the different geographical regions of Ecuador exist numerous and varied
ecosystems (45 on the Mainland), for which, besides we have an
assorted cluster of landscapes that can be traveled across in
relatively a few hours.
By
its geographical characteristics and for its privileged
situation in the planet, it is a country where it can be found one
of the largest concentrations of bio-diversity in the world. This
fact places Ecuador among the 17 countries nominated as
"mega-diverse". This qualification corresponds to these
countries because in them, more than 70% of animal species and plant
species in the planet are concentrated. Among this group, the
smallest country is Ecuador. With an area corresponding to 0.17% of
terrestrial surface (256,370 Km²), it owns more than 11% of all
land vertebrate species: 2794 species, of which 436 (15.6%) are
endemic. This means that Ecuador is the country with the largest
bio-diversity of terrestrial vertebrates per surface measure in the
world.
In
Ecuador, three of the ten zones known as "hotspots" can also be
found. These zones are considered the worlds most important, of very
high priority for conservation, and cover less than 0,2% of the
earth's surface and possess 27% of all the tropical plant species
and 13% of all plant species in the world. Three of these zones are
in Ecuador, next to 11 bird endemism areas and 6 centers of
diversity and endemism of plants. Next to all these is the
importance that the Galapagos Archipelago has for its unique
characteristic in the world.
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Fauna
So
far, 1340 species of fish are registered, of which more than 800 are
fresh water fish.
Of
these, 470 species live on the Napo river basin alone. 415 amphibian
species, of which 60% are endemic. 394 reptilian species and 369
mammalian species, 30% are endemic. Each year, many new species are
described, especially amphibians.
This
country is the second in the world in bird variety, with a total of
1,616 species, (17.9% of the worlds species) of which 52 are
endemic. 132 species of hummingbirds that makes 37% of these species
in the world.
Ecuador
has more endemic bird species by square kilometer than the rest of
South America and is the country that has more endemic species,
surpassing in more than a 100% the rest of South American countries.
The
Invertebrate field is the least known in Ecuador. There is an
estimate 500,000 registered species but only 45% of these have been
identified.
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Flora
There
is an estimate of 16,087 plant species in Ecuador, including ferns
and plants with seeds, of these 15,306 species are native and 4,173
are endemic.
Since
1975 around 165 new species are being described on a yearly basis, a
new species every two days, 91 endemic. Grasses and epiphytes are
the most diverse in Ecuador. One out of five plants in Ecuador is an
orchid; so far 3,043 species have been identified and 43% of these
are endemic. Ecuador is the country with the largest diversity of
orchids in the world.
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Protected
Areas
Up
to now, 26 protected areas have been established and are part now of
the Natural Protected Areas System of Ecuador (besides those
privately owned) and cover approximately 4'666,871 hectares of
terrestrial surface ( 18.21% of Ecuador's area) and 14'110.000
hectares of marine area.
Being
such a rich and diverse country, we are not free of many problems,
like the rest of the world, many species of plants and animals are
in danger of extinction due to man's uncontrolled activities and
as well, many of our cultures could also disappear.
Therefore,
it is of vital importance not only for our country, but for our
whole planet that we can manage it in an adequate way; to accomplish
this, it is fundamental that our people have a dignified way of life
so they can manage their resources in a sustainable way.
Tourism
is an option that offers visitors the satisfying opportunity
of knowing and learning from these fantastic places, its people
and its natural wealth, therefore for us it is a very important
source of income and can help improve the quality of life
of our people and provide an appropriate management and control
of our resources and the subsistence of our diversity.
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People
In
this country, we have also a great variety of human cultures, which
makes us even more diverse. Besides the city dwellers, in our
territory cohabit 27 nationalities and indigenous peoples and
Afro-Ecuadorians, each one with its cultural wealth and invaluable
ancestral knowledge.
One
of the richest and fascinating experiences one can have in Ecuador
is to know its cultures and share some time among its inhabitants.
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Language
The
main language spoken in Ecuador is Spanish. The Indian towns of the
Sierra and some from the Amazon mostly speak Quechua. Other Indian
communities speak 9 different languages.
English
is quite spread, and it is taught in most schools and High schools
in Ecuador. Our guides speak fluid English as well as other
languages. If you need a guide in a language other than English or
Spanish, please contact us.
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Required
Documents
To
enter Ecuador a valid passport for six months or more from the day
of arrival is necessary. Most countries don't require a visa; you
can ask for the visa requirements in your country or by filling our
contact
form.
At
your arrival to Ecuador you will have to fill a tourist card, which
will have to be presented with your passport to the immigration
officer. Make sure your card is sealed, showing the number of days
allowed for your stay in the country. You will be given a copy of
these papers, which will have to be shown at the time of your
departure. Carry your passport with you along with your tourist card
through your whole trip around Ecuador, because it will be asked for
at the internal flights, and in several control places in the
interior. It is recommended to photocopy all your documents before
starting your journey, since this would facilitate the recovery in
case of loss.
At
your departure from Ecuador, you will have to pay US $25.00 after
checking at the counter and obtaining the boarding pass. Our tour
leader will help you with the paperwork and our agency will take
care of the flight reservation as well as any other necessary
paperwork.
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Customs
At
your arrival to Ecuador, you will have to go through-customs
control. Most of the time, the migratory control as well as the
customs control is fast and efficient for tourists. However,
remember that it is strictly forbidden to enter or depart with
narcotics, guns or ammunitions; seeds, plants or animals as well as
fresh food. It is permitted to enter with a maximum of 300
cigarettes or 50 cigars, and one bottle of liquor.
As
a temporary visitor, you may enter Ecuador without any trouble and
without the need of paying taxes for your luggage, including
Photographic equipment, video, laptops and other items you may want
to bring along.
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Packing
For
a trip to Ecuador you don't need to bring a lot, besides your
outdoor clothing, Photographic equipment, good mood, and an
adventuring spirit. We will suggest the proper items according to
the places you will visit and each activity you will have. The basic
recommended equipment can be checked out at
Galapagos
packing Checklist and
Amazon Packing Checklist
for these two regions. However, we will send you a proper
list for each adventure. In your internal flights, only one package
with a maximum weight of 20kg is allowed, in addition to your
handbag.
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Money
The
Ecuadorian Currency is the US Dollar. In Indian markets and in
almost every souvenir stores inside or out of Quito, you can only
pay in cash. Your tour leader from SWT will take the necessary
precautions against theft possibilities, and will also give you the
proper indications and recommendations. Traveler's Checks are
quite useful to avoid carrying too much cash, and they can be cashed
at any bank. Credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, Diners and
American Express are taken at almost every restaurant, hotel and
first class store. In Galapagos, only MasterCard is honored to cash
currency, others are accepted at most stores.
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Bank
hours
They
vary from bank to bank. The usual schedule is from 9:00 to 13:30,
but there are banks that open until the evening and even on
Saturday. In bigger towns almost every bank has a cash machine, most
of which are also connected to the main credit cards.
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Park
fees
Each
and every one of the parks and natural reserves has an entrance tax
that has to be paid with cash at the time of entry. The amount
varies from place to place, can change without previous notice and
is not included in any package rate. The data regarding taxes will
be given along with the information for each tour. The highest tax
is from The Galapagos National Park, of USD $100,00 for adults, and
USD $50,00 for those younger than 12 years old.
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Tipping
Tips
are common in Ecuador, as web as in several other countries. Beside
restaurants and Hotels, where a 10% service charge is set as well as
taxes, in other services it is not legally mandatory; however, every
person that gives a personal service, such as a guide, crew,
drivers, and so on, expect always a tip that will be the way of
showing satisfaction with the received services. It is also normal
to tip the waiter in addition to the 10% charged in the check.
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Markets
and souvenirs
Among
the main attractions of Ecuador are the Indian markets. Filled with
color, culture and tradition, they are a source of exotic products,
which you will not be able to resist buying. Even though you will
probably find that the rates are incredibly low, this is also the
main economic source for people who depend on your presence. Whole
towns dedicate only to the manufacture of handmade products of
different quality, for the touristic consumption. If you appreciate
the handcrafts, you will find that Ecuador is a wonderful market,
with very rich and varied products, all of great quality and taste.
Please
avoid purchasing handmade products made out of protected animals or
parts of them, such as feathers, claws, fangs, etc., since it's
trade is forbidden. If you have any questions or you are not sure of
the product, please ask your guide or your tour leader.
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Electricity
In
all of Ecuador's land, the electrical supply is of 110 v. 60 hz.
In all of our Galapagos Ships you will also have 220v and 12v. There
are some places that lack electric energy, or have solar electricity
of 12v, like a few eco-lodges in the Amazon and in other protected
areas. In these cases you will have the proper information before
you travel to Ecuador.
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Communications
Phone
communications are possible from and to Ecuador in all major cities
and towns. There is no phone service in most Yachts nor in most
lodges of the Amazon or other distant places. In Cyber cafes from
several cities as well as in some Hotels and a few yachts, you can
find e-mail service. If you need to urgently communicate to someone,
our tour leader will always be ready to help you from our main
offices.
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Health
Ecuadorian
law does not demand a vaccination prior entrance to the country.
Nonetheless, it is necessary to have a few precautions.
If
you plan on traveling to the low zones of the coast and/or the
Amazon, we recommend protection against Malaria and Yellow fever.
Information about malaria risk and prevention is available at
Toll-free Voice Information Service 1-877-FYI-TRIP. For more
information about how to protect yourself against diseases that
occur in Tropical South America, ask your doctor or visit the
Centers of Disease Control page
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm
Also
avoid the mosquitoes bite in the Coast or Amazon, with the use of
insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in
30% - 35% strength for adults and 6% - 10% for children. Also use
protection clothes, such as long sleeve shirts and long pants from
dusk until dawn, or during walks inside the forests and in dark
places. Every place you go with SWT, you will always have mosquito
nets for the night.
Don't
drink water from the faucet at all. Always drink from a bottle or ask your tour leader to obtain more information about it, he will
also inform you of the Ice quality and other drinks in your visit places.
Always
wear sun-block, sunglasses and a hat in exposed places. The
Ecuadorian Sun is always something to be aware of, even on cloudy
days. For an adventure or Nature trip, it is quite important to be
in a good physical state. If you travel to the mountains, you will
probably be at around 3000 mts. above sea level. It is a good idea
to be previously prepared with exercises such as jogging, cycling,
swimming or any other sport you choose.
If
you have a medicine prescription, make sure to bring enough for the
whole trip, as well as a copy of the prescription. If you wear
glasses it's better to bring a reserve pair.
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Insurance
For
every traveler to Ecuador, we recommend the acquisition of
an insurance against cancellations, accidents, disease and
theft. Make sure your
insurance covers the risks for every activity you plan on
doing, such as hiking, diving, etc. Consider that the health
insurance includes Hospital expenses, trip interruption and
evacuation to your country in case of serious illness or severe
damage.
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