Ecuador is a country located in north western South America, bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. 

The Galapagos Islands and the city of Cuenca are two of the listed Unesco World Heritage Sites to be found in this country, as well as the world’s highest active volcano Cotopaxi.

 

The coastal plain flanked by the Andes and the Pacific is covered by tropical forests and cacao, bananas, coffee and sugar plantations.

 

REASONS TO GO

 

Galapagos Islands – an isolated archipelago with a unique wildlife.

 

Hiking in the Andes and scaling volcanoes.

 

The Amazon jungle.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

 

Weather in Ecuador varies with the altitude. In the coasts and in Amazon, it is often very wet, but in the higher lands it gets colder, especially at night. Ecuador is a nice destination to visit all through the year, but during the dry season (June – September) it is the best time for the highland areas.

 

HOW TO GET THERE

 

Main Airports

Mariscal Sucre International Airport is 8km (5 miles) from Quito. From the airport there are several buses and shuttles operating frequently to the city centre.

Simón Bolívar Internationl Airport is 5km (3 miles) from Guayaquil. From the airport there are buses and taxi services into the city centre.

 

TRAVELLING AROUND

 

There are frequent flights between Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations inside the country. There are also daily flights to the Galapagos Islands on national airlines from both Quito and Guayaquil.

 

Long-distance coaches, busetas (minibuses that travel long distances quickly) or rental cars can also be used to travel around the country.

 

GOOD TO KNOW

 

Capital: Quito 

Currency: US dollar (USD) 

Area: 283.520 sq km (175.780 sq miles)

Population: 14.5 million

Language: Spanish

Electricity: 110-220V/60Hz 

Calling Code: +593 

Time Zone: UTC-5 

 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

 

1 Jan New Year's Day

12 Feb Amazon and Galapagos Day

27 Feb National Unity Day

1 May Labour Day

24 May Battle of Pichincha

10 Aug Independence Day

9 Oct Guayaquil Independence Day

2 Nov All Souls' Day

3 Nov Cuenca Independence Day

25 Dec Christmas Day

31 Dec New Year's Eve

OTHER HOLIDAYS:  Good Friday

 

INFO

 

http://www.ecuador-travel-guide.org

 

http://www.ecuadortouristboard.com