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General Information
Tourism Information
Passport and Visa
Information
Customs Regulations
Currency and Money Matters
Language
Medical Information
How to Pack for your trip to Ecuador
Electricity
When it comes to travel guides and other travel resource information, I personally prefer the travel guides and books put out by Fodor.
Tourism Information
The Embassy of Ecuador
(202-234-7201) can provide you with travel and destination information on
Ecuador. You may also want to try the Consulado
General del Ecuador.
Enjoy Ecuador is an interesting site about Ecuador. It is filled with great destination information and is written in several languages. On the site you will find all the information you will need to travel by yourself. Or, if you like, they can arrange all of your travel needs for you. I think you will like this site. Jim. The also have similar sites for Ecuador and Peru.
Check this chart to see what you need for entry into Ecuador
|
Country of Citizenship |
Passport? |
Visa? | Return Ticket Required? |
|
Australian |
Yes |
1 | Yes |
|
British |
Yes | 1 | Yes |
|
Canadian |
Yes | 1 | Yes |
|
Japanese |
Yes | 1 | Yes |
|
United States |
Yes | 1 | Yes |
|
Other EU |
Yes | 1 | Yes |
Passports
Passport valid for at least six
months required by all, except for nationals of Colombia that have a current,
valid identity card.
Visas
Required only by:
►nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria,
Bangladesh, China (PR), Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iran,
Iraq, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Korea (Rep), Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Palestinian Authority Area, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia,
Vietnam and Yemen;
►1. all nationals wishing to
remain in Ecuador for more than three months.
Note:
►Nationals listed above also
require a visa even when in transit, unless continuing their journey to a third
country by the same or first connecting flight or within 48 hours, provided
holding confirmed onward tickets and not leaving the airport. As this list may
change at short notice, visitors to Ecuador are advised to check with the
nearest Consulate before traveling.
►Those with visas must register with
the Ministry of Government and the Director General of Migration in Ecuador
within 30 days of their entry.
Further, more detailed information can be found
on the
E-World Guide.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Customs Regulations
Ecuadorian customs authorities may enforce strict
regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Ecuador of
items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications,
electronic equipment, and currency. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of
Ecuador in Washington, D.C. or one of Ecuador's consulates in the United States
for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Currency and Money Matters
U.S. currency became legal tender in Ecuador in
2000. Ecuadorian coins have been minted in values equal to American coins and
are concurrently in circulation. The paper sucre has been eliminated. Current Exchange Rate:
Check Today's Exchange Rate
Food
Accommodations
Transportation
Taxes
Tips
Food Budget
You can get a good meal in a variety of good restaurants for an average price between US$5 to US$7.
You can find a lot of good places where the prices will be lower, if you are
willing to sacrifice a little in comfort and other things. If you are like me,
you can find some places where you can get a complete meal between US$3 to US$5.
Of course, there is the luxury stile, fancy restaurants may charge US$15 and upwards for a
meal. Watch what you eat in street markets and such and never eat unwashed
fruit. And, when you do wash it, do as I do, sacrifice some of your precious
bottled water as some of the water you may find in some parts of the country
might not agree with you.
Lodging Budget
You will find a wide variety of hotels and hostels
in the Country which means there will be an accompanying great variety of prices
also. I always look for "clean and comfortable" an you can
find surprisingly clean and comfortable places for a range of prices between the
US$5 and US$15. However, you always want to remember that the lower the price,
the lower the quality might be. Price is sometimes a pretty good warranty to use
for choosing
a place with all the necessary services. Most of the good hotels are between
US$15 to US$70 and, at these prices, you can normally believe that the hotel
will have better facilities and comfort is assured. You
will find also top-end hotels from US$70 and upwards.
Transportation Budget
Maybe transport is the cheapest service in Ecuador. A bus ride will cost US$0.20
and a taxi ride will cost between US$1 to US$5.
Ecuador Taxes
Good quality restaurants and hotels will add a 12% tax to your bill, and another
10% for service charge.
Tips
Tourist guides, porters, waiters and other people related to the tourist
industry will expect a tip from you, but taxi drivers won't.
How you pack really depends on where you are going and your style of travel. There are a lot of different reasons people travel to Ecuador that include: budget backpacking, luxury island-cruising, a guided historical tour, or a combination of different types of activities. Every type of travel has its own list of bare essentials, so we list some of the obvious and not-so-obvious items for the various regions and activities you may encounter in Ecuador. Here is sort of a general packing list you may want to use. For more specialized packing ideas, check the packing page of Ecuador's web site.
http://www.vivecuador.com/html2/eng/packing.htm
Of course you will want to have the basics you cannot travel without such as your passport; travelers checks, medicines and medical prescriptions and other health supplies. Add to this clothing you can layer for warm and cool weather as it is quite possible to encounter both in an afternoon in the Andes or if traveling between regions; raincoat; backpack; money belt or neck pouch; watch with alarm clock; flashlight or headlamp; plastic bags for separating dirty and clean clothes and shoes; needle and thread; biodegradable soap (if in backcountry areas); notebooks and pens/pencils; hat; and sunglasses; and (of course), your Swiss army knife.
Be sure to leave copies of your important documents, such as
your passport, as well as travelers check and credit card numbers, with someone
who can fax them to you if they are stolen or lost, and/or give a copy to a
trusted traveling companion.
Electricity
Ecuador's electrical current is 110 volts 60 cycles, the same as North America,
so adapters for North American equipment are not needed. However, plug
converters are necessary in older buildings.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Language Information
| Learn Spanish Today! Isn't it time you learned another language? Spanish is fast becoming one of the most popular language in the world. Countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, North America and Africa have countries where Spanish is the local language. These countries include Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cube, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Equatorial Guinea and Mexico. If you plan to visit any of these countries, why not learn the language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Click on Learn Spanish Today to see how you can get FREE SPANISH LESSONS! |
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| You will enjoy your visit to Argentina if you know the language - or at least, some of the language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center to find out how you can make your visit more meaningful. The Getting Away Language Learning Center will give you all of the information you will need to begin learning today! |
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Medical
Information
Medical Facilities: Medical
care is available, but it varies in quality and generally is below U.S.
standards. If you are on a tour you should not have any problems as normally the
tour guide will help you with any problems which might arise. If you are on your
own, always check with reception at your hotel to see where medical help can be
found. Ambulances, with or without trained emergency staff, are in
critically short supply. It is probably best that you carry a travel insurance
policy with you.
Click
Here for information on travel insurance.
Other useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
Specific Health Risks: Travelers to Quito may require some time to adjust to the altitude (close to 10,000 feet), which can adversely affect blood pressure, digestion and energy level. Travelers are encouraged to consult with their personal health care providers before undertaking high-altitude travel. In particular, travelers with heart or lung problems and persons with sickle cell trait may develop serious health complications at high altitudes.
Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands can be hazardous, and it is not recommended for beginners. A privately owned decompression chamber opened in 2001 on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands. The Ecuadorian Navy operates a second decompression chamber at the San Eduardo Naval Base in Guayaquil. Due to the high costs for these services and associated emergency transportation, divers are advised to obtain adequate medical evacuation and divers insurance.
Malaria and dengue fever are prevalent in Ecuador's coastal zone, from the Colombian border in the north to the Peruvian border in the south, as well as in the provinces of Loja and Los Rios, and in the city of Guayaquil. Travelers should consult with their personal physicians about taking malaria prophylaxis medication before traveling to these areas. Quito and other high-altitude locations are generally not affected by malaria and dengue fever. Yellow fever and cholera are also reaching epidemic levels in some outlying regions and are encroaching on the outskirts of cities such as Guayaquil.
Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at www.cdc.gov. For information specific to Travelers to Tropical South America, specifically Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela to their page at www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm.
Getting
To and Around Ecuador
Most people who visit Ecuador arrive by air. For a
pretty complete listing of the airlines that regularly fly into Ecuador, visit
the official web site of Ecuador's (www.vivecuador.com)
airline page at
www.vivecuador.com/ntml2/eng/airlines.htm. That would be a lot easier (and
more up-to-date-) way for me to give you the information.
Incredibly low airfares, Taca.com's e-speciales give you more time to enjoy your trip and relax at your destination. If your travel plans are flexible, we offer you rock-bottom prices to destinations across the 3 Americas!
|
|
At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
Getting to Ecuador is the easy part. The more difficult area
is transportation within the country. Here is a quick overview.
By Bus
By Trolley
By Taxi
By Car
By Air
By Train
By Boat
The Global Volunteer Network currently has volunteer opportunities available through their partner organizations in China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Romania and Uganda. Volunteer work is a great way to contribute to the global community and also fosters personal growth. Click on GVN Programs to see what is offered in each of the counties they serve. They also offer a professional course in TEFL through their partner Global English who offers discounts for all of their volunteers. For more information on this program, click here. Additional details are available at www.volunteer.org.nz.
By Bus
You can get just about anywhere you wish by bus in Ecuador. Each capital city
from any province has a bus terminal. Usually they are located in central zones
of the city and you can move to any place inside the country from there. In the
bigger cities such as Quito and Guayaquil, you may also find some terminals that
belong to private transport companies, however they also operate in the bigger
terminals.
Click here for some addresses of the terminals in Quito and Guayaquil.
Intercity busses throughout the provinces is the easiest and cheapest way to travel inside Ecuador. You may get anywhere in the Country just by taking one or two buses. Costs may vary due to distance and the quality of service. There are some express buses which means that they would not stop in any town until you get to your destination. Many transport companies have new units, with bathroom, TV and comfortable chairs. Some even serve some snacks during your travel. If you want to take one of these buses, you should locate the ground terminals in each city. There you will find a huge offer of companies for any destination in the Country. Some transportation companies have their own ground terminal. Frequency of the trips are wide and they work 24 hours. If you want more information on ground transport companies and terminals, click here for some addresses of the terminals in Quito and Guayaquil.
By Trolley and the Ecoway
This is about the most modern and efficient urban transport in the country. Big,
articulate buses run through exclusive lanes with bus stops. The service is
cheap and runs along the city from one side to the other. You can
use also the integrated bus service (units that work exclusively for the trolley
and the ecoway). Buses are new and the bus stops are well distributed in the
city. You may be a little bit tight in the rush hours. This service exists only
in Quito from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
By Taxi
Taxi cabs are also a very popular way to move around in big cities. For the most
part, the service is good, cars are new, and drivers are pretty helpful to
tourists. The cost depends on the taximeter (Always be sure to ride in a
metered taxi.), but an average ride will be between USD 1.50 to USD 2. At night
will be hard to find a taxi driver using the taximeter, even though it’s
illegal, but they would not charge more than USD 2 to USD 3. Be sure you arrange
for the price in advance when you are in an unmetered taxi or car. It’s safer to
use a radio taxi at night. This units work with radios and you must call them
from a telephone. The cab will be there in no more than 5 minutes with no extra
charge. Taxis work 24 hours. If you come from or go to the airport, they will
charge extra, normally between USD 3 to USD 5.
By Car
Most of the major rental car companies provide services throughout the country.
However, with the exception of the larger cities, I would recommend you leave
the driving to others.
Click here for a
listing of car rental agencies in Ecuador.
By Air
Ecuador has one of the best domestic air transportation system in the region.
Twelve cities have their airports and are served by local air companies. Costs
vary depending in distance and service. The longest flight inside Ecuador may
take 45 minutes, with the exception of the Galapagos Islands which may take like
an hour and a half. For more information on Airlines, Domestic Flights in
Ecuador, and International Flights to Ecuador, check out the Ecuador website's
Airlines' page.
By Train
Although there is a rail system in Ecuador, the train system is almost more of a
tourist attraction rather than a transport system. This train was known as one
of the hardest in the whole world because it runs through the Andes between huge
cliffs, canyons and rivers. If you are in a hurry don’t count on it because it
is too old and slow, but is one of the greatest ways to get to know Ecuador and
see some of it's rugged beauty. It’s hard to know the departure and arriving
schedules of the train and you must inform yourself about which lines are
working. In any travel agency will help you in this adventure over rails.
By Boat
There are many places in Ecuador that can only be reached in a boat either on
the sea or on one of the many rivers. In all these towns or destinations, you
will find people with motor boats or canoes which offer transportation. Costs
vary depending distance and the destiny, in some cases, inhabitants will be
happy to take you for free so you can show your gratefulness with a tip. If it
has a cost, you may discuss it with the owner before you get inside the boat.
Cities,
Towns, and Areas of Ecuador
Quito
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
|
If you have information that you believe should be added to this section, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Attractions and Things to See and Do
| Worldwide Riding Vacations : A Global Guide - Not just a guide to dude ranches, this handsome updated edition lists more strenuous and interesting equestrian trips by continent and then by country. Printed on heavy coated stock and illustrated with many color photographs, it includes over 100 entries. Each lists the company, address, phone number, E-mail, FAX, closest airports, price, and when available. There are descriptions of accommodations, meals, activities, and the horses and riding equipment, as well as a list of equestrian travel agencies and associations. British equestrian writer Ruler writes frequently on riding vacations and is an amateur horseman. Sacks, a former college professor, now owns a horse farm. Includes suggestions for Ecuador. |
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Enjoy Ecuador is an interesting site about Ecuador. It is filled with great destination information and is written in several languages. On the site you will find all the information you will need to travel by yourself. Or, if you like, they can arrange all of your travel needs for you. I think you will like this site. Jim. The also have similar sites for Ecuador and Peru.
| Sangay Touring - Although this travel agency located in Quito, Ecuador, specializes in tours to the Galapagos Islands, they can also help you with airline, car hire and hotel bookings. Their specialized tours include: live-aboard cruises and dive cruises in the Galapagos Islands, Amazon rainforest and cloud forest tours, all types of adventure tours (mountaineering, hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, and more), and other specialized tours (orchids, ornithology, agricultural, educational, and environmental, just to name a few). Amazonas 1188 y Cordero (p.b.), Quito, Ecuador. Phone: 5932.255.0146. Fax: 5932.256.0426. Web: http://www.guide2galapagos.com. E-mail: info@guide2galapagos.com. |
|
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
|
| Click on The Hilton Family of Hotels to search for Hilton Hotels along with Conrad Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Looking for a better hotel rate? They're at Hilton.com |
|
|
|
At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
| Book Hostels in Ecuador Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
|
If you have information that you believe should be added to this section, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Dining
in Ecuador
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information that you believe should
be added to this section, please send it to me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Links for Ecuador
LanguageTapes.com -
Learn a new language in just 30 minutes a day in the comfort of your home or car! The world-famous Pimsleur Audio-Cassette Foreign Language Courses are offered for 28 languages at great prices in association with
Amazon.com!
The Global Volunteer Network currently has volunteer opportunities available through their partner organizations in China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Romania and Uganda. Volunteer work is a great way to contribute to the global community and also fosters personal growth. Click on GVN Programs to see what is offered in each of the counties they serve. They also offer a professional course in TEFL through their partner Global English who offers discounts for all of their volunteers. For more information on this program, click here. Additional details are available at www.volunteer.org.nz.
Incredibly low airfares, Taca.com's e-speciales give you more time to enjoy your trip and relax at your destination. If your travel plans are flexible, we offer you rock-bottom prices to destinations across the 3 Americas!
i-to-i is one of the world’s fastest growing adventure travel organizations. It is unique as they specialize in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training and volunteer placements overseas. Each year, thousands of i-to-i volunteers are literally building bridges among communities and earning respect from some of the most important care agencies in existence. The examples speak for themselves. When Save the Children approached i-to-i for assistance with their on-going development programmed for Intibucá, one of the poorest regions in Honduras, they supplied volunteers who are now building homes and teaching English to the indigenous Lenca people. Along with Ecuador, they also operate in several other countries including: Australia, Bolivia, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Honduras, India, Ireland, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. For additional information, visit their website at www.i-to-i.com or send them an E-mail.
| Book Hostels in Ecuador Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
|
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
Enjoy Ecuador is an interesting site about Ecuador. It is filled with great destination information and is written in several languages. On the site you will find all the information you will need to travel by yourself. Or, if you like, they can arrange all of your travel needs for you. I think you will like this site. Jim. The also have similar sites for Ecuador and Peru.
Sangay Touring - Although this travel agency located in Quito, Ecuador, specializes in tours to the Galapagos Islands, they can also help you with airline, car hire and hotel bookings. Their specialized tours include: live-aboard cruises and dive cruises in the Galapagos Islands, Amazon rainforest and cloud forest tours, all types of adventure tours (mountaineering, hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, and more), and other specialized tours (orchids, ornithology, agricultural, educational, and environmental, just to name a few). Amazonas 1188 y Cordero (p.b.), Quito, Ecuador. Phone: 5932.255.0146. Fax: 5932.256.0426. Web: http://www.guide2galapagos.com. E-mail: info@guide2galapagos.com.
If you have information about Ecuador you believe should be added to this section, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
