Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, is one of South America's smallest countries. One of the region's safest countries for travellers, it is sandwiched between Colombia to the North and Peru to the South. Its territory-as its name indicates-extends over both sides of the equator line. It is said that Ecuador is really four countries in one as it consists of four very distinct regions: Pacific coastal lowlands in the west, the Highlands (Andes) in the middle, and the eastern lowlands (Amazon basin rainforest). The fourth region is the Galapagos Islands, located 1000 km off the mainland. For an overview of the area check out our MAP

and most important port, is situated on the coast. The province of Manabi is home to the "Machalilla Natural Reserve", which hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From June until September whale-watchers can see these beautiful sea giants swimming along the coast between Puerto Lopez and the "Isla de la Plata", a small island (also known as the "poor man's Galapagos"). Here, you can find a few of the animals seen in the Galapagos, making this a wonderful alternative for those lacking the time or resources needed to visit the "Enchanted Islands".


Ecuador's vertebrae, the Andean mountains (a.k.a. the Avenue of the Volcanoes), includes over 30 volcanoes, many of them active. Chimborazo (6,310 m.), the farthest point from the centre of the earth, and Cotopaxi (5,897 m.), the world's highest active volcano, are two of the country's most impressive snow-capped peaks. In 1999, Ecuadorians and visitors alike witnessed the eruption of Pichincha and Tungurahua, providing an opportunity to see a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The country's capital city, Quito (pop. 2 million), is situated along this fertile avenue at 3,850 meters above sea level. The region also hosts other colonial cities such as Cuenca, Riobamba, and Otavalo, internationally known for its indigenous textile and jewellery market dating back over 500 years.


This region is part of the Amazon jungle and is covered almost entirely by dense tropical rainforest. Most of it is indigenous-inhabited territory, but some of the ancient tribes of this area (Cofanes, Huayacamos, Huaoranis and others) have recently opened their territories to eco-tourism. Their main objective is to share their way of life, their traditional medicinal techniques and the mysteries of the rainforest with interested and culturally sensitive travellers.


The famous archipelago belongs to Ecuador and is the country's main tourist destination. This extraordinary setting and the inspiration for Darwin's "Origins of Species", is inhabited by 58 bird species (28 existing only in this archipelago) among which are: the albatross, Boobies (blue-footed, red-footed and masked), Cormorants, Frigates, Brown Pelicans, Penguins, and Finches. Other animals include the giant iguanas, sea lions and the famous centennial tortoises from which these islands are named, the Galapagos.

OFFICIAL NAME	REPÚBLICA DEL ECUADOR
SURFACE	256,370 square km
POPULATION	12'411,000 inhabitants
CURRENCY	US dollar
POLITICAL DIVISION	22 provinces

NOTE: The (0) should only be dialed within Ecuador.
For international calls to Ecuador omit the 0.

It is said that there are only two seasons in Ecuador: rainy and dry. On the coast and in the Amazon the rainy season lasts from May until December, with temperatures ranging from 22C(73F) to 33C(100F) all year round. In the highlands, the temperature changes rapidly during the day. In Quito, for example, mornings are usually sunny and warm(up to 26C), with cooler mountain temperatures in the evening(as low as 5C). In high altitude towns the thermometer can fall below freezing; if you're planning on visiting the mountains don't forget to bundle up.

National cuisine varies from region to region depending on the products native to each area. On the coast mouth-watering seafood is plentiful. You can eat sea-bass, shrimp, lobster, and crab. The region's most popular dish is cebiche, a mix of seafood marinated in lemon juice, peppers, and onions. In the highlands rice, potatoes, corn, and quinua are used as part of traditional dishes. The more adventuresome travellers love to try the local delicacy cuy (guinea pig). In the Amazon you can taste piranha, other varieties of river fish, and maybe even Paca (a large rodent). Savoury exotic fruits are found in abundance: from mango to guanabana to babaco, you are bound to delight in new fruity sensations. For the fussier eaters who prefer to stick with what they know, Ecuador's larger cities and popular tourist destinations offer a wide variety of international restaurants, bar and café such as El Cafecito. Even sushi lovers will be satisfied.

A common question asked is what health precautions is needed before arriving. The answer is: none. Especially if you are sticking to hotels and restaurants and not "roughing it", there are almost no health risks. The most common illness to befall visitors is traveller's diarrhoea. Stick to one food rule "peel it, cook it, boil it, or forget it". We recommend that you are up-to-date on your routine immunisations. The yellow fever vaccination is a worthy investment if you plan to travel between South American countries; one shot's protection lasts ten years. The vaccines against Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever are a good idea if you will be spending extended periods of time in rural areas.

El Cafecito recommends against following any regimen against malaria if you are only going to be in the country a short while. Pills are not guaranteed to be effective and the serious side effects often outweigh the protection they offer. Instead, wear long sleeves after dark in malarial areas and use a DEET solution on all exposed areas.

Ecuador local currency is the US dollar. There are numerous banks and money changing facilities that will change your travellers cheques and other currencies. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners are all widely accepted. You can withdraw money from bank machines in the major cities with your credit cards or ATM cards affiliated with the Plus (Visa) system.

Quito and Guayaquil are both served by international airlines such as American, KLM, and Iberia, as well as local airlines, such as TAME. No visa is required for most European and North American visitors staying less than 90 days; one is issued automatically upon arrival.

There is a departure tax of US$25 on all international flights, payable at the airport in U.S. Dollars only.