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ECUADOR!!!!
An enchanted country full of contrast, is the smallest of
the Andean countries in South America, and the easiest and
most pleasant to travel in.
Geographically
divided into four regions: The Coast, The Highlands, The
Amazon and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is a complete
destination: From the beautifully preserved colonial capital
of Quito, located in the highlands at 2850 m above sea level,
one can travel from the Andean Indian markets through remote
jungle towns to the warm Pacific beaches or fly over to
the Galapagos Island.
The
highlands have many colorful Indian markets, some of which
are world famous and deservedly so. Others are rarely visited
by foreigners but are no less interesting. Any journey into
the highlands is dominated by magnificent volcanoes, such
as Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is one of the worlds highest active
Volcanoes and reaches 5897m into the sky. The Cayambe, Illinizas,
Antizana, and Chimborazo are among other magnificent Volcanoes
and are part of “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”
which surrounds fertile valleys and is a spectacular location
for flora and fauna.
The
Coast with wide and magnificent beaches has much to offer.
One can go to a picturesque fishing village and watch the
fisherman expertly navigate their traditional balsa-wood
rafts through the ocean breakers to the sandy shore, or
just enjoy the sun and the beauty of nature, and partake
in the local water sports.
The
enigmatic Amazon Rainforest is home to many invaluable species.
Ecuador’s jungle has a very large variety of reptiles,
birds and butterflies, some being only endemic to this region.
Jungle travel in Ecuador is much simpler than in most countries
because of the distance between the jungle sites and the
cities. One can be in the jungle after only a day’s
bus travel from Quito.
The
unique and enchanted Galapagos islands, located 1000km off
the coast of Ecuador on the Pacific Ocean, is a paradise
inhabited by endemic species found nowhere else on earth.
The animals of the Galapagos Islands are undaunted by humans.
At times it is difficult to avoid close interaction with
them. Combine leisure with nature and add all this beauty
condensed in such a small place makes for an unforgettable
trip of a lifetime. |
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CAPITAL:
Quito, Metropolita district .
LOCATION:
Ecuador is located in the north west of South America. It
borders Colombia to the North, Peru to the South & East,
and The Pacific Ocean to the West.
REGIONS:
Ecuador has four natural well-defined regions: Coast, Sierra
(Highlands), the Oriente (Amazon Rainforest), and the Galapagos
Islands.
GOVERMENT:
Democratic.
POPULATION:
12 million inhabitants.
LANGUAGE:
Spanish is the official language and Quichua is spoken by
the native Indian communities.
CURRENCY:
American dollar.
RELIGION:
90% Catholic.
AREA:
270.000 sq Km.
CLIMATE:
Each region on the mainland has its own climate. In the
highlands the rainy season lasts from December to May and
the summer from June to November. The temperature averages
between 10 and 22 centigrade for most of the year. On the
coast, the average temperature is between 22 and 35 centigrade
with rainy season stretching from June to November and the
summer season from December to May. The Amazon rainforest
is warm and humid during the entire year with frequent rains.
Temperatures range between 24 and 35 centigrade..
The Galapagos Islands are always warm and sunny, from 18°C
to 30°C.
TIME
ZONE:
Ecuador is located at -5 GMT (Eastern Standard time zone)
Daylight saving time is not observed. The Galapagos Islands
are one hour behind Ecuador’s continental time.
ELECTRICITY:
110 volts, 60 cycles AC
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS:
For Citizens from Western Europe, Canada, USA, Scandinavian
countries, Japan and all Latin American countries no visa
is required (except Cuba). Other countries may require a
visa. Before traveling to Ecuador please contact the Ecuadorian
Embassy or Consulate in your home country to inquire about
entry requirements. |
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| AMERICAN
AIRLINES |
LACSA-TACA
GROUP |
KLM |
| AVIANCA |
LAN
ECUADOR |
IBERIA
|
| CONTINENTAL |
SANTA
BARBARA |
COPA |
DOMESTIC
FLIGHTS & BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
There is a 20-kgs allowance per passenger for all NATIONAL
flights, including the Galapagos Islands. The check-in time
at the counter is usually AT LEAST one hour prior to your
departure for all domestic flights, EXCEPT for those flights
to the GALAPAGOS, which require all passengers to be at
the counter 2 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE.
For international flights, two hours before departure is
required; however there are some airlines, in certain seasons
that require the passenger to be present at least three
hours prior to your departure. (Always reconfirm your flights
72 hours in advance and check with your departure airline
concerning what time is required to check-in).
LOCAL
AIRLINES:
AEROGAL
ICARO
TAME
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In
the Main cities of Quito and Guayaquil most stores, banks,
business, and exchange houses are open from 9.00 am to
18.00 hrs Mon-Fri.
On Saturday many are open 9:00 to 13:00. Shopping Malls
are open daily, including weekends, from 10.00 to 20.00
hours and some have some bank branch offices, ATMs and
money exchange houses.
RESTAURANTS:
Quito and Guayaquil have a good variety of good restaurants
for typical Ecuadorian and international cuisine.
WATER:
As a suggestion, it is better to drink bottled water throughout
your entire itinerary instead of tap water.
HOLIDAYS:
| Jan
1st. |
New
Years Day |
| Feb,
March Or April. |
Carnival |
| March
or April: |
Easter |
| May
1st. |
Labor
day |
| May
24. |
Battle
of Pichincha |
| Jul
25. |
Independence
of Guayaquil (local) |
| Aug
10. |
Quito
Independence Day |
| Oct
9. |
Guayaquil’s
Independence Day |
| Oct
12. |
Columbus
Day |
| Nov
2. |
All
Souls day |
| Nov
3rd. |
Cuenca’s
Independence Day |
| Dec
6. |
Foundation
of Quito. Celebrated in Quito throughout the first
week of December with bullfights, parades and street
dancers |
| Dec
25th. |
Christmas |
| Dec
31st. |
End
of year celebration |
EMERGENCY
NUMBERS:
( 593) (9) 9- 783 420 EcuaUltimate Tours mobile phone
is available 24 HOURS. Our Operations Department staff
is at your service at any time! Business hours: Mon-Fri
09.00 to-18.00 hrs.
TAXES:
VAT: A total of 22% is added onto the bills in the best
hotels and restaurants. Airport tax USD 25 per person
is to be paid in the international airport at the time
of departure.
All the National Park charges an entrance fee’s
can vary from 10 to 20 USD on the mainland. The Galapagos
the entrance fee is USD 100 per passenger. All tickets
and taxes are always subject to increase without prior
notice.
MAIL
& PHONE:
Airmail to the USA and Europe usually takes between 8
to 15 days. Other parts of the world vary depending on
country. Hotel receptionists can help you deliver your
postcards and can also assist you in placing an international
call or in sending a fax. It is easy to rent a mobile
phone in Ecuador; however there are numerous public phones
that are available and accept calling cards.
Local area codes: All local numbers have seven digits.
For mobile phones, dial the number 09 before the normal
number and for Quito and Guayaquil add another “9”.
MEDICAL
SERVICES:
There are very good hospitals and medical services in
both Quito and Guayaquil. Almost all hotels have a doctor
on call for emergencies. There are also some pharmacies
and drugstores on duty 24 hours. Please contact the front
desk of your hotel to enquire about any special needs
you might have.
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The Ecuadorian roads network still has a long way to go
to meet international standards. In case of heavy rains
transport infrastructures such as roads and railroads
may be affected. Should a road be blocked, your guide,
in coordination with our Operations Manager will reorganize
your itinerary for your comfort.
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