CLIMATE / CLOTHING
Ecuador with 256.000 sq. kilometers has one of the most varied geographies in South America with four distinct regions: The Andean highlands, the Pacific Coast, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands (located at 1000 kms- 600 miles away from the Continent). Quito, the Capital is located at 2850 mts above the sea level.
Highlands: The driest months are July through October, when the temperatures will average 70F during the day and 50F at night. During the rest of the year, afternoon showers are expected and the temperature drops a little.
During the dry season lightweight clothes are appropriate for the day, adding a sweater or jacket in the evening and for the rainy season a light raincoat and/or umbrella is useful; we suggest bringing a heavy sweater, jacket or parka for mountain travel. Good walking shoes are essential as well as sun blocker. Remember you will be right on the Equator where the sun is stronger even on covered days.
Coast: The average temperature is 83F being the hot, rainy, humid season from November to May. The dry cooler season is from June to October. Cotton or tropical clothing is appropriate with a stole, sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. Sun hat, sunglasses are recommended as well as sun block.
Amazon Rainforest: Tropical temperatures average around 82F. Rainfall almost year-around, especially from June to November. During the rainy season the rainforest is at is best green and wonderful. Clothing requirements are the same all year: light tropical clothes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for jungle walks, sneakers are always a very good idea; hat and sunglasses are indispensable.
The Galapagos Islands: Located at 600 miles from the continent on the equator, the tropical climate is tempered by Pacific breezes. The islands have two seasons: The rainy, hot season from December to May and sometimes extended up to June when humidity is high with averages temperatures of 80F. There may be occasional showers, but days are generally hot and sunny. From June to November, some cool winds are expected, bringing occasionally light misty-type drizzle called " garua", temperatures average 70F during the day and it will be cooler at night.
Clothing in the Islands or on board the cruises ranges from informal to very informal. Essentials include sneakers, shorts, long and short-sleeve shirts or t-shirts, lightweight shirts, bathing suits, wide-brimmed hat, long pants, windbreaker or light -jacket. Make sure you do bring sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of film.
Remember that if you go ashore in the islands you will be walking over rocky lava terrain; therefore good walking shoes with rubber soles are a must to protect your feet and have a comfortable walking.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Airports in Quito and Guayaquil are usually very crowed and taxi drivers will try to "convince" you to take their services. The following instructions should be followed:
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Wear your name badge or easy identification. |
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After passing through Immigration, you must collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, please go through customs where you will be probably requested to open your suitcase for inspection (this is not required always but sometimes they do it). |
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After you are finished, you will exit and please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with the name of your group. |
LANGUAGE
Ecuador has two official languages; Spanish and Quechua, English is spoken in the major tourist centers.
PASSPORTS
A valid passport is required to enter Ecuador, at least 6 months valid.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the US DOLLAR, both bills and coins; therefore you do not need to be exchanging to any other currency if you bring US DOLLARS.
ELECTRICITY
110 volts, 60 AC will be found everywhere in the country.
SHOPPING
Duty free shops at the airport and artisan's shops offer to the visitors the opportunity to buy Ecuadorian handcrafts, such as Ponchos, tapestries, ceramics, jewelry.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
No inoculations are required for entry. Travelers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their doctor about high-altitude travel if you will be visiting the highlands, as well as preventive measures for visiting tropical areas. Bottled water is advised and available everywhere.
