Ecuador Holidays, Flights & Travel Guide
The complete Ecuador travel guide - Ecuador
holidays & Ecuador flights.
Top destination guides for Ecuador
holidays;
Ecuador Holidays
and Travel Overview
Situated on the equator, Ecuador is
the smallest country in the Andean Highlands. Despite its size it
is probably the world's most bio-diverse country, crammed with an
astounding variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation existing in
the contrasts of climatic zones. Within a short time the traveller
can experience dramatic changes in scenery, temperature and
altitude, journeying between Pacific coast beaches and the
sweltering, mosquito-ridden rainforest; to the charming capital
city of Quito surrounded by ice-covered volcanoes; and to colourful
highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept
highlands of the Andes Mountains. The people,
their cultures and traditions have also been formed, and are
influenced by, their geographical environment. The backbone of the
country is the Andean highlands, made up of two mountainous chains
and over 30 volcanoes. Between them lies the central highland
valley or sierra, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, at about 8,960ft
(2,800m) above sea level. This is the heartland of agricultural
activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities, and is where
the bulk of the population live. Larger towns like Saquisilí and
Otavalo swell on market days when villagers come to sell their
produce and handiwork in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere of
festivity. The sierra is also home to most of the old and
historically important cities, including Quito.
With its beautiful colonial architecture, magnificent
panoramic scenery, vibrant indigenous groups and welcoming people
it is one of the most enticing and rewarding countries to visit in
South America. And, as if it needed anything further, one of the
world's greatest treasures of natural history lies in the
bewitching Galapagos Islands, famed for its fearless and unique
wildlife, and is the highlight of most trips to
Ecuador.
Tourist Offices - Ministry of Tourism, Quito: +593 (0)2 250
7559 or www.vivecuador.com
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Entry Requirements
for Ecuador Holidays & Ecuador Travel
All visitors should hold an onward or
return ticket. All members of the Sikh religion regardless of
nationality require a passport valid for six months and a
visa.
- For Australians -
Australians must take a passport valid for at least 90
days on arrival. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days
per year.
- New Zealanders require a passport valid for 90 days on
arrival. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days per
year.
- US nationals must hold a passport valid for at least
90 days upon arrival. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90
days per year.
- US nationals must hold a passport valid for at least
90 days upon arrival. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90
days per year.
- UK nationals must hold a passport valid for at least
90 days upon arrival. An entry stamp is issued on arrival, which is
valid for 90 days. Extensions are possible.
Currency of Ecuador
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in
Ecuador. In 2000 the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal
currency, but despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist
in rural areas for a while longer. It is recommended that
travellers bring both US dollar notes and travellers cheques as
other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of
Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition
are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main
centres most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange
houses (casas de cambio) at variable
commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major
credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels
although a commission of 6-8% is often charged.
Ecuador
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The international access code for Ecuador
is +593. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Quito is
(0)2. Calls made from hotel rooms can be very expensive, but public
telephones can be found in most public buildings in the main
cities; the most cost-effective way to telephone internationally is
from call centres, which are located in most towns and cities. They
also offers fax services and sometimes Internet connections, but
Internet cafes are available in the main towns. The local GSM cell
phone network does not have roaming agreements with international
operators; European, Australian and other phones from non-GSM cell
phone networks will not work, but cell phones can be rented at the
international airports or at cellular phone
shops.
Ecuador
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay
customs duty on 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1
litre of alcoholic beverages; perfume for personal use; and gifts
and personal effects to the value of US$200 for a stay of up to 7
days, US$300 for 8 days to six months, and US$400 for stays of six
months to two years.
Ecuador
Holidays - Tipping Information
A 10% charge is usually added to good quality
hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers do not expect to be
tipped. Tour guides usually receive a discretionary tip from the
group.
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