Ecuador is a multifaceted country, both because of its unique topography and its well-marked natural zones. Here, the visitor can enjoy climate variation, diverse ethnic groups and one of the best concentrations and diversity of vegetation and animal species in the world.
Ecuador is situated in the northwest of South America, on the Pacific Coast. Its surface area is 259,714 km2. The country also has known island territory such as the Galapagos Islands that cover an area of 8,010 km2; Ecuador shares its borders to the north with Colombia, to the South with Peru and to the West with the Pacific Ocean.
Through the Panama Canal, Ecuador is easily accessible from Europe and Atlantic Coastal countries.
The marvelous counter fort of the Andes traverse the country from the North to the South; like an immense spine that divides Ecuador into three natural regions: the Coast, the Sierra and the Amazon. One thousand kilometers west of the continental territory, in the Pacific Ocean, on both sides of the Equator, one can find the Galapagos Islands. These islands are officially called the Columbus Archipelago, and are referred to as the "Enchanted Islands" by those who have marveled at their exotic scenery. The flora and fauna of these islands, unique to the whole world, served as a base to Darwin's Theory of Evolution.
GOVERNMENT
The government is civil and democratic, and its sovereignty is carried out through the Constitution by three powers that form the State: Legislative, Executive and Judicial.
POPULATION
The total population passes 12,000,000 inhabitants, 61% of which live in urban areas and 39% in rural areas.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, but the majority of its indigenous communities speak its native language, Quichua, along with other languages that make Ecuador a multilingual country.
WEATHER
The climate is very varied because of the presence of the Andes Mountains that divide the country in three completely different natural zones. In the Andean Sierra the temperature fluctuates between 45°F and 75°F; 40°F and 95°F on the Coast; 75°F and 86°F in the Amazon; 72°F and 90°F in the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador has two marked seasons, the rainy season between December and May and the dry season between June and September.
TIME ZONE
On the continental territory, the time zone is five hours less than the Meridian in Greenwich, and six hours less in the Galapagos Islands.
CURRENCY
The official currency and legal tender in Ecuador is the US DOLLAR.
RELIGION
Freedom of religion exists, dominated by the Catholic religion.
ROUTES, PORTS AND AIRPORTS
The Pan-American Highway transverses the country from north to south, and from it, one can go to the West and or East by secondary highways. There are two highways and innumerable roads that take you to the most remote parts of the country.
There is an urban transportation system that allows for easy mobilization within each of the cities, and from these cities to the surrounding points of interest.
The train line connects the Sierra to the Coast, with established routes. The Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Quito, Riobamba - Simbabe - Nariz del Diablo (The Devil's Nose), and Ibarra-San Lorenzo services are appropriate for adventure tourism and enjoying nature.
Various shipping companies facilitate access to the whole world by operating from the principal Ecuadorian ports: Guayaquil, Manta, Port Bolivar and Esmeraldas. In some places on the Coast and in the Amazon tourist river transportation is available. There are also permanent cruise boats that go to and move within the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador has two international airports, the "Mariscal Sucre" airport in the capital city of Quito, and the "José Joaquín Olmedo" airport in Guayaquil. This is the principal airport for internal flights that come from different cities like: Latacunga, Manta, Esmeraldas, Machala, Portoviejo, Puyo, Lago Agrio, Tulcan, etc. There are other airports in the Galapagos Islands on Baltra and San Cristobal Islands.
MIGRATION
In order to get into Ecuador, all foreigners must have a valid passport. Permission for tourism can be obtained to stay in the country for 90 days when passing through migration control. For other purposes, a visa must be obtained through the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.
BANKS
The Banks are open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday; there are 24-hour ATMs that can be accessed by credit cards and international networks.
MALLS
Large malls are open from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. One can pay with these credit cards: American Express, Diners, Mastercard and Visa.
COMMUNICATIONS
The international telephone calling code for Ecuador is: 593. Various provinces have particular one-digit codes according to their zone (consult information). The telephone numbers are composed of six digits. Consequently, for exterior telephone calls, one should dial: 593+X+XXXXXX or 593+X+2XXXXXX.
The telephone companies offer various Internet and fax services. Hotels, Internet cafés and other companies provide the Internet as a communication possibility.
ELECTRICITY
110/120 Volts. 60 Hz.
VIDEO AND TELEVISION SYSTEMS
There are different national and local television channels. Cable and satellite television service. The system in use is NTSC-525 lines. For video, the system is also NTSC.
Ecuador is a multifaceted country, both because of its unique topography and its well-marked natural zones. Here, the visitor can enjoy climate variation, diverse ethnic groups and one of the best concentrations and diversity of vegetation and animal species in the world.
The government is civil and democratic, and its sovereignty is carried out through the Constitution by three powers that form the State: Legislative, Executive and Judicial.
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, but the majority of its indigenous communities speak its native language, Quichua, along with other languages that make Ecuador a multilingual country.
The international telephone calling code for Ecuador is: 593. Various provinces have particular one-digit codes according to their zone (consult information). The telephone numbers are composed of six digits. Consequently, for exterior telephone calls, one should dial: 593+X+XXXXXX or 593+X+2XXXXXX.
