| Which airlines
fly to Ecuador from major cities in Europe and the USA?
Iberia, KLM, American Airlines, Continental, Lacsa, Avianca, Lan
Chile have regular flights from major cities in Europe and USA to
our capital city of Quito.
Citizens of which countries
need to arrange a visa in their own country?
A valid passport and onward bound ticket. Visitors may stay up to
90 days. Tourist card is given upon arrival at not cost, and you
must keep this document with your passport throughout your stay
in Ecuador. Citizens from the following countries need a visa to
get into Ecuador: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, China, North
and South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen. For further
information you can contact the following web page www.ecuador.org/ingles/consular/nonresident_visas.htm
Type of clothing and shoes
suggested?
The weather is stable all year long in all regions of the Country.
However it is advisable to always bring a sweater or jacket, long
trousers, shorts, swimming suit, T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts,
in general comfortable clothing as well as comfortable shoes.
Advisable vaccination?
Some provinces of Ecuador may have malaria. We suggest you to bring
a personal dosage against malaria, specially for visits to the coast
and jungles. In the highlands malaria or other similar diseases
are not present. Regarding malaria, if you visit pristine forests,
the risk is low. Due to possible side effects of malaria treatment
s, it is advisable to bring insect repellent if your visit is going
to be less than 8 days.
Is it necessary to have medical-life
insurance?
Travelers are responsible for obtaining an adequate and valid insurance
policy that also covers all the activities that they are likely
to participate in. Appropriate medical insurance is advisable. However
our programs include basic medical insurance.
Travelers Safety?
Ecuador is a small country where one of the main incomes is tourism.
The country itself is really safe, isolated cases have occurred
against tourist when reasonable safety measures have not been followed.
Time difference from GMT?
Eastern Standard/GMT-5 (12 hours sun, 12 hours darkness all year
round- no day light savings time); In the Galapagos Island GMT-6
(Check the time with your guide upon your arrival).
Electricity (voltage, hertz,
what kind of electricity plugs are in use)?
110 volts, 60 cycles AC. Galapagos yachts and some lodges throughout
mainland Ecuador have outlets for recharging batteries and other
appliances. A round to flat plugs converter suggested.
Something about food and beverages?
Most of the food used in different restaurants, hotels, yachts and
lodges in Ecuador are produce of the country. Special menus for
all types of requirements are available. Food in the Galapagos and
Jungle are mostly brought from the capital to avoid ecological impact.
Best time to travel?, Worst
time to travel? (Weather conditions)
In the Andean Central valley, between May and November, daytime
temperatures are in the 70’s (21-26 degrees C) and at nighttime
temperatures are in the 50’s (10-15 degrees C). The temperature
get colder between December and April. The dry season lasts from
June through October. During the rest of the year, there usually
afternoon showers.
On the Pacific Coast, the average temperature is 83 degrees F. (26
degrees C). The hot rainy season is from November to May.
In the Amazon the temperature is always hot and humid. Rainfalls
year round.
In the Galapagos Islands, the warmest month are December through
June and the islands become green and lush.
For information relative to the area you plan to visit, please contact
the following web page: www.inamhi.gov.ec
Credit cards accepted
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards
are accepted in the country. H
Taxes and tipping
Restaurants and hotels will add a 12% tax (VAT) to your bill, and
some of them add another 10% for service charges; if your bill does
not register this item you can leave a 10% average as tip. Taxi
drivers will not expect to be tipped.
Special Festivities, relevant
to the Tourists?
January 6th. The Three King's Day, celebrations
in Cuenca (Azuay), Ambato (Tungurahua), Lincán (Chimborazo),
Montecristi (Manabí)
February 1st. Day of Virgin of the Charity, in
Mira (Imbabura)
March 2nd. Sugar Cane Day in Atuntaqui (Imbabura),
Peach Day in Gualaceo (Azuay)
April 19th. to 21st. Celebration in Riobamba (Chimborazo)
May 3rd. Lord of Good Hope's Day in Checa (Pichincha),
Agriculture and Livestock Fair in Puyo (Pastaza)
June 24th. Saint John´s Day Otavalo (Imbabura),
Tabacundo (Pichincha), Guamote (Chimborazo), 28th. to 29th.Day of
Saint Peter and Paul in Imbabura and Pichincha
July 11th. to 16th.Virgin of El Carmen's Day in
Ibarra (Imbabura), 23th. Chagra's Day in Machachi (Pichincha), 23rd.
to 25th. Foundation of Guayaquil
August 5th. to 7th. Virgin of the Snow in Sicalpa
(Chimborazo), 10th. National civic Day, Day of Independence, 17th.
San Jacinto's day in Yaguachi (Guayas)
September 2nd. to 7th. Yamor Day in Otavalo (Imbabura),
18th. Virgin of El Cisne in Loja (Loja), Virgin of El Cinto in El
Cinto (Pichincha), Jora's Day in Cotacachi (Imbabura), 20th. to
26th. World Banana's Fair in Machala, 24th. Mama Negra Day in Latacunga
(Cotopaxi), 24th to 28th. Lakes Feast in Ibarra (Imbabura)
October 9th. Independence of Guayaquil
November 2nd. All Soul´s Day, 3rd. Independence
of Cuenca
December 6th. Foundation of Quito, 24th. Christmas.
Is it possible to have a
tailor made program?
Tailor-made and private programs can be organized in to meet specific
interests including places listed on our web site or those not listed.
How do I book a program with
Viajes Orion?
You can contact us via E-mail (ecoturismo-viajesorion),
Fax ), Phone ) or directly at our main
office in Quito (La Niña 145 and 6 de Diciembre, Edificio
Pazmiño, 2nd. Floor). A deposit will be required to assure
the booking which can be made via bank transfer through a US Bank
or by credit card through a signature on file form. Bank and credit
card charges to be borne by you.
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