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Booking a vacation package to Ecuador with Latin America Vacations is easy. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT ECUADOR |
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| EAT & DRINK | |||||
Food in Ecuador combines a number of distinctive national and regional dishes incorporating exotic fruits, delicious fish and seafood and Andean potatoes. Regional food favorites include llapingachos (pancakes with mashed potato and cheese); shrimp or lobster ceviche and locro (a stew of potatoes and cheese). The national delicacy is baked guinea pig. Hey, when in Ecuador... Exotic fresh fruits to try include chirimoya with a delicious custard-like filling and pepinos, which is kind of like a cucumber, which is really a vegetable. Either way, mucho tasty. |
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| WEATHER | |||||
| Located directly on the equator, Ecuador does not have 4 distinguishable seasons; it simply alternates between dry and rainy. In Quito, daily temperatures range from 46-70°F. In the Sierra highlands, temperatures change little from season to season, and the rainy season lasts from November to May (with rains occurring afternoons and evenings). The coastal lowlands and Amazon basin are hot and humid year round, with temps ranging from 73-100°F. the rainy season here lasts from May-December, though sudden tropical downpours occur in dry season as well. | |||||
| PACK SMART | |||||
| Bring lightweight cottons and linens for warm-weather comfort on the mainland and on the Galápagos Islands. Bring raingear for the rainy season, which extends from December to May. Warmer clothes are needed for highland areas. Remember your hiking boots/comfortable walking shoes, insect repellant, a wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, and sunglasses. | |||||
| GETTING AROUND | |||||
| There are a number of long-distance buses that link the country's central bus stations. Quito and Guayaquil have bus and minibus services that operate at flat fares. (Getting around by bus may be easier if you speak Spanish fluently). Taxis are available in Quito and Guayaquil. Fares should be negotiated in advance. Taxis are metered in Quito. Arrange for taxi service through your hotel. Arrange transfers as part of your pre-planned itinerary. Rental cars are available in Quito and Guayaquil. | |||||
| MONEY | |||||
| The U.S. dollar replaced the sucre as the official currency of Ecuador in April 2000. Bills are in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $2, and $1. Coins come in denominations of $1, and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. Most credit cards are accepted, and it's always wise to take along some travelers cheques. Banks are open from Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; some banks are also open Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | |||||
| TIPPING | |||||
| Waiters generally expect a tip of 5% to 10% (pay them directly), even though 10% may be added to the check to cover service. Taxi drivers are not tipped. Porters and bellhops receive 50 cents or more per bag. Naturalist and guides expect been $6 and $10 per person per day. Drivers get about $4 per person per day. | |||||
| WHEN IT'S OPEN | |||||
| Banks are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Some banks are open Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Shops are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 until 6:00 p.m, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Some shops are open on Sunday. Museums hours vary; check locally for hours. | |||||
| SPECIALTY GOODS | |||||
| Ecuador is a great place to find native woodcarvings weapons, varnished and painted ornaments made of bread dough, baskets, tiles, wool and orlon rugs, blankets, shigras (shoulder bags), textiles, silver and aboriginal art. | |||||
| RELIGION | |||||
| More than 90% of Ecuador's population is Roman Catholic. | |||||
| GENERAL INFORMATION | |||||
Electricity is 110 volts/60 cycles. Ecuador's time is the same as our Eastern Standard Time. Spanish and Quecha are the official languages of Ecuador, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas. Ecuador's telephone country code is 593. Directory assistance is available in Spanish by dialing 104. Since April 2000, the U.S. dollar replaced the sucre as the official currency of Ecuador. A passport is required. A visa is not required unless you plan to stay more than 3 months. Visitors must hold tickets and documents required for your return trip or your next destination. Contact your health care professional or a travel clinic to learn about the latest medical information regarding travel to Ecuador, since regulations and required vaccines change without notice. Insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies, cancellations, and loss of property. The US Embassy is located at Avenida 12 Octobrey Patria, Quito, Ecuador. Phone: 593-246-2890. |
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For Assistance Call: 1 (877) 471-3876
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