Ecuador
Capital:
Quito
Official Language: Spanish
Religions:
95% Roman Catholic and 5% other
Currency:
Sucre = 100 centavos
Placements: Animal
Rescue Centre, Bear Conservation Project, Wilderness Lodge,
Amazon Lodge, Botanical Eco-Lodge Reserve, Oceanic Agro-Ecolodge,
Live with the Shiwiars, Organic farm, Community Development
Projects
Map
Background
The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of
vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly
volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. And all that in a nation no bigger
than the US state of Nevada.
Special Events
Major events
Climate
Coastal Ecuador is quite cloudy most of the time but enjoys daily highs
averaging around 30°C (86°F) the year round and a short but quite damp wet
season between December and May. The Galapagos Islands are eerily dry for their
equatorial position.
Travel Info
Travelling by air is the most common way to get to Ecuador. Quito and
Guayaquil both have international airports with frequent direct connections to
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Nearly all flights from Europe and
Australasia go via these US cities or through the Caribbean. Some airlines also
fly direct from a handful of Central and South American countries. The region's
main international hub is Lima, and you may find it cheaper to fly to Peru and
continue overland to Ecuador (a 24-hour bus trip).
You can also get to Ecuador by land or sea, but as air travel is much more
convenient and roughly equivalent in price, few travellers opt to do so.
Overland travel on public buses from both Colombia and Peru presents no
problems. Occasionally, cargo ships use Guayaquil as port of call, but as the
days of steamer hopping are long since over, it's a rare traveller who secures
this type of passage.
Visas
British nationals are issued with a visit visa on arrival
which is valid for up to 90 days. Visit extensions of a further 90 days can be
obtained through the local immigration authorities. Overstaying without
permission from the immigration authorities is an offence and will result in a
substantial fine and deportation. Your passport must have a minimum validity of
six months.
If you wish to work or study in Ecuador you should check visa
requirements with the Embassy of Ecuador
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be
aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be
against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Muggings and pick pocketing are common, particularly
in the cities. You should avoid wearing expensive jewellery in the streets and
on public transport. When travelling on public transport, we recommend that
rucksacks should be worn on the front of your body. Do not store small bags
under your seat or in overhead storage.
There have been occasional cases
of rape and armed attacks against visitors both in rural and urban areas. Remote
sites should be visited in groups.
There have been several cases of
assailants using drugs to subdue their intended victims. Drugs can be
administered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols, or powder. In one
incident drugs were administered through a chemical soaked into a leaflet. You
should be wary of unsolicited approaches from strangers offering you food,
drinks, leaflets, telephone cards or cigarettes, no matter how friendly or well
dressed the individual appears.
There have been cases of attacks by
drivers of unregistered taxis. Only use registered taxis, which display their
taxi registration sticker on the windscreen or side doors. If possible do not
hail taxis on the street but book through hotels or taxi radio services. Larger
supermarkets and airports also have reliable taxi ranks.
There have been
several incidents of armed gunmen holding up buses after daylight hours. You
should therefore avoid travel by road after dark, in particular on long distance
and international coaches.
Political situation
Street
demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and sometimes
turn violent. You should take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are
gathering.
Towards the end of 2005, and during 2006, States of Emergency
have been declared across Ecuador. A State of Emergency gives the armed forces
responsibility for law and order. The States of Emergency have been called by
the government in response to demonstrations against oil companies and protests
by indigenous groups against Ecuador signing a Free Trade Agreement with the
United States. Some of these demonstrations have turned violent.
Local
Travel
You should avoid travel to the northern provinces of Sucumbios
and Orellana. Colombian guerrilla groups are known to have influence in all
regions bordering Colombia. The effect has been increased crime and incidents of
kidnap. Foreign oil workers are targets for kidnappers in these areas. In July
2002, a British oil worker and his driver were kidnapped and subsequently
killed.
On 21 March 2006, a State of Emergency was declared in the
provinces of Imbabura, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Cañar. Also, in the northern
districts of Tabacundo and Cayambe in the province of Pichincha. The States of
Emergency were called in response to widespread public protests across Ecuador.
These demonstrations caused serious disruption to road travel between 13 and 23
March 2006. There remains a risk of further protests. You should monitor local
reports for updates and take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are
gathering.
Heavy rains during March 2006 have caused prolonged flooding
in the provinces of El Oro, Esmeraldas, Manabi and Los Rios. This has caused
disruption to road travel in these provinces. Further heavy rainfall is
predicted.
You should avoid hiking to the antennas of Volcano Pichincha
via Cruz Loma, west of Quito, as violent gangs are known to operate in the
wooded areas.
Road Safety
General road conditions are
adequate in Andean and coastal areas, but driving can be dangerous due to the
condition of the vehicles on the road and local driving techniques. Road
conditions in the Amazon region are generally very poor and driving is
hazardous. Roads in the coastal province of Manabi were badly damaged by floods
in Spring 2005, and have yet to be fully restored.
If you intend to hire
a car you must hold a valid British or international driver's licence. The
Ecuadorian police also recommend the use of a local temporary driver's permit.
You should contact the British Embassy if you require further
details.
Sea Safety
There have been attacks of piracy and
armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador’s waters. Mariners are advised
to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Trafficking is a serious crime, penalties are harsh and prison conditions
are grim. Do not get involved in the trafficking or use of illegal
drugs.
It is a legal requirement to carry identification with you at all
times.
Health
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive
travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions,
and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to
undertake. Good medical treatment can be expensive and is not always
available outside the main cities.
Malaria and dengue fever are health
risks in all the coastal provinces, the interior and in the highlands up to 2000
metres. In 2006, there have been reported cases of dengue fever in the provinces
of Guayas, Manabi and El Oro. A small number of cases have also been reported in
Los Rios and Esmeraldas.
High altitude, e.g. in Quito (2800 metres) can
affect some people's health. You should take sensible medical precautions and
seek advice from your doctor before travelling. If visiting Quito you are
advised to take it easy for the first few days and drink plenty of
water.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Hepatitis A,
Typhoid,
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis,
Hepatitis B,
Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
