In Spanish, “Ecuador” means equator. The territory of the country lies simultaneously in the northern and southern hemispheres. Ecuador is the most unusual and beautiful country on the continent. Here is the Andes mountain system and many dormant volcanoes. The nature in these places has remained the same as hundreds of years ago, the most beautiful places in the Amazon, where tribes of indigenous people still live. Tourists are attracted by the presence of a huge number of mountain resorts and many amazingly beautiful beaches. Among all the countries of the continent, Ecuador is considered the best place for outdoor activities. But the country is rich not only in natural virtues, the long history has left behind valuable historical monuments.
Geography of Ecuador
According to simplyyellowpages, Ecuador lies on the Pacific coast of South America. The south and east of the state border with Peru, and the north with Colombia. The coastline stretches for a distance of 2200 km. In addition to the territory lying on the mainland, Ecuador includes the Galapagos Islands.
Capital
Quito
Area
The area of Ecuador is 272.046 km2. sq., occupies the 75th place in the world by area.
Population
15,007,343 people.
Currency
The national currency is the American dollar (USD).
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Visa to Ecuador
If the period of stay in the country does not exceed 90 days, then Russian citizens can use the possibility of visa-free entry. When crossing the border, you must provide a passport, its validity must be at least six months from the date of entry into the country. If it becomes necessary to extend the period of stay in the state, you must contact the local immigration service, an extension is possible for 90 days. Note that the entrance to the territory of the Galapagos Islands is paid (100 USD), payment is possible only in cash.
Weather in Ecuador
In general, Ecuador is characterized by an equatorial climate, and in the mountainous regions – a mountainous equatorial, but varied relief influenced the formation of a large number of microclimatic zones. A characteristic feature of the local weather can be considered that during the day the weather can change dramatically, due to a change in the angle of incidence of the sun’s rays on the mountain slopes, thereby changing their temperature. There are two seasons: hot and humid, cold and dry. In summer, the temperature is usually within +18 +25 C, and in winter it can drop to -3 and rise to +13 C. On average, 600 mm of precipitation falls on the country’s territory per year. The most stable climate is in the central part of Ecuador, on a flat terrain. The temperature is the same all year round – +17 +24 C, and there is little precipitation – up to 300 mm. The climate in the Galapagos Islands is largely dependent on sea winds and currents. For example, in the period from June to December, under the influence of a cold current, the temperature drops and fogs are frequent. At this time, the islands are dry, but cool, there is practically no precipitation during this period (no more than 10 mm). It is more comfortable to visit the central part of Ecuador in August-February, and Costa in December-April.
Transport
The transport system of Ecuador consists of buses, and trolleybuses in the capital, as well as water transport in Oriente. You can travel between cities by buses, which are divided into two categories: ordinary public buses and first-class, more comfortable ones. In cities, the most common mode of transport is a taxi. Taxis here are yellow, and the number is written on the doors. Payment is preferably made by the meter, but you can agree in advance. In the evening and at night, the price of a taxi fare doubles. It is not advisable to use unlicensed taxis.
Currency exchange in Ecuador
Since 2000, the national currency of Ecuador has been the US dollar and local change. Most Ecuadorian banks are open on weekdays from 09.00 to 18.30 with a break from 13.30-14.30. Exchange offices are open until 18.00, as well as on Saturday until 12.00. In addition to banks, currency can be changed at the airport. There may be difficulties with exchanges of provincial and remote areas such as Oriente. Credit cards are accepted only in developed tourist areas. For exchange transactions, a commission of 1-4% is charged.
Electricity
100V/60Hz (American style sockets).
Religion
The majority of believers are represented by Catholics, who make up 95% of the total believing population. The remaining 5% are representatives of other religious denominations.
Security
Of the crimes, tourists most often encounter theft and street crime. The main problem of the country is fraud. The largest number of pickpockets is concentrated at railway stations and airports, where you should be as careful as possible. It is not desirable to be located on the territory of large cities remote from the center, especially at night.
Health
Medical services are underdeveloped, especially in provincial towns. You can count on full-fledged treatment only in Quito, Guayaquil and other large cities. In the provinces, treatment is provided by polyclinics, and in severe and life-threatening cases, the patient is taken to the capital. It is recommended to have international insurance that provides for evacuation by air in case of emergency.
