Frequently Asked Questions - Ecuador FAQ's
For US citizens, a U.S. passport with remaining validity of at least six months is required to enter Ecuador. A valid U.S. passport is required to depart Ecuador. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket. U.S. citizens traveling on regular passports for tourism or business do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. Those planning a longer visit must obtain a visa in advance of arrival. For entry requirements if your passport is from another country, visit (www.embassy.org/embassies/ec.html)
No vaccinations are required for travel to Ecuador from the USA. Call the CDC Travelers' Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit the website (. Most travelers take Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever and Tetanus. If traveling to the Amazon region consider Yellow Fever and Malaria prophylaxis.www.cdc.gov/travel)
Monetary unit: U.S. dollar. Ecuador has its own coins, which are basically the same size as American coins. Either cash or traveler’s checks is fine although cash is the easiest to use now that Ecuador has replaced its local currency with the US dollar. There are ATM machines in the main cities such as Quito and Guayaquil. We recommend using the ones located inside some hotels, stores, restaurants or banks. Be cautious as some thieves may watch these machines and target tourists and others who take out large amounts of cash. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM's.
Overall, its equatorial location gives Ecuador a mild climate, with temperatures varying more by altitude than by season. The country does not experience the "four seasons" as we know them, but has a "wet" and a "dry" period which varies from region to region. Quito's "dry" season is generally June-September with another spell of "dry" weather from November-January. Bear in mind that it's tropical latitude means rain should be expected year-round. Temperatures in Quito, the Lake District and the Avenue of Volcanos range from the low 40's at night to the low or mid 70's during the day. One can expect variable weather patterns, although there is generally a build up of clouds and short rain showers in the afternoons especially during the "wet" seasons. Ecuadorians are proud to point out that in the highlands you can experience all four seasons in a single day.
The Highlands: For Quito and the other highland cities, wear comfortable springtime clothing during the day and a sweater or coat during the evening. For the highlands and moorlands (páramos), warm, winter-like clothing is essential. Dressing in layers is ideal. Afternoons might be rainy; therefore we suggest an umbrella.
Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information. Prepaid phones can be purchased on arrival in country. Cell coverate is relatively good with blanket coverate in Quito and Guayaquil. In the Andes and Amazon Basin, it is sketchy but improving as more towers are installed. Galapagos is getting increased cell service.
We recommend travel Insurance when traveling abroad. In general, if you need hospitalization, the traveler will have to pay the hospital and then later be reimbursed by the insurance company. In most hospitals and clinics, credit cards are accepted. In Ecuador there are many quality hospitals and clinics where the traveler can be treated if there is some emergency while in the country.
Travelers should take the same precautions that they would in a major city in the US. Pay attention to the advice of your tour leader and hotel reception and take common-sense precautions such as not going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night. Demonstrations, usually non-violent, are not uncommon in Ecuador. Travelers are advised to avoid these demonstrations as protestors occasionally burn tires, throw Molotov cocktails, or fire handguns into the air.
Petty theft is common in airports, crowded tourist sites, and busy markets so be aware of your valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry or other expensive items. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.html
