Ecuador holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Ecuador holiday, personal to you.
Ecuador tailor-made holiday highlights
QuitoOne of South America's most beautiful cities, with a pleasant spring-like climate and set against the stunning backdrop of the snowcapped volcano, Pichincha. Climb to the top of El Panecillo, a hill affording great views of the colonial old town and topped by a giant statue of the Virgin of Quito. Elsewhere, the modern centre bustles with businesses and street cafes.
OtavaloSmall town and handicrafts centre, famous for its colourful Saturday Indian market, which dates back to pre-Inca times. It's a festive affair and the local Otaveleños wear their traditional dress.
BanosA good base for outdoor pursuits, such as walking, horse riding and mountain biking. Or for just taking advantage of the thermal springs and hot pools from which the town gets its name.
Cotopaxi Mighty cone-shaped peak, at 5,900 metres the world's tallest active volcano, located to the south of the capital in the Parque Nacional de Cotopaxi. Popular with experienced climbers seeking to reach its summit.
Galápagos IslandsMade famous by Charles Darwin's scientific voyage aboard the Beagle, this island group 1,000 kilometres west of the mainland, is home to rare and unique animal species. Lizards,iguanas and giant tortoises can all be seen. Half the islands' species are found nowhere else on earth.
Jungle El Orienteis the local name for Ecuador's Amazon region, inhabited by indigenous tribes, and home to abundant animal and plant life.
People & place
Ecuador facts
Capital: Quito
Language: Spanish.
People: Mestizo (Indian-Spanish extraction), indigenous Indians.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Size (sq km): 272,045.
Population: 13,755,680.
Population density/sq km: 50.5.
Etiquette
It is best to ask permission before taking a photograph of somebody. They may also ask for a tip for the privilege. Although English may be spoken in business circles in Quito and Guayaquil, any attempts at speaking Spanish will be warmly welcomed.
Shopping
Ferias are special market days when a variety of local crafts are sold. Indian crafts, silver, native woodcarvings, Indian tiles, woollen and orlon rugs, blankets, basket, leather goods, indigenous art and shigras (shoulder bags).
Food & drink
Specialities include llapingachos (pancakes mashed potato and cheese), shrimp or lobster ceviche, locro (stew of potatoes and cheese), humitas (flavoured sweetcorn tamale), and baked guinea pig. Pilsner is the most popular beer, naranjilla is an unique fruit juice and a Ecuadorian speciality tasting somewhere between peaches and citrus. Canelazo is regarded as the best drink - a mix of sugar cane, alcohol, lemon, and cinnamon.
International Airports
Quito-Mariscal Sucre (UIO) 5 km from the city, Guayaquil-Simon Bolívar (GYE) 5 km from the city.
Internal travel
Flying is the usual mode of transport between cities. Limited passenger services to the Galapagos Islands. Railways operate between Quito and El Boliche and Riobamba to Sibambe, a hair-raising ride over the Devil's Nose. Variable Road conditions on account of earthquakes and flooding. Car hire is available in main cities. Camionetas (pick-ups) and rancheras (trucks) and taxis can be hired for long journeys. Buses are good value and journeys often take in stunning Andean scenery.
Red tape
Visas
(UK/US) None
Vaccinations
BCG, Cholera, Hep. A, Hep. B, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever3
Driving requirements
International Driving Permit not required
Reps in UK/US
UK: Flat 3B, 3 Hans Crescent, London SW1X 0LS, tel (020) 7584 1367, fax (020) 7823 9701. US: 2535 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel (202) 234 7200, fax (202) 667 3482, email embassy@ecuador.org.
UK/US reps in Ecuador
UK: Citiplaza Building, Naciones Unidas Avenue and Republica de El Salvador, 14th Floor, PO Box 17-17-830, Quito, tel (2) 2970 800/801, fax (2) 2970 809, email britembq@uio.satnet.net. US: Avenue 12 de Octubre y Patria, Quito, tel (2) 256 2890, email contacto.usembulo@state.gov
Currency
US Dollar (USD) = 100 cents.
Finance
Credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.
Business hours
Monday-Friday, 1000-2000 Saturday (shopping hours; business hours n/a).
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Mostly safe. Avoid the Columbian border, particularly the Sucumbíos province, and parts of the northern Peruvian border, where drug traffickers and armed groups operate.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 73.74, F 79.63.
Useful websites for travel
http://ecuador.usembassy.gov/ www.ecuadorexplorer.com. www.ecuador.org/ www.galapagos.org/
Local media
Inside Ecuador and Q are published irregularly in English, other international papers and magazines are available at main post offices and some bookshops.
Tourist boards
n/a.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Ecuador. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Ecuador itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6548.
Mainland Ecuador straddles the equator and boasts colonial cities, beautiful haciendas, towering volcanoes and green, steamy jungles. Combined with the Galapagos, it’s a truly intriguing destination....
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This sample itinerary combines the ancient culture of the Inca Empire with a memorable sailing trip around the Galapagos Archipelago. You will visit Inca temples and fortresses, roam through vibrant Indian markets, stay overnight at the base of legendary Machu...
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The market town of Otavalo is in northern Ecuador in the province of Imbabura, a picturesque land of lakes, sierras and terraced farmlands. It is also home to the industrious and enterprising Otavalo Indians, who offer their products at the towns much-loved ou...
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In this sample itinerary we’ve combined the ancient culture of the Inca Empire with an unforgettable sailing trip around the Galapagos Archipelago. Visit Inca fortresses and temples, roam around colourful Indian markets, stay overnight at the foot of fab...
More information »
