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Galapagos Islands Birding the Highlands :: Ecuador: A Birding Miracle :: Family Birding Adventure :: The Magic Birding Circuit All Ecuador Itineraries Hotels and Transportation Book your Flight Newsletter Travel Resources Client Testimonials Carbon Offset Calculator Nature Store |
Climate
Amazon:
The Ecuadorian Amazon, also known as the Oriente, is a sparsely-populated region of equatorial tropical rainforest. Powerful rivers flow down from the ice-capped Andes to form tributaries of the Amazon, the largest of these being the 530-mile-long Napo River. The Oriente experiences considerable rainfall in June, July and August, although rain may be expected year-round. Daily temperatures average from 72° to 80°F, and the humidity is high.
The Andes:
In the majestic Andean highlands, a string of valleys and grasslands occupy the space between the parallel Central and Western Ranges, or cordilleras. Nearly half of Ecuador's population occupies these valleys at elevations between 5,900 and 9,850 feet. Volcanoes-both active and extinct-tower above the edges of these central valleys.
The moderate weather in the highlands changes little, with temperatures ranging from 42° to 50°F in the nights and mornings, and from 66° to 73°F in the afternoon. From February-May and October-November, two rainy seasons bring cool rains and overcast skies. Variations in elevation make for a greater change in weather than do the seasons; this also makes for stunning changes in habitat and scenery within relatively short distances.
Pacific Coast:
Ecuador's hot and humid coast consists of palm-lined beaches, mangroves and low floodplains. Temperatures here range from 80° to 92°F. The rainy season occurs roughly from December to May, although the coasts of southern Ecuador get little to no rainfall. Ecuador's coasts are the country's breadbasket, growing the majority of crops, such as rice, mango and bananas, destined for export.
The Galapagos Islands:
620 miles west of the mainland lie the Galapagos, a 13-island archipelago. The warm, arid islands are surrounded by calm Pacific waters and are rife with incredible wildlife. The average daytime temperature in the Galapagos is 85°F; nights in the Galapagos are cool with light breezes from the ocean. Travelers usually reach the islands aboard flights from Quito or Guayaquil.
Health
For the latest health information and vaccine recommendations for Ecuador, visit the Center for Disease Control website.
Currency and Money Exchange
In 2000, Ecuador adopted the U.S. dollar as the official currency. It is advisable to have plenty of small bills handy for purchases as most merchants can't change bills over $20. Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted at some restaurants, hotels and stores in major cities. ATMs are also available in larger cities. The latest exchange rates can be found at http://www.xe.com/
Electricity
The standard voltage in Ecuador is 110V, the same as in North America.
Entry and Exit Regulations
US Citizens visiting Ecuador as tourists do not need a visa. Your passport should be valid at least six months after your date of arrival. There is an international departure tax of US $40.80 payable at the airport. Non-US citizens should contact the Ecuadorian Consulate in their country of residence to check visa requirements.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. Quichua (similar to the Quechua in Peru) is spoken in many highlands areas. Many merchants, including those at the Otavalo market, speak English. In Ecuador's eastern jungles, some tribal languages are still spoken.
Official Time
Ecuador has the same time as Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the U.S. Ecuador does not observe daylight savings time. The Galapagos Islands are one hour behind the mainland.
USA Travelers Info
The US Embassy in Ecuador is located at:
Av. Patria and Av. 12 de Octubre
Tel: (593) 2 256-2890
Fax: (593) 2 250 2052
Emergency phone: (593) 2 223 4126
Home page: http://ecuador.org/main.htm
The Embassy is open from 8:00 am - 12:30 pm / 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm from Monday through Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, except during US and some Ecuadorian holidays.
The US Citizens Services is open Tuesday through Friday (except on U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays) from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
The US Consulate in Guayaquil is located at:
9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno
Tel: (593) 4 2323-570 ext. 227 or 228
Emergencies (24 hours): (593) 04 2321-152
Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225. For after-hours emergencies, Sundays and holidays, call 202-647-4000.
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