Ecuador

Flight.co.uk Overview

Flights to Ecuador, the smallest country in the Andean Highlands, are not as difficult to find as might be expected. The country has two main international airports where flights to Ecuador touch down: Guayaquil and Quito. It is possible to book flights to Ecuador, a seemingly remote country, on one of several national airlines that connect with the United States and other South American countries. Discount flights to Ecuador reveal a land made up of two mountain chains and more than 30 volcanoes, divided by the central highland valley that lies thousands of metres above sea level. Ecuador flights land either at Quito, the capital city, sandwiched between two volcanoes, or the Simon Bolivar Airport in Guayaquil, the country's main seaport. Holidays in Ecuador offer a diverse range of experiences, from the Pacific coast beaches to the sweltering rainforest. Cheap flights to Ecuador mean travellers have more to spend in the colourful highland markets, and excursions to the windswept highlands of the Andes mountains to discover the cultures and traditions of the villagers. Flights to Ecuador also bring adventurers to within a stone's throw of the bewitching Galapagos islands, famed for its natural history, and this is for most the highlight of trips to Ecuador. There are direct flights to Ecuador from all the major South American and southern US cities as well as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid and Paris in Europe.

Overview

Situated on the equator, Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean Highlands. Despite its size it is probably the world's most bio-diverse country, crammed with an astounding variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation existing in the contrasts of climatic zones. Within a short time the traveller can experience dramatic changes in scenery, temperature and altitude, journeying between Pacific coast beaches and the sweltering, mosquito-ridden rainforest; to the charming capital city of Quito surrounded by ice-covered volcanoes; and to colourful highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains.

The people, their cultures and traditions have also been formed, and are influenced by, their geographical environment. The backbone of the country is the Andean highlands, made up of two mountainous chains and over 30 volcanoes. Between them lies the central highland valley or sierra, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, at about 8,960ft (2,800m) above sea level. This is the heartland of agricultural activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities, and is where the bulk of the population live. Larger towns like Saquisilí and Otavalo swell on market days when villagers come to sell their produce and handiwork in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere of festivity. The sierra is also home to most of the old and historically important cities, including Quito.

With its beautiful colonial architecture, magnificent panoramic scenery, vibrant indigenous groups and welcoming people it is one of the most enticing and rewarding countries to visit in South America. And, as if it needed anything further, one of the world's greatest treasures of natural history lies in the bewitching Galapagos Islands, famed for its fearless and unique wildlife, and is the highlight of most trips to Ecuador.

Local Customs

Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip is often requested. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times.

Business

An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a tie with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are usually somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and most people have a second card printed with personal addresses, home telephone numbers etc for social use. Note that business disputes that would in countries such as the United States be dealt with by civil litigation are often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Ecuador is a Roman Catholic country and therefore it is best to act modestly and conservatively. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing for lunch.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador. There is risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas below 5,000ft (1,500m). There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito repellent. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. High altitude can affect some people's health so those visiting Quito (6500ft/2800m) are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Medical facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly recommended.

Safety

Ecuador is generally a safe country to travel to but visitors should be vigilant with their belongings as most crime is opportunistic. Travellers are warned not to store belongings in the overhead lockers or under seats on public buses and trains. Due to a risk of kidnapping and armed crime, travel to the north-eastern areas bordering Colombia is not advisable, and travel to the northern provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana should be avoided. Ecuador has many active volcanoes, which are poorly monitored. Tungurahua volcano near Baños erupted on 14 July 2006, causing the evacuation of thousands of people, and again on 17 August 2006. Travellers to Baños should be cautious in the surrounding area, as there is still a possibility of further eruptions. Reventador volcano near Quito has been showing signs of activity, and visitors are advised to stay away from the surrounding area due to the omission of poisonous gases. You should avoid hiking to Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma as violent gangs are known to operate in the wooded areas. Several incidents have also occurred along the hiking trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja, in which hikers have been robbed of all valuables by masked men. Violent demonstrations occurred in the cities of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, but the situation has returned to normal. However there is still an ongoing risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest; all public gatherings are to be avoided. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and disruption to road transport in the El Oro, Esmeraldas, Manabi and Los Rios provinces.

Duty Free

Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; perfume for personal use; and gifts and personal effects to the value of US$200 for a stay of up to 7 days, US$300 for 8 days to six months, and US$400 for stays of six months to two years.

Tipping

A 10% charge is usually added to good quality hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Tour guides usually receive a discretionary tip from the group.

Language

Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main language spoken among the indigenous people.

Communications

The international access code for Ecuador is +593. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Quito is (0)2. Calls made from hotel rooms can be very expensive, but public telephones can be found in most public buildings in the main cities; the most cost-effective way to telephone internationally is from call centres, which are located in most towns and cities. They also offers fax services and sometimes Internet connections, but Internet cafes are available in the main towns. The local GSM cell phone network does not have roaming agreements with international operators; European, Australian and other phones from non-GSM cell phone networks will not work, but cell phones can be rented at the international airports or at cellular phone shops.

Time Zone

Local time is GMT –5 (Galapagos Islands are GMT –6).

Electricity

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin plugs are standard.

Money

The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000 the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main centres most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses (casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6-8% is often charged.