Latin America - Ecuador - Country Information

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America. It lies on both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres divided by the equator. The country has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. You can visit the high Andean peaks covered with snow, green valleys, picturesque highland towns, the Amazon Rainforest and the unique and famous Galapagos Islands.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Republic of Ecuador
Area	283,520 sq km
Population	12 million
Capital	Quito
Time Difference	5 Hours Behind GMT
Visa	A visa is not required
Currency	US Dollar
People	40% mestizo, 40% Indian, 15% Spanish descent, 5% African descent
Language	Spanish
Dialling Code	00 593
Electricity	120/127V 60 Hz

Visas:

A visa is not required

Health risks:

Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Polio, TB, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever

When to Go:

 

Located on the Equator, from which the country derives its name, Ecuador experiences little variation in climate throughout the year, apart from a brief rainy season in the highlands, roughly from November to May, with rain falling mainly in the afternoon or during the night.  Temperature differences are governed by altitude rather than season, with the highlands enjoying a pleasant spring-like climate for most of the year, with warm weather during the daytime, dropping to fairly low temperatures at night due to the high altitude. Owing to their location at sea level on the Equator, the Galapagos Islands experience a hot, dry climate for most of the year.

 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Owing to their location at sea level on the Equator, the Galapagos Islands experience a hot, dry climate for most of the year.