Ecuador
USEFUL INFORMATION
CLIMATE
The climate in Ecuador is springlike what makes travelling possible at any time of the year, The day is characterized by frequent alternations of sun and heavy showers during the rainy season and very sunny hot days during the dry season. In any case with a good equipment these changes are not noticeable.
Quito at 2.800 ms (9.186 ft) has at night a temperature of 12º c and during the day 17ºc
Mountains over 4.000 ms (13.123 ft) can freeze or snow during the night and during the day an average of 12ºc. Temperatures below 0ºc on high summits.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the American dollar (sucre was replaced by the dollar in the year 2000). 1 € = 1.40 US dollar (It is just and indicative so, check the exchange rate at the time of your departure since it might have variations)
Try to come to Ecuador with small notes and avoid travellers checks since they are difficult to be changed or accepted in local places.
Credit cards are accepted though in some shops you might have an extra charge. In any way ATM machines can be found in almost all the places.
Exchange places are not very common so try to travel always with dollars rather than having other currencies to be exchanged in Ecuador.
ACTIVE VOLCANOES
Ecuador has about 255 volcanoes and among them some active ones. They do not represent a danger to the population neither to tourists so, can definitely be an unforgetable spectacle when an eruption happens. If a volcano erupts you might have a restriction to circulate in the area and a close airport (if the eruption is near Quito). Nevertheless travelling in Ecuador is not a risk at all.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity in the country is 110volts so, if you are travelling try to have a adapter with you.
SOUVENIRS
Handicraft markets are present in many places. You have a few chances to do your shopping. Ecuador offer you a broad range of tapestry, textile, jewellery, ceramics, toquilla hats (Panama hats) and so on. Do not hesitate to buy in Otavalo market or Quito. We advise you to avoid buying things that belong to the cultural heritage of the country (prehispanic crafts) offered sometimes to tourists. If you have a doubt about it consult your guide.
SAFETY
Your safety is our priority. No country, no area in the world is safe from pickpockets. The guide will prevent you from risky areas.
We reserve ourselves the right to modify a trip if we considered that there is a risk (of any kind) implied in the area to be visited. Risks due to strikes, slides, weather conditions, activity of volcanoes, unsafe roads and others. Our priority is your security during your holiday.
Ecuador is in general a safe country but do not hesitate to ask your guide for advise during your time here or if you have doubts about things.