PASSPORT AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
All passports should be valid at least six months from the return date.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
None required for US citizens traveling to Ecuador, Peru, Chile or Argentina.
If you are arriving into Ecuador, Peru, Chile, or Argentina from another country other than the USA, you are responsible for checking into visa / inoculations required for entry as they may differ from those of the USA.
VACCINATION & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
None required for US citizens traveling to Ecuador, Peru, Chile or Argentina from the USA. If traveling to the Amazon region, please check local requirements for yellow fever with your personal physician. Up to date recommendations with the Centers For Disease Control: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect the cost of your trip in the event of cancellation for a covered reason, as well as for the medical, emergency evacuation, and numerous other benefits offered. Please be sure to check the rates and coverage options offered by our insurance partner, Travelex, before making your insurance purchase. Unlike other insurance companies that charge based on the age of each traveler, The “Custom Travel Secure” policy was designed to provide the best coverage at highly competitive rates by offering a “one price fits all” option for Premier Tours travelers. All travelers will be required to sign a waiver before final travel documents are released, indicating whether they’ve chosen to purchase insurance.
Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific, about 1000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: United States Dollar
Symbol: $
ISO code: USD
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: TAME, Avianca
International Airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito), José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil)
Domestic Airports: Mariscal Lamar International Airport (Cuenca), Eloy Alfaro International Airport (Manta)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, featuring a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Highlights include ceviche (marinated seafood), llapingachos (potato patties), and locro de papa (potato soup). Notable local drinks include canelazo (spiced alcoholic drink) and horchata (sweet rice drink).
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: 22°C
Summer:
Average highs: 26°C
Average lows: 16°C
Winter:
Average highs: 24°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Ecuador is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 120V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
