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.
Banka & Měna
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
Cesta, přeprava, Orientace
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
Jídlo, Pití, Kuchyně - Rady
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%
Podnebí a Počasí
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.
Doporučený Oděv
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
Dostupnost Internetu
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Elektřina a Standard Zásuvek
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 120V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.
Banka & Měna
Currency
Local currency: Peruvian Sol
Symbol: S/
ISO code: PEN
Subunit: céntimo
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200
Coins: céntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Cesta, přeprava, Orientace
Air:
Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca
International Airports: Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima)
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa), Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo)
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: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Limited
Jídlo, Pití, Kuchyně - Rady
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:
Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola.
Tipping: 10%
Podnebí a Počasí
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: Varies by region
Summer:
Average highs: Varies by region
Average lows: Varies by region
Winter:
Average highs: Varies by region
Average lows: Varies by region
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins.
Doporučený Oděv
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
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
Dostupnost Internetu
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Elektřina a Standard Zásuvek
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Home to ancient traditions and cultures that are fast disappearing, Bolivia is the continent’s most indigenous country, with 60% of its inhabitants descended from Native Americans - a rich heritage that is evident in the local art, cuisine, music and traditions. Equally as fascinating is the incredibly diverse landscape, stretching from the central Andes to the Amazon Basin and encompassing a terrain that includes snowy peaks, the world’s highest navigable lake, rainforests, dry valleys, and volcanoes both active and extinct. Whether you are in search of colourful festivals, ancient remains or an outdoor adventure, Bolivia is a tourist’s treat waiting to be discovered.
Banka & Měna
Currency
Local currency: Bolivian Boliviano
Symbol: Bs.
ISO code: BOB
Subunit: Centavo
Banknotes: Bs.10, Bs.20, Bs.50, Bs.100, Bs.200
Coins: Centavo, Bs.1, Bs.2, Bs.5
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Cesta, přeprava, Orientace
Air:
Main airlines: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), Amaszonas
International Airports: El Alto International Airport (La Paz), Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz)
Domestic Airports: Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (Cochabamba), Alcantarí International Airport (Sucre)
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: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Jídlo, Pití, Kuchyně - Rady
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:
Bolivian cuisine reflects the country's diverse geography and cultural influences. Staple foods include quinoa, potatoes, and corn. Popular dishes include salteñas (savory pastries), pique a lo macho (spicy beef dish), and api (corn drink). Notable local drinks include chicha (fermented corn beverage) and singani (grape-based liquor).
Tipping: 10-15%
Podnebí a Počasí
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: Highlands: 5°C - 20°C, Lowlands: 25°C - 35°C
Summer:
Average highs: Highlands: 10°C - 20°C, Lowlands: 25°C - 35°C
Average lows: Highlands: 0°C - 5°C, Lowlands: 15°C - 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: Highlands: 5°C - 15°C, Lowlands: 20°C - 30°C
Average lows: Highlands: -5°C - 0°C, Lowlands: 10°C - 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Bolivia depends on the regions you plan to visit. Generally, the dry season (May to October) is ideal for visiting the highlands and exploring cities like La Paz and Sucre. The rainy season (November to April) is best for visiting the Amazon basin and experiencing the lush landscapes.
Doporučený Oděv
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Dostupnost Internetu
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Elektřina a Standard Zásuvek
Plug Type: Type A, Type C
Voltage (V): 230V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Ranging from balmy subtropical reaches in the north to the frosty Antarctic shores of the Patagonian south, Argentina is one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries. Its kaleidoscope of landscapes offers endless adventure and leisure opportunities, and this natural variety – coupled with its warm, animated locals, delectable carnivorous cuisine, and fascinating history – makes it a captivating and unforgettable travel destination. Allow yourself to be spellbound by the spectacular torrents of Iguazu Falls, the sprawling ski slopes of Bariloche, the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, or the age-old Inca city of Humahuaca. Argentina has gifts to delight and mesmerize even the most seasoned explorer.
Banka & Měna
Currency
Local currency: Argentine Peso
Symbol: $
ISO code: ARS
Subunit: Centavo
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, $10
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Cesta, přeprava, Orientace
Air:
Main airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM Argentina
International Airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza), Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque)
Domestic Airports: Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella International Airport (Cordoba), Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza)
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: Yes
Subway System: Yes
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Jídlo, Pití, Kuchyně - Rady
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:
Argentine cuisine is known for its beef, especially the famous Argentine steak. Other traditional dishes include empanadas, choripán (sausage sandwich), and locro (a hearty stew). The country is also renowned for its wines, particularly Malbec, and yerba mate, a traditional South American infused drink.
Tipping: 10-15%
Podnebí a Počasí
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: 18°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 15°C
Average lows: 5°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Argentina is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Doporučený Oděv
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Dostupnost Internetu
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Elektřina a Standard Zásuvek
Plug Type: Type C, Type I
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Flanked by its larger neighbours Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is, at last, enjoying some time in the sun. There is much to savour in Montevideo – from discos and tango bars to old theatres and foreign cultural centres that give the capital its cosmopolitan sophistication. Picturesque Colonia del Sacramento, famed as a smugglers’ nest during the country’s colonial era, is worth a visit for its Barrio Histórico, which lies on a small peninsula jutting into the Río de la Plata. Hot springs and aquatic parks abound on the Río Uruguay fed by the large groundwater reservoir, the Guarani Aquifer, while wildlife tours on the Atlantic coast or exploration of the vast plains of the interior await the intrepid adventurer.
Banka & Měna
Currency
Local currency: Uruguayan Peso
Symbol: $
ISO code: UYU
Subunit: Centésimo
Banknotes: $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000, $2000
Coins: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Cesta, přeprava, Orientace
Air:
Main airlines: LATAM Airlines Uruguay, Amaszonas Uruguay
International Airports: Carrasco International Airport (MVD)
Domestic Airports: Laguna de los Patos International Airport (CYR), Angel S. Adami International Airport (PDP), Capitán Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No
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
Jídlo, Pití, Kuchyně - Rady
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Uruguayan cuisine is characterized by its meat-centric dishes, particularly asado, a traditional barbecue featuring various cuts of beef cooked over an open flame. Other popular dishes include chivito (a steak sandwich), milanesa (breaded and fried meat), and empanadas. As for drinks, mate (a traditional herbal tea), medio y medio (a sparkling wine), and clerico (a fruity wine cocktail) are notable choices.
Tipping: 10-15%
Podnebí a Počasí
Annual rainfall: 1000 - 1500 mm
Average temperature: 17°C
Summer:
Average highs: 28°C
Average lows: 18°C
Winter:
Average highs: 16°C
Average lows: 7°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Uruguay is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and conducive to beach activities.
Doporučený Oděv
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Dostupnost Internetu
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Elektřina a Standard Zásuvek
Plug Type: Type C, Type F
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.