Ecuador contains one of the most varied geographies in South America. There are four distinct regions: the Andean highlands, the coastal tropical plains, the Amazon Basin, and the Galapagos Islands, located 1,000 km. (600 miles) off the coast, amidst the Pacific Ocean. Quito, on the highlands, is the capital city; Guayaquil, on the coast, is the main port and the largest city in the country.
General Guidance
Do I need to apply for a visa before entering Ecuador? in many of the countries you will not have to acquire a visa beforehand if you are only traveling as a tourist! Upon arrival, Ecuadorian customs will grant you a free 90-day tourist permit. Just make sure that your passport is valid. We always recommend that you check with your embassy the documents that you must present.
Passports: Passport expiration dates must be at least six months after the intended arrival date in Ecuador.
Are certain vaccinations required when traveling to Ecuador or the Galapagos? No. However, if you are traveling from Brazil, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, you will need to show certified proof of your Yellow Fever vaccination. Keep in mind that you must have this proof even if you were just passing through in these countries.
Currency: Ecuador's currency is the Dollar of the United States of America. U.S. dollars are used for all transactions.
Credit cards in Ecuador: Most restaurants, shops, and hotels accept Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express. All services provided by Metrojourneys, including our Galapagos cruise ships and programs, can be paid for with major credit cards.
ATMs for all Ecuadorian banks are readily found throughout the larger cities. You can make cash advances in most banks and ATMs. In the case of the Galapagos, there are ATMs in the major towns (Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). Try and bring smaller bills (avoid $50 and $100 bills, use $20 bills or lower, instead), as change is sometimes unavailable for bigger bills, especially in the smaller towns and villages you might explore.
Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles AC is used. Most outlets are for two flat prongs. It is useful to carry a small flashlight. For TV and video equipment, Ecuador uses the NTSC system.
Language: Ecuador's official language is Spanish, but Kichwa, the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, is the tongue of most of the Indian population. English is spoken in major visitor centers.
Should I get health insurance if I travel to Ecuador? Currently, this is not a requirement, although it may become law in the future for every tourist visiting Ecuador. However, if you intend to spend more than a week in Ecuador, we strongly recommend acquiring travel insurance.
