Useful Information about Ecuador
Location: Ecuador is a multicultural and multiethnic South American country located on the Equator. Ecuador has territories in both the Northern and the Southern hemispheres
Area: 256,370 square kilometers
Boundaries: Ecuador borders Colombia to the north and shares a border Peru to the south and to the east. It borders Pacific Ocean to the west.
Population: Approximately 12.6 million inhabitants. Of these, 44% live in the highlands, 52% live on the Pacific coast, 5% live in the Amazon region and nearly seventeen thousand live in the Galapagos Islands.
Capital: Quito. It is the political heart of Ecuador. Quito has approximately 1.8 million inhabitants.
Language: The official language is Spanish. Quechua is also spoken in areas with large indigenous populations. English is spoken in the majority of tourist places such as: hotels, museums, travel agencies, spanish schools.
Currency: The Ecuadorian currency is the United States dollar. The majority of tourist places accept traveler's checks, American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club credit cards.
Religion: The Roman Catholic religion predominates in 95% of the population.
Electricity: Voltage is 110 v.
Time difference: Ecuadorian time is 7 hours earlier in summer and 6 hours earlier in winter in relation to European countries.
Climate: The diversity of the four regions has given rise to the evolution of thousands of species of flora and fauna, all of which now thrive in a variety of diverse ecosystems. Due to geographic differences in altitude and the climatic effects of the Pacific Ocean, the Andes and the Amazon, the various regions of Ecuador have very different climates and microclimates. It is possible to experience and enjoy a variety of adventure sports - from diving to mountain climbing to rafting to mountain biking - while in our beautiful Ecuador. The temperature oscillates between 12 and 35 centigrade degrees.
People: 55% mestizo, 25 Indian, 10% Spanish descent, 10% African descent.
Government: Democracy
Economic Profile : Petroleum has been the main source of foreign currency for the country since the seventies. Other products of economic importance to the country are bananas, coffee, cocoa, shrimp, tuna, and, more recently, flowers. Ecuador has a vast array of natural riches.
Tourism: Tourism is Ecuador's fourth most important export in terms of income. Approximately 500.000 visitors per year (last 3 years average).
Visas: Citizens of the following countries require a visa to enter Ecuador: Algeria, Bangladesh, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, North and South Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen. Travelers should have their passports with them during their stay in Ecuador to avoid problems with the authorities who may want to see it. Visitors can stay up to 90 days as a tourist in Ecuador, without any visa (except the above mentioned nationalities). Those who wish to stay in the country longer than 90 days have to fill out the corresponding paperwork in an Ecuadorian Consulate.
Some safety information: Drink only bottled water rather than water from the tap. Tap water can give visitors stomach problems. Do not forget to reconfirm your international flight at least 72 hours before departure. Be careful with your belongings, specially in places where there are a lot of people (airports, bus stations, etc.). Keep always at least a copy of your passport with you. Keep all important documents and money in a secure place at your hotel or homestay.
Our school is regarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Ecuador, South American Explorers members and the principal travel and book guides in the world as one of the most prestigious and recommended Spanish Schools in Ecuador and Latin America. Our thousands of former students are our best advertisement!
