Ecuador is located in north western South America and is crossed by the Equator line, for which the country is named. It is divided into 4 geographic regions: the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountain range, the Coast and the Galápagos Islands.

Capital: Quito
Area: 256.370 km2
Population: 12,600,000 inhabitants
Official language: Spanish. Some indigenous communities speak Quechua. English is widely spoken, especially in big cities and tourist sites, which offer tourist guide services in several languages (Spanish, English, German, French and Italian).
Time zone: -5GMT in Continental Ecuador and -6 GMT in the Galápagos Islands.
Country code: For telephone calls from abroad, press +593 + each city code.
Taxes: 12% VAT and 10% on hotels, restaurants and other tourist services.
ATMs: Cirrus. Maestro, Plus, Bankred. Cash advances with international cards.
Traveller’s cheques: American Express and Visa. They can be changed by cash at banks and exchange houses and are accepted in some hotels.
Accepted credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club.
Climate: Humid. Light and comfortable clothing is recommended. A light jacket is recommended at night.

The Ecuadorian coast offers travellers unique and attractive experiences, enabling them to know a culture rich in gastronomy and carry out exciting adventure activities, in a region bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Beaches, coves, savannah and international trade centres such as Guayaquil, the largest and most populated city of Ecuador, are characteristic of the Ecuadorian coast.

For more information, www.ecuador.travel