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Travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

 
 
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In brief+

Weekly budget
£400
Flight budget
£650
Flight duration
15h 
Time difference
-7h / -6h
Visa
No
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Dollar
Language(s)
Spanish

Overview

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador is a multifaceted country with its backbone the Andes Cordillera running through Quito, the capital. The highlands of the country are the lands of the Quechua Indians, a people of ancestral traditions and famously colourful costume. Another common aspect with its Latin American neighbours, Colombia in the north and Peru in the south, is the Pacific Ocean coastline, made of grey sand beaches and staggering high cliffs. And to the east, the seemingly neverending Amazonian rainforest. Offshore are the Galapagos Islands, a haven for plants and animals, one that is paradise for flora and fauna researchers who come from all around the world.

pros

  •  The great variety and richness of the tourist sites.
  •  The omnipresence of nature.
  •  The complete change of scenery.

cons

  •  The tourist infrastructure can be underdeveloped which can make the trip long and tiring.

map Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

map Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Country Guide

Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Ecuador and Galapagos Islands, All you need to know!

Our Editorial team's advice

As a general rule, bring cotton clothing and, for hikes in the Sierra, opt for sturdy walking shoes. If you will be at altitude, it is imperative you bring warm layers such as a jumper and all-weather jacket. If you are attracted by Amazonia, come well prepared as those trips can be very tiring. To visit the forest or climb volcano summits, you must be accompanied by an official guide or agency worker, so that you respect the nature and avoid any adverse circumstances. Make sure his or her certificates are valid and if not, find a guide that is officially accredited.

Volcano activity:

The activity of the Guagua Pichincha Volcano (very close to Quito and on orange level alert since October 1998) has been very quiet since May 2001, however it remains in an eruptive phase.

Since the new activity of the Tungurahua Volcano, located 84 miles south of Quito, the Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Tungurahua and Chimborazo in July 2003. It is, until further notice, not recommended to travel to those two Ecuadorian provinces.

An eruption on 3 November 2003 of the Reventador Volcano, (100 miles northeast of Quito) projected a toxic cloud of ash which was carried by the winds to cover Quito and its surrounding region. The activity of this volcano remains unpredictable.

Before travelling to these parts of the country you should make enquiries by contacting the Foreign Office, your travel agency or tour operator.

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Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in pictures

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  • The Riobamba-Alausi-Duran train : The Rioramba-Alausi-Duran train
  • The Riobamba-Alausi-Duran train :
  • The Riobamba-Alausi-Duran train :
  • The Volcano Avenue
  • The Volcano Avenue :
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Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in pictures

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    Our expert Ecuador and Galapagos Islands

    Weather Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

    • Quito 9°C | 19°C 4 day weather forecast 19°C 16°C 17°C 19°C
    • Guayaquil 24°C | 32°C 4 day weather forecast 32°C 31°C 31°C 32°C
    • Manta 24°C | 31°C 4 day weather forecast 31°C 30°C 30°C 30°C
    • Iles Galapagos 25°C | 26°C 4 day weather forecast 26°C 25°C 25°C 25°C

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