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The smallest country in the Andean highlands (Southamerica between Peru and Colombia), but the richest in biodiversity as well as cultural diversity.

Ecuador is home to four worlds: The Highland with its extraordinary mountains and volcanoes, the Coast with its green beaches, the Oriente (Amazon Region) with an incredible flora and fauna, and the enchanted Galapagos Islands.

Do you know that?

• Ecuador is the first biodiverse country of the world, taking into account the number of species per squared kilometer.
• Ecuador occupies the 17th place between the countries of great biodiversity.
• Ecuador is the perfect birdwatching destination.
• Ecuador has 10% of the total of amphibians on Earth.
• Ecuador has three Natural World Heritage Sites: Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Marine Reserve and   Sangay National Park.
• Ecuador has two World Cultural Heritage Sites: Quito and Cuenca.
• 20% of the total area of Ecuador is dedicated to protected areas.
• Ecuador is in the middle of the world, so it is the nearest place to everywhere.
• Ecuador has about 25,000 species of plants.
• Ecuador has about 4,500 species of orchids.
• Ecuador has 13 Indian communities with great ancient culture.
• Ecuador is unique due to its spring like weather and because it receives the most quantity of sunlight all year   round.
• Ecuador has a perfect combination of cultures, Nature, mountains and volcanos with unique species of   flora and fauna.
• Ecuadorians are kind people by nature.
• Ecuador has direct flights to USA and Europe.
• Ecuador is a gastronomic paradise.
• Ecuador 's capital Quito was the first city in the world that was declared Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.

Facts for the Traveler

• Visas: Citizens of most countries can stay up to 90 days without needing a visa. You can extend your  stay up to six months due to the Tourism Law, but one month after another.
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
• Dialling Code: 593
• Electricity: 110V
• Taxes: 12% IVA (Added value tax) and 10% for service in some restaurants and hotels.
• Tipping: Is expected by tour guides, porters and other tourist industry workers.
• Bargaining: It is accepted and even expected at handicraft markets. Anyway, you can also try to have a   discount elsewhere.
• Health risks: There are different profilaxis depending on the region and the time of your visit. For instance, if you are planning to visit the highlands and the Galapagos archipel, there is almost no profilaxis needed. Anyway, please consult your physician prior to your trip.

Ideal time to visit Ecuador

ALL YEAR ROUND, but of course there are certain areas that are better at certain times of the year. For instance, the best time for hiking and climbing in the highlands is from June to August at the dry season. Trekking in the Oriente is also better at the dry season from August to February. The Coast has a warm weather from January to May, but Esmeraldas for example is warm in the summer months of July and August. Galapagos has two seasons and it all depends on what you are looking for. For instance if you want to see Galapagos in green, then you should travel in the hot, rainy season.

Banks' facilities
Banks and currency exchange houses are available in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, so that you can exchange cash or traveler’s checks. Credit cards are also widely accepted at ATMs (Automatic machines) and at mid range hotels and restaurants.

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