Ecuador - General points

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Politic ang geographic map, Galápagos, Quito

Ecuador is straddling the equator on the north western coast of South America.

It borders Colombia to the north, and shares a border with Peru to the south and the east. The Pacific Ocean is continental Ecuador’s western border.

Located 970 kilometres from the mainland, the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador territory.

Superficies	275 830 km²
Population	12 millions of inhabitants
Capital	Quito
Main towns	Guayaquil, Cuenca, Machala, Portoviejo, Manta.
Language	Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is also spoken by certain communities such as the Shuar, Huaorani, Cofan and Siena.
Currency	Dollar US
Local Time	GMT - 5 (Galapagos GMT - 6),
Electricity volts	110 V
International Airports	Mariscal Sucre in Quito and Simon Bolivar in Guayaquil.

Ecuador is a small country rich in different landscapes, which, added to its many natural resources, its traditions and folklore, as well as the kindness of its people, makes it a unique and attractive destination for travelers.

Most of visitors to Ecuador may stay for a maximum of 90 days without visa. However we strongly recommend checking with the Ecuadorian Consulate in your Country since regulation can change at any time.

Recommended vaccinations: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B.
Malaria (consult your GP) and do bring a good mosquito repellent (spray).

Regardless of your final destination there is a bus terminal in every town with different companies for almost everywhere in the Country.

Comfortable buses link the major towns, but for the road conditions you should figure an average speed of 50Km/per hour for your trip.

Smaller buses serve villages and suburbs. However should no public transportation be available, you always can hire a taxi or a car with driver, or else rent a car for a day or more (make sure you had and international driving licence issued in your country before leaving).