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Country Fact File : Ecuador
Wildlife Conservation Expedition in the Ecuadorian Amazon
The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador is among the most rewarding travel destinations in South America. With its array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, dense rainforest, and of course the extraordinary Galapogas Islands can’t fail to grab the interest of all who visit it. Just a day’s journey from exploring the cathedrals and palaces of colonial Quito, you could be trekking through the thick jungle of the Amazon basin, ascending an active volcano, or relaxing on a tropical beach.
Ecuador caters for all budgets. It is one of the least expensive South America countries to visit and you will find accommodation and excursions to suit you, whatever your budget. The weather is conducive for travel all year round, though the rainy seasons differ depending on what part of the country you are visiting.
| Location | Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru |
| Area | total: 283,560 sq km note: includes Galapagos Islands |
| Border Countries | Columbia, Peru |
| Climate | Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands |
| Terrain | coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente) |
| Highest Point | Chimborazo 6,267 m |
| Natural Hazards | frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts |
| Environmental Issues | deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Galapagos Islands |
| Population | 13,447,494 (July 2002 est.) |
| Ethnic Groups | Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3% |
| Religions | Roman Catholic 95% |
| Languages | Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua) |
| Type of Government | Republic |
| Capital | Quito |
| Independence Day | 24 May 1822 (from Spain) |
| Chief of State/ Head of Government |
Chief of State: President Lucio GUTIERREZ (since 15 January 2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government |
| Currency | US dollar (USD) |
| Time | GMT -5 |
Did you know?
The world famous Galapagos Islands were Ecuador’s first National Park
Roasted Guinea Pig is a popular Ecuadorian speciality
Ecuador’s Mount Cotapaxi is the world’s tallest active volcano
Charles Darwin landed on the Galapagos Islands in 1835
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +593
Police tel: 101
Ambulance tel: 131
British Embassy in Quito: Casilla 314, Calle Gonzlez Surez 111, Quito. Tel (2) 560 669
Embassy in UK: Flat 3B, 3 Hans Crescent, London SW1X 0LS. Tel (020) 7584 1367
1 888 653 6028
Duration and Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 Weeks | US$2690 |
| 10 Weeks | US$4490 |
| Group Size |
|---|
| 12 to 18, plus expedition staff. Your daily working groups will be four to six people. |
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