Facts about Ecuador

Ecuador (formally the Republic of Ecuador) is a state in north western South America. As the name implies, the equator goes straight through the northern part. It borders Colombia and Peru.

Population: Approximately 18,4 million. The largest group, about 55% are Mestizos, that is people of Native American and European origin and about 25% are Indians. The capital Quito has about 1.8 million inhabitants

Area: 283,560 km2
Capital: Quito.
Highest point: Chimborazo, 6310 meters above sea level.
Government: Republic
Language: The official language is Spanish, but the indigenous population speaks "Quitchua", a language which until recently had no written language.
Religions: 69% profess the Roman Catholic Church. In addition, there are also Protestant evangelists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and a minority Muslims.

WILDLIFE
The biodiversity in Ecuador includes 1500 species of birds, 300 species of mammals, 4 500 species of butterflies, 350 species of reptiles and more than 600 species of freshwater fish.

GEOGRAPHY
The capital Quito has about 2 million inhabitants, is situated in a valley 2800 meters above sea level. The height can influence people arriving from the sea level, so be sure to take it extra careful in the beginning.

The 19 Galapagos islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, right on the Equator, nearly 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador.

CLIMATE
Weather and temperature varies in different parts of Ecuador and in the different parts we visit. Therefore, one should consider the following when packing the luggage:

Quito: The city has a fairly constant cool climate due to its elevation. The average temperature during the day is +19 °C, which generally falls to an average of +10 °C at night.

Galapagos: The period we visit these islands can best be described as the cool season (June to November). It is cooler and drier with temperatures around +20-27°C during the day and with cooler mornings and evenings.

Amazon: During the time we will visit it is normally hot, humid, and often punctuated by brief tropical showers, with temperatures +20-29°C

TIME
UK is 5 hours ahead of Ecuador (GMT -5)

CURRENCY
In 2000 USD replaced the Ecuadorian currency, Sucre, to create economic stability.