The
name "Ecuador" makes most of us think of a warm flat country, but in
fact it is quite different. For five million years, Ecuador has proudly been
part of the Andean Mountain Range. Because of its location and to the Humboldt
cold-water stream and to "El Niño" warm water stream, the weather,
the climate and crops, according to the region, are very different.
Ecuador's vegetation and agriculture depend on the type of soil, the
humidity and on everything each place offers for their survival. Our highlands, the "Sierra", has
fantastic landscapes, such as snow-capped volcanoes, beautiful lakes, peaceful
towns, green and flourishing valleys, great fishing rivers, virgin forests, and
diversified flora and fauna.
Surface: 256,370
square kilometers in size
Population: More than 12,6 million
Capital city:Quito with a
population of approximately 1,5 million, which is the political capital, and Guayaquil, the commercial
center, with a population of approximately 2 million.
Language: The official languages are Spanish, Quichua, and
other local dialects.
Government: Republic divided into 22 provinces. President elected
for a 4-year period.
Boundaries:Colombia
to the North; Peru to the
Southeast; and the Pacific Ocean to the
West.
MAIN SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS:
Chimborazo 6,310 m
Cotopaxi 5,897 m
Cayambe 5,790 m
Antisana 5,758 m
Altar 5,320 m
Tungurahua 5,023 m
MAIN RIVERS:
Napo 855km
Pastaza 645km
Aguarico 600km
MAINISLANDS
Documents required: If you wish to stay for three months,
you need a six-month visa.
The country issues a ninety-day permit, which can be
renewed for the same period of time upon request.
If you wish to stay longer, you need an appropriate
visa.
Important Note: Tourists are always advised to carry their passports
since controls are carried out on a regular basis, especially along the
Amazonas Avenue or near the airport in Quito. People without identification
papers might receive penalties.
HANDICRAFTS:
Handicrafts can be found everywhere. In Quito, along
the Amazonas Avenue stores open daily. In other cities they are found in any
handicraft center. In typical Indian Markets you can find a large variety of
products such as hand-woven sweaters, rugs, ponchos, hats, shawls, kerchiefs,
embroidery, wood works, ceramics, leather articles.
Note: While you are buying, don't forget to bargain: be firm and
insistent! This is the custom. Enthrall yourself with the colorful and
magnificent atmosphere of these Markets.
