Ecuador

GENERAL INFORMATION

History

Many cultures were formed in Ecuador about 18,000 years ago with the arrival of the first inhabitants, who were descendants of the people who crossed the Bering Straits to reach the Western Hemisphere. Valdivia, Machalilla, Chorrera and Carchi are among the oldest cultures. These envolved into new communities: Huancavilca and Jama- Coaque, on the coast; Cayambe and Panzaleo in the highlands; and Napo and Cotococha in the Amazon region, to name but a few.These people had no written languages. Several settlements were founded, each with a "Cacique" at its head. These were later conquered by the Incan empire, wich was in turn dominated by the spanish in the 16th century. During most of the colonial period, the Royal Audience, or governorship, of Quito was assigned to the viceroyalty of Peru. In 1739, it joined the viceroyalty of Nueva Granada (New Granada), and remained that way until its independence from Spain. In 1824 Antonio Jose de Sucre won the Battle of Pichincha, and with it independence from Spain. Quito then joined Greater Colombia, which already included Venezuela and Nueva Granada, as a single province. In 1830 the department of Quito proclaimed the creation of an independent state called Ecuador, wich included Guayaquil and Cuenca, separating itself from Gran Colombia.

Official Name and Government Capital

The country, officially called the Republic of Ecuador, is a united republic headed by a president. Quito is the political and financial Capital.

Population Ecuador has a population of over 12.5 million Location, Frontiers and Surface Located in the northwest of South America, on the equator, wich divides it between the two hemispheres. Ecuador covers a territory of 98,985 square miles (256,370 square kilometers), including its mainland and the Galapagos Islands. The country has common frontiers with Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Language The official language is Spanish but other native languages, such us Quechua or Awapit, are also spoken. < back

Weather

The Andes, the sea currents and the Amazon region all give rise to significant variations in climate. Ecuador has four regions. The Pacific Coast has a hot, dry climate in the south and humid, tropical climate in the north. In the Andes there are hot, temperature and cold areas: there are valleys of varying altitude and climate. The Amazon region has hot weather with high rainfall and frequent showers. Galapagos Islands offer a pleasant subtropical climate. Temperature Ranges Andean Region: between 55.4 ºF and 64.4 ºF (13 ºC and 18 ºC). Amazon Basin: This region has the highest temperatures, ranging from 73.4 ºF to 96.8 ºF (23 ºC to 36 ºC), and abundant rainfall of between 118.11 in and 157.48 in (3,000 and 4,000 mm).- Coastal Area: between 77 ºF and 93.2 ºF (25ºC and 34ºC). Galapagos Islands: between 71. 6 ºF and 89.6 ºF (22 ºC and 32 ºC). Local time The Ecuadorian continental level observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) - 5. In the Galapagos Islands observe GMT-6. Holidays January 1th, New Year; Carnival Monday and Tuesday and Good Friday (dates depends of church´s calendary); May 1th, Labor Day; May 24th , Battle of Pichincha; August 10th, Independence Day; October 9th, Founding of Guayaquil; November 2nd, All Saints Day; November 3rd, Independence of Cuenca; December 6th, Founding of Quito; December 25th, Christmas.

National currency The national currency is the US dollar (USD). Religion The predominant religion is Catholic.

Entry Requirements

All foreigners must have a valid passport and a visa issued by an Ecuadorian consulate. Citizens of countries that do not require a visa are issued a 90-day visitor's permit upon the presentation of a passport, point of entry card, and return ticket.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

The Highland Andes

The Amazonia

Flora and fauna. Leafy. Humid. Wild. Tumultuous rivers. Mistery and adventure. Ethnic Gropus. Local people who comunicate with spirits. The Amazon region offers excellent opportunities for adventure travel and ecotourism.

The Coast

Many of the beaches of Ecuador´s Pacific coast lie next to small villages, where the fishermen cast their nets before dawn. Mompiche, Same and Muisne in Esmeraldas; Pedernales in Manabí; and Ballenita in Guayas, are peaceful and sunny, enjoying a pleasant climate all year around. Jambelí, an island surrounded by mangroves in the province of El Oro, is equally beautiful. Puerto Lopez, the entrance to Machalilla National Park, offers exotic white beaches like La Playita, Tortuguita and Los Frailes. There are dozens of small beaches along the coast offering relaxation and fun. Others wich are nearer urban areas, such Atacames, Súa, Salinas or Manta, are full of tourists during the summer, on public holidays and at weekends, and offer all kind of facilities.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Archipielago is about 1,000 kilometers from mainland Ecuador and is one of the most valuable National Parks in the world. This group of islands is home to one of the world's most unique ecosystems and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

"Ancient and mysterious. volcanoes. birds. reptiles. White sandy beaches and prehistoric animals. An incredible aquarium of infinite species and colours."

Gastronomy

The cuisine is another pleasure that Ecuador has to offer. Each region has delicious local dishes. The Pacific coast is famous for its cuisine. "Ceviches" are particulary popular traditionally prepared with citrus fruit and seafood. The various kinds of plantain are also a fundamental part of the coastal fare. In contrast, one of the main ingredients in the Highlands is maize, although there are also other options for the palate. Beef, pork, potatoes and cereals are prepared in the Andes and in the south of the country, along with all kinds of locally grown vegetables and fruit. The Amazon region bases its exquisite dishes on yucca and feshwater fish. In Galapagos, seafood is prepared to the taste of the visitor. While each region grows its own food, all the different specialities can be tasted all year round in any haute cuisine restaurant in the country.

QUITO

History and brief description

Sebastian de Benalcazar founded Quito on the ruins of an Indian city on December 6th, 1534. Throughout three centuries of colonial rule, Quito was built in accordance with guidelines set by the Indian Laws, giving way to beautiful architectural complexes characterized by arches, atriums, walls and stairways, all designed to blend harmoniously with the environment.

The first cry for independence in the Americas took place in Quito on August 10th, 1809. It was also in Quito, in 1822, that the struggle for independence was won at the decisive Battle of Pichincha, fought by a victorious rebel army under the command of Mariscal Sucre.

Along with Nueva Granada and Venezuela, Quito comprised Greater Colombia from 1822 to 1830, when civil war caused the break up of these territories. On September 21th, 1830, Quito was named capital of the newly born Republic of Ecuador. In October of that same year, Quito's first City Hall was established.

In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage Site in recognition of the well-preserved colonial-era buildings and monuments of its Historic Center, or downtown area. In the past few years, the city has expanded south as a result of its economic and demographic growth, as well as its growing industrial, banking, trade and hotel sectors.

Quito is really two cities -one tranquil and colonial, the other modern and cosmopolitan. In both, the friendliness of the locals is legendary. Colonial Quito is located on the foot bottom of Macizo de Pichincha, and its narrow streets are flanked by mansions, museums, squares and churches that are a "must see".

Quito offers a wide variety of top restaurants, many housed in colonial-era mansions, as are some of the leading hotels.

The city serves as the point of departure for all routes leading to the Sierra, the Coast and the Amazonia. Top on the itineray for nature lovers is a visit to the Galapagos Islands, while fans of colonial art and architecture head to Cuenca, in the Sierra.

Interesting sights to visit

Religious momuments

The Cathedral: Dating from the 17th century, this neo-classic building contains works of art, and in its chapel are the remains of independence leader Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre. Monday to Sunday, 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. The Sagrario: Located next to the cathedral, it dates from the 17th century and contains wood carvings by Bernardo Legarda. Monday to Sunday, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. San Francisco Museum & Convent: Built from the mid-16th century to the early 17th century, its interiors are bathed in gold, with Moorish-style decorative work. A great plaza fronts the building. Monday to Sunday, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Santo Domingo Church & Convent: A church and convent dating from the 17th century, with a neo-classic facade, Moorish-style decorative touches and a baroque altarpiece. Monday to Sunday, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. La Merced: Built at the beginning of the 17th century, its cloister features paintings by Francisco Alban, and in its central patio is a fountain with a statue of Neptune. Monday to Sunday, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. San Agustin: Dating from the 17th century, the convent features paintings by Miguel de Santiago. The building has special historical significance as it was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed. Monday to Sunday, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Church of the Company of Jesus: One of the most beautiful churches in Ecuador and the Americas, this baroque masterpiece was decorated with a ton of gold. Carved out of volcanic rock, its facade gives way to baroque interiors decked with works of art. Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. San Diego Complex: Comprised of the 19th century San Diego cemetery and the 17th and 19th century San Diego Church and Convent. The cemetery features row upon row of chapels and shrines of great architectural and sculptural value, reflecting a wide variety of styles. Among the most outstanding is a neo-classical chapel designed by Father Bruning. Today the Franciscan church houses a museum of religious art, including baroque tapestries and paintings from the 17th century. A depiction of the Virgin of Chiquinquira is among the most prized pieces. Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Voto Nacional Basilica: Built during the 19th and 20th centuries, this neo-gothic-style basilica features gargoyles in the form of animals native to Ecuador. Its rose-colored windows are decorated with representations of native plants and flowers. The country's tallest church, its spires offer a panoramic view of Quito and its chain of volcanoes. Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. < back

Museums

Liberty Point: Site of the Battle of Pichincha, it features a commemorative obelisk from 1922. An on-site museum displays a major collection of arms, flags and uniforms. A 200-square-meter outdoor mural depicts the history of the nation. Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

City Museum: Located in the former Antiguo Hospital San Juan de Dios, the museum is housed in one of the Historic Center's oldest buildings. It contains six sections, each dedicated to a different period in history (pre-Hispanic, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries). Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Guided visits are available for groups, in Spanish, French and English.

Quito Archaeological Museum: More than 1,800 relics on display in chronological order, and with explanatory notes and dioramas. The pieces are part of a vast collection that belongs to Ecuador's Central Bank.

Metropolitan Cultural Center: This 13,500-square-meter complex, which includes the former Antigua Universidad Central (Old Central University) and Cuartel de la Real Audiencia de Quito (headquarters of the colonial-era government), has been completely restored and transformed into the city's most modern cultural center. Is located in the heart of the Historic Center, it covers an area from the southwest corner of the Plaza Grande (main square) to the Compañia de Jesus Church, and from Garcia Moreno Street to Benalcazar Street, via Chile Street. Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The complex features a museum with a permanent collection of art from colonial times to the present, as well as a permanent historical exhibit called "From Quito to Ecuador," a wax museum, and temporary art exhibits.

San Antonio Pichincha, Mitad del Mundo City: From 1734 to 1736, this complex housed the French Geodesic Mission, which designed the metric unit of measure and identified the location of the equator. Mitad del Mundo City (meaning Half of the World City) was built around this monument and the Equinox Museum that marks the equator. Mitad del Mundo City is 20 minutes from Quito, via Manuel Córdova Hwy. Nearby is Pululahua Volcano, whose crater is accessible by car, and a few kilometers away are the Indian ruins of Pucara de Rumicucho.