Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies, connecting you to police, medical assistance, or firefighters for immediate professional help in any situation.
Dial 911 for emergencies, connecting you to police, medical assistance, or firefighters for immediate professional help in any situation.
Around mid-afternoon, people gather for a small coffee break, often accompanied by bread or a light snack, as a way to relax and socialize.
The next public holiday in Ecuador is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and traditional customs.
Tap water is not considered safe to drink in most areas, so bottled or boiled water is strongly recommended for safety and convenience.
Vrbo offers vacation rentals, letting travelers book homes, apartments, and other accommodations for short stays in popular destinations.
Toilet paper is used, but in some areas of Ecuador, it’s advised to dispose of it in a bin rather than flushing, as plumbing systems may not handle it well.
It is generally safe for tourists, with efficient law enforcement and a focus on safety. Visitors should be cautious in crowded areas like transport, markets, and festivals to avoid theft.
Ecuadorian cuisine is a rich blend of fresh ingredients, featuring dishes like ceviche, llapingachos, and empanadas, with an emphasis on corn, plantains, and regional flavors.
A tourist in Quito asks, “Why am I so out of breath after one flight of stairs?” The local replies, “That’s the altitude – welcome to 2,850 meters above sea level! Here, even the air is thinner than a slice of cheese.”
In Quito, the Quito Metro card offers access to metro travel, and contactless payments are accepted. For buses, the Quito bus card is required, with limited contactless options.
Quito Metro CardThe two main intercity bus operators in Ecuador are Transporte Ejecutivo, known for comfort and punctuality, and Cooperativa Loja, offering reliable services across key cities.
Cooperativa LojaEcuador's train network, operated by Ferrocarriles del Ecuador, connects cities like Quito and Guayaquil, offering scenic and regional services, with efforts to revitalize and expand the network.
Ferrocarriles del EcuadorEcuador was the first country in the world to legally recognize the rights of nature in its 2008 constitution, giving ecosystems the right to exist and regenerate.
Chimborazo’s summit, Ecuador's highest volcano (6,310 m), is the farthest point from Earth's center due to the equatorial bulge.
One of the most biodiverse countries, offering four distinct regions: the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, the Pacific coast, and the Galápagos Islands.
It is home to the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique wildlife and inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Food markets are central to social life. Buying and eating from vendors is not just about food but also a way to connect with others and celebrate flavors.
Pasillo, a traditional Ecuadorian music genre, is often referred to as the “music of the Andes” and is deeply embedded in the country’s culture.