Ecuador Fact Sheet
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008Current time in Ecuador (Quito):
Situated in the jagged Andes, this tiny country is a great base to explore the colourful culture of the local people, world-famous tropical beaches, eye-opening wildlife reserves, ancient sites, and also the Amazonian jungle. In fact, some of our favourite eco-lodges are based in the Ecuadorian Amazon rather than in Brazil. Ecuador is also the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, so we suggest combining the Amazon and the Galapagos for a truly memorable trip.
The high seasons for visiting are December to January and June to August, but the weather is pretty fine all year round and there is no need to put yourself through the crowded tourist season unless you have to.
Contact us today for a personalised itinerary and quote
When to go
Ecuador changes between just two seasons – wet and dry, but the when and where do vary depending on how high you are! In the highlands it’s dry from June to September and over December, but the wet season is not unpleasant as it is usually sunny until late afternoon before a rainstorm. It is rainy all year in the Oriente, July and August being the wettest and September to December the driest – canoeing is great in the wet season. On the coast it’s wet from January to May, but again with sunny mornings. December, January, June and August are the most popular months for beach-goers, and accommodation is booked up fast.
Notable events in Ecuador for 2009
| February | Guaranda Carnival (annual – one of the best in Ecuador!) 14-24th: Fruit and Flower festival (annual – Ambato) |
| April | 5-12th: Easter Week in Quito (annual) |
| May | 1st – Labor Day 24th – Battle of Pichincha |
| July | 24th – Simon Bolivar’s Birthday |
| August | 10th – Quito Independence Day |
| October | 9th – Guayaquil Independence Day 12th – Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) |
| November | 1st – All Saints’ Day 2nd – Day of The Dead (All Souls’ Day) 3rd – Cuenca Independence Day Provincial Folklore Festival (annual – Ambato) Nocturnal Flamenco Bullfighting Festival (annual – Quito) |
| December | Nov-Dec: Street Art Festival (annual – Quito) Nov-Dec: Bullfighting Fair (annual – Quito) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Ecuador
Visa – none required for South African passport holders for holidays up to 3 months long. However, they must be in possession of a 6-month valid passport and onward ticket.
Vaccination – Yellow Fever is compulsory; Cholera, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Rabies and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.
Updated January 2009
