Galapagos Islands

Those that are far from the Pacific islands are full of unique global species. Charles Darwin on the Galapagos Islands led to his revolutionary research work on the process of natural selection. The archipelago is in the forefront of the places most attractive places in the world

Rail Quito - Guayaguil

Considered the most beautiful railway route in Ecuador and one of the most beautiful in the dawn. The most amazing and breathtaking part of this route is a section of El Nariz del Diablo (Devils Nose). Currently, the route is open only on the section and Sibambe Riombamba, trains depart on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00.

Panamericana

The famous trail running through the Americas, is the main highway, north - south, in Ecuador.

Highway begins in Alaska, and the 25,750 km run up to the city of Ushuaia in southern Argentina.

Otavalo

Located two hours north of stolicu a city famous for its Saturday market - the largest in Latin America.

Equator

Located on both sides of the Equator, Ecuador is one of the most popular tourist country in Latin America. The Equator runs through the capital of Ecuador, Quito and the Galapagos Archipelago.

Weather is highly variable, depending on the height.

Coastal and Amazonian lowlands are humid, tropical climate, but the above, it is colder.

Most large cities are located in the subtropical zone, quite comfortable, although in Quito can be very cold at night. At higher altitudes can be cold almost all the time. Ecuador is a place that can be visited all year round, but the upland areas is best visited during the dry season - from June to September. Ecuador's climate is characterized by unexpected changes in weather and one day you can experience all seasons. Average temperatures remain more or less on an equal level throughout the year: in the capital Quito are ok. 15 ° C (7 ° C to 23 ° C), the country's largest city Guayaquil ok. 26 ° C (24 ° C to 27 ° C),

It is best to visit Ecuador in the periods June - August or December - February. Avoid if conditions in the remaining months of rainy seasons, but in these times of the country most visited by tourists.

The ancient culture of Ecuador is quite niedocenina comparison to the other countries in South America and Latin America. Ancient civilizations is, however, left a behind many items which have a growing interest of tourists and archaeologists.

The best known is współczensym painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, whose paintings are often copied and sold at fairs souvenirs.

The vast majority of inhabitants are Roman Catholics. What is very special to Ecuador is a combination of the Catholic faith with the traditions of Indian. Christmas is celebrated very uproariously, with dancing, processions, flowers and colorful costumes of inhabitants.

Ecuador is a country of very diverse ethnic. Layer is best placed and best-educated whites are. The inhabitants are mostly poor, about. 70% live below the poverty level, but few are able to enjoy life, be friendly, nice, polite and hospitable. There are no customs depart substantially from the European. Valid traditional handshake between men and kiss on the cheek against women.

English

English is taught in schools, but a very small number of people it can be used. Among young residents of large cities should we agree to go, but in the villages without the knowledge of Spanish, we can not get along with anyone.

Coefficient of literacy is 90%.

Even basic knowledge of Spanish will provide us the opportunity to communicate with virtually every inhabitant of Ecuador.

According to the Regulation of 20 June 2008 a citizen of any nationality can enter Ecuador for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa.

After 90 days visa may be extended to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores in Quito, but it takes a long time and costs (+ / - U.S. $ 100-150). Definitely a simpler solution is to go on one day and return Ekadoru, replaced then be able to stay a further 90 days in the country.

Polish Consulate in Quito

Honorary Consul, Thomas Morawski (jęz.: Polish, Spanish, English, French, Russian)

Gene. Leonidas Plaza 1157, Quito, Ecuador

(Adr. Corresponding to the. tel.: Casilla 9461, Quito)

phone: (00-59-322), 229-293, 546-296

fax: (00-59-322) 566-787

E-mail: Moravian [at] uio.satnet.net

RPW Consulate Guayaquil

Honorary Consul, Francisco Pablo Rizzo Pastor (jęz.: Spanish, English)

Av. 9 de Octubre No.. 100 y Malecon Simon Bolivar

Guayaquil, Ecuador

phone: (00-59-342), 325-555, 325-757

fax: (00-59-342), 326-111, 325-957

E-mail: frizzo [at] andinave.com, aroca [at] andinave.com

Ministerio de Turismo (Ministry of Tourism)

Avenida Eloy Alfaro N32-300 y Carlos Tobar, 2d. Piso, Quito, Ecuador

Tel: (2) 222 8304th

Embassy of Ecuador in Warsaw

st. Rejtana 15 m.15, 02-516 Warszawa

tel. (0-22) 848 72 30, fax (0-22) 848 81 96

E-mail: eecupolonia [at] mmrree.gov.ec

In Ecuador there is no Polish embassy. The closest is located in Peru.

Polish Embassy in Lima / Embajada de la Republica de Polonia en Lima

Avenida Salaverry 1978, Jesus María, Lima 11, Peru

Phone: (00-511) 471 39 20, 470 04 24

Fax: (00-511) 471 48 13, 471 39 25

E-mail: lima.amb.sekretariat [at] msz.gov.pl

There is no obligation meldunkowego.

At the exit from Ecuador at the airport outlet fee is of $ 40.80 at the airport in Quito and Guayaquil $ 26. In most cases it is not included in the ticket price.

It should carry a passport at all times stay in the country. To avoid theft, but it is safer to wear a certified copy of your passport by the embassy.

Exports of all kinds of antiques and gold bars.

In addition to Ecuador you can not bring meat, fruit and vegetables of foreign origin.

Good medical care is available in Quito, Guayaquil and in most major cities. Medical facilities outside major cities is limited. There are many pharmacies in urban areas. Major surgical procedures are not available on the Galapagos, so in case of serious injury to patients can be evacuated to the U.S.. Health insurance and accident insurance is recommended.

Personal Insurance and communication are not required, however, it is recommended that buy them, especially since accidents and medical costs - international insurance policies are widely respected. In particular, it is recommended that additional insurance for sports persons at high risk.

Ambulance - 131

The most common illness among tourists include: colds, food poisoning and altitude sickness.

Outside the big cities, in tropical forests and the rainy season in Ecuador there is a real risk malaria.

Ecuador is a relatively safe country and its people are very helpful. However, acting irresponsibly, we can always endangered (eg. theft). Common sense is completely sufficient to ensuring our security in the country.

Ecuador is also popular because of the possibility of hikes, which also involve certain risks. Traveling through the mountains alone, we can run the risk of theft or in extreme cases, rape. Therefore, you should always try to travel in large groups, and women should not venture alone on hiking trails.

Lack of international armed conflicts.

Odradzanym tourist region, bordering with Colombia, is Sucumbíos in which there is a high risk of kidnapping.

Ambulance - 131

Police - 101

Please do not carry all your money and try to not attract attention zbydnio electronic equipment: camera, laptop.

To walk at night in large groups and would rather not venture into the dark corners of cities. Similarly, at fairs and stalls should have her eyes dookołagłowy and watch out for pickpockets.

In Ecuador, the threat of terrorism there is virtually no or very low.

There is only one land border with Colombia and it is in the area Rumichaca Tulcan.

In Peru there are three border crossings, the most crowded and Macara Huaquillas and La Balsa.

Ecuador has two major ports, international airports in Quito and Guayaquil in addition to the Galapagos Archipelago are other two airports.

The plane is a choice Frequently transportudo means to and from the country due to time savings and convenience.

There are no international rail links with Peru and Colombia.

There are so many poczłaczeń that allow long-haul travel from border towns in Peru and Colombia to the capital, Quito. On international routes buses to a high standard (air conditioning, toilet), but you should be prepared for a long and exhausting journey.

Throughout the country runs Panamericana route which greatly facilitate the passage between the neighboring Colombia and Peru. Most of the route is in good condition. Crossing borders by car is discouraged due to a long clearance and the prevailing utrodnienia the Ecuador-Peru border, Ecuador - Colombia.

By sea

The main port in Ecuador, which is Guayaguil moor passenger ships from neighboring countries and the container from America and Europe.

All routes are operated by a local company TAME. This is a very good solution for people who want to save time and a higher comfort odróżować. Most routes are uczęszczanymi: Quito - Guayaquil, and Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands. Prices are also not very prohibitive in most przypdaków is 60 - $ 120.

The trains are colorful, beloved by tourists Ecuadorian landscape element. Niestey, their days seem to be counted because they are uneconomic or lose in competition with increasingly better communication bus. In Ecuador there are two railways (narrow gauge), which due to poor conditions did not run in the rainy season.

Traveling by train, it is worthwhile to take a place on the roof (which is legal) but if szczegulnie be considered in the tunnels.

They are by far the best and cheapest form of transport around the country. There are too comfortable on longer tresach. Seats are never guaranteed and tourists often travel zgniecieni like sardines, standing in the aisle between the seats. It is worth to try to buy tickets in advance and timely brought to the station to reserve a seat.

All bus lines in Ecuador are private and depart from the main station in each city (terminal terrestre). On the main bus routes run approximately every one hour, so we'll never be exposed to long waits. Cost of tickets in most cases close to $ 10.

For prowadzeniw vehicle is required in Ecuador international driving permit. After traveling the country with an average speed of 50km / h. The exception is the rainy season when roads are landslips and travel time increases strongly.

Top international companies leasing cars are based in Ecuador. You must have a credit card, and completed 25 years.

Shared taxi

It is worth to use them if you plan to visit the less frequented by tourists town or village. They also run on major routes between towns. Like all means of communication in Ecuador are very cheap.

Hitch-hiking

It is not very popular because very few people of Ecuador has its own car. In most przypdaków will be asked a small fee, very rarely manage to catch a free opportunity. In addition, the system of public transport in the country can reach the most popular locations - why hitchhiking is not very popular.

Taxi

Very cheap and are practically everywhere. You should always agree the price before the start of the course.

Internet cafes are very popular and available in every city or town. Price per hour of the internet to U.S. $ 0,8-1. Often in hotels is a free wi-fi, which can be used without problems as a guest.

Post Office in Ecuador works quite sluggish. On the list you have to wait long enough, there are also missing. The safest course is to send registered letters (con certificado), proof of shipment in most cases to guarantee the safety of the consignment.

Mon-Fri 08:00-19:00, Sat 08:00-12:00

Mobile phones have coverage virtually throughout the country, the only other network problems may arise in El Oriente.

To call abroad, take advantage of cabinas (telephone booths with low cost), which can be found in even the smallest town. Minute call to Europe is about. U.S. $ 0.2.

On the road in Ecuador has a fairly large flexibility in the interpretation of legislation - the lack of direction and anticipating "the third" here are the standard. Therefore, as drivers and pedestrians should exercise special caution on the roads.

U.S. Dollar - USD

Banknotes: $ 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1

Coins: U.S. $ 1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent

ATMs

Can be found in every major city and tourist locations.

Banks

They are also available in most cities, but not always respect the traveler's checks. Attention should be paid a commission when exchanging currency (for example,. euros) because the commission can sometimes be very high (up to 20%).

Credit Cards

Are widely accepted. But sometimes it is better to pay cash because you can get 15% discount.

The cheapest accommodation - $ 4

Cosy hostel - from 1910 to 1915 USD

Water 0.5 L - 0.3 USD

Dinner in the kitchens / restaurants - 1.5 - $ 2

Bus - 1godzina = 1 USD

The best place to go shopping are ubiquitous in the markets where we buy virtually everything from food to souvenirs. The most famous is in Ecuador in Otavalo market - the largest market in Latin America. On the streets is also no shortage of shops and stalls, which are essential to maintain the local population.

Necessarily always be a bargain because prices can be inflated up to 50%.

Traditional wool products (sweaters, szliki, socks)

Oils

Leather wallets

Hats "panama"

Jewelry

Products of wood baluster and the tag

Hammocks made of natural fabrics

The following goods may be imported into Ecuador without incurring customs duty:

- 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco.

- 1 liter of alcohol.

- Reasonable quantity of perfume.

- Gifts and personal belongings to $ 200 (for stays of up to seven days) or $ 300 (for stays from eight days to six months).

Because of this, that since 2000 the national currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar does not have to worry about the exchange rate and wanting to go shopping.

Not worth it to take, with each of the euro - the rate is much lower than in Europe.

In Ecuador, the high denominations (100, $ 50) are not too eager to be adopted due to the wave of counterfeiting of these notes is. It makes most sense is to break the high denominations of the bank or the airport - then avoid niekomfortowych circumstances when shopping.

Tourists also need to carefully check whether the banknotes they receive in the form resztu are not forged (printed). If such a situation should be reported to the vendor, who will replace defective money.

Ecuador is characterized by the fact that even in the smallest miastecszkach no problem we can find a roof over your head. Hotels of the highest standard can be found in cities and on the coast. In small towns is also no problem znajdziemu bed with a high standard, but rather there should not expect five-star resorts.

There are by far the most and are most popular (because of the price) the type of accommodation in Ecuador. The cheapest accommodation of this type start at $ 4, but then we forget about the hot water and heating. The standard price of a cheap hostel accommodation in the 1910-1915 USD.

Number of campsites is very limited, but it is permissible to dismantle tents in most parks and reserves. Additionally, you can always ask the owner of a hotel or guesthouse for access for a small fee portion of land belonging to the object. Breaking the tent is prohibited in the Galapagos Archipelago, outside the designated places for that, but it is in the office park in advance to obtain the appropriate license.

Hostels

These are very common on mountain hiking trails, which are very popular among tourists.

Residencial, hosterias

Country inns and rooms for rent in private residential homes.

Modest, but clean, they are interesting, convenient and economical solution dlaturystów.

Rates room in a luxury hotel is 150 - $ 200 per night, first class hotel 80 - $ 100, and a comfortable double room with en suite residencial can rent for $ 20 now. Decent hostels for backpackers with shared facilities can be found for $ 3-6 per person, even in remote parts of the country.

In most places (except for cheap hotels and lodges), a service charge (10%) and VAT (12-14%) is added to the bill.

If you want to rent a hotel of higher standard queries on the spot here is worth a local travel agency, which offer lower prices than the hotel directly.

The basis of the diet in Ecuador are rice and potatoes that are elementemi virtually every dish. The next very important elements is to take corn, peas, lentils, bananas, pork and chicken.

Grilled guinea pig (Cuy asado) - miejsowy delicacy

ceviche - fish and marinade, frutti di mare

Desayuno continental breakfast basic stalls and restaurants

Encebollado-abundant fish soup with yuca

Fruit Juices - freshly squeezed juice from fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, oranges, papaya, passion fruit.

Canelazo - a local drink made from sugar cane alcohol, lemon, sugar and cynamony

Pisco - the local brandy.

Chicha drink made from fermented grains

Herbal teas from local plants

Club, Biela - the most popular beer in the country

The best place to eat delicious and fresh food are the local pubs for the locals, which will be announced after that they will be hard to find a free table. You might also try the street food stalls serving traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.

Effective height of a standard tip of 10% of the amount of the contract. In many restaurants, tax (12%) and the Appendix for a service is added to the amount of the bill.

It should drink only bottled or boiled water, and in restaurants to ask for drinks without ice.

Eating in cheap restaurants and street stalls we must watch out for poison pokarmowe.Nie to eat at places of salads and meat are not heat-treated. When buying fruits and vegetables should also be sure to wash them before consumption.

Alcohol is sold only until 02:00.

Galapagos Archipelago

It is very popular among tourists visiting the direction of Ecuador. Islands are characterized by great diversity not found in other parts of the animal world. This is where Charles Darwin conducted his research and observations on the process of natural selection. Because of its volcanic origin of the islands are attractive for those seeking relaxation on the beach.

Quito

The beautiful old town with numerous churches and buildings from the colonial period. The new part of the city is characterized by a high-standard hotels, nightclubs and schools salsa.

Baños

The city famously the hot springs with views of the Tungurahua volcano. It is also a very common place to start hiking.

Cuenca

Regarded as the most beautiful city in Ecuador. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Otavalo

Located two hours north of stolicu a city famous for its Saturday market - the largest in Latin America.

La Company de Jesus

Located in Quito church is considered the most beautiful building of this type in Latin America.

Shamans (curadero)

Possibility of cleaning and implore you success in your professional life and uczyciowym is a massive attraction in Ecuador. It is worth asking about this possibility because of the smaller villages in the typical tourist locations, these services are often unavailable.

Festivals and festival

They are a great magnet for tourists and an amazing experience, because of the diversity and uniqueness of culture in Ecuador.

Oriente Region

Trip to the Amazon forest is a must-trips to Ecuador. Mandatory remember a local guide who will take care of our security and show the najatrakcyjniesze forest areas.

Avenue of Volcanoes

By the local population is called the backbone of Ecuador. The best way to admire the volcanoes of Quito - Alausi or from the roof of the train.

National Park Podocarpus

The biggest attraction is the chance to explore the most beautiful rain forest on horseback.

Pailon del Diablo

This spectacular waterfall near Banos.

Waterfalls Peguche

Located near Otavolo waterfalls are also great religious significance for the Indians.

Piamidas de Cochasqui

Located near Guayllabamba in the fifth century was the center for the celebration of local rituals and astrological observations.

River rafting on the Rio Napo

This is a very interesting opportunity for those seeking an injection of adrenaline.

Esmeraldas

One of the most popular beaches in Ecuador.

No translation.

Residents love to celebrate Ecuador, every even the smallest town has its typical regional festival. For a typical playground include:

Toros del pueblo

The local variety corrida is a constant element of any festival. During this ceremony does not kill the bull, and only irritates proving their bravery.

Cock Fights

Most notably the Andean region, are very bloody, but also incredibly exciting and entertaining local people.

- February 12 - El Oriente Day - parades, fiestas, dances in the main cities of El Oriente (Coca, Tena, Puyo).

- Marzc / April - Carnival - throwing water each and dancing in the streets.

- February / March - Fiesta de las Frutas y Flores in Ambato. Dances, exhibitions and choices most beautiful girls from Ambato.

- March 21 - Fiesta del Equinoccio the equator - the music and dances.

June 21 - Fiesta de Inti Raymi - Inca sun festival revival

- 2-5 September - Otavalo, fiesta del Yamor - dances and miss election

- The third week of September - Virgen del Cisna - Loja, catamayo EL Cisna - one of the largest procession in South America.

- 23-24 September - Latacunga - Fiesta de Mama Negra - parades, dances, an explosive mixture of Catholicism and indigenous culture.

There are not many clubs with the exception of Quito and Guayaquil, where there are excellent restaurants and other attractions nightlife. In smaller towns, social life takes place at home, and private premises and restaurants. Cinema is the most popular form of entertainment in Ecuador. Nightlife lasts from Thursday to Saturday. Bars are generally open until 02:00, and night clubs of up to 05:00.

- 110V plug type U.S.

- Protective jackets and sweaters against strong wind

- Supply the necessary lekarst

- Measures against insects (przeciwmalaryczne)

- Sunglasses

- Creams with UV filter