Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Holidays

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Temperature (Celcius)	14	12	14	14	14	13	14	14	14	13	13	13
Average Rainfall (Inches)	4	5	6	7	5	2	1	1	3	5	4	4

Capital City

Quito

Flight Information

Approximately 12 hours.

Time Difference

GMT-5 on the Mainland
GMT-6 in the Galapagos

Visa Requirements

All foreign nationals are allowed to visit Ecuador without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Please verify that your passport has been stamped with the number of days required for your visit to our country. We recommend that you make copies of all your important documents and leave the originals at the safety box in your hotel. Keep with you a copy of your passport. Please note that while being in mainland Ecuador, you don’t need to carry your passport with you. However, when going to the Galapagos or the Amazon region, you will need your passport.

Weather

Quito & the Highlands: June to September is the dry season with day time temperatures of around 21°C (70°F). Rainy season is from October to May with March/April being the wettest months. This usually means clear mornings and an afternoon heavy downpour, followed by the sun coming out again.

The Galapagos: In the Galapagos January to April are the warmer, wetter months. The islands are humid, and days can be very hot, especially around noon. Temperatures range from 24°C-30°C (75°F-86°F) with day time temperatures up to around 85°F and the occasional shower. May to December are the drier, cooler months. This is the time of the year where wildlife is at its best, since most will be reproducing. The air temperature ranges from 23°C-28°C (73°F-82°F) with July to September normally experiencing more choppy and windy sea conditions.

Guayaquil and the Coast: The coastal lowlands are tropical, warm all year. From May to December is the dry season, with often overcast days and pleasantly cool nights. The warmer, rainy season goes from January to April; expect high humidity.

The rainforest is, of course, the wettest region of the country with high rainfall throughout the year. It tends to be sunny in the mornings with afternoon downpours and temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Nights are cool in the rainforest, a windbreaker comes in handy.

The equatorial sun is very strong and is able to burn even through cloud cover. It is highly recommended to use sunscreen with a suitably high protection factor, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Fair-skinned persons should use sun protection at high altitudes and seashore at all times, even if the weather is cloudy, as UV rays penetrate light clouds.

Average temperatures and rainfall given are for the Quito area.

Language

Spanish

Currency

US Dollar $

Electricity

120V 60Hz
It is advisable to have an adaptor.

Vaccination & Health

Please seek medical advice regarding current requirements from your doctor.

Dialling Code

+593

Photography

In Galapagos, an ASA/ISO 100 or 200 is suggested. Waterproof, underwater cameras are recommended. Day light on the Equator is quite harsh, professional photographers recommend not to take pictures between 11:00 and 14:00, to avoid contrast and shadows