Ecuador and Galapagos Islands travel and visitor guide with airport, airline, passport and hotel information. Five of the Ecuador's provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, and El Oro) are located on the Ecuadorian coast. The region’s climate varies from hot and dry in the north to hot and humid in the south. Several national parks such as Machalilla and Manglares-Churute provide endless opportunities for eco-adventurers. Simón Bolívar International Airport, located in Guayaquil, Ecuador's principal port, makes getting to Ecuador's beaches easy, quick, and affordable. Moreover, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure, all of Ecuador's beautiful beaches offer relaxation and entertainment in a tropical paradise.
Ecuador is served by Mariscal Sucr Airport (Airport Code: UIO) in Quito and Simon Bolivar Airport (Airport Code: GYE) in Guayaquil. Airlines serving Ecuador include American, Delta, Continental and Mexicana. Visit our Airports & Airlines section for more information.
The Galapagos Islands lie almost a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador’s mainland. Biologically diverseg, they are one of the planet’s natural paradises and one of the most visited national parks in the world. The flora and fauna you’ll find here are truly unique. Here, you’ll see unending beaches of marble white sand such as those of Tortuga Bay, tunnels of lava, spectacular diving areas, and a marine reserve, not to mention the prehistoric animals and colorful birds you’ll get a chance to observe. There are thirteen main islands that make up the archipelago. The climate here is sub-tropical. The Galapagos Islands have two airports with flights to Quito and Guayaquil.
The Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve, in the province of Esmeraldas, is noteworthy for its exuberant vegetation. The Majagual Forest is the Reserve’s principle attraction and is home to the tallest mangroves in the world, some of which reach over 60 meters in height. It has five trails that can hiked with ease. Giant crabs, parrots, and herons, among other species, all dwell in the area.
In Montañita, Guayas, adventurers can find the best beaches to surf, with waves that reach three meters in height. Moreover, one doesn’t have to surf to enjoy the area’s waves as Montañita is home to a variety of national and international surfing competitions that amaze onlookers. Extremely popular among international tourists, Montañita has become the beach of choice of locals, as well, as locals from the neighbouring city of Guayaquil congregate here on the weekends.
Approximately one hour from the city of Esmeraldas we find Súa, a peaceful fishermen’s beach that offers several lodging options and delicious local food. Eleven km to the southwest is Same, a resort rising from green palms and crystal waters. Forty eight 48 km from Same lies the Island of Muisne, with its warm waters caressing its virgin beaches. Other beaches known for their hospitality are Playa Ancha, Tonsupa, and Castelnuovo, 20 km from Esmeraldas. There are also other beaches to the north, near the Colombian border, such as Camarones, Colope, and Río Verde, similarly surrounded by small fishing villages. In the province of Manabi, San Vicente, San Jacinto, San Clemente, Puerto Cayo, Puerto Rico, Puerto Lopez, Crucita, Canoa, Cojimies, Perdernales, and Jaramijo are all incredible beach destinations surrounded by fishing communities, and in total, comprise some 300 km of Manabí’s coastline. Visited year round, they offer peace, tranquility, and a variety of gastronomic delights. Visit the Official Ecuador Tourism Site for more information.
Passport, Visa & Embassy Information
U.S. citizens traveling on regular passports do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. Those planning a longer visit must obtain a visa in advance of arrival. U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen in Ecuador must obtain a new passport at the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration offices in those cities prior to arriving at the airport in order to obtain permission to depart. An exit tax must be paid at the airport when departing Ecuador. As of March 2005 the exit tax is $25. Visit our Immigration for more information.
Ecuador maintains an embassy in the United States at 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-234-7200). Consulates are located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Jersey City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
U.S. Embassy
Avenida Patria 120
Quito, Ecuador
(tel. (593)(2) 256-2890/256-1634)
The mailing address is APO AA 34039
Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings also are available on the Consular Affairs Internet home page: http://travel.state.gov. Consular Affairs Tips for Travelers publication series, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad, are on the Internet and hard copies can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, telephone: 202-512-1800; fax 202-512-2250.
Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries.
U.S. citizens who are long-term visitors or traveling in dangerous areas are encouraged to register their travel via the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov or at the Consular section of the U.S. embassy upon arrival in a country by filling out a short form and sending in a copy of their passports. This may help family members contact you in case of an emergency.
