Government type: Republic

Local time: Mainland: MEZ minus 6 hours (MESZ minus 7 h)

Galapagos: MEZ minus 7 hours (MESZ minus 8 h)

Area: 276,84 sq km, Total land including Galapagos islands

Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Highest point: Chimborazo 6310 m

Capital: Quito

Population: 13,363,593 (July 2005 est.)

Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

Languages: Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quichua)

Religion: Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

Natural resources: Oil, fish, timber, flowers, shrimps, tourism

Climate:

Currency: US Dollar

Electric currency: 110 V / 60 Hertz

Business hours:

Taxes: Sales Tax: 12%

International Airport Tax: USD 25

Entrance requirements: Valid passport of at least 6 more months on the day of entrance.

No Visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Passport must accompany passengers to the Galapagos.

No vaccinations are required either except the Yellow fever vaccine is required for the Amazon jungle.

Luggage allowance: Maximum 1 piece of 20 kg for all inland flights.

Additional luggage can be left at the hotel desk in Quito.

Entrance fees: Galapagos National Park USD 100, collected on arrival to the Galapagos.

National Parks on mainland usually USD 10, collected on the entrance.

What to bring: The Highlands

Comfortable springtime clothing during day and a sweater during the evening, rain parka, sun protection, warm winter like clothing for the mountains.

The Rainforest

Long sleeved shirts and long pants for the walks, rain parka, torch, insect repellent, binoculars, extra battery for camera

The Galapagos Islands

Comfortable garments, walking shoes and sandals, light jacket or windbreaker, brimmed hat, sun protection, bathing suits, binoculars, enough films for the camera, personal and sea-sickness medication if necessary.