|
|
Ecuador's Climate
Ecuador is known for its localized and varied weather. At 5,000
meter (16,400 feet) it may be blowing a 60-knot blizzard and in
the valley below, the sun might be shining creating a beautiful
day. While in fifty miles away in another direction a sub-tropical
rainforest will be experiencing a tropical downpour. Throughout
the country the temperatures are very moderate and the weather is
not such an overriding consideration as it is in higher attitudes.
When we talk about weather in Ecuador we talk about trends. Most
of the country has a dry season and a wet season. No matter the
season, typically, the best of the weather in the Andes will be
around the full moon. Normally for about three or four days each
side of the full moon the weather will be better. And shortly after
the full moon the weather return to its previous pattern. This phenomenon
benefits the snow climbers who climb at night. By planning your
ascent around the full moon you can benefit from the extra light
and the improved weather conditions.
The Amazon basin is mainly tropical rainforest so you can expect
it to be wet from September to April. Temperatures will average
around 28ºC (82ºF)and it will rain most days, normally in the afternoon.
From May to August the average temperature increases to around 32ºC
(90ºF) and the frequency of rainfall increases.
The Amazon basin modifies the weather in the eastern sierra. The
wet season is from June to August with average temperatures around
20ºC (68ºF). During these months the rest of the sierra experiences
its dry season with higher temperatures, little rain, and strong
winds. The pattern reverses for the remainder of the year with the
exception of December when there is usually a break in the weather
of the western sierra's wet season, bringing some fine weather.
On the coast, the dry season runs from about June to December. Temperatures
drop to about 26ºC (79ºF) and it will be overcast often with a damp
mist, the garua, settling in and the sun can disappear for three
months at a time. From January to June temperatures go up and days
will be bright and sunny with occasional heavy rain.
The pattern is roughly the same in the Galapagos except the garua
starts rather later and temperatures drop to around 18ºC (64ºF).
The worst month in Galapagos is usually September.
Weather throughout the country can be heavily modified by the Niño
current, a strong current flowing in January from the Gulf of Panama
which pushes air and water temperatures soaring. The wind comes
around the north and it rains.
Being on the equator gives Ecuador it's weather conditions, it also
allows it to have 12 hour days year round. In the morning
it gets light within 20 minutes of 6 am and at night it is dark
around 6 p.m. There is no long dusk.
* For current weather information throughout the country we suggest
the information provided by Ecuador's
Weather Institute.
Top 
Passport and Visa Information
A valid passport for the duration of your stay is required to travel
to Ecuador for all travelers. Exceptions are made for Colombians
holding Identify Cards with International Embarkation/Disembarkation
Card and travelling between Colombia and Ecuador.
Visas are not required for tourists except by people of the following
countries: China, Cuba, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Restrictions change frequently for the latest information refer
to the Ecuador Consulate Page
Top
Telephone Information
The International dialing code to call Ecuador is (593). The city
codes in Quito is (02). Cellular numbers within Ecuador begin with
(09). To dial from the United States or Canada to Quito, Ecuador
you would dial using the international access number:
011-(593)-(2) and the 7digit number you are calling.
To utilize Direct Dial from the Ecuador to the United States or
Canada dial
001 + the area code + the 7 digit number you are calling
To call collect or with an international calling card the access
numbers are:
| AT&T |
2999-119 |
| World Phone |
2999-170 |
| Global 1/Sprint |
2999-171 |
| MCI/ World Com |
2999-172 |
Top
Electricity
The electricity in Ecuador is the same as in the United States
and Canada 110 V 60 Hz. Many hotels are equipped with both 110 and
220-volt options. Many older Hotels and Haciendas do not allow for
polarized plugs, appliances with uneven, straight pins, or 3 prongs
may require an adapter. These adapters are available at hardware
stores throughout the country.
Time Zones
The mainland of Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time year round
(GMT-5) daylight savings time is not observed. The Galapagos
Islands are on Central Standard Time year round (GMT-6) daylight
savings time is not observed there either.
Top
|
|
