Ecuador Facts and Culture

What is Ecuador famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: Ecuadorians are a warm and hospital people who value family. People from the highlands "Serranos" who reside in the higher,... More
• Family: Ecuadorians place great importance on the family. Older members of the family are treated with respect and kindness. A household... More
• Personal Apperance: Clothing in rural areas is varied depending upon the region. People familiar with native dress can often tell roughly where... More
• Recreation: Futbol (soccer) is the favorite sport in Ecuador. Volleyball and track are also popular. Ecuadorian volleyball is played differently from... More
• Diet: In Ecuador the most important meal of the day is the midday meal. The Serranos (people from the Sierra) like... More
• Food and Recipes: The Serranos (people from the Sierra) like to eat meatcorn and potatoeswhile "Costenos" (people from the coastal regions)... More
• Visiting: Visits from family and friends are frequent in Ecuador. When families gather for a meal and conversationvisitors are always... More
• Dating: Teen aged Ecuadorians generally socialize in groups. Girls must ask for permission from their parents to go out alone with... More

What is the capital of Ecuador?

Capital	Quito
Government Type	presidential republic
Currency	US Dollar (USD)
Total Area	109,483 Square Miles 283,561 Square Kilometers
Location	Western South Americabordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equatorbetween Colombia and Peru
Language	Spanish (official)Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)
GDP - real growth rate	-2.3%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$11,000.00 (USD)

What is the population of Ecuador?

Ethnic Groups	mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%Amerindian 25%Spanish and others 7%black 3%
Nationality Noun	Ecuadorian(s)
Population	16,904,867
Population Growth Rate	1.4%
Population in Major Urban Areas	Guayaquil 2.287 million; QUITO (capital) 1.622 million
Urban Population	67.500000

What type of government does Ecuador have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023); Vice President Verónica ABAD Rojas (since 23 November 2023); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Daniel NOBOA Azin (since 23 November 2023); Vice President Verónica ABAD Rojas (since 23 November 2023) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 August 2023 with a runoff on 15 October 2023 (next to be held on 28 February 2025); note – on 18 May 2023Ecuador’s National Electoral Council announced that the legislative and presidential elections—originally scheduled for February 2025—would be held on 20 August 2023 with a runoff on 15 October 2023 after former president Guillermo LASSO dissolved the National Assembly by decree on 17 May 2023; though eligible for a second termLASSO announced that he would not run in the 2023 election; President Daniel NOBOA Azin will serve out the remainder of the current presidential term (2021–2025) election results: 2023: Daniel NOBOA Azin elected president; percent of vote in the second round - Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar (MRC) 33.6%Daniel NOBOA Azin (ADN) 23.5%Christian Gustavo ZURITA Ron (Construye) 16.4%Jan Tomislav TOPIĆ Feraud (Por Un País Sin Miedo) 14.7%Otto Ramón SONNENHOLZNER Sper (Avanza) 7.1% other 4.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Daniel NOBOA Azin 51.8%Luisa GONZÁLEZ Alcivar 48.2% 2021: Guillermo LASSO Mendoza elected president; percent of vote in the first round - Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 32.7%Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 19.7%Yaku PEREZ Guartambel (MUPP) 19.4%Xavier HERVAS Mora (ID) 15.7%other 12.5%; percent of vote in the second round - Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 52.5%Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 47.5%
Suffrage	18-65 years of age; universal and compulsory; 16-18over 65and other eligible votersvoluntary
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
National Holiday	Independence Day (independence of Quito)10 August (1809)
Constitution	history: many previous; latest approved 20 October 2008 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic through a referendumby public petition of at least 1% of registered votersor by agreement of at least one-third membership of the National Assembly; passage requires two separate readings a year apart and approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assemblyand approval by absolute majority in a referendum; amendments such as changes to the structure of the stateconstraints on personal rights and guaranteesor constitutional amendment procedures are not allowed; amended 201120152018
Independence	24 May 1822 (from Spain)

YouTube Galapagos Islands with Google

CountryReports YouTube Channel:

Join CountryReports YouTube Channel (Click Here)

What environmental issues does Ecuador have?

Overview	Ecuador straddles the Equatorits namesakeon the west coast of South America. Two north-south ranges of the Andes Mountains divide the country into three distinct sections: the Costaa belt of tropical lowlands 10–100 miles wide along the Pacific coastwhere Guayaquilthe major cityis located; the Sierraa highland plateau 3,000–10,000 feet highwhere Quito is located; and the Orientejungle lowlands east of the Andes that make up about half the country’s area. In additionthe Galapagos Islands (Archipelago de Colon) lie 640 miles off the coast. The nine main islands are inhabited by some 15,000 people and an amazing variety of wildlife that has fascinated scientists ever since Charles Darwin visited there in 1836. Most of Ecuador is covered by equatorial forests. The rest consists of cultivated agricultural areassome arid scrubland near the coastand barren mountain ranges with 22 peaks over 14,000 feet high. These peaks include Chimborazo (20,561 ft.) and Cotopaxiwhich is the second highest active volcano in the world (19,347 ft.). The spectacular array of snowcapped volcanoes stretching north and south of Quito has been called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," and on a clear day the view from an airplane is breathtaking. On the Pacific slope the principal rivers are the Esmeraldas and the Guayas. Eastern Ecuador is part of the Amazon watershed. Its principal rivers are the Napo and Pastaza Rivers. None of the Amazon tributaries in Ecuador are navigable by oceangoing vessels.
Climate	Because of variations in altitudeEcuador has a variety of climates. The lowlands are generally hot and humid. Temperatures on the coast are moderated by the Humboldt Current to a range of 65°F to 90°F. Temperatures in the Sierra are generally coolranging from 35°F to 75°F. Due to the altitude and thin airtemperature in direct sunlight can reach 85°F at midday. In the evenings it can range from pleasantly cool to very chilly. The tallest mountains are always snowcappedbut it never snows in the inhabited altitudesalthough it hails occasionally. During the Sierra dry seasonfrom June through Septembergusty winds are common. In Quito the temperature pattern rarely changes from day to day or month to month. Mornings are cool and crispand midday is agreeably warmunless skies are overcast. Fog and mist may occur in the mornings or evenings as low-lying clouds spill over the sides of the valley. Since Quito is such a short distance from the Equatorsunrise and sunset vary only slightly from 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Average annual rainfall in Quito is 50 incheswith 43 inches falling from October through Mayand 7 inches from June through September. Relative humidity averages 75%. Occasional tremors are registered in the area; these may or may not be perceptible to residents. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are infrequent but do remain a possibility.
Border Countries	Colombia 590 kmPeru 1,420 km
Environment - Current Issues	deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Antarctic-Environmental ProtocolAntarctic TreatyBiodiversityClimate ChangeClimate Change-Kyoto ProtocolDesertificationEndangered SpeciesHazardous WastesOzone Layer ProtectionShip PollutionTropical Timber 83Tropical Timber 94Wetlands signedbut not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	coastal plain (costa)inter-Andean central highlands (sierra)and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

How big is the Ecuador economy?

Economic Overview	Ecuadora country rich in natural resources and diverse ecosystemshas an economy that heavily relies on oil exportsagricultureand remittances. While these sectors provide substantial revenuethe nation faces several economic challengesincluding dependency on volatile oil pricespolitical instabilityand the need for diversification. In this articlewe explore the various facets of Ecuador's economythe hurdles it confrontsand the potential pathways for sustainable growth. The Backbone of Ecuador's Economy: Key Sectors Oil and Energy Oil remains the cornerstone of Ecuador's economyaccounting for a significant portion of export revenues and government income. As a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)Ecuador plays a role in global oil production. Howeverthis reliance on oil makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. The country's financial stability is often at the mercy of these external shocksemphasizing the urgent need for economic diversification. Agriculture Agriculture is another vital sectorwith bananascoffeecocoashrimpand flowers being major exports. Ecuador is notably one of the world's top banana exporterswhich highlights its importance in global agricultural markets. This sector not only generates significant foreign exchange but also employs a substantial portion of the population. Howeveragricultural productivity is subject to climate change and global market conditionswhich can pose risks to economic stability. Tourism Tourism in Ecuador has seen considerable growthdriven by its rich cultural heritage and natural attractionssuch as the Galápagos Islands. The government has been actively promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism to diversify the economy. The tourism sector's expansion promises new jobs and increased foreign exchange earningsmaking it a critical area for future economic development. Manufacturing and Industry Ecuador's manufacturing and industrial sectorsincluding food processingtextilesand chemical productsare less developed compared to its neighbors. Enhancing industrial capacity and value-added production is essential for economic diversification. The government aims to attract foreign investment and foster innovation in these areas to boost industrial growth. Services The service sectorencompassing bankingfinanceand retailplays a significant role in the economy. Remittances from Ecuadorians living abroad contribute notably to household incomesreflecting the sector's importance. Strengthening financial services and expanding digital infrastructure are key to enhancing the service sector's contribution to the economy. Economic Challenges Debt and Fiscal Issues Ecuador's high levels of public debt have led to financial instabilitynecessitating austerity measures and international assistance. Managing debt and achieving fiscal balance remain critical challenges for the government. Efforts to reduce debt include structural reformsfiscal consolidationand seeking support from international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Economic Diversification The overreliance on oil exposes the economy to external shockshighlighting the need for diversification. Developing sectors such as renewable energytechnologyand tourism is crucial for reducing dependency on oil and achieving sustainable growth. Initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage entrepreneurship are vital for diversification. Political Instability Political changes and instability have often affected economic policies and investor confidence in Ecuador. Consistent and transparent policies are essential to foster a stable business environment and attract foreign investment. Political stability is a cornerstone for sustained economic growth and development. Social Issues Poverty and inequality remain significant issues in Ecuador. Although the government has implemented various social programs to address these challengesfurther efforts are necessary to ensure inclusive growth. Enhancing educationhealthcareand social protection systems are key to reducing poverty and improving living standards. Recent Developments and Future Prospects Economic Reforms The government has been implementing a series of reforms to stabilize the economy. These include tax reformsimproving the business climateand enhancing transparency. Collaboration with international organizations like the IMF has provided financial support and policy guidanceaiding in economic stabilization and growth. Impact of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Ecuador's economyparticularly the tourism sector. The government's recovery efforts have focused on vaccination driveseconomic stimulus packagesand support for affected businesses. The post-pandemic recovery presents an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient and diversified economy. Green Economy Ecuador is increasingly focusing on sustainable development and the green economy. Investments in renewable energy and conservation effortsespecially in the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islandsare integral to this strategy. Promoting sustainability can attract eco-conscious tourists and investorscontributing to long-term economic growth. Conclusion Ecuador's economy is at a crossroadsfacing significant challenges yet brimming with opportunities. The country's reliance on oil underscores the need for diversificationwhile political and social issues demand comprehensive reforms. By embracing sustainable developmentfostering innovationand ensuring political stabilityEcuador can pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future. As the nation navigates these economic watersthe potential for growth and development remains promising.
Industries	petroleumfood processingtextileswood productschemicals
Currency Name and Code	US Dollar (USD)
Export Partners	US 39.5%Chile 6.2%Peru 5.1%Vietnam 4.3%Colombia 4.3%
Import Partners	US 27.1%China 15.3%Colombia 8.3%Panama 4.9%

What current events are happening in Ecuador?
Source: Google News

What makes Ecuador a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country approximately the size of Colorado. It has a democratically elected government. In generaltourist facilities are adequate but vary in quality. Crime is a significant concern. Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currencyand U.S. bills and both U.S. and locally minted coins are accepted everywhere.

Crime

Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Crimes against U.S. citizens in the past year have ranged from petty theft to violent offensesincluding armed robberyhome invasionsexual assaultand several instances of murder and attempted murder. Very low rates of apprehension and conviction of criminals – due to limited police and judicial resources – contribute to Ecuador’s high crime rate.

“Secuestro Express” Taxi Assaults: Robberies and assaults against taxi passengersknown locally as “secuestro express” continue to present a significant safety concernespecially in Guayaquil and Mantabut also with increasing regularity in Quito. Shortly after the passenger enters a taxithe vehicle is typically intercepted by armed accomplices of the driverwho threaten passengers with weaponsrob passengers of their personal belongingsand force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Increasinglyvictims have been beaten or raped during these incidents.

In the Guayaquil areayou should call to order a taxi by phone or use a service affiliated with major hotels. If you must hail a taxi on the streetseek out those that are officially registered and in good condition. Registered taxis in Ecuador are usually yellowdisplay matching unit numbers on their windshields and doorsfeature a taxi cooperative name on the doorand are identified with an orange license plate. Stillbe aware that passengers have been victimized even in taxis that meet these criteria. U.S. officials associated with the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil are forbidden from hailing street taxis.

If you become a victim of express kidnapping and/or robberycooperation with the assailant usually results in the best outcomeas nothing material is as valuable as your life. Following a criminal incidentU.S. citizens are encouraged to immediately file a police report with the local authorities and to inform the American Citizens Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil.

Violent Robberies: Armed or violent robberies can occur in all parts of Ecuadornot just the major cities. Many travelers have been robbed after using ATMs or when exiting banks. Travelers should avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time from banks and ATMsand should use ATMs in protected indoor areas like well-guarded shopping malls. In some casesrobbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and flee the scene. Tourists have also been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails.

Non-Violent Robberies: Pick-pocketingpurse-snatchingrobberybag-slashingand hotel room theft are the most common types of crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Ecuador. They occur throughout Ecuador and incidents have increased significantly in recent years. Pickpockets and other petty thieves are particularly active in airportsrestaurantson public transportationin crowded streetsbus terminalspublic marketsand grocery stores. Backpackers are frequently targeted for robberyas are travelers carrying laptop computer bags. On busesluggage stowed below the bus or at a traveler’s feet is sometimes stolen. Thieves in Ecuador often distract the victimsometimes by purposefully spilling liquid on the victim and pretending to help the victim clean it upwhile accomplices snatch the victim’s bag or pick the victim’s pocket. To lower your risk of these or other non-violent crimesleave valuables in a safe placeor don’t travel with them. Make use of hotel safes when availableavoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothingand carry only the cash or credit cards that you will need on each outing. Stay alert to pickpockets when in crowds and when taking public transportationand be conscious that distractions can be created to target you.

Carjacking and Thefts from Vehicles: To avoid carjacking or theft from your vehicle while you are stopped at intersectionsdrive with your doors locked and windows rolled up. “Smash and grabs” occur when thieves break into parked vehiclesbut have also been known to occur in slow-moving or stopped trafficparticularly when cars are driven by females in the car alone. Do not leave anything of value in plain view in a carincluding sunglassessports equipmentpursesbriefcases or valuables. Always be aware of your surroundingsand try to travel in groups.

Sexual Assault: Incidents of sexual assault and rape have increasedincluding in well-traveled tourist areas. Criminals generally target women who are aloneand use alcohol or incapacitating drugs on unsuspecting tourists to rob and/or sexually assault them. These so-called date-rape drugs disorient the victim and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems. To lower your risktravel in groupsdon’t leave food or drinks unattended in public placesand never allow a stranger to give you a drink.

Murder: Since September 2009at least four U.S. citizens in Ecuador have been victims of murder. In most casesthe victims and alleged perpetrators personally knew each other. Investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators is the responsibility of the Ecuadorian governmentand do not proceed with the speed and thoroughness we are accustomed to in the United States. Although the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General monitor and encourage these investigationsour ability to intervene is extremely limited. The Ecuadorian government has established an emergency hotline that callers can use to inform police about murders or contract killings. The number is 1-800-DELITO (1800 335486).

Credit Card Fraud: Increasing numbers of U.S. citizens in Ecuador have fallen victim to fraud related to their credit or debit cards. “Skimming,” the theft of credit card informationduring an otherwise legitimate transactionis most likely to occur in restaurants or barswhere the skimmer takes the victim's card out of the owner’s view. To avoid skimmingtake the credit/debit card to the register yourself and never let the card out of your sight. Alsobe sure to monitor your bank account or credit card statement frequently.

Staying Alert in Quito: Stay particularly alert for crime on the crowded streets of south Quitoat the Panecillothe Historic Districtand in the areas of El TejarParroquia San SebastianAvenida Cristobal Colonand Gonzalez Suarez. Quito’s Mariscal Sucre districta popular tourist area with restaurantsbarshotelshostelsand shoppingis increasingly a site of crimes; reported incidents in recent years range from petty theft and sexual assault to shootings. In Mariscal Sucretravel in groups when possibleavoid hailing taxis off the street or using unofficial taxisand exercise caution in the early morning hours. Outside the citystay alert if hiking to the summit of Pichinchaas violent crime has been known to occur there.

Staying Alert in Guayaquil and Elsewhere on the Coast: In Guayaquilvisitors should exercise extreme caution in the downtown area and the southern part of the city. Tourist sites such as the Christ statue (Sagrado Corazon de Jesus) on Cerro del Carmenthe Malecon 2000and Las Peñasthough well-patrolled by policeare still targeted by criminals hoping to prey on unsuspecting tourists. There have also been reports of armed robberies at restaurants in the fashionable areas of Urdesa and Samborondon.

At the airport in both Quito and Guayaquilarriving passengers have been targeted by armed robbers who follow them from the airport to rob them. Cases have been reported involving multiple vehicles that cut off and intercept the victim as well as just a single motorcycle rider who robs the victim while they are getting out of their car. The perpetrators appear to focus on travelers who are returning from overseas trips laden with gifts and large amounts of cash.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Ecuadoryou are subject to Ecuadorian laws even though you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. Criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visitbut still illegal in the United States. For exampleyou can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is also a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Ecuadoryour U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

If you are arrested in Ecuadorunder the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and customary international lawyou have the option to request that the policeprison officialsor other authorities alert the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Outside of Quito and Guayaquilawareness of international protocols is uneven. If you are arrested in Ecuadorrequest that the Ecuadorian authorities do this on your behalf. Please notehoweverthat the U.S. government has no authority to intervene in Ecuadorian legal matters.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goodseven if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United Statesif you purchase themyou may also be breaking local law.

Drug Trafficking: Each yearapproximately 20 to 25 U.S. citizens are arrested by Ecuadorian authorities for attempting to traffic drugs between Ecuador and the United Statesor between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Many of those arrested claim not to have known they were transporting drugs. Under no circumstances should you ever accept giftspackagesor suitcases from anyone you do not trust and know well. If you are arrested for drug traffickingyou can expect to serve a lengthy period in pre-trial detentionand if convicted you will likely be sentenced to a long prison term and fined heavily. In nearly all casesU.S. citizens convicted of drug trafficking in Ecuador must serve their sentences in Ecuadorwhere conditions of confinement are harsh and far below U.S.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Adequate medical and dental care is available in the major cities of Ecuador. In smaller communities and in the Galápagos Islandsservices are limitedand the quality is generally well below U.S. standards. Ambulanceswith or without trained emergency staffare in short supply in citiesbut even more so in rural areas.

Pharmacies are readily available in any city; howeveryou might find that the availability of some medications is sporadicand formulations and brand names will differ from products available in the United States. Narcotics and tranquilizers are extremely limited in availability. Pharmacists sometimes dispense medications without requesting a prescription. These individuals may have little training and often prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics. Consider any advice from them accordingly. Folk healers and traditional markets in some parts of the country offer herbal and folk remedies. You should exercise caution when exploring these remediesas the formulations can be questionable and some components may interact with other prescription medications.

Many tropical diseases are present in Ecuadorincluding malariadengue and yellow fever (which are transmitted by mosquitoes at lower altitudes)leishmaniaisis (transmitted by sand flies)chagas disease (transmitted by triatomine bugs) and tuberculosis (transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets). To protect yourself from insect-borne diseases while at lower altitudesuse insect repellantsclothing treated with permethrinand bed nets.

In Ecuadoryellow fever is found only in the Amazon basin. Ecuadorian authorities might require you to show a certificate of yellow fever vaccination when entering or leaving this areaor when continuing travel to other areas of South America. If possibleyou should obtain a yellow fever vaccine prior to departure from the United States. You can also obtain the vaccination in Guayaquil from the Jefatura Provincial de SaludPanama y Padre Aguirre(tel): 04-230-3160Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The vaccine is free if you do not need an international certification; otherwise it costs $10.40. Antimalarial medication significantly reduces the risk of contracting malaria. There are no vaccines or prophylactic medications for dengueleishmaniaisis or chagas. If you become ill with fever or flu-like symptoms during or after travel in a high-risk areayou should promptly seek medical attention. Note that the onset of these diseases may be delayed by up to a year.

Your Health and High Altitudes: If you travel to Quito (elevation: 9,400 feet) or other highland areasyou will typically require some time to adjust to the altitudewhich can adversely affect your blood pressuredigestionand energy level. Mountain climbers in particular should be cautioned not to underestimate the time required to adjust before beginning a challenging climb at altitude. Consult with your personal health care providers before undertaking high-altitude travelas there are medications available to help combat the effects. If you have heart or lung problems or the sickle cell traityou may develop serious health complications at high altitudes.

Safety and Security

Natural Disasters: Ecuador has many active and potentially active volcanoesincluding around the capital of Quito and other popular tourist destinations. Other potential environmental threats include floodingearthquakesand tsunamis. In the event of a natural disastertransportationwatercommunicationsand power systems may fail due to damaged infrastructure or heavy ash fall. Roads may close and flights in or out of Ecuadorian airports might be cancelled due to adverse conditions.

Three active volcanoes within 100 kilometers of Quito threaten the city primarily with ash fall. Bañosa popular tourist destinationis located at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. Tungurahua has erupted explosively several times in the last decadeincluding several eruptions throughout 2010 and 2011 that produced significant ash fall. Travelers to Bañosespecially on the western side of townshould be aware that mud or lava flows could pose a significant and immediate threat. If you are in Baños when a volcanic eruption occursstay alert to the sirens and instructions from local authoritiesand follow the arrows on the street to reach the evacuation shelters in the Santa Ana neighborhood on the main road on the east side of towntowards Puyo.

Earthquakes sometimes trigger deadly tsunamiswhich could strike coastal areas of Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands. Ecuadorian national authorities put out warnings of potential tsunamisbut the response on the local level is unevenand on one recent occasion in the Galapagos Islandsthere was no coordinated evacuation when a tsunami struck.

Ecuador’s National Risk Management Secretariat and the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute monitor Ecuadorian volcanoesearthquakesand tsunamis in Ecuadorissuing regular reports on their activity. In the event of a natural disasterpay close attention to the news media for updates.

Civil Unrest: Political demonstrations occur frequently throughout Ecuador. During demonstrationsprotesters often block city streets and rural highwaysincluding major arteries such as the Pan American Highwaydisrupting public and private transportation. Protesters sometimes burn tiresthrow rocksdamage cars and other personal propertyand on occasion detonate small improvised explosive devices. Police response to demonstrations variesbut may include water cannons and tear gas. U.S. citizens and U.S.-affiliated interests are not usually targetedbut you should avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress and be prepared with back-up transportation plans. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warningand you could become a target.

Northern Border Region: Due to the spread of organized crimedrug and small-arms traffickingand incursions by terrorist organizations near Ecuador’s border with Colombiathe U.S. Embassy in Quito advises caution when traveling to northern Ecuadorincluding the provinces of Sucumbiosnorthern Orellana (including the city of Coca)Carchiand northern Esmeraldas (including the city of Esmeraldas). U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the northern border unless case-specific permission is granted. Embassy personnel are not permitted to go to this region on personal travel of any kind. At least 11 U.S. citizens are known to have been kidnapped in this region during the past 11 years.

Safety in the Galapagos Islands: The Galápagos archipelago is located more than 600 miles to the west of continental Ecuador. Geographic isolation and the lack of local resources may present challenges to travelers there. Dangers posed by lax enforcement of marine safety laws and rudimentary medical facilities are exacerbated by the difficulty of performing evacuations from the islands. A significant number of Ecuadorian tour vessels operating in the Galápagos do not meet international safety standards. The Government of Ecuador requires that vessels carrying more than 16 passengers comply with the International Safety Management Code established by the International Maritime Organization. Howeverthe quality of oversightcrewmember proficiencyand other requisites for safe vessel operation may vary substantially. Travelers should inquire about safety features when boarding vessels. Be sure to look for life boatsflotation devices andif possibletake a moment to inspect the life vest you would be using if there were an accident.

Medical resources in the Galápagos Islands are severely limited. Acute surgicalcardiacand other types of specialty medicine are not available. There are two hospitalslocated on the Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands. These facilities have limited personnel and resourcesand often do not have basic medical supplies. Some cruise ships have on-board physicians availablewho charge a fee for their services. Scuba divers in the Galápagos Islands should be aware of limited facilities for decompression. Serious injury or illness in the Galápagos typically requires costly medical evacuation to the Ecuadorian mainland or the United States for treatment. Medical evacuations by air ambulance can run upwards of $50,000 and take significant time to arrange. For that reasonthe purchase of traveler’s health insurance that includes air evacuation is strongly recommended.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

Although some of Ecuador’s roads and highways have greatly improved in recent years,road travel throughout Ecuador can still be dangerousespecially at night. Some roads are poorly maintainedor affected by heavy rains and mudslides. Mountain roads may lack safety features such as crash barriers or guard railsand conditions are frequently made more treacherous by heavy fog. Highways are often unmarked and unlitand do not have signs indicating destinations. In additionslow-moving buses and trucks frequently stop in the middle of the road unexpectedly. In the countrysidelivestock is often herded along roads or grazes on roadsides. Lacking sidewalksmany roads are also used by pedestrians.

Driving practices differ from U.S. standardsand drivers often disobey traffic laws and signals. In all areasbuses stop without warning to pick up or drop off passengers. Drivers often turn right and left from any lane and rarely yield to pedestrians and cyclists. You might encounter intoxicated drivers at any timethough the chances of a drunk-driving accident are higher on weekends and Ecuadorian holidays. On the coast in particularmany vehicles are poorly maintained and breakdowns are common.

If you are the driver of a vehicle involved in an automobile accidenteven if you are not at faultyou may be taken into police custodyespecially if injuries are involved or if you do not have insurance. If injuries or damages are seriousyou may face criminal charges.

Driver’s Licenses: You may drive in Ecuador using your state-issued driver’s license for up to 90 days. If you are staying in Ecuador for a prolonged periodyou should contact the Comision de Transito del Ecuador to obtain a valid driver’s license.

Importing a Vehicle: You should investigate local regulations before attempting to import any vehicle into Ecuador on a temporary or permanent basis. If you are able to register a vehicle in Ecuadoryou will be required to buy local liability insurancecalled SOAT.

Bus Travelers: Intra- and inter-city bus passengers are often targets of crimeincluding robbery and sexual assault. Numerous bus accidents occur every year in Ecuadorand many buses are overcrowdedpoorly maintainedand lack seat belts or other safety features. In Guayaquilsecurity on public transportation is a major concern. Armed criminals have been known to board local city buses and rob passengers of jewelrymoneyand other valuables. There have been instances in which routes between cities are blocked by criminalswho force the bus to stop and then board the bus to rob passengers.