Ecuador

Ecuador, an Andean patchwork
A small country on the scale of South America, Ecuador is nonetheless a plethora of the most beautiful landscapes! From the Pacific to the depths of Amazonia, it offers an astonishing diversity, from the tropical forests to the glacial fields at 20,702 feet. The volcanic activity, currently intense, adds a particular attraction to this country already rich in natural wonders. It is in the central zone, made up of cordilleras and volcanoes where the majority of our trip is concentrated: crater lakes, excursions in the national parks, visits to famous Inca sites, ascent of the high Ecuadorian summits, villages and their way of life  so well adapted to the environment, colorful markets... A succession of contrasts awaits you, and will surprise you at every moment. A very complete, ideal destination for the true hiker!

• The broadest choice of adventures, from family adventures to the ascent of the highest volcanoes.
• Guarantee of a highly reliable and professional organization and team, thanks to our agency in Quito.
• Services of high quality: comfortable and charming lodging, parks and site entry fee included in the price, along with high quality meals and utility equipment.
• Excellent knowledge of the terrain, thanks to our more than 20 years of experience in the country.

It is easy to travel year round to Ecuador, because there is not much fluctuation between seasons. On the other hand, climate change is evident in the frequent sun alternations accompanied by heavy showers. Sometimes, strong variations in temperatures can occur during the same day, depending on the intensity of the sun or the wind on the mountains. Well equipped, these changes are easily managed.

Quito, the capital, located in the volcano zone, at 8,850 feet of altitude, has average temperatures of 50°F at night. At the time of the excursions (Otávalo, Pichincha, Cotopaxi and of Chimborazo), it can freeze or snow during the night.

• In the mountains: the weather can be cold in altitude.

• In Amazonia and on the peaceful coast: heat and moisture all year round.

Average temperatures in Quito(day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:

Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June
66/50	66/50	66/50	66/51	66/51	66/60
July	August	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
68/55	68/54	68/49	67/49	67/49	66/50

Population	14 millions habitants
Surface	98,985 squares miles
Capital	Quito
Main Cities	Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca
Peaks	Chimborazo (20,700 feet) - Cotopaxi (19,347 feet)
Official Language	Spanish
Local Language	Quechua and dialects in the remote areas
Religion	Catholic religion
Head of the state	Rafael Correa
Political Status	Republic
Time Shift	http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc-0500.html

The currency is the American dollar (the old local currency, sugar, disappeared in September 2000)We advise you to carry American dollars in small increments, un-damaged. Credit cards are accepted in the main cities, and there are ATM machines in Quito, Otávalo and Baños.

As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips.
Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
US Government Travel Advices

The Ecuadorian project was an extremely tempting project which attracted the founders of Mountain World Travel in Ecuador, at the end of the Eighties. The relatively easy ascent of the large glacial volcano, Chimborazo, its summit, at 20,000 feet was quite a lure. We could not help but fall under the charm of this country, so small on surface, but so rich in all that is Latin America flavor: fabulous landscapes, colored markets, the Indians' smiles, architectural richness... we could not wait to share all of these treasures. We are now proud to offer this destination to you.

We created this beautiful adventure by combining our expertise with Beto and Carole. Beto is an Ecuadorian native, a local guide and experienced mountaineer alpinist. Carole, his wife is a French native passionate for the country of Ecuador.

Beto, at the time of our meeting, was one of our local guides. He and Carole approached us on the spot about providing their services to our adventure travel organization.

Impassioned by treks and Ecuador, Beto traverses his country in all directions and shares common values with Mountain World Travel.

Beto introduced us to Carole, his French wife, who he met during a trip where Beto was the group leader!Since 2001, Beto and Carole have been our adventure travel representatives in Quito.

Today, they are managing a dynamic team of group leaders passionate of their volcanoes. Since then, our two friends invest themselves each day to perfect our adventures in Ecuador. They animate a team of qualified and motivated local guides, with whom they can share their love of the country and of hiking.

Being a responsible tourism company and considering the environmental problems encountered in certain national parks of Ecuador, in 2006 we worked together with Carole and Beto for the installation of toilets in the Cotopaxi park, the crossing point of all the Mountain World Travel groups. The project received the support of the Department of the Environment, proving its effectiveness and this, in turn, awakened the local authorities. The toilets are thus in place at the two entries of the Park and operational for the 2007 season at the southern entry, as well.

Generally, Spanish is spoken by all of the population. The local language, quechua and other dialects are used in the remote areas. English is spoken by those in tourism related work. Learning some Spanish key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors and to facilitate your exchanges with the Ecuadorians.
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
Hello, how are you? : Buenos días, cómo está?
Very well, thank you: muy bien, gracias
Please: por favor
Thank you: gracias
Goodbye: Hasta luego
Yes: sí - Not: No
Excuse me: discúlpeme
You can ask your guide how to pronounce these key words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language.
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

The Ecuadorian population is made up of a mosaic of ethnic groups. The many Indian markets reflect this great diversity. Mongrels, Indians and pure Castilian live in good harmony. You will be able to admire, in Quito, a great number of churches, the jewels of colonial architecture.

Advice from Beto and Carole, our specialists in Ecuador:
We kindly request you to respect the goods of the peasants, in particular to remain on the edge of the fields when we walk in the country side.The flora is of an incredible diversity in this country which, because of its geographical contrasts, shelters thousands of plants, tropical or Andean... Ecuador also counts a very rich fauna. Thank you for your respect.

What precautions should one take during a trip to Ecuador? Although the situation has degraded slightly during the last few years, Ecuador remains a safe country, in general, if a minimum of precautions are taken. We advise you, for example, to avoid, as far as possible, carrying valuable articles. The theft risk exists, it is appropriate not to flash one's wealth, to be vigilant in the areas that we visit (markets, downtown areas...) and to leave money and valuables in the safes at the hotels. Don't hesitate to ask your guide which places one should be particularly attentive to and the areas that one should avoid.

US electrical devices are compatible with Ecuadorian electrical plugs. We recommend you do not carry an adapter, because the plugs are 110 volts ones, as in the United States.

Where to buy the most beautiful souvenirs?
The Indian craft industry is very rich (weaving, leather, pottery...). Do not forget however that it is forbidden to buy souvenirs such as pre-Columbian artifacts. If you have a doubt, ask your guide. At the markets, you will not be able to resist purchasing a naïve painting sharp in color, a geometrical weave or an alpaca sweater. The richness of the craft industry reflects the cultural development of this country. Do not hesitate to buy over at the famous colorful market of Otávalo, which animates the neighborhood each Saturday. All of our circuits pass through here. Quito is also an excellent place to make your purchases.

Ecuador is a formidable kaleidoscope of landscapes, from the Andes cordillera to the immense Amazonia, while passing by the valley of the volcanoes.
In order to not leave your garbage behind you, please remember to always carry with you a little bag for your personal waste: bring it back to the next hotel or camp.
Separate your waste: do not to leave behind those very polluting items such as batteries, etc... but, instead, bring them back home with you, as there is no recycling for this type of material in Ecuador.
In the camp sites, use the toilets or toilet-tents.