Passport Requirements: All visitors need valid passports to enter Ecuador. Note that the country does not always allow entrance if the holder's passport expires in under six months. Under a new law, no visas are necessary.

Language: Ecuador's official language is Spanish, but Quichua, an Inca language, is spoken by the Indian population. Besides Spanish, ten native languages are spoken in Ecuador.

Currency: The U.S. dollar is Ecuador's currency. The country has coins ranging from one to 50 cents, all equivalent to the American coins. U.S. coins are accepted as well.

Ecuador Map

Things to Avoid:

Lack of Personal Safety: At night, stick to busy well-lit streets and never admit you are traveling alone. Be sure someone at home knows your itinerary.

For transportation, think twice before driving, as roads are poor, and travel only during the day. Definitely do not hitchhike, particularly women.

Theft of Valuables: Bring as little with you as possible. Keep your cash, cards, and papers in a money belt, especially in large cities. And don't let your bags out of your sight while traveling from place to place.

Sickness:

Inoculations: You are required by Ecuadorian law to show a vaccination certificate for yellow fever. Also, make sure you're up to date on your other vaccinations and boosters.

Food and Water: Tap water is unsafe to drink. Bottled water and sealed soft drinks are safe.

Sunburn: Use a high-factor sunscreen