Thursday, December 1, 2011

Ecuador Passport and Visa entry requirements

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Ecuador Passport and Visa entry requirements
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One




Passports:

A passport valid for at least six months is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above to enter Ecuador.
Visas:

Visas are not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Passport and Visa entry requirements :-

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, irrespective of the endorsement with regard to national status contained in the visitor's passport.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Passport/Visa Note: Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in Ecuador. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the country. Extensions are possible for travellers who do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Famous Places in Ecuador For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in Ecuador For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One




Ecuador is famous for its offshore Galapagos Islands. These are a must see, but Ecuador also has many exciting and interesting places to explore during an Ecuador vacation. Here are the top 4 places a visitor to Ecuador on a Latin American travel adventure must see.

1. Baños. Baños is a mini tropical paradise, full of waterfalls and outdoor adventure opportunities. Baños sits between the Rio Pastaza and several volcanoes, a truly beautiful location. The small town feel of the city is almost as charming as its surroundings and the city is full with nice bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. One of the most popular things to do in Baños is simply to visit all of the nearby waterfalls. There are over 60 of them! The Manto de la Virgen waterfall is close in town, toward the southeast section, and a good first waterfall to visit. There is even a "Route of the Waterfalls" that you can follow that will take you through green mountain peaks and past at least 20 waterfalls. When you tire of that, you can relax in some of the area's thermals baths.

2. Cuenca. Cuenca is Ecuador's colonial treasure and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO. The city is full of charming cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, making a simple stroll around town a pleasing activity. The town was originally an Inca town called Tomebamba, but refounded by the Spaniards in 1557. Cuenca has been called the "Athens of Ecuador" both for its classic beauty and for its history of housing philosophers, artists, and writers.

3. The Galapagos. No trip to Ecuador is complete without a visit to the famous Galapagos Islands. Visiting this location takes more planning and is more expensive than other Ecuador locations, but it is worth it if you are an animal lover. On the Galapagos you can walk side-by-side with massive wild animals that have little to no fear of humans. Tortoises, iguanas, and sea lions are just a few of the creatures you're sure to get a fabulous photo with. These islands are also home to unique bird species, such as the blue-footed boobie.

4. Guayaquil. Guayaquil is located on the southern coast of Ecuador and is often the launching point for Galapagos expeditions. The city is bustling with shops, companies, and visitors, a typical busy port town. The climate here is tropical, hot, and steamy. The town has a very lively nightlife and a lovely malecon for visitors to stroll along.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Free Guide Guayaquil City

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Free Guide Guayaquil City
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One


Located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the main port of Ecuador. This city is dotted with a number of manufacturing industries and business organizations and hence, is characterized as the busiest place in the entire Ecuador. Many people look forward for this place in search of good employment opportunities.

Apart from being the major hub of employment, Guayaquil is blessed with a number of touristy places. This city experiences tropical wet and dry climate all throughout the year, thereby making it as round-the-year-destination for tourists.


Guayaquil has a number of museum, botanical gardens and historical parks all of which attracts tourists from different pockets of the world. If you are planning to visit Ecuador, then consider visiting some popular places which are of tourist interest.

In order to grab the best city tour, you can consider visiting the places mentioned below:

• Casa de la Cultura museum:

This must-visit museum has collection of ancient gold items like bracelets, nose rings, earrings, traditional pots etc. It is said that the valuable items was preserved by the Spanish conquerors during primitive period. Besides having close views of the gold pieces, visitors can look at some archeological items like clay whistles, ceremonial masks, stone head rests and other artifacts dating back to regal eras.

• Moorish Clock Tower:

Inaugurated in the year 1842, this clock tower is an impressive attraction in Guayaquil. It reflects the Mozarabic Style of architecture and hence, depicts the historic background of Guayaquil. Besides its architecture, visitors can watch the sculptures in the tower representing air, water, fire and earth.

• Guayaquil Historical Park

As the name suggests, this park highlights the culture and history of Guayaquil. It has been sub-divided into different zones namely the wildlife zone, the urban architecture zone and the traditional zone. From wild animals to historic churches and to cultural programs, each section has unique charm to offer to the visitors.

Exploring the different tourist attractions in Guayaquil might not be possible within a day or two. In order to grab the in-depth beauty of the place, you can plan for staying out here for about a week. As, the place is highly visited by tourists, a number of hotels have come up in recent years. Most of the hotels in Guayaquil are located close to the touristy places. You can consider staying at the hotels and enjoy easy accessibility to your places of interest.

But, finding comfortable hotels at affordable prices may be a bit challenging task for you in such a vacation destination. Therefore, you can look for some tour operators in Ecuador who can provide you accommodation booking facilities in advance according to your budget and needs.

So, plan for a trip to Guayaquil and grab the beauty of Ecuador's biggest city!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Money Exchange for Ecuador -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for Ecuador -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One




Currency information:

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Some coins are usual US cents and some are Ecuadorean centavos. They have the same value.
Credit cards:

Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galápagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.
ATM:

ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas.
Travellers cheques:

Traveller's cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and casas de cambio.
Banking hours:

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1600/1700; Sat mornings.
Currency restriction:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.
Currency exchange:

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Health and Medical Information for Ecuador

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Health and Medical Information for Ecuador
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One




There are plenty of pharmacies in urban areas. Good medical care is available in Quito, Guayaquil, and most of the big cities. Medical facilities outside the major towns are limited. Acute surgical and cardiac services are not available on the Galápagos Islands; therefore, for more serious illnesses, patients may be evacuated to the USA. Health insurance (to include emergency repatriation) is strongly recommended.
Food and drink:

It is advisable to drink only bottled or sterilised water in Ecuador. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks:

Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Hepatitis B inoculation is recommended for those staying longer than 6 months and having intimate contact with local residents. Altitude sickness is a risk, particularly if flying directly into Quito (2,800m/9,186ft). Give yourself time to acclimatise before setting off into the mountains. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water.

Short History Of Ecuador and Culture

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Short History Of Ecuador and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One


Advanced indigenous cultures flourished in Ecuador long before the area was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century. In 1534, the Spanish arrived and defeated the Inca armies, and Spanish colonists became the new elite. The indigenous population was decimated by disease in the first decades of Spanish rule--a time when the natives were also forced into the "encomienda" labor system for Spanish landlords. In 1563, Quito became the seat of a royal "audiencia" (administrative district) of Spain.

The early years under the Spanish were marked by civil strife between rival families contesting power. In 1739, the viceroyalty of New Grenada was created and Quito fell under its jurisdiction until independence.

In the following century, as the Department of the South, it joined New Grenada and Venezuela to form the Federation of Gran Colombia.

Spanish rule lasted until the early 19th century; the Spaniards were finally overthrown in 1822, by a force backed by Simon Bolivar, fresh from victory in Colombia.

In 1828, the country declared war on Peru, whose armies had invaded Gran Colombia.

A year later, a peace treaty was signed and Ecuador's boundaries were permanently established.

However, relations between Ecuador and Peru have been tense ever since.

The period between 1925 and 1948 saw continual changes of government, and economic and administrative chaos.

The discovery of oil and the sharp increase in world oil prices in the late and mid 70s should have transformed Ecuador's economic fortunes. However, the windfall was largely squandered.

Power swung between left and right in the late 1980s and 1990s.

In 1998, Jamil Mahaud of the centre-right Popular Democracy Party took office; however, he proved unable to arrest Ecuador's deteriorating economic situation, and in January 2000, Mahaud was forced out under pressure from the military, led by General Gutierrez.

He was replaced by his deputy, Gustavo Noboa Bejarano. Under strong international pressure Noboa introduced a highly unpopular austerity programme which, by the time of the 2002 presidential poll, had undermined his prospects for retaining office.

He lost to Edwin Gutierrez Borbua of the 21 January Patriotic Movement.

Luis Alfredo Palacio González took over the presidency from 2005 to early 2007.

Current president Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado took office in January 2007.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Ecuador Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

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Ecuador Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One




Hotels in Cuenca


Hotels in Cuenca offer guests with premium services and comfortable staying options. Guests in the city will definitely like to stay in a perfect accommodation from the innumerable hotels in the city. Great hospitality, comfortable rooms, well arranged dining facilities and strategic location characterize the Hotels in Cuenca in Ecuador. The Hotels in Cuenca are available in all types and caters to all kind of visitors in the city

The Hotels in Cuenca are located in all parts of the city. Guests can select the hotel according to their preference of location. The hotels are also close to the city's attractions. Many Hotels in Cuenca in Ecuador are centrally located, and is ideal for both business guests as well holidaymakers in the city. For the visitors on a business trip to the city, many hotels are situated in the business district of the city

The hotels also provide with horde of services. Plenty of leisure facilities in the hotel include swimming pool, sauna and a well-equipped fitness center. The fitness center has all the newest technology machines and trainers to help with the exercises. Sightseeing tours are also offered to guests

Most of the Cuenca Accommodation has well-appointed business services. The business center of the hotels offers with latest facilities. The banqueting halls in Cuenca hotels are ideal for hosting business conferences or social events.


The rooms in the Hotels in Cuenca in Ecuador are well appointed with relaxed beds and working desks. Some hotels boast of luxurious suites, which are considered epitome of luxury. Suites in the hotel offer all the modern luxuries in life and make the stay in the hotels truly eventful.

Dining facilities are available in all Hotels in Cuenca. The Hotels in Cuenca have good dining halls, which serves all kinds of national and international menu. Additional facilities in Hotels in Cuenca include Taxi service, parking area, commonplace Internet service and Tours vehicles.

Hotels in Guayaquil



There is a broad range of Hotels in Guayaquil that caters the guests and the visitors in order to give them ultimate satisfaction. The total management of the Hotels in Guayaquil is very much organized and for their well behaviour the guests are bound to visit these hotels again and again. These are the best accommodation in Guayaquil.
Hotels in Guayaquil: Hotel Las Penas

Hotel Las Penas is one of the best Hotels in Guayaquil. It is situated in the downtown of Guayaquil. It is only 10 minutes away from the airport. The hotel offers the guests with 30 rooms with all the services that you need that includes television cable, internet, private bathroom with warm water, laundry service and international phone calls.
Hotels in Guayaquil: Best Western Doral

The hotel is conveniently located in the city center. Guayaquil is in the commercial and financial center of Ecuador. It is only 20 minutes away from the Simon Bolivar international airport. In the restaurant, Guayaquil has a large variety of local and international cuisines that the guests will enjoy.
Hotels in Guayaquil: Oro Verde

The Hotel Oro Verde is situated in the business district of the city only 10 minutes away from the airport. The hotel offers 4 restaurants that serve first class French cuisine in a stylish environment and is recognized as the best French restaurant in Guayaquil. The cozy Swiss restaurant with cheese fondue and Raclette is also very good. Twenty four hour coffee shop with Ecuadorian and light international cuisine or tropical cocktails or happy hour daily live music is also available.
Hotels in Guayaquil: Ramada Hotel

The Hotel Ramada is located in the middle of the old and the modern cities. It is located in front of the main Ecuadorian river. Hotel Ramada is the only hotel with the most important ability in meetings and conventions, nearest to banks only 5 minutes from airport.
Hotels in Guayaquil: Grand Hotel Guayaquil

This Hotel includes La Pepa De Oro, a Coffee Shop that is open for 24 Hours. There are other dining options including the barbecue outdoor restaurant, Grand Deli, The 1822 Restaurant, the Terraza Racquet Club and the Turtle Bar. The Grand Hotel also includes 180 air-conditioned rooms, a huge sporting complex, swimming pool with a tropical waterfall and the mini shopping center. There is also an executive business centre.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Tips SuggestionsTravel guide Ecuador

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Tips SuggestionsTravel guide Ecuador
Travel tips for your trip to Ecuador Hotel Maps Famous Places in Ecuador helps you to make your trip to Ecuador in the holiday a Splendid One



If you are looking for serene environment to spend your vacation, you can consider going to Ecuador in South America. It is well-known for its exotic wildlife parks and marine reserves, which attracts tourists from various parts of the globe. In order to explore the dotted beauty of the place, one should take suggestion of tour companies in Quito. The travel advisors are well-known with its various factors, like climate, best time for bird watching, scuba diving season etc, which may come across while traveling in-and-around Ecuador. Henceforth, they keep the potential to provide tour packages which help visitors explore the place at ease.

The tour packages provided by tour operators in Quito include accommodation, excursion and adventure activities. They offer some good collection of tour itineraries which covers the attraction of wildlife watching in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, bird watching in Amazon region and lots more. 

Since Ecuador is home to 1, 600 bird species, its apt to choose birding tour provided by the company. Tour operators in Quito have their online website, which helps travelers to book customized tour packages from anywhere in the world. They offer 4 days to 15 days bird watching tours for bird watchers in Ecuador.

The main locations that are covered by the tour itineraries are Mindo, Andes, Amazon, Quito, Yanacocha, Bellavista, Tandayapa and Tinalandia. All these places are well-known abode of exotic birds like Tawny-breasted Tinamou, Torrent Duck, Turkey Vulture, Variable Hawk, Barred Parakeet, Squirrel Cuckoo and many more.

Apart from bird watching activity, the tour companies also offer visitors the experience of staying in the jungle lodges. Most of the lodges, like Sacha lodge, Tinalandia lodge etc are made up of bamboos and offers an eco-tourism to tourists.

Therefore, if you are interested in watching different specifies of birds, don’t delay in booking your Ecuador tour packages from authentic resources. Online booking may be a good option for you. Check out some quality birding tour packages and discover the beauty of Ecuador this vacation.