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1) HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO ECUADOR?

To Quito on a non-stop flight:
From Miami	From New York	From Los Angeles
4 1/2 hours	6 1/2 hours	9 hours

2) HOW DO I GET AROUND ECUADOR ONCE I'M THERE?

Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America and still air is required to most of the major destinations. Only those immediately around Quito in the highlands are reached by overland travel - Otavalo, Banos, Avenue of the Volcanos to mention several. To get to the Amazon you generally fly as overland travel is arduous and expensive. To get to Cuenca you can fly or take an organized combined motorcoach and train trip (4days-3nights). To get to the Galapagos, you take flights into conjunction with the cruise ship you have booked.

3) WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACES TO VISIT ONCE THERE?

Quito is well worth 3 to 5 days, depending upon your arrival and departure times and the number of day excursions you take. Quito is often the base for overnight excursions north and south and so becomes your overnight hub.

After Quito and surrounding area, the most import places to visit and the average stay are: Otavalo Cuenca Banos Galapagos Islands The Amazon 2 days-1 night 3 days-2 nights 2 days-1 night 3 to 7 nights 2 to 5 nights

4) WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ECUADOR?

There really isn't a wrong time. Quito is springlike all year due to being on the equator at 8,000 feet; the rainy season is May through September. The Amazon is hot and humid all year and its rainy season paralells Quito but rains have a cooling and cleansing effect on the otherwise heavy air. The Galapagos has two seasons, one slightly cooler and less humid than the other but most animals are there and active all year.

For more specific weather information on selected cities, click here.

5) IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN ECUADOR?

Yes, providing once again that you follow normal precautions just as you would at home. And you should take special precautions for crowded bustling Indian markets in major metropolitan areas.

6) WHAT ENTRY DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?

U.S. citizens need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier either at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Ecuador or once on-board. (NOTE: Other nationalities should check with the nearest Ecuadorian Consulate to determine correct entry requirements.)

7) WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES CAN I VISIT AT THE SAME TIME?

Ecuador is generally visited one of three ways:

A) As a single destination - going only to Ecuador and visiting multiple places within the country

B) In conjunction with Peru, for a two country Andes and Indian program

C) In conjunction with Peru and Bolivia for an "Andes and Incas" program