useful information

flight	There are indirect flights to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport Ecuador's Mariscal Sucre International and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International airports from the UK. The flights are about 10 to 12 hours, not including stop-overs.
time difference	GMT -5 (Galapagos Islands are GMT -6)
language	Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main language spoken among the indigenous people

climate

Ecuador's geography has endowed the country with a variety of microclimates. The coast is hot all year, with a humid rainy season between December and May. In the mountains climate depends on altitude, becoming cooler the higher you go. The Amazon region is hot, humid and wet while the Galapagos Islands are dry with a steady year-round average temperature of 77ºF (25ºC).

health

A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador, particularly for those travelling to the regions of the Amazon basin. There is high risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas below 5,000ft (1,500m). There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito repellent liberally throughout the day. High altitude can affect some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500ft/2,800m), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. Medical facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly recommended.

visas and entry requirements

UK nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year. Passports should be valid for at least six months on arrival. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.