Galapagos

Since 1993 the best option to visit Ecuador and Galapagos

Ecuador's Climate

Ecuador is known for its localized and varied weather. At 5,000 meter (16,400 feet) it may be blowing a 60-knot blizzard and in the valley below, the sun might be shining creating a beautiful day. While in fifty miles away in another direction a sub-tropical rainforest will be experiencing a tropical downpour. Throughout the country the temperatures are very moderate and the weather is not such an overriding consideration as it is in higher attitudes. When we talk about weather in Ecuador we talk about trends. Most of the country has a dry season and a wet season. No matter the season, typically, the best of the weather in the Andes will be around the full moon. Normally for about three or four days each side of the full moon the weather will be better. And shortly after the full moon the weather return to its previous pattern. This phenomenon benefits the snow climbers who climb at night. By planning your ascent around the full moon you can benefit from the extra light and the improved weather conditions. The Amazon basin is mainly tropical rainforest so you can expect it to be wet from September to April. Temperatures will average around 28ºC (82ºF)and it will rain most days, normally in the afternoon. From May to August the average temperature increases to around 32ºC (90ºF) and the frequency of rainfall increases. The Amazon basin modifies the weather in the eastern sierra. The wet season is from June to August with average temperatures around 20ºC (68ºF). During these months the rest of the sierra experiences its dry season with higher temperatures, little rain, and strong winds. The pattern reverses for the remainder of the year with the exception of December when there is usually a break in the weather of the western sierra's wet season, bringing some fine weather. On the coast, the dry season runs from about June to December. Temperatures drop to about 26ºC (79ºF) and it will be overcast often with a damp mist, the garua, settling in and the sun can disappear for three months at a time. From January to June temperatures go up and days will be bright and sunny with occasional heavy rain. The pattern is roughly the same in the Galapagos except the garua starts rather later and temperatures drop to around 18ºC (64ºF). The worst month in Galapagos is usually September. Weather throughout the country can be heavily modified by the Niño current, a strong current flowing in January from the Gulf of Panama which pushes air and water temperatures soaring. The wind comes around the north and it rains. Being on the equator gives Ecuador it's weather conditions, it also allows it to have 12 hour days year round. In the morning it gets light within 20 minutes of 6 am and at night it is dark around 6 p.m. There is no long dusk.

Passport and Visa Information

A valid passport for the duration of your stay is required to travel to Ecuador for all travelers. Exceptions are made for Colombians holding Identify Cards with International Embarkation/Disembarkation Card and travelling between Colombia and Ecuador. Visas are not required for tourists except by people of the following countries: China, Cuba, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Restrictions change frequently for the latest information refer to the Ecuador Consulate Page

Telephone Information

The International dialing code to call Ecuador is (593). The city codes in Quito is (02). Cellular numbers within Ecuador begin with (09). To dial from the United States or Canada to Quito, Ecuador you would dial using the international access number: 011-(593)-(2) and the 7digit number you are calling. To utilize Direct Dial from the Ecuador to the United States or Canada dial 001 + the area code + the 7 digit number you are calling To call collect or with an international calling card the access numbers are: AT&T 2999-119 World Phone 2999-170 Global 1/Sprint 2999-171 MCI/ World Com 2999-172

Electricity

The electricity in Ecuador is the same as in the United States and Canada 110 V 60 Hz. Many hotels are equipped with both 110 and 220-volt options. Many older Hotels and Haciendas do not allow for polarized plugs, appliances with uneven, straight pins, or 3 prongs may require an adapter. These adapters are available at hardware stores throughout the country.

Time Zones

The mainland of Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time year round (GMT-5) daylight savings time is not observed. The Galapagos Islands are on Central Standard Time year round (GMT-6) daylight savings time is not observed there either.

NEW ADDREESS Av. Del Establo 118 - Site Center Valle de Cumbaya Ecuador: (593) 2 2552 - 505 France 09.75.18.03.40 e-mail: admin@safari.com.ec Quito-Ecuador

Av. Del Establo 118 - Site Center Valle de Cumbaya Ecuador: (593) 2 2552 - 505 France 09.75.18.03.40 e-mail: admin@safari.com.ec Quito-Ecuador

USA TOLL FREE: 1-866-9788194

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What the people say about us

“We just came back for a 21 days traveling around Ecuador and Galapagos. We use safari tours by recommendation of a friend. They were very professional and help us with a lot of particular things. Hugo our guide for the land travel shows us many things that were not even included in our itinerary. The cruise on board the Archipell yacht was unforgettable. Safari organizes everything for us, all the transfers and hotels. We really can recommend Safari tours Ecuador. ” Michel and Francoise, France

“ The best travel in my life” Anna Kraft. U.K.