Country Information
Ecuador is a relatively unexplored country located in the northwest of South America between the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon jungle. Ecuador was named after its position on the Equator and is bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can see Ecuador’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi; explore Otovalo the world famous indigenous market and activities could include horse riding in the Andes, white water rafting along mountain rapids as well as visiting the exquisitely beautiful Machalilla National Park.
The capital of Ecuador is Quito. The ancient capital of the northern realm of the Incan Empire, Quito lies at 2,800 metres above sea level in a high valley at the base of Mount Pichincha approximately 15 miles south of the equator. Also known as Luz de América: the light or beacon of America, Quito was the first Latin American region to declare its independence from Spain. Quito’s Spanish heritage was built on the ruins of the Incan capital’s northern domain and since colonial times has been renowned as an artistic, architectural and literary centre for many years.
Located in the inter-Andean valley, Quito is surrounded by mountains with three snow-capped volcanoes visible on clear days. Ecuador’s climate is infamously known as the land of eternal spring. Due to its high altitude and close proximity to the equator it has an average daily temperature of 70°F and this rarely changes.
Quito has plenty to offer culturally; cinemas, theatres, concerts, bookstores, discos, museums, art galleries, craft stores, tourist attractions, restaurants and even western-style bars.
Travel by land and air is easy from Quito. Its central location means you can easily access different areas of the country including beaches, mountains and the Amazon basin. Mountains, valleys, volcanoes, river and varied plant life provide spectacular scenery in the area of Quito.
Time
Ecuador is five hours behind GMT and the Galapagos is an hour behind the mainland.
Getting there
You will need to arrange your flights to Quito airport.
Upon arrival into Quito airport you will be met by a project representative and taken to the volunteer lodgings. Look out for someone holding up a card with your name on.
Climate
Ecuador is a country of diverse climatic regions so the weather tends to be unpredictable.
Highlands: Rainy season - October to May (heaviest rain in April) with a mini-dry season around Christmas. Dry season - June to October. Quito and Cuenca have spring-like, pleasant temperatures all year round, averaging 60°-75° during the day, and 40°-50° at night and early in the morning.
Galapágos and Coast: Hot and rainy season is December to May. It doesn't rain all the time but do expect heavy downpours that can cause havoc with communications. Temperatures average around 88° but it often gets hotter.
Oriente: It rains during most months and temperatures are almost as hot as the coast.
