Ecuador

Surface: 283.560 sq. m.
Geographic location: Limits to the north with Colombia, South and East with Peru and West with the Pacific Ocean.
Population: 15.007.343 people..
Capital city: Quito.
Official language: Spanish. Quechua and indigenous languages are also spoken.
Climate: Ecuador has a tropical climate that varies according to altitude and regions. The weather can change markedly along the same day, but it is generally spring-like and nice. There are two seasons: wet and dry. In the continental coast and the Galapagos islands the weather is warm and rainy from January to April.

Quito City

The city of San Francisco de Quito was founded on December 6, 1534 by the Spaniards who arrived at these lands. The capital of Ecuador is located at 9000 feet above sea level, in a valley surrounded by mountains. Current population amounts to 1,600,000 inhabitants approximately. In this city, the historical center’s colonial features contrast with modern buildings. The wonderful heritage left by the encounter of two worlds and the secrets of race fusion turned Quito into the first city to be declared World Heritage Site by the Unesco. The aim was to preserve the colonial treasure of the historical center, the largest and most impressive in South America.

It should be noticed that Quito is located at almost 9000 feet above see level. In order to avoid altitude sickness, it is recommended to be cautious as to physical activities, meals and alcoholic beverages, at least during the first days of the stay (it is suggested to arrive one day in advance before the beginning of the Assembly). As altitude also enhances sunburn risk, it is recommended to use a good sunscreen. Furthermore, the yellow fever vaccination is advisable when planning to visit certain areas of the country.

Quito has a subtropical highland climate. The main feature of the capital city is its altitude, that greatly conditions climate variability. Temperatures range from 50 °F to 80 °F. Due to its proximity to the equator, it is usually mild during daytime and quite cold at night.

Historical center Quitos´s historical center is the largest and best preserved in Latin America. The Plaza de la Independencia (“Independence Square”) , also known as “Plaza Grande” (“Big Square”), still stands as the Ecuadorian´s capital core, just as in colonial times. It is surrounded by the seat of Government or “Palacio de Carondelet”, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Palace.

Quinde Visitor Center It was opened in April 2016, and is located in the center of the city, at the Municipal Palace. It offers the visitors information about the city, specialized tourism operators, souvenirs, tickets for touristic buses, coffee and chocolate display and tasting. It opens every day.

La Ronda It is an emblematic area within Quito’s historical center. It was the bohemian city heart in mid 20th century. This narrow and old street has restaurants and coffee shops, in a big contrast with modern north area.

La Mariscal This quarter, also known as “La Zona” (“the Zone”), is the city’s best place for fun and entertainment. Visitors can find here many bars, dance clubs and restaurants. It is located in center-north of Quito.

Churches, convents and museums Quito also offers the most valuable jewels of colonial architecture where baroque art style prevails. Places worth a visit are “Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús”, the “Capilla del hombre” (Guayasamín Museum), the “Basilica del Voto Nacional”, and both San Agustín and San Francisco churches.

El Panecillo This natural observation point in Quito’s heart at nearly 9000 feet above sea level offers a wonderful view of the whole city.

Cable car Quito cable car reaches 13,451 feet above sea level allowing the visitor to have a spectacular view of the city, the valleys and the Volcanoes Avenue.

Olga Fisch Folklore Museum and craft shop Opened in 1941, it is the first shop in the country dedicated to the promotion of the design and manufacture of the best Ecuador’s handicraft. Address: Ave. Colón E10-53.

Craft beer There are several craft beer bars and breweries in the city, a strong historical tradition dating back to 1535, when San Francisco convent, one of the most relevant architectural and religious complex, started to be built. In this place, beer was first made in Ecuador. Fra Jodoco Ricke, a Franciscan monk, an artist and erudite person of Flemish origin, introduced the first barley and wheat seeds into Ecuador.

Monument to the “Mitad del mundo” (“The Middle of the world”) The spot where the famous equator line passes through Ecuador is 25 km away from Quito and it is marked by a monument called “Middle of the world”. Inside there is an ethnographic museum that exhibits objects of the local indigenous culture, and surrounding the monument are museums and educational centers including a planetarium.

Currency and banks

The American dollar is the official currency. There are automated teller machines in every city. Credit cards like Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners are accepted in most stores.

Useful Data

Airport
The International Airport Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre is located in Tababela, at 15 km from Quito. Sixteen international routes depart from the airport as well as direct flights within the American continent to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Lima, Cali, Bogotá, Medellín, Panama, San Salvador, La Habana, Miami, Caracas, Atlanta and Houston.

Electricity
The standard current in Ecuador is 110 volts. Plugs are type A and B. Type A are the typical American plugs with two flat prongs. Type B plugs have two flat prongs and one cylindrical.

Taxis
It is recommended to take those taxis showing the Taxi Seguro sign. It is also suggested to ask for a taxi at the front desk of the hotel. A reliable mobile application can also be used to get a taxi.

Shopping in Quito

Quito offers a wide variety of shopping options for every taste and budget, from modern shopping malls like Quicentro Shopping or Mall El Jardín, with trendy local and international labels, to contemporary design stores located in La Floresta or La Mariscal. Besides, in the historical quarter visitors can find craft shops like El Quinde. Quito is also an ideal place to buy works of art: paintings, sculptures and oil paintings can be purchased in El Ejido. La Mariscal is the proper place to visit art galleries and antique shops.

Tips

Tips are given at the discretion of each person. However, a 10% service charge is included in the bill in many places.

No smoking

In Ecuador, the Tobacco Law prohibits smoking in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Police: 101
Red Cross: 131
Emergency: 911
Meeting planner: 099- 982-5545