Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

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Situated on the equator 600 miles off the west coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands were born of volcanic activity that still occurs on the islands today. There are few spots on the planet so untouched by human civilization as the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands are an island archipelago off the coast of Ecuador that Charles Darwin called "a little world within itself." Also nicknamed the "Enchanted Islands," these islands are a nature lover's paradise, for upon them thrives an ecological community that has developed in isolation for centuries, and has thrived in complete and pristine natural beauty.

Over many centuries, animal and plant life from the continent washed ashore on the islands, and gradually these evolved into new and completely distinct forms. Today, many of the species on the islands are found nowhere else on earth, and this is primarily what influenced Darwin so greatly.

Since Darwin visited the islands in 1845, not much has changed. Darwin noted that even though located on the equator, the island's climate "is far from being excessively hot; this seems chiefly caused by the singularly low temperature of the surrounding water, brought here by the great southern Polar current." December through June are the islands' warmer months, when the sea is at its warmest and most calm. The drier season, called the garua, lasts from June through November, and is named for the mist that forms in the highlands. The Humboldt Current from Antarctica, which brings down sea temperatures and carries cooler breezes, largely affects the climate during this season.

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Population: 13.363.600
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua, other Amerindian lang
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
Ecuador - Quito

Ecuador - Guayaquil

Country Dialling Code: +593
Voltage: 120/127V - 120/240V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

Situated on the equator, Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean Highlands. Despite its size it is probably the world's most bio-diverse country, crammed with an astounding variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation existing in the contrasts of climatic zones. Within a short time the traveller can experience dramatic changes in scenery, temperature and altitude, journeying between Pacific coast beaches and the sweltering, mosquito-ridden rainforest; to the charming capital city of Quito surrounded by ice-covered volcanoes; and to colourful highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains.

The people, their cultures and traditions have also been formed, and are influenced by, their geographical environment. The backbone of the country is the Andean highlands, made up of two mountainous chains and over 30 volcanoes. Between them lies the central highland valley or sierra, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, at about 8,960ft (2,800m) above sea level. This is the heartland of agricultural activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities, and is where the bulk of the population live. Larger towns like Saquisilí and Otavalo swell on market days when villagers come to sell their produce and handiwork in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere of festivity. The sierra is also home to most of the old and historically important cities, including Quito.

With its beautiful colonial architecture, magnificent panoramic scenery, vibrant indigenous groups and welcoming people it is one of the most enticing and rewarding countries to visit in South America. And, as if it needed anything further, one of the world's greatest treasures of natural history lies in the bewitching Galápagos Islands, famed for its fearless and unique wildlife, and is the highlight of most trips to Ecuador.