REGULATIONS PROTECTED AREAS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
TIME ZONE
The time zone in the continental Ecuador is GMT-5 and the Galapagos Islands is GMT-6.
The voltage is 110/120 and outlets will fit two flat prongs
CURRENCY
The currency is the US dollar. It will be charged 12% VAT (refundable in some cases, with proper documentation, check this with the participating companies before the purchase). In most hotels and restaurants pay 10% service charge.
WEATHER
Ecuador is a destination that can be visited in any season. It has a wide range of climates due to the elevation of the territory (ranging from
0 m to 6,268 m) the equatorial location and the presence of several marine currents.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are accepted: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Discover. Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks and are accepted by some hotels and tour operators.
DOCUMENTS
It is recommended to carry a copy of passport for all trips.
SERVICES
Internet cafes can be found failry reliably throughout Ecuador (average: 1USD per hour) and many hotels with internet include the price in the value of the accommodation.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Spanish; Quechua and other languages are spoken in some indigenous communities. English is widely spoken. For groups of travelers, some guides can speak English Spanish, German, French and Italian.
REGULATIONS:
Walk only on the paths that are marked. Please don't devaite as you may get lost or have an accident.
There are trails that may be visited only with a naturalist guide. Find rangers before beginning your journey.
Enjoy nature without alcohol. Remember that many families visit these areas with small children.
To observe animals, it is best not to make noise.
Make fires only allowed sites; It could otherwise cause a serious fire.
Avoid smoking and enjoy the fresh air along with the people accompanying you.
Wild animals are protected; no weapons will be allowed.
Please take and trash or rubbish you generat with you; this way we keep places clean.
Do not cut flowers, remove animal remains or take any geological material.
1. Registration revenue sites
In protected areas there are checkpoints where you can request information and support from forest rangers. For your safety, always tell someone when you enter a reserve.
Register for the Biodiversity Information System
If you want to know more about news, events and activities that take place in protected areas, we invite you to register for the Biodiversity Information System - SIB (http://sib.ambiente.gob.ec). This system allows the user to interact with and learn about their interests, share their experience and actively integrate into the promotion of these mega-diverse areas.
2. Guidance services
Most areas have hiking trails or waterways. Be well informed about the type of difficulty of each of these. If they are long or you are undertaking any adventure sports (trekking, climbing, mountaineering and kayaking, among others) you must have a guide. Ask about these at regulation checkpoints.
3. What to wear?
Suncream, insect repellent, camera and / or binoculars (or put them in a plastic case cover in case of rain), sufficient water if protective medium or long walks.
4. Clothing
AREAS IN THE HIGH ANDES: Warm clothes, rain poncho sweater or raincoat in case of rain or drizzle. Proper footwear, walking boots if undertaking medium or long walks.
COASTAL AREAS AND AMAZON: Light clothing and rubber boots for walking on trails (in forests); within the forest are frequently muddy areas or small ponds.
INTEGRATED SECURITY SERVICE (SIS) ECU 911
This service provides immediate and comprehensive emergency response. Coordinates care of articulated response agencies in the institution for accidents, disasters and mobilizing resources for the fastest possible emergency care.
The ECU 911 has a direct connection with the following entities:
- National Police
- Armed Forces
- Fire Departments
- National Transit Commission
- Ministry of Public Health
- Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security
- National Secretariat for Risk Management
- Ecuadorian Red Cross
These entities, along with local authorities, are responsible for the emergency care of the citizens, and have joined forces to provide the best care through a single number: 911. In case of emergency, in any protected area or anywhere in the country remember our number.
ECU 911 centers
NACIONALES
Quito
Calle Julio Endara s/n
Sector Parque Itchimbía
Phone: (593) (02) 3800772
Guayaquil
Km. 0,5 vía a Samborondón
Antiguo Centro Comercial Puntilla Mall
Phone: (593) (04) 3709508 /3709511
Ambato
Av. Albert Einstein km 1, vía a Techo Propio
Parroquia Pishilata
Phone: (593) (03) 3700708
Machala
Av. Bolívar Madero Vargas y Arízaga
(Infron of Batallón Fuerte Militar Chacras)
Phone: (593) (07) 3700 742
ZONALES
Cuenca
Santiago Carrasco y Jacinto Flores
Phone: (593) (07) 4070129
Manabí
Av. 15 de abril, km 0,5 vía a Portoviejo
Sector Santa Ana
Phone: (593) (05) 3701 063
LOCALES
Santo Domingo
Av. Río Toachi y Calle José Rodó
Phone: (593) (02) 3730 633
Esmeraldas
Av. Kennedy y Gran Colombia. Parada 13.
Phone: (593) (06) 3730 633
