Tourist Travel gives you the opportunity to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Our travels there range from island hopping to volcano trekking. You can e.g. take an eight-day nature cruise to the Galapagos Islands, which is probably one of the Pacific’s greatest experiences, following in the footsteps of Darwin. If you feel like taking up in higher air layers, this is also an option. Ecuador offers, among other things, one of the world’s highest volcanoes – Chimborazo at 6,310 meters.
Passports & Visas to Ecuador and the Galapagos
Danish citizens do not need a visa for a stay of less than 90 days. However, like any other international trip, you must be in possession of a valid Danish passport. The validity period of the passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after return. Persons with a Danish refugee or foreign passport must contact the Ecuadorian embassy to find out which rules apply to their entry.
Passport and visa rules may change from time to time, therefore we encourage a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website: www.um.dk. The visa rules can be found under “Citizen service”. You are of course also welcome to contact us if there are any questions you may have.
Vaccinations when traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos
The equator runs through Ecuador, where the country gets its name. Therefore, the climate varies from the Amazon rainforest, where humidity is dense, to the highlands, where the climate is very dry. Therefore, remember to check which vaccines you should have.
The number and type of vaccinations you need in Ecuador depends on where in Ecuador you travel to. Therefore, always check with your doctor or a vaccination clinic before packing your suitcase and heading for Ecuador.
Currency in Ecuador
In Ecuador, US dollars are used. 1 US dollar corresponds approximately to 6.41 Danish kroner. However, the course is constantly changing. Bring credit cards as there are ATMs all over Ecuador.
The usual credit cards can be used in hotels, many restaurants and shops. If you go to the suburbs and out in the country, it will be harder to find ATMs, shops and restaurants that accept credit.
It is never a bad idea to save the receipt when raising to US dollars. With the receipt, it is easier to exchange back to DKK again.
Languages in Ecuador
In Ecuador, Spanish is spoken, but they are very helpful and love to use the English words they can now. In countries, English-speakers can be compared to ATMs. There are fewer of them the further you get out there.
A little tip to get many friendly smiles from the people of Ecuador is that you can end many sentences with “por favor”, which means “please” and “Gracias” – “thank you”.
Time difference between Ecuador and Denmark
The time difference between Ecuador and Denmark is basically six hours, and since Ecuador is located west of Denmark, you will have to set your watch back when you travel to Ecuador.
Ecuador also does not use summer time, which means that the time difference is reduced to five hours when we in Denmark set our watches one hour until summer time.
On your departure day, you can therefore, with a clear conscience, take a nap to compensate for the extra long day that you will experience when you travel to Ecuador.
Facts about Ecuador and the Galapagos
Ecuador is a wonderful country that offers exciting experiences for everyone. Here you will find both the Andes, volcanoes, the Amazon rainforest, beautiful nature and historic buildings. In addition, you can experience the absolutely adventurous Galapagos Lakes. Below you can read about even more interesting and fun facts that can be found about Ecuador.
Top facts about Ecuador and the Galapagos
| Capital city: | Quito |
| Area: | 283,550 km2 |
| Population: | 16.62 million (2017) |
| Language: | Spanish, Quechua, Shuar, other South American Native American languages |
| Religion: | Most believers belong to the Roman Catholic Church. 1% are Protestants. |
| Currency: | US Dollar (USD) 1 DKK = 0.15 USD |
Flag
The flag of Ecuador is from 1860. However, the colors were known since the battles against Spain in 1806-1809. It is not always that the flag has the symbol in the middle called “The Coat of Arms”. This symbol shows the condor from Ecuador’s national weapon.
The flag consists of three colors; yellow, blue and red. The yellow color symbolizes sunshine, grain and wealth. Blue symbolizes the rivers, the sea and the sky. Eventually, the red color symbolizes the blood of the patriots who fought for justice and freedom.
Geography
| Capital city: | Quito |
| Area: | 283,550 km2 |
| Continent: | South America |
| Time zone: | Ecuadorian time GMT + 5 and Galapagos time GMT + 6 |
| Limits to: | Peru and Colombia |
| Largest cities: | Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Santo Domingo, Machala |
Demographics
| Population: | 16.62 million (2017) |
| Population density: | 67 people / pr. km2 |
| Population growth: | 1.5% / pr. year |
| Language: | Spanish, Quechua, Shuar, other South American Native American languages |
| Religion: | Most believers belong to the Roman Catholic Church. 1% are Protestants |
Entry
| Currency: | US Dollar (USD) 1 DKK = 0.15 USD |
| Vaccinations | Diphtheria and Hepatitis A |
| Passport & Visa: | You do not need to apply for a visa as long as your trip is less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of return. |
| Insurance: | Remember travel insurance. Neither yellow nor blue health cards can be used in Ecuador or the Galapagos |
| Travel time: | The peak seasons are in June-September and December-January |
Mini-phrasebook
| Hi | Hello |
| Goodbye | Goodbye |
| Yes | Sí |
| No | No |
| Thanks | Thank you |
| Welcome | Enjoy the refreshments |
| Do you speak English? | Do you speak English? |
| Excuse me | Disculpe |
