Login
Register
6
Login
Register
6
Close

Ecuador - Facts

Sep 06, 2024
  • Important pre-arrival information: Ecuador (both Galapagos and mainland Ecuador) now requires all foreign flagged vessels to obtain an Autografo (permission to enter Ecuadorian Ports) 30 days prior to the arrival date. All yachts must also notify the Navy in advance of their arrival. See Clearance for more details.
  • Ecuador spans both sides of the equator on South America's north west coast although most of the country is in the southern hemisphere. It has incredibly diverse scenery from the Andes to the Amazon to the offshore Galapagos Islands. The capital Quito is located at an elevation of 2,850m in the foothills of the Andes and is renowned for it's wonderful colonial Spanish architecture.
  • It is bordered by Colombia and Peru.
  • Approximately 16.5 million people live in Ecuador and Spanish and Quechua are the two official languages.
  • The US dollar is now the official currency.
  • Ecuador Time Zone is UTC (-5)
  • December to April is high season on the coast with warm temperatures and some showers but cooler in the Highlands. June to September is generally high season in the rest of the country with less rain and sunny clear days. See Weather for more details.
  • For cruising sailors, Ecuador's main attraction lies several hundred miles offshore in its Archipiélago de Colón, commonly known as the Galapagos Islands. As they form a separate entity and cruising regulations also differ from mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos are described separately.
  • Due to the prevailing winds and currents, the Ecuadorian coast is best cruised from south to north, which most yachts visiting Ecuador rarely do, as usually, they sail from the north after having transited the Panama Canal.
  • A good intermediate landfall is the coastal city of Salinas on the westernmost point of mainland Ecuador. It justifies breaking the passage from Panama to Galapagos into two shorter legs of about 885 kms (550 miles) each, as it allows yachts to navigate in fair winds and currents.Salinas is a practical port to clear customs and arrange for the boat to be worked on or cared for while traveling inland.
  • The coast is arid and there are few natural harbors with the notable exception of the estuary of the River Guayas. The Guayaquil Yacht Club welcomes visiting yachts and is convenient for provisioning in Guayaquil although marine facilities are limited. For more details on marine facilities see Yachting Essentials.

If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).

Next Section: Profile: Security
Ecuador was last updated 1 year ago
Related to following destinations: Ecuador

Search the site

Log in to your account

Become a Noonsite Member

As a free member or guest you are restricted to 3 formalities per month. You have viewed 0 formalities this month. Please , register or upgrade your membership to view more.

Note: you can still view formalities you have already viewed this month without counting towards your monthly limit.