Ecuador's economy has improved in recent years, but the country is still poor. Ecuador's main export is oil. Other important exports are bananas, cocoa, sugar, coffee and palm oil. Prices vary widely, from quite inexpensive to about equal to Western city prices.
There is a risk of both petty and violent crime in Ecuador, especially in Quito and Guayaquil. Thieves are most active in tourist areas, open markets, public parks and transportation hubs. Do not travel alone and avoid travel at night. Civil unrest has become more of an issue in recent years, with large protests in Quito and other cities - along with widespread labor strikes - held to voice discontent with government policies. Some protests turn violent.
The best way to get to Ecuador is by air. Within the country, options include air service that connects the main cities and the Galapagos Islands, slow moving trains and an extensive bus network that is quite an adventure to ride. Vehicles are driven on the right. Travel by road may be hampered in the rainy season (December-June in the lowlands, June-August in the east) by landslides and flooded roads.
The communications infrastructure is modern, with international direct dialing available through private phones and card-operated pay phones. Internet access is available, especially in Quito.
Though bisected by the equator, Ecuador's climate and weather varies dramatically with location - hot, humid Amazon jungle, breezy coastal plains and the snowy Andes Mountains are all with a few hours drive of each other. January-April on the coast is hot and wet. It is always cooler in the highlands.
The population is 10% of African ancestry, 10% European, about 25% Native American (representing over 40 indigenous nations) and 55% mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish).
The iJET® Intelligence Center
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