Mountain Guiding; Mountain Safety
An Experienced Professional

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Travel Information

Safety and Security

As the trip progresses additional safety and security info will be sent to participants.

While Ecuador is a common destination for many types of trips and is not considered a dangerous country it is possible to experience disruptions in plans and there are some risks. The biggest risk is actually from smaller more petty crimes, and much can be done to reduce this risk. There will be pre-trip information and, as needed, in-country briefings on how to minimize these potential problems. However, Ecuador is sometimes in the news and there are issues which may be of potential concern to people.

The highest profile news has concerned the kidnapping of oil field employees, most of whom were American. This is not a common event and when it does occur it is generally near the Colombian border. It is one of many problems which spill over from Columbia in that region. We will not be going to that part of Ecuador, there is little climbing there.

The second issue which is sometimes in the news is that of General Strikes. This is a sporadic problem, a certain amount of tension between the population and the government has existed for hundreds of years. Strikes are usually short lived although they can disrupt travel within the country. Demonstrations and strikes are generally targeted at the government of Ecuador and not at US citizens or any other group of foreigners but are best avoided anyway. If strikes or roadblocks do occur during our trip the itinerary may be subject to change. These general strikes usually last a short time, sometimes roads are blocked for less than a day.

Passport/Visa Requirements

You will need a passport, perhaps with at least six months validity remaining. (Check on this rule if it may apply to your expiration date. It may no longer apply.) If you do not have a passport yet plan ahead since it is very difficult and stressful to attempt to obtain one in a rush at the last minute. US citizens do not need visas for visits of up to 90 days, if you have not been to Ecuador within the past 12 months. (If you have been then you need to further investigate your entry requirements - do this in advance.) It is always a good idea to have one or more copies of your passport with you, kept someplace separate from the original.

There are additional requirements for minors (under the age of 18).

Acclimatization

It is normal to experience minor altitude-adjustment symptoms for several days, including breathlessness, increased pulse, lethargy, sleep disruption, headache, and dehydration. Drinking lots of water helps in the adjustment process, drink more than you feel like drinking. The itinerary is initially Quito-based with day climbs of increasing altitude in order to promote acclimatization.

Currency

Ecuador recently adopted the US dollar as its local currency in hopes of stemming endemic inflation. There is no need to exchange money.

Links

• Embassy of Ecuador
• Consular Information Sheet (US State Dept)

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