A large majority of tourists coming to Ecuador do so as part of an organized package tour to the Galápagos, often with an "add-on" excursion to some other popular destination in the country. Whether or not you are traveling on your own or with a package, there are many factors to take into consideration, from the basics of where and when to go, to more subtle decisions about how to get around and how to stay in touch with loved ones while on the road -- or the high seas. This section will answer these questions, and many more.
Visitor Information & Maps -- The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism has limited resources, and there are virtually no government-sponsored tourist offices outside Ecuador. But the Ecuador Tourist Board has two similar websites, www.vivecuador.com and www.purecuador.com. Both have some basic information, as well as forms to fill out to have a brochure sent to you. I've been told a redesign and improvements are scheduled for the latter site, so keep checking back.
The Corporación Metropolitana de Turismo (Metropolitan Tourism Corporation; www.quito.com.ec) hands out excellent city maps of Quito and the entire country at all their desks, which includes those at both the major international airports in Quito and Guayaquil. The most detailed map available is produced by International Travel Maps (www.itmb.com), available online from the website listed or from www.amazon.com.
