Guayaquil Weather Forecast, Ecuador

General Travel Tips
Altitude and Weather
The climate is varied, largely determined by altitude. It is mild year-round in the mountain valleys, humid and subtropical on the coast, rain forests and lowlands. Climate in the Andean highlands is temperate and relatively dry and the Amazon basin on the eastern side of the mountains shares the climate of other rain forest zones. The capital, Quito, is at the altitude of 9,300 feet, Cuenca at 7,500 feet and Guayaquil is on the coast. Because of its location at the equator, both sunrise and sunset occur each day at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Vaccinations
Vaccinations are rarely required for travel to Ecuador, but Ecuador often requires visitors to have certification of Yellow Fever vaccination if they plan to travel to the Amazon area. Other Tips

• Please leave valuable jewelry at home
• Plan, if possible, to travel with one or two small carry-on bags. Checked baggage that goes astray may not make the cruise! Life is informal.
• Be sure to pack (or wear) your good walking shoes – have sandals, or go barefoot on board.
• Copy your passport photo page with number and carry it separately from your passport. NO VISA REQUIRED FOR ECUADOR.
• If possible, plan to use a major credit card or cash (dollars are now the currency). Banks charge a great deal to cash Travelers Checks, so no one wants to cash them for you! They are usually accepted on board, however. Tend to carry your cash on your body.
• Drink only bottled water and drink a lot!
• IF arriving in Quito, let staff handle baggage and go to bed on arrival. The altitude is tough but one acclimates over night as a rule.
• Use 35+ sunscreen at all times – a light, long sleeved shirt may not protect you. Hat or visor is a" must".
• NEVER buy anything to eat on the street (if you can't peel it!) nor accept any drink with ice except in the hotel or on board the ship.
• Gratuities: This is a very personal thing! We suggest that you think in terms of $10.00 per day, per person, for the captain and all the crew if you feel the services have been excellent. $5.00 - $7.00 per person, per day is generally standard for your guide who is "thanked" separately from the captain and crew. Land service guides might be tipped $5:00 - $7.00 per day, per person and your driver a dollar or two. It is a fact of life (and not a good thing!) that crew and guides are not paid a living wage! Gratuities mean a great deal to them all. They are a proud and lovely people and will not, as a rule, stoop to ask, in any way, for tips.
• The ship will run a "tab" for you for any drinks not "on the house". If you have a water bottle or after you buy the first one, they will re-fill it at your wish with safe water at no cost.
• If you do not use a digital camera, carry more film than you think you will need!
• Carry binoculars if you have them!
• Health thoughts: a) Wash your hands every chance you get! Take care of any dentistry before you leave. Speak to your M.D. about sea-sickness medication and a Cipro type med for diarrhea.

Testimonials "Thank you for making special arrangements for my help getting around. I was very impressed with the Ambasador men getting me to places where I couldn't walk! A special thanks to you!
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