All Souls' Day

📣 Traveler notes

Ecuador, located in northwestern South America on the Equator, features UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Galapagos Islands and the Andean cities of Quito and Cuenca. The country is characterized by high active volcanoes in the Andes, such as Cotopaxi.

• Language: Use the formal 'usted' or informal 'tú' when speaking Spanish.
• Social Interactions: Be prepared for physical greetings (handshakes/cheek kisses) and closer personal space.
• Altitude/Climate: Pack appropriate clothing; bring warm gear for the mountainous Sierra region and casual wear for the coast.
• Cultural Norms: Observe local gestures when measuring height or calling someone closer.
• Must-See Sites: Key attractions include the Galapagos Islands and Andean cities like Quito and Cuenca.
• Use 'buenos días,' 'buenas tardes,' or 'buenas noches' for common greetings. Standard greetings include a handshake between men and a cheek kiss for women or between genders. Address people using 'tú' for friends, and 'usted' for older or unfamiliar people. In the Sierra region, note specific gestures for height and beckoning. Dress for the region: warmer clothing for the mountains, casual wear for the coast.