Declaration of Independence of Quito (observed)

📣 Traveler notes

Ecuador, situated on the Equator in northwestern South America, contains several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Galapagos Islands and the Andean cities of Quito and Cuenca. The region features high active volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi.

• Be prepared for regional climate variation; the mountainous Sierra region (e.g., Quito) is cooler than the coast.
• Layering clothing is recommended, especially when visiting the mountains.
• Using formal titles and language (e.g., 'usted' in Spanish) is appreciated.
• Be prepared for a culture where close physical proximity during conversation is normal.
• Use a handshake (men) or a cheek kiss (women or man/woman) for greetings. When greeting, use Spanish phrases such as "buenos días," "buenas tardes," or "buenas noches," or "Hola." Use the formal pronoun "usted" when addressing elders or unfamiliar individuals. Note regional customs like estimating height with a sideways hand motion and beckoning with a downward swipe.