Requirements for entering Ecuador
It is very likely you will not need a visa to enter Ecuador. In case of doubt, you can check the list of countries that must present a visa when entering Ecuador.
If you are a national of one of the countries in the link above, you need to follow these instructions (please use google website translation tool if needed) in order to apply for a visa. Also, please do contact us as we may be able to provide additional assistance.
Minimum entry requirements:
- Valid and current passport (6 months validity)
- South American countries: Citizen ID
Covid-related entry requirements and guidelines
Ecuador eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements effective October 20, 2022. International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering Ecuador. For more information, please see the October 19, 2022 resolution issued by Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee. International travelers are still required to present a declaration of traveler health. The declaration is available on the ministry of Public Health website. Note that special rules may apply to the Galapagos Islands.
Mandatory usage of face masks is no longer required in Ecuador, except in certain venues, like some private hospitals, etc. However, many people still wear them voluntarily in public transport, rooms with low ventilation, etc. Feel free to wear one during the conference if you wish so, specially if you have flu-like symptoms. The organization will be able to provide facial masks upon request.
Safety guidelines
The US Department of State's Travel of Advisory Level for Ecuador is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This classification is better than for most of the Andean countries but still requires you to be more vigilant than at home. We recommend reading the advisory above, specially if you are considering traveling to Guayaquil for tourism.
While in Quito, try not to walk alone at night, do not use your cell phone while walking on the streets (random belongings snatching is known to occur), and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips you can follow.
Quito sits at ~2800 m.a.s.l., and USFQ in the valley of Cumbaya at about 2200 m.a.s.l. If you happen to feel altitude sickness, stop and take a rest. If you have a headache, take ibuprofen or paracetamol and stay hydrated.
Finally, on the Wednesday November 16, a big concert (Bad Bunny) is happening at Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, which is very close to hotel Dann Carlton. Many people from Ecuador and abroad are traveling to Quito for this event. Please exercise increased caution, be aware of increased traffic, and avoid large crowds as much as possible.
HOW TO GET FROM QUITO AIRPORT TO QUITO
There are 3 ways to get from QUITO AIRPORT (UIO) to Quito: by bus, taxi or car.
Way | Estimated Time | Cost | Service |
| Bus Aeroservicio | 2h 15min | USD 8 | It arrives at Parque Bicentenario (25 minutes away from Hotel Dann Carlton) Check its schedule HERE |
Bus Aeroservicio - Hotel Dann Carlton | 50 min | USD 11.50 | It arrives at Hotel Dann Carlton Square. Check its schedule HERE |
Bus Interparroquial | 50 min | USD 2 | It arrives to Rio Coca Station (25 minutes away from Hotel Dann Carlton). |
Taxi Airport - Hotel | 40 min | Up to USD35 | Cooperativa Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre No. 34 and Asociación de Taxistas del Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Find the taxi service at the entrance or exit of the airport terminal. |
Taxi Airport - USFQ | 25 min | Up to USD25 | |
Car | 40 min Airport-Hotel | Within USD35 to USD50 per day
One week cost USD200 | The following companies can be found at the Public Arrivals Hall at the Passenger Terminal of the UIO Airport: Sixt, Avis, Localiza, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise |
25 min Airport-USFQ |
ABOUT USFQ
Description
The Universidad San Francisco de Quito is a global leader in education, research, creativity, entrepreneurship, and freedom in Latin America since its foundation in 1988.
Located in the Cumbayá valley, the USFQ sets the pace in the development of university education in the country. Its educational philosophy based on Liberal Arts added to modern and participative teaching methods and an environment of friendship and local and international diversity defines the integral development of its students. Beyond giving its students good professional training. USFQ meets international standards of excellence and has been ranked as the No.55 university in Latin America by QS Rankings.
Campus
SILAFAE XIV will take place in the main campus of the USFQ, located in Cumbayá valley 20 minutes away from Quito International Airport. Times Higher Education places us among the 10 most beautiful universities in Latin America. If you want to discover our campus please check the virtual university map.
In the map below you can find de principal building (15. Edit Espejo- Hall Principal) where most of the SILAFAE activities will take place. The main entrance to USFQ is on Diego de Robles Street (1. Edit Miguel de Santiago) .
Galapagos Science Center and Tiputini Biodiversity Station
Galapagos Science Center (GSC)
A multidisciplinary research center located on San Cristóbal Island, which has been created thanks to the collaboration between USFQ and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (UNC) for scientific development in the Galapagos Islands.
Tiputini Biodiversity Station (TBS)
A biological field station established in Amazonian Ecuador in 1994 in collaboration with Boston University. We serve as steward of 638 hectares of primary lowland rainforest approximately 300km.
THINGS TO DO IN QUITO
There are so many places to visit during your spare time in Quito. Here are some suggestions:
PLACES NEARBY THE HOTEL DANN CARLTON
Few blocks nearby the hotel Dann Carlton you can visit:
- Quicentro Shopping: Opens from 10h00 to 20h00
- CCI Shopping Mall: Opens from 10h00 to 20h00
- La Carolina Park
- Mall El Jardin: Opens from 10h00 to 20h00
- Casa del Hombre Museum:
- Opens from 9h30 to 16h30.
- Cost: Adults USD 10
- Address: Mariano Calvache E18-94 y Lorenzo Chávez, esq. (Barrio Bellavista)
PLACES NEARBY USFQ
- Plaza Gourmet Antara: Diego de Robles y Avenida Interoceánica. Opens from 10h00 to 22h00
- Paseo San Francisco: Diego de Robles y Avenida Interoceánica. Opens from 10h00 to 20h00
- Plaza Cumbayá: Avenida Interoceánica y Diego de Robles. Opens from 9h30 to 20h00
- Plaza Pampite: Calle Pampite y Diego de Robles. Opens from 8h00 to 22h00
- Centro Comercial Esquina: Avenida Pampite y Chimborazo. Opens from 10h00 to 21h00
- Scala Shopping: Avenida Interoceánica y Floreana. Opens from 10h00 to 20h00
QUITO TOURISM
HERE you can find some activities and events in which you can participate and enjoy the city.
CITY TOURS QUITO
You can visit different places in Quito walking or in a QUITO TOUR BUS
Tours aboard the official double decker bus. All the tours start in the Naciones Unidas Boulevard (Within 20 minutes walking from Hotel Dann Carlton)
- Quito City Tour: USD 15
- Tour Mitad del Mundo: USD 30 - USD 59
- Quito at Night: USD 15
- City+Mitad del Mundo: USD 45
Places to visit in Quito*
1. El Panecillo:
This major landmark in the south side of Quito is home to the La Virgen de Quito, a luminous statue that was built in 1976. Entirely made of aluminum by the spanish artist: Agustín de la Herran Matorras. If you decide to visit this place, we strongly recommend taking a taxi cab and avoid walking or taking buses.
2. Middle of the World
This national landmark (the equator) has several statues; a small village; and a charming, old-school museum. The museum has exhibits from Highland and Amazonian tribes, which include their history and a collection of musical instruments, clothes, textiles, and more.
3. La Compañía
One of the most beautiful churches of Quito is Compañia de Jesús. Its construction lasted 160 years. Well known for the decorative and expansive central nave, it is considered the finest example of Spanish Baroque arquitectura in South America.
4. Plaza de San Francisco
Iglesia San Francisco is Quito's first church and also the largest religious complex in South America. The entire compound of buildings will transport visitors back to the 16th century.
5. Crystal Palace
In Itchimbia, you will see one of the landmarks from the past, the Crystal Palace. Designed by engineers Francisco Manrique and Carlos Van Ischot, the structure was brought over from Belgium piece by piece and rebuilt.
6. La Ronda
La Ronda is one of the best-preserved streets in colonial Old Town. Colorful and full of activities.
7. Plaza Grande
Spending some time in one of Quito's popular crowd-gathering plazas is a must for visitors. Its also known as Independence Square, it is bordered by the Presidential Palace, City Hall, a cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace.
8. Casa del Alabado
Located just a short distance from the main square of Plaza San Francisco, the collection represents the Pre-columbian world of indigenous American people. Visitors will find the rooms broken down into small, manageable bites of related objects.
9. Basílica
If you enjoy getting an overview of a new city, visit the Basilica for a 360-degree, bird's-eye view from the twin bell towers. It has on its structure gargoyles on the exterior. Also, you can see armadillos, tortoises, birds, and dolphins that replace the traditional religious figures.
10. Teleférico
This is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. The ride is only 10 minutes, but you will marvel at the views over Quito.
* Information gathered from https://www.planetware.com/ecuador/top-rated-attractions-things-to-do-in-quito-ecu-1-2.htm
