![Ecuador-2019](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3_2_600/public/2024-10/2019.Ecuador.SeidmanWrightTaliya16.jpg?itok=TCs_szCv)
Ecuador
-
The program is hosted by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), and will use two of its research centres, the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences, (GAIAS) and its Quito campus. Students will stay in Quito for 1-2 days at the start of the program, and most of the program will take place on the island of San Cristóbal (Galápagos). The following information is based on resources for the Galapagos islands.
-
If you are thinking about applying for the Ecuador program but want to know how and if your individual EDIA needs, based on your lived experiences and unique identities can be met, we encourage you to use this online resource as a planning tool.
- Photo by Seidman Wright Taliya, a former Summer Abroad student in the 2019 Ecuador program. This image captures a lesson on basaltic volcanism during a hike at Punta Pitt in San Cristóbal, Galapagos, Ecuador.
Accommodation, Travel, Health & Safety, and EDIA
-
In Ecuador, students will begin their journey with a short stay in Quito at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). Accommodations in Quito are typically modern, with many hotels and universities offering basic accessibility features, such as elevators and ramps. The Quito International Airport provides certain accessible features, including entrance ramps, wide elevators, and adapted washrooms and drinking fountains. However, in smaller towns or remote areas like the Galápagos Islands, where most of the program takes place, accessibility may be limited. Note that the airport facilities and infrastructure on the islands are quite basic and much smaller and may lack comprehensive accessibility features. For more information, Ecuador’s Red de Turismo Accesible offer resources that outline accessible services across the country. Students with mobility concerns should communicate with the Summer Abroad office prior to your application as Ecuador’s infrastructure can vary significantly, especially in rural areas.
-
Ecuador’s transportation network consists of buses, taxis, and private car services. However, the infrastructure on the Galápagos Islands is much more limited. Public transportation on San Cristóbal is minimal, and accessibility features like wheelchair ramps are generally lacking.
-
For students participating in excursions outside of major cities, keep in mind that mountainous and rural terrains may present additional mobility challenges. In the Galápagos Islands, where many tours take place on boats, accessibility may be limited, and students will need to consider their comfort with walking and swimming proficiency, as many excursions involve physical activity.
-
A key feature of the Ecuador Summer Abroad program involves swimming proficiency. Students must submit a proof of swimming proficiency before the January 31st application deadline as an admission requirement. This is particularly important for excursions in the Galápagos Islands, where activities such as snorkeling are integral to the experience. If you have any questions regarding the proof of swimming proficiency, please contact ecuador.abroad@utoronto.ca of book a virtual appointment with the Program Coordinator.
-
This program will involve fieldwork and extensive travel by air, water and land; Students will need to be prepared for extreme differences in temperature and precipitation. Students must be in good physical health and should not be especially prone to motion sickness.
-
Ecuador’s geography is incredibly diverse, with three main regions: the Costa (coastal lowlands), the Sierra (Andean highlands), and the Oriente (Amazon lowlands).
-
The Galápagos Islands, particularly San Cristóbal where the GAIAS campus is located, are of volcanic origin, featuring rugged, rocky landscapes with uneven paths that can be challenging to traverse for individuals with mobility issues. The snorkeling expeditions and day trips, such as those to Kicker Rock and Española Island, involve physical activity, including walking on rocky shores and swimming in the ocean, which requires swimming proficiency. The climate in Sanin San Cristóbal - Galápagos is tropical and generally warm throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 22-29°C (71-84°F). Similarly, the islands experience two main seasons: the hot season from January to May, and the cooler, dry season from June to December. This dry season may bring cooler ocean temperatures, making a wetsuit advisable for snorkeling activities. Sunscreen, a hat, and light, breathable clothing are essential to protect against sun exposure during excursions.
-
-
While in Galápagos, students will stay in shared accommodation in economy hotels (2–4 per room), with no air conditioning. There are food options available for vegetarians. Although networks can be unreliable, internet access is available in internet cafés in Quito, and limited access is available at GAIAS. Some daily meals will be provided (mainly breakfasts) as part of the program, with most purchased by students on-site.
-
We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.
Mental Health & Well-Being
-
Mental health in Ecuador has traditionally been a taboo subject, with stigma preventing many from seeking help. However, attitudes are slowly changing, particularly in cities like Quito, where partnerships between organizations such as McLean Hospital and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) are raising awareness and promoting mental health education. Besides, since 2014, with a legislative reform, mental health and psychosocial well-being services are integrated in the Ecuadorian education system. Still, mental health services, especially outside urban areas, such as at San Cristóbal (Galápagos) remain limited and underutilized.
-
If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS, which has a partnership with U of T, who will connect you with a network of health professionals in your area. If you require a doctor or counsellor in Ecuador, iSOS will be able to help you find a mental health professional in your area.
-
Some prescription medications may not be available in Ecuador. If you take any prescription medications, ensure you bring enough for the entire duration of your stay, and carry your medication in its original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription. For medical services, private clinics offer better care but often require upfront payment and may be expensive and may only speak Spanish. Emergency services may not be readily available in rural areas or the Galápagos Islands, where you could require medical evacuation for serious conditions.
-
If you are bringing medication with you into Ecuador, remember to check if your medication contains a controlled drug. You can check with the Embassy of Canada to Ecuador to make sure your medication is legal.
-
Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad.
2SLGBTQ+ Students
-
Ecuador has made significant strides in terms of legal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Since 1997, same-sex sexual activity has been decriminalized, and in 2019, Ecuador legalized same-sex marriage, marking a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Ecuador is also notable for including sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories in its Constitution since 1998, one of the first countries in the world to do so. For transgender individuals, Ecuador's Gender Identity Law (2016) allows people to change their gender on legal documents.
-
Despite these legal advances, social acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community can vary greatly depending on the region. In Quito, the “zona Rosa” is the gay-friendly part of the city, and there are two large annual LGBTQ+ events in Quito (Quito Gay Pride Festival – “Orgullo” and the Quito Gay Film Festival – “El Lugar Sin Limites”. Urban centers like Quito and Guayaquil tend to be more progressive and accepting, while rural areas, such as San Cristóbal (Galápagos), may still hold conservative views that result in prejudice or discrimination. Public displays of affection (PDA) between same-sex couples, while legal, may not always be socially accepted, especially in smaller towns or more conservative regions. Students should be aware that while Ecuador has strong legal protections, experiences may differ based on location and local attitudes. It’s advisable to stay informed about local customs and exercise caution in more conservative areas.
-
Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options.
Women Travellers
-
While Ecuador is generally safe for travel, women travelers should take extra precautions. Sexual harassment and verbal abuse can occur, particularly in urban areas and public spaces like buses, restaurants, and nightclubs. Some foreign women have reported incidents of sexual assault, including in tourist areas, so it’s essential to remain vigilant, especially when traveling alone or at night. It’s advised to choose accommodation with good security measures, avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark, and be cautious when meeting new people. When using transportation, stick to registered taxi services and avoid accepting rides from strangers.
-
Emergency contraceptives (also known as "píldora del día después") are available in Ecuador. It is said that a prescription may be needed from a legal standpoint, but it does not seem to be widely enforced. You can find them in pharmacies (such as Pharmacy’s, Sana Sana, and Fybeca) across the country, particularly in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil. If needed, you can ask for "Levonorgestrel" or similar products, available under various brand names. While prescription may not be required, availability may vary depending on the region. On the island of San Cristóbal (Galápagos), there is a pharmacy, Farmacias Cruz Azul San Cristóbal 3, but note that the choice or supply of emergency contraceptives could be very limited. You can ask the pharmacist directly for guidance if you are unsure about where to find it. Students are advised to bring enough of their preferred option for the duration of the program to avoid any issues.
-
If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”)
Racialized Students
-
Ecuador is a multi-ethnic society, home to a diverse range of racial groups. The majority of the population identifies as Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent, make up approximately 65% of the population), but the country also has significant communities of Indigenous peoples and Afro-Ecuadorians. Indigenous groups are primarily concentrated in the Andean highlands, while Afro-Ecuadorians live mostly in the northern coastal province of Esmeraldas, and urban areas like Guayaquil and Quito. In Galápagos (Provincia de Galápagos), the ethnic groups as of the Ecuadorian census of 2010 shows: Mestizo 74.5%, White 9.7%, Indigenous 7.0%, Afro-Ecuadorian 5.2%, Montubio 1.9%, and Other 17.7%. Although Ecuador's 2008 Constitution recognizes the country as pluricultural and multiethnic, racial discrimination and inequalities persist, particularly for Afro-Ecuadorians and Indigenous peoples. These communities often face socio-economic challenges and are disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare. While urban areas such as Quito tend to be more open and accepting, rural areas may hold more conservative attitudes toward racialized individuals.
-
For racialized travelers, attitudes may vary between larger cities and smaller towns. In major urban centers like Quito and Guayaquil, tourists from diverse backgrounds are common, and you are less likely to encounter overt racism. However, Afro-Ecuadorians and Indigenous people still experience significant structural inequalities and racial stereotypes, which can influence how racialized students are perceived, especially in more conservative or remote areas.
-
If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO).
Students in Multi-Faith Communities
-
Ecuador is predominantly Roman Catholic, with approximately 95% of the population identifying as Catholic, though many also belong to other churches such as Evangelists and Adventists. Protestants make up around 4%, while other religious groups such as Islam, Judaism, and Eastern Orthodox represent a small minority. Most cities, including Quito and the island of San Cristóbal (Galápagos), have Catholic churches readily accessible, but finding mosques or synagogues may require travel to larger urban centers.
-
If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.
Dietary Resources
- On San Cristóbal (Galápagos), where most of the program takes place, halal options will likely be very limited or unavailable. It's advisable to research restaurants in advance using tools like Zabihah or check with local eateries to ensure compliance with halal requirements. Given the limited options on the islands, students with specific dietary needs are strongly encouraged to bring their own food supplies where possible and legal across the border or make alternative arrangements.
-
Kosher food is more difficult to find in Ecuador due to the small Jewish community. Travelers may need to bring their own supplies for extended stays to ensure dietary needs are met, especially in smaller areas like San Cristóbal (Galápagos). On the islands, kosher options are very limited or non-existent. The Jewish Community of Ecuador is a good resource for information and support during your visit. Kosher travelers should plan ahead for long trips, particularly outside major cities.
-
Vegetarian food is widely available in Ecuador, as traditional Ecuadorian meals often include rice, beans, and plantains, which are naturally vegetarian-friendly. Be sure to ask for dishes "sin carne" (without meat) to ensure your dietary preferences are respected. However, students reflected that some specific vegetarian food choices may not be available in Ecuador, so you may need to prepare for finding suitable alternatives. The Happy Cow website is a great tool to filter restaurants in the area which have vegetarian options.