Destination information Map of EcuadorIncrease map size Map of Salinas BeachIncrease map size InformationCurrency used: US dollar (USD)Official time: UTC - 6Population: Approximately 13 million inhabitants.Official language: Spanish and Quechua.Health information: No vaccines are necessary to visit Ecuador, though vaccination against yellow fever, typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B are recommended, and in case of epidemics, so is vaccination against rabies and meningitis.Electricity: The voltage supplied in the country is 110 voltsMethods of payment: Major international credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Travelers cheques are usually accepted with the appropriate identification.Banking times: Banks are usually open from Mondays to Fridays from 09.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 09.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m. CountryEcuador is a country that has beautiful countryside and ethnic diversity. There are wonderful places within Ecuador such as the virgin forests, the Andes mountains, as well as excellent marine ecosystems that are home to countless schools of brightly-colored fish and giant turtles, like those of the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador’s cultural heritage is another of its great attractions, including numerous archaeological Incan ruins or the historical centre of Quito, the country’s capital.Description of the areaLocated on the peninsula of Santa Elena, Playa Salinas is surrounded by a large number of salt water lagoons that are ideal for many water sports such as sport fishing, sailing, surfing or diving. Furthermore, there are endless natural reserves that are of great interest, such as the Manglares Churute (Churute Mangroves), as well as breathtaking volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, archaeological museums and sanctuaries.CuisineEcuador has a wide variety of culinary specialties. In the coastal areas the most famous dishes include 'pescado en cocada' (fish cooked in coconut ), 'bilche' and rice with 'menestra' (stewed beans or lentils). On the other side of the country, in the Ecuadorian mountain regions, roast pork with 'llapingachos' (fried potato pancakes) or cooked 'mote' (hominy or dried maize kernels) are the favorites. Ecuador is also known for its numerous international cuisine restaurants, specialized in Japanese, French, Italian and Spanish gastronomy.VisitsThere is so much to do on Playa Salinas and so many places worth visiting, We recommend the following: Fishing. This is one of main attractions at Salinas due to its kilometers of beaches, calm waters and excellent climate. La Ruta del Sol. This is the road that runs alongside the coastline, passing through picturesque fishing towns. Guayaquil. This city is located just a few minutes from Salinas and thanks to the extensive renovation work that has taken place; visitors can enjoy new shopping centers and the Malecón 2000 boardwalk, amongst other attractions. Quito. At the monument located at zero latitude, visitors can place one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and the other in the Northern Hemisphere at the same time.ShoppingEcuador also boasts wonderful examples of handicrafts. This are expressed through paintings, sculptures, small decorations made from different materials in attractive colors, leather goods and Panama-style straw hats.