Weddings in Ecuador last much longer than in Europe, USA or Canada. They are a full-day event.
The US dollar! To exchange Euros for Dollars in Quito, you can use currency exchange offices such as Global Exchange (airport, 24/7)
In Quito, getting all four seasons in one day is normal, so make sure you pack layers. In the morning, it can be very chilly (winter 50F), in the late morning/early afternoon, it can feel like Spring (60F with even a few showers). The afternoon turns into a warm summer (75F), and the night feels like fall, where you would want a sweater or jacket (55F). Don't forget your sunscreen either! Even if it is cool outside, being on the equator and at high altitudes makes it easy to get burned.
Quito is at 9,350 feet. Traveling from a low-altitude city to Quito, you might get altitude sickness. Things to remember when dealing with altitude: * Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make altitude sickness worse * Eat some sugar (candy, gum) that will help with altitude sickness. * Altitude can enhance the effects of alcohol, so you will want to drink responsibly when adjusting to the altitude. * Avoid intense physical activity until you are acclimated.
Our wedding will take place at Balbanera de Palugo chapel, a country house and event venue located in Pifo, about 1 hour from Quito. *The ceremony will start at 12:00 in the afternoon and will last around 60 minutes. * It is recommended to have breakfast before attending the ceremony. Lunch will be served a couple of hours after the ceremony ends. * It is traditional to wait outside the church to cheer as the bride and groom leave the church or the ceremony area when it ends. * The reception will occur in the same location. We will add the exact times later in the Schedule section.
As in any large city in Latin America or elsewhere in the world, safety depends largely on the area and common sense. The areas that tourists usually visit—the Historic Center, La Carolina, La Floresta, Cumbayá—are safe if visited during the day or with a guide and reliable transportation. We recommend using Uber or taxis provided by your hotel, avoiding deserted streets at night, and not displaying valuables.