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Travel Plans

Individuals and groups should make travel plans very soon. That is why pre-registration and registration is very important. When you travel in groups you may be able to secure group rates for your travel.

Avoid flights that require entrance into the United States. US Visas are required for travellers from many countries, even for in transit passengers.

Southern participants should use Southern routes or should fly directly to South America from European airports.

Flights may be taken to either Quito or Guayaquil. Do NOT make internal travel arrangements because it will be much cheaper if that is done by the PHA2 Secretariat in Cuenca. There will be forms for you to fill out related to travel plans which will be sent out once the registrations are accepted.

Accomodation and Food

There are many hostels, pensions, and hotels available in Cuenca. Costs may run anywhere from $2.00 per day to over $100.00 However, we recommend that people register for hostels which are lovely old colonial mansions that have been turned into Bed and Breakfast facilities. These run about $13.00 per day with breakfast. If fully booked we would receive discounts. Of course, single occupancy is more expensive than shared facilities. The form for Accommodations will be provided upon the receipt of the full registration form. Food costs for lunch and dinner could easily be kept under $10.00 a day. We hope to have a food fair where people will be able to secure a variety of meals, including vegetarian options.

About Ecuador

Ecuador is located in the northwest part of Latin America. As the name implies it lies across the equator. It is one of the world’s richest centres of biodiversity. The world famous Galapagos islands are part of Ecuador. It is a country vibrant with a number of indigeneous cultures and has a history of people’s struggles in the defense of health and life. The awareness of the people about the situation has generated important processes leading to unity and mobilization

Area: 283,520 sq km Population: 12 million
People: 40% mestizo, 40% Indian, 15% Spanish descent, 5% African descent
Language: Quechua, Spanish Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
Dialling Code: 593

About Cuenca

Cuenca is the capital city of the Azuay Province. It is a city surrounded by mountains and transversed by four rivers. With a history that can be traced back to 8000 BC it has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is the third-largest city in Ecuador and a place of great beauty.

Altitude: It is located between mountains and is 2530 meters (8301 ft) above sea level. Some people may suffer from slight altitude sickness. You may notice a slight headache, particularly at the temples. High altitude is very similar to having an allergy to a certain food. Some people have bad reaction and others do not. It has also little to do with physical strength.

Population: It has a population of about 270,000 inhabitants.

Weather: We recommend you bring a sweater and raingear. In July, the city usually gets intermittent rains and cold nights.