ECUADOR
POPULAR DESTINATIONSGalapagos Islands
British Scientist Charles Darwin based his theory of Evolution on his findings in the Galapagos. The friendly wildlife has developed apart from humans and offers extraordinary populations of unique species. The Galapagos are on the top of many peoples bucket lists for good reason! Baños The city sits in a small luscious valley at about 6,000 feet above sea level. If you are an adrenaline junkie - this is the place for you! Waterfall rappelling, hot springs, river rafting, bungee jumping and more. The surrounding landscape consists of expansive plateaus, green covered bluffs, and river gorges. It is a thriving location for both tourists and local Ecuadorians! Montañita It may have started with a handful of fishermen and some traveling hippies, but it is now the party town of the entire country with a vast cultural melting pot of people.! With its excellent and consistent waves it attracts surfers from around the world. January through mid April is when the biggest swells hit - as well as busy season. If you prefer low season, you can still catch a small beach break and avoid the crowds. Montanita has all the ingredients for an exciting tourist destination. |
MAIN CITIESQuito (capital)
Quito was erected on top of Inca ruins after the Spanish wreaked havoc. Today, its Old Town is one of the best-preserved historic centers on the continent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At around 15 million -Ecuador straddles the Equator line in South America, and borders Colombia (to its north) and Peru (to its east and south). Guayaquil Officially Santiago de Guayaquil, is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador, with around 3 million people in the metropolitan area, as well as the nation's main port. Situated at sea level where about 80% of the country´s imports and more than 50% of its exports are handled. Cuenca It's known for its Tomebamba River waterfront and handcrafts including Panama hats. Settled in southern Ecuador’s Andes mountains with a large expat community - Cuenca is rich in history and architecture; it’s walking friendly and is surrounded by breathtaking scenic mountain sights. |
LOCAL FOODShrimp Encocado
A curry like sauce with hints of coconut - poured over a plate of large fresh shrimp with a side of rice and vegetables. The plate was usually so big I could barely finish half of it! Locro de Papa This is a classic Ecuadorian potato and cheese soup. The ingredients and preparation can vary from one city and kitchen to the next, but locro de papa is traditionally garnished with avocados and served with aji (hot sauce). Seafood Almuerzos Almuerzo means lunch! So don't be confused when you look at the menu and your only option is Almuerzo. It is normal in beach towns for the small restaurants to serve one option for lunch. You might get the option of shrimp or fish, shrimp and shrimp, or fish and fish. It will include a seafood soup, a main plate and if you're lucky a fresh juice concoction. *Ecuadorian cuisine traditionally consists of two dishes, a soup and a rice platter.
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CURRENCY
In 2000 Ecuador officially changed their currency to the US dollar. You may come across some Ecuadorian coins and they hold the same value as their US equivalent.
$1 = $1 usd
$1 = $1 usd
BUS TRANSPORT
Most travelers use the cheap local buses to get around. Keep your passport with you when traveling by bus, as they are favored by high jackers and there are frequent transit police checks when changing provinces. If you are traveling a longer distance there are many established bus companies which offer a more comfortable ride. Generally the cost seemed to be about $1 per hour.
Never... and I'm going to repeat it again... NEVER put your bag under the bus in the storage compartment. They will try to take it from you when getting on, but I always resist them and state that I will be putting it on my lap. I know it seems inconvenient, but I promise you it's not as inconvenient as having your belongings stolen.
Never... and I'm going to repeat it again... NEVER put your bag under the bus in the storage compartment. They will try to take it from you when getting on, but I always resist them and state that I will be putting it on my lap. I know it seems inconvenient, but I promise you it's not as inconvenient as having your belongings stolen.
CAR TRANSPORT
Pickups can be arranged for longer distances as well as short distances. Sometimes it is worth it to jump in a taxi instead of taking the local bus. Yes, it might be $3 for a 15 minute ride vs. a $0.25 ride on a bus - but you will get there quicker with less hassle. Negotiate and determine a price before you ride! I was very impressed by the roads in Ecuador as they have very sufficient road systems. Personally, I would not recommend renting a card - the drivers are crazy here and towns are not close together. So unless you are an experienced 3rd world country drive... don't do it.
AIR TRANSPORT
Flights within Ecuador are relatively inexpensive and very efficient. Quito's international airport is about 7 miles north of the city center. There are many small airlines to choose from, but the main domestic airline I would recommend is TAME and most flights begin or end in Quito or Guayaquil - although there are about 15 cities with small airports within Ecuador. Guayaquil is the other major airport in Ecuador and is set on the southern end of the country. To check out general prices of flights inside of Ecuador, you can visit the price list.
WHICH VACCINATIONS ARE NEEDED?
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination, such as measles, tetanus, etc. Although, I have never been asked for proof that I am up to date with vaccinations in other countries - it is just a smart thing to do.
Recommended:
Recommended:
- Hepatitis A: Exposure to the virus Hepatitis A can occur through consumption of contaminated food or water, regardless of where you are in the country.
- Typhoid: Also through contaminated food or water in Ecuador. - especially is you are an adventurous eater or plan to be in rural areas.
- Malaria: Avoid Mosquitos! Visit your local doctor prior to departing for your trip and your doctor will prescribe you an anti malaria pill that you should begin taking a few weeks before your leave and after you return.
FAQ's
1. SUNCREEN?
- Do yourself a favor and WEAR IT! Especially in cities like Quito and Cotacachi where the elevation is very high. You will go outside on a cloudy, cool day and come back more burnt than you ever have been before. I learned the hard way. ;) I have never experienced a stronger sun!
- The short answer is NO. It's not worth the risk - buy bottled water.
- You can either fly or travel by boat to get to the Galápagos Islands, but neither of these options are budget friendly. Although, it is many travelers dream to go to the Galápagos Islands - the high costs of getting there often sets back their plans in making it there. Check out Isla de la Plata (poor mans Galápagos) if you can't make it to the Galápagos. There are day tours for $50 per person leaving from Puerto Lopez. Check out Go Montañita for day tours! p.s. Isla de la Plata has the blue-footed boobies!
- Bring $100 USD in $5's and $1's. Trust, just do it. There are ATM's (which don't always work) scattered around but I cannot tell you how frustrating it can be when taxi drivers, grocery stores, vendors, and restaurants don't have change to break your money. You will either end up paying more or have a pocket full of the heaviest Ecuadorian coins that you won't know what to do with. Everyone accepts the US dollar. There were times when I had to go to 4 different ATM's to find one that would give me cash. PLAN AHEAD & keep your money close to you.
- Some towns just don't have ATM's so make sure you research where you are headed before you get there and realize the closest ATM isn't close at all.
- Canoa, Mompiche and Ayampe are some beach towns you would think have ATM"s that don't.
- Atacames, San Vincente, Montañita, and Puerto Lopez do!
