Ecuador

Ecuador may be slightly dwarfed by other South American countries, but it punches well above its weight. It’s tempting to pass through only the mainland en route to the celebrated Galapagos Islands, but our specialists would urge you to holiday in continental Ecuador, too. They’re able to help you experience all the country’s beguiling variety in a tailor-made Ecuador tour. Encompassing the Amazonian Rainforest, picture-perfect beaches and megadiversity, this country is an array of native beauty and scenic sights.Population: 17.2 million

Lovers of textiles and artisan crafts can head to the animated markets of Otavalo and the capital, Quito, or observe authentic Panama hats being made in the colonial city of Cuenca. You can explore, and hike on, the geological spectacle of the almost conical Cotopaxi in the Avenue of Volcanoes. One of the feathers in Ecuador’s cap is its restored railway network, which offers visitors panoramic vistas of the Andean landscapes. Meanwhile, you’re able to immerse yourself in birdwatching and horticulture in cloudforest reserves.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ecuador lends itself to year-round exploration, with weather variations usually the result of regional differences and micro-climates rather than clearly defined seasons. In the highlands, for example, although there is a drier season from June to September, the ‘four seasons in a day’ phenomenon can happen at any time, so you should not limit your travel planning to just one time of year. The country’s cultural attractions can be enjoyed at any time, as can hiking or more gentle touring in the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Similarly, the wildlife of mainland Ecuador can be enjoyed year-round, with the Amazon and the cloudforests delighting visitors whatever the season.

Things to do and see

Quito: High above sea level and perfectly nestled in the mountain tops sits the capital city of Ecuador, Quito. The city’s heart and soul lie in its Old Town, overflowing with compelling architecture, stunning plazas and churches packed with amazing artwork. There’s no doubt why it’s dubbed a Unesco World Heritage Site. High above sea level and perfectly nestled in the mountain tops sits the capital city of Ecuador, Quito. The city’s heart and soul lie in its Old Town, overflowing with compelling architecture, stunning plazas and churches packed with amazing artwork.

Banos: Get your adrenaline pumping in Baños, also known as a thrill-seeker’s haven. Surrounded by cascades, thermal pools and volcanoes, there’s plenty of action to be had. Schedule in a bridge jump, a white-water rafting adventure or a downhill mountain bike ride in this city.High above sea level and perfectly nestled in the mountain tops sits the capital city of Ecuador, Quito. The city’s heart and soul lie in its Old Town, overflowing with compelling

Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest: is regarded as the most species-rich section of Amazonia. The total expanse of Amazon Rainforest spans 40% of South America. Filled with an exceptional diversity of life, the Amazon is the world’s largest tropical forest.

Galapagos island: Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-tourists to Ecuador’s Galapagos. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago’s Cousin’s Rock. Hike along the Darwin Trail and see finches, flamingos and iguanas. Admire Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela. As visitor numbers are limited within the islands’ National Park, book your boat tour through a tour operator. Visit between January and April for the best snorkelling.

Food and drink

Ecuadorian food is based around meat or fish, rice and plantain, and is generally cheap, tasty and plentiful. There are dozens of exotic fruits that are made into delicious ice creams and juices. The National Dish Is Ecuadorian Ceviche…

How to Get Around

Truck: In certain towns, especially in rural areas where there are many dirt roads, camionetas (pickup trucks) act as taxis. If you need to get to a national park, a climbers refuge or a trailhead from a town, often the best way to do so is by hiring a pickup, which is usually as easy as asking around.

Bus: Local buses are usually slow and crowded, but they are also very cheap. You can get around most towns for $0.25. Local buses often travel to nearby villages, and riding along is a good, inexpensive way to see the area.

Outside of Quito the concept of a fixed bus stop is pretty much nonexistent. Buses stop (or at least come to a slow roll) when people flag them down. When you want to get off a local bus, yell ‘¡Baja!,’ which means ‘Down!’ (as in ‘the passenger is getting down’). Another favorite way of getting the driver to stop is by yelling ‘¡Gracias!’ (‘Thank you!’), which is unmistakably polite.

Taxi: Ecuadorian taxis come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are all yellow. Most taxis have a lit ‘taxi’ sign on top or a ‘taxi’ sticker on the windshield. In Quito and other bigger cities, licensed taxis have an orange or orange-striped license plate, with ID numbers clearly marked on the sides. Uber id functioning in Ecuador.

Always ask the fare beforehand, or you may be overcharged. Meters are rarely seen, except in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. A long ride in these cities should rarely go over $5 (unless traveling to Quito’s bus terminals, which are quite distant from the center). The minimum fare nearly everywhere is $1.25, and you’ll be required to pay $1 in Quito even if the meter only says $0.80. On weekends and at night, fares are always about 25% to 50% higher.

You can hire a taxi for a day for about $40 to $60. Hiring a taxi for a few days is comparable to renting a car, except that you don’t have to drive. But you will have to pay for the driver’s food and room. Some tour companies in Quito rent 4WD vehicles with experienced drivers.

In less urban areas, you’re also likely to see ecotaxis (a three-wheeled bicycle with a small covered carriage that fits two people) as well as taxis ecológicos (motorcycle taxis with a two-seater carriage).

VISA

Visas are not required for all EU nationals for stays of up to 90days over a 6month period. for any other passports check before booking your flight.

Language

The official language is Spanish, although it is not the first language of the majority of the indigenous population. English is understood and spoken by many in the tourist industry.

money and expense

In September 2000 Ecuador abandoned (the Sucre) and began using United States Dollar (USD). ATM’s are available in the major cities and towns. Visa and Amex are widely accepted (Mastercard to a lesser degree).

Tipping

Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Amounts are discretionary.

Social etiquette

The Ecuadorian culture is vibrant and full of life, blended with indigenous customs and European colonial influence. Ecuador’s population predominantly consists of mixed backgrounds which means you can experience entirely new micro-cultures between cities and villages. The country’s distinct architecture and artwork are a reflection of its heterogeneous community. Please ask permission before taking photographs.

Adaptor

In Ecuador these the sockets used.

WIFI