Elevation
The before everything factor to know earlier than you go to Ecuador is that the elevation could have an effect on your arrival or different journey plans. If arriving by airplane, likelihood is you’ll fly into Quito Mariscal Sucre Worldwide Airport (UIO). Quito is the very best official capital metropolis on this planet. Whereas La Paz, Bolivia is greater, and is the seat of presidency within the nation, Sucre is definitely Bolivia’s constitutional capital.
Chew on some coca leaves to alleviate the altitude illness (don’t attempt to deliver them house, although – the canines will sniff them out!). Wait till you’ve acclimatized earlier than trying to hike any of the close by volcanoes!
Local weather
Questioning when to go or what to pack? Ecuador is cut up right into a wet and dry season that alternate within the highlands, the coastal area, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon basin. With 4 totally different microclimates, make sure you deliver layers!
What you pack and when to go utterly is determined by the realm you’re visiting. Know earlier than you go – Ecuador is a comparatively small nation, so checking off totally different areas in a single journey is doable when you’ve bought the time! Keep in mind – layer, layer, layer!
Foreign money Suggestions for Ecuador
Excellent news for American vacationers: Ecuador makes use of the U.S. greenback, so no alternate charge math complications right here—simply swipe, spend, and luxuriate in. However heads up: Ecuador has its personal greenback and half-dollar cash that aren’t accepted again within the States, so be sure you spend them earlier than you fly house (otherwise you’ll be caught with some very patriotic souvenirs).
Watch out for Counterfeit Money
Each time doable, withdraw money earlier than your journey. Whereas utilizing ATMs in Ecuador is frequent, there have been circumstances of counterfeit payments making their approach into circulation via machines. I didn’t have any points myself, however it’s a identified danger—so higher secure than caught with Monopoly cash.
Making Change Is an Artwork Kind
Massive payments are mainly ineffective. Even a $20 would possibly get you some critical side-eye, particularly from taxi drivers and small distributors. All the time carry small denominations, and attempt to break bigger payments at large grocery shops or banks. I as soon as needed to stand in line at a financial institution simply to get change—sure, actually. Actual change is the unofficial nationwide forex right here.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Ecuador is insanely low-cost. We’re speaking 25 cents for a metropolis bus trip low-cost. Even Ubers and taxis hardly ever price greater than $3—so until you’re actually pinching pennies, you would possibly simply trip in fashion in every single place like I did.
Inter-Metropolis Bus Journey
Have to get from one city to the following? Buses are your finest buddy. Simply price range about $1 per hour of journey (sure, actually). A 3-hour journey will set you again a grand complete of $3. The primary stations in Quito, like La Ofelia, are a bit outdoors town heart—anticipate to pay round $25 for an Uber when you’re ranging from the historic district.
Uber > Taxi
Whereas each are low-cost, Uber wins for one large cause: no want for actual change. Taxis virtually demand it, and guessing the fare or haggling over a worth with zero small payments is simply… not it. Uber additionally cuts down your odds of getting “gringo-priced.”
Water Warning
Don’t drink the faucet water until you actually wish to bond with the native hospital workers. Whereas locals are used to it, your abdomen most likely isn’t. Deliver a purifying water bottle to be secure—until you’re in Mindo, the place the water is famously clear and crisp. Nonetheless, higher to filter and make sure than to gamble along with your intestine.
Vaccines
Totally different elements of Ecuador require totally different vaccines. Don’t wait till the final minute—some photographs (like yellow fever) aren’t out there in every single place and may take time to schedule. Be a accountable traveler and test the CDC’s suggestions forward of time. Critically—nobody desires to share a jungle bungalow with Typhoid Man.
Haggling
Really feel bizarre haggling? Similar. However in Ecuador, negotiating is a part of the tradition—and oddly sufficient, not doing it might truly make distributors belief you much less. Skip the cringe, and also you’ll doubtless pay the “foreigner tax.” Take a deep breath, channel your inside cut price hunter, and provides it a go.
Pickpockets
Security First (and All the time)
Let’s be actual—security is without doubt one of the prime considerations for anybody heading to Ecuador, and some key precautions could make a giant distinction. Everybody’s expertise varies, however staying alert and trusting your instincts will go a great distance.
Should you’re snapping pictures, grip your telephone prefer it’s your passport. Drive-by thefts from mopeds or bikes are a factor—sure, even in broad daylight. On lengthy bus rides, maintain your bag in your lap, not at your ft. Pickpockets have been identified to slash baggage from behind with out you even noticing.
And as a lot as that “pleasant stranger” may appear useful, unsolicited help is a purple flag. One distracts, the opposite snatches—it’s a basic rip-off. This contains so-called bus workers providing to retailer your baggage. Thanks, however no thanks. Maintain it with you and maintain it shut.
Equatorial Solar!
Don’t let the breezy mountain air idiot you—Ecuador’s equatorial solar is savage. I wore SPF 30 all day whereas mountaineering round El Parque Nacional Cajas and nonetheless ended up cooked to a crisp. On the trip again to Cuenca, I needed to twist myself right into a human pretzel simply to keep away from extra solar publicity. Professional tip: pair your sunscreen with mild, breathable clothes. SPF alone received’t prevent.
The “Actual” Center of the World
Certain, Ecuador is called after the equator, however when you assume Mitad del Mundo is the actual equator, assume once more. That well-known monument? Cute for pics, however not truly on the equator. The true line is a bit off the crushed path—and even that location is debated. Wish to straddle the Earth’s waistline and stability an egg like a professional? Do your analysis earlier than you go.
Rest room Paper
Sure, you learn that proper. Many public restrooms—particularly round bus stations—don’t inventory rest room paper. You could even be charged a couple of cents to make use of the amenities, and additional in order for you TP. The sensible transfer? Maintain tissues or a small pack of wipes in your bag and keep away from the awkward drip-dry dance.
Large Empanadas
Meals lovers, pay attention up: Ecuador takes snack parts to a complete new degree. I ordered two $1 empanadas in Quito, assuming they’d be snack-sized. Spoiler alert: they had been the dimensions of my face. Scrumptious? Completely. Vital? Most likely not. Should you’re hangry and eyeing the menu, perhaps begin with one and go from there.
Ecuadorian meals could also be low-cost, however don’t let the costs idiot you—the parts are no joke. I made the rookie mistake of ordering greater than I might deal with and sat there defeated, locking eyes with my server in silent, mutual understanding. She smiled like, “Yeah… we’ve all been there.” Lesson realized: your abdomen will faucet out lengthy earlier than your pockets does.
Chocolate
If chocolate is your love language, Ecuador is your soulmate. It’s one of many prime cacao producers on this planet, proper up there with Switzerland and Belgium. Need the complete bean-to-bar expertise? Head to Mindo, a cloud forest chocolate paradise only a few hours from Quito. Can’t make the journey? Hit up Chez Tiff in Cuenca, the place a Swiss-Ecuadorian couple makes magic. Free demos, all of the samples you’ll be able to deal with, and mind-blowing flavors like chili and fervour fruit.
Language Obstacles
Don’t assume you’ll be able to skate by on English—it’s impolite and impractical. Most locals, particularly older generations, don’t converse it. Be taught a couple of fundamental Spanish phrases; it’ll go a great distance and earn you critical respect. Attempt Duolingo earlier than you go, and obtain a translator app for these surprising vocabulary curveballs (like “tripe” or “guinea pig”).
Ceviche: Ecuadorian Model
After a brutal hike and sunburn from El Cajas, I landed at Restaurante Raymipampa in Cuenca and ordered ceviche, anticipating one thing acquainted. What I bought was a plate of tostado—aka crunchy corn nuts—and confusion. Seems, they go in the ceviche. I googled it on the desk just like the true gringa I’m. Verdict: tasty both approach, however I most popular mine solo, with a beneficiant serving to of aji (sizzling sauce). Don’t knock it ’til you strive it!
Cuy: A Delicacy… or Your Childhood Pet
Cuy (sure, guinea pig) is a conventional Andean dish, usually roasted complete and served with its tiny little face intact. I didn’t see it throughout my journey, however perhaps I simply wasn’t trying laborious sufficient—most likely on goal. Phrase on the road is it’s gamey, slightly greasy, and tastes like darkish meat rooster meets quail. Should you’ve ever owned a guinea pig, perhaps… simply skip this one. Or don’t. No judgment—simply let me know the way it was.
Aji
Ecuadorian meals checks all of the bins for recent, native, and sometimes natural—however when you’re a spice lover or taste junkie, you will discover one thing lacking. That’s the place aji is available in. This magical desk condiment is Ecuador’s reply to ketchup or mayo—besides approach higher. It’s made with tree tomatoes, chilies, cilantro, onions, and no matter secret twist the prepare dinner throws in. The perfect aji I had was from my new buddy Angel at Uku Pacha in Quito. He’s since moved on, however you’ll be able to nonetheless slather your meals within the superb fireplace of their home mix.
Almuerzos & Desayunos: The Actual MVPs
Should you’re ballin’ on a price range, you’re in luck—almuerzos (lunches) and desayunos (breakfasts) are filling, scrumptious, and low-cost as hell. We’re speaking multi-course meals for round $2. Suppose rice or potatoes, slightly salad, some meat, soup, juice, and dessert. In Cuenca, I lived for my mornings at Café Fractal close to Parque Calderón—large breakfasts, recent fruit, fresh-squeezed juice, and uninterrupted laptop computer time for a couple of dollars. Peak journey bliss.
Corn Is a Meals Group
In Ecuador, corn isn’t only a facet dish—it’s a lifestyle. You’ll discover it in every thing. Tostado along with your ceviche? Verify. Corn masa for breakfast? Yep. Complete kernels in soup? In fact. Simply settle for that when you’re consuming in Ecuador, you’re additionally consuming corn—most likely in 5 types on the identical plate.
Expats Are In every single place
Ecuador has a thriving expat scene, particularly in locations like Cuenca and Mindo. Quito has its share too, however the smaller cities have a tendency to attract the long-term crowd. Whether or not it’s the low price of dwelling, simple tempo, or dreamy mountain views, it’s not laborious to see why so many people resolve to remain approach previous trip.
It’s not simply the empanadas and epic landscapes—Ecuador is a legit hotspot for expats due to its low price of dwelling, surprisingly good healthcare, and general prime quality of life. Locals are heat, welcoming, and sometimes keen to assist (particularly when you try some Spanish). The one recurring gripe I heard from expats? Spotty web, significantly alongside the coast. That mentioned, I had zero points streaming, Zooming, or WiFi-hogging within the cities I visited—so perhaps it’s a beach-town drawback. Both approach, it’s a small trade-off for dwelling in paradise on a price range.
Medical Tourism in Ecuador? Oh Sure.
Some of the stunning (and admittedly, mind-blowing) issues I realized in Ecuador was simply how inexpensive and high-quality the healthcare system is. As an American—aka somebody used to hemorrhaging cash for even fundamental care—this felt like discovering a hidden portal to sanity. I met a number of expats who mentioned they initially got here for dental work, surgical procedures, or diagnostics… and simply by no means left. And we’re not speaking sketchy, back-alley procedures both. Suppose clear, trendy amenities and well-trained professionals. Like, you will get an MRI for $150 with out insurance coverage. I repeat: $150. For. An. MRI. (Extra on this quickly, as a result of sure, it deserves its personal deep dive.)
Indigenous Ecuadorians
I occurred to go to Ecuador not lengthy after the huge protests of October 2019—an 11-day nationwide upheaval that made worldwide headlines. What sparked it? A gas worth hike tied to an IMF austerity bundle. What ended it? The sheer collective power of Ecuador’s Indigenous communities.
My information (and now buddy) Marc defined how one member from practically each Indigenous household within the nation got here down from the highlands and jungles to protest in Quito. Hundreds gathered. Seven folks died. And the president? He backed down. Lenín Moreno scrapped the plan solely after sitting down with Indigenous leaders. Ethical of the story: Indigenous Ecuadorians maintain critical political and social energy—they usually’re not afraid to make use of it.
Panama Hats? Made in Ecuador, Really.
Regardless of the identify, Panama hats aren’t from Panama. They’re Ecuadorian via and thru. The combination-up occurred as a result of Ecuador was exporting these hats via Panama in the course of the Nineteenth-century canal building increase. Then got here Teddy Roosevelt, rocking one throughout his go to to the canal—and increase, the identify caught. However make no mistake: when you’re choosing up a Panama hat in Ecuador, you’re getting the actual deal from the actual supply.
Road Canine: The Unofficial Metropolis Mascot
It’s heartbreaking, however you’ll see avenue canines in nearly each metropolis in Ecuador. Numerous them. Whereas most locals depart them be they usually’re usually surprisingly well-behaved, it’s nonetheless robust to witness. Simply know: it’s part of life right here. (And no, sadly, you’ll be able to’t rescue all of them.)
Proof of Onward Journey (Don’t Get Caught on the Airport)
Heads up when you’re arriving in Ecuador on a one-way ticket: you’ll doubtless be requested for proof of onward journey. That is normally enforced by airways at check-in—not customs—so that they received’t allow you to board with out documentation displaying you’re leaving the nation. Should you’re uncertain when or the way you’ll depart, companies exist that generate short-term/pretend flight bookings for simply this goal. I haven’t used one personally, however many vacationers I met swear by them. Ethical of the story: have your exit plan—actual or rented—prepared to indicate.
Tipping in Ecuador
Eating out? Your invoice will normally embody a 10% service cost. If the service was stellar, it’s appreciated to go away a bit extra—perhaps one other 5–10%. If there’s no gratuity listed on the invoice, leaving a tip is a pleasant gesture. As for taxis? No tip anticipated. Simply spherical up or supply a “gracias” and also you’re good to go.
Land of Filth Low-cost Roses
File this underneath “pleasant surprises”—Ecuador is the world’s third-largest exporter of reduce flowers, and it exhibits. You may rating two dozen long-stemmed roses for underneath $5. Sure, actually. Strolling via the day by day flower market in Cuenca is a sensory deal with: the air virtually bursts with the scent of recent blooms in each colour possible. Deal with your self.
Shrunken Heads
Feeling slightly morbid? Head over to Museo Pumapungo in Cuenca, the place you’ll be able to lay eyes on actual, honest-to-goodness shrunken heads. This unnerving custom was as soon as practiced by the Jivaro folks of the Ecuador-Peru area. Creepy? Completely. Fascinating? Additionally sure.
Voting: Not Optionally available
In Ecuador, voting is obligatory. Residents between the ages of 18 and 65 should vote—until they’re illiterate. It’s a Latin American factor (see additionally: Brazil, Uruguay), and brought fairly severely. So when you’re planning to turn out to be a citizen, put together to deliver your poll recreation.
Colonial Capital of South America
Quito was the primary metropolis to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s the best-preserved instance of Spanish Colonial affect in South America.
Voltage
The usual voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz in Ecuador – so when you’re from the Americas, you’re most likely good. Seize an adapter when you’re coming from elsewhere.
Final-minute Galapagos Offers
Dreaming of these iconic islands that helped Darwin blow everybody’s minds, however your pockets’s screaming “Completely not”? Right here’s the trick: last-minute Galápagos cruises might be approach cheaper. Captains usually drop costs to fill these last spots. However when you’re a hyper-organized, spreadsheet-loving, type-A traveler (hello, identical), this method would possibly make you get away in hives. Journey isn’t all the time completely deliberate!
Isla de la Plata
Can’t swing a Galápagos journey however nonetheless dying to test “Blue-Footed Boobies” off your bucket checklist? Say hiya to Isla de la Plata—aka the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Simply off the coast of Puerto López, this little island gives up a surprisingly related wildlife expertise (assume humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles) for a fraction of the associated fee. Simply keep in mind: nature runs on her personal schedule. Mating seasons, migrations, and hatchings all depend upon whenever you go—so plan accordingly if there’s one thing particular you wish to see!
Ring of Fireplace
Ecuador sits smack-dab within the Ring of Fireplace, which suggests earthquakes occur extra usually than you’d wish to assume. I even came upon there had been a pair this week whereas I used to be fact-checking. Whereas most tremors are minor, they’ll nonetheless make your coronary heart race. Should you’ve by no means skilled one, it’s mainly nature reminding you she’s the boss.
Road Artwork for Days
Ecuador’s avenue artwork scene? Chef’s kiss. From Cuenca to Quito, the murals and political items are each attractive and thought-provoking. I’m street-art obsessed, particularly whereas touring (you’ve most likely seen that from the pictures on right here). Considered one of nowadays, I’ll lastly publish a submit rounding up my favourite items from around the globe. Till then—scroll and swoon!
Protests
It’s no secret that the world is in protest proper now – it’s not simply South America. I stumbled throughout two protests on the identical day throughout my first journey to Ecuador.
The primary was the now-famous Chilean protest in opposition to femicide and rape ‘El Violador Eres Tu.’ On the time, I didn’t know what I used to be watching. Whereas I can order meals and make purchases, that’s in regards to the extent of my language capabilities in Spanish.
I noticed these ladies collect in Cuenca one morning as I wandered across the metropolis. I didn’t know what they had been saying, or why they had been blindfolded, or why it was solely ladies. Nonetheless, my eyes welled up with tears as I witnessed this solidarity and fervour. I needed to pull my sun shades right down to cowl my eyes (I’m delicate, what can I say?). I came upon later that day what the protest was about and had a superb cry. Should you haven’t heard of it, right here’s what it’s all about.
That very same evening, I used to be strolling again to my AirBnb after dinner when seemingly out of nowhere, a bunch fashioned round Parque Calderón. An activist at coronary heart, I caught round to see what it was all about (I by no means did discover out the exact cause for the protest – the signal within the background within the picture under mentioned one thing alongside the strains of ‘the ability is with the folks, NOT the federal government.’
Whereas the possibilities of operating right into a protest could also be excessive anyplace – not simply in Ecuador – pay attention to your environment and any doable exit methods. There was police presence, however no violence. Each of the protests I witnessed in Cuenca had been nothing however peaceable. Nonetheless, some protests might be extraordinarily harmful (such because the uprisings in October 2019) – be aware of your environment ALWAYS.
Unimaginable Structure
Quito’s historic heart is dripping with Spanish colonial vibes—these gorgeous previous buildings are positively value a glance. But when Quito manages to impress you, simply wait till you get your butt to Cuenca. Critically, Cuenca’s structure might give a few of Europe’s most stunning cities a run for his or her cash, and all with out the sky-high price ticket. I assumed Cuenca can be fairly, however it straight-up blew me away.
No Have to go to the Galapagos for Epic Nature
Ecuador’s pure magnificence is bonkers. I haven’t even scratched the floor, and I most likely by no means will as a result of there’s simply an excessive amount of to see. From lively volcanoes and sprawling nationwide parks to the wild Amazon, dreamy Pacific seashores, lush cloud forests, and sure, even judgmental alpacas in every single place you look—this place is a nature lover’s jackpot.
There you may have it — probably the most in depth, no-BS information I might put collectively for Ecuador. Bought questions or wish to add one thing? Hit me up!
