ECUADOR TRAVEL GUIDE
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Why Ecuador?
Adventure awaits you, Ecuador is our specialty...
Ecuador has everything! Not in vain, it’s known as the country of 4 worlds because it has lands in the Amazon, Sierra, Coast, and Overseas. This amazing country offers natural beauty, a rich history, and kind people. All these combined with a perfect climate at least most of the year. For all this, the country that lies on the equator and divides the world in two is a whole universe to explore and we want to assist you in the conquest of awesome Ecuador!
Population: 17,483,326
Area: 256,370 km2
Major Cities: Guayaquil, Quito
Language: Español, Quechua, Shuar
Currency:United States dollarb (USD)
Governement:Unitary presidential republic
Electricity: 120v – 60hz
Timezone: UTC−5 / −6 (ECT / GALT)
Its cozy and little land makes it possible to get to any attractions very easily. In addition, its tourism infrastructure like hotels of the first level, restaurants of 5 stars, and spa centers, among others make Ecuador one of the perfect destinations in South America. Of course, boutique hotels, countryside restaurants, kind people, and the fantastic Galapagos island will be waiting for you!
“Discover Ecuador from its awesome Amazon, passing through its imposing Andes and tropical coast, to get up to the biodiversity of Galapagos islands”
MUST-SEE PLACES
The equatorial country preserves beautiful representative of its rich past. From pre-Colombian times, passing by the Incas, and the Spanish ages, to the colonial and republic times, each city is a suspicious guard of the architectural and cultural vestiges of each stage of Ecuadorian history. And you will be able to know them with our selected tours.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil
If you want to be surrounded by pure nature, in a city with amazing history and vibrant culture, Guayaquil is your place! The city, also known as The Pearl of the Pacific, has an awesome tourist infrastructure like hotel 5 stars, high-level restaurants, extensive and luxury commercial centers, and imposing architectural monuments, among others. In other words, everything you need to satisfy the most demanding visitor. Of course, the cultural heritage of Guayaquil is simply unmissable, with its historic places like the quaint Guayaquil Historic Park, or Las Peñas neighborhood. For all these reasons, Guayaquil is a must-see point on any tour of the Ecuadorian country.
Guayaquil
Cuenca
Cuenca
Cuenca is maybe the colonial city par excellent inside Ecuador. Charming white colonial churches, cobbled alleys, cozy streets, and enchanting squares. In this sense, walking through their streets is a walk in the past. In addition, the gastronomy offered is impressive and presents high-quality Ecuadorian cuisine of high-end. If you want to taste some Ecuadorian delicious dishes there, wait for service of high level, intensive flavors, and incredible dish presentations. The Cajas National Park is the jewel of Cuenca with its amazing Andean landscapes and lookouts like El Mirador de Tira (Tira lookout). Of course, you can practice hiking, trekking, and horsing back, among others.
Cuenca
Quito
Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and, after Cuenca, is the most colonial city in Ecuador. It is nestled in the middle of the mountain ranges and its Spanish colonial architecture is unique in all the country. This is combined with its rich cultural inheritance and amazing views of the Ecuadorian Andeans. But Quito has more to offer like its tasty gastronomy that represents the different zones of the country and the Ecuador Andean. Dishes like the Llapingachos, la Fritada de Chancho, and the Bolón de Verde are the best examples of the colors, flavors, and great biodiversity of the country. On the other hand, if you want to have an adventure, you can find a cable car over the city that allows you great views of Quito.
Quito
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi National Park
With more than 5,800 meters of altitude, the Cotopaxi volcano is currently active and is the perfect background for your photos in Quito or Cotopaxi National Park. Precisely, in the national park, you will find beautiful natural landscapes, moorlands, lagoons, and summits. Besides footpaths, camp zones, and even archaeological ruins to make hiking, trekking, mountain biking or simply enjoying pure nature. There are also mountain lodges in the lowest moors of the park for those adventure who want to do mountaineering. For all these reasons, the Cotopaxi National Park is a retreat site for those seeking peace and connecting with nature.
Cotopaxi
Galapagos
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos islands are a real paradise for sea life. The majority of species living there are endemic and unique. It means they are not seen anywhere else in the world! Awesome animals like Lava Lizards, Galapagos Tortoises, Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, and Darwin’s Finches among others. However, the Galapagos islands are not only nature but also adventure, too. Many sports like swimming, scuba, hiking, bird watching, climbing, and much more can be practiced on the islands, under the supervision of our team of tour guides. Of course, The rich marine life cannot be left behind with endemic sea lions, seals, and Humbolt penguins. In other words, the Galapagos is a paradise to be discovered!
Galapagos
Amazon Rainforest
Amazon Rainforest
The largest tropical forest in the world awaits you. Its incredible biodiversity makes the Ecuadorian Amazon a real paradise for the endemic fauna and flora, like giant otters, tapirs, jaguars, pink dolphins, and many other amazing animals. Furthermore, the native communities living there can show us their ancestral lifestyle and millennial traditions. As if this were not enough, we will be able to learn a little more about medicinal plants and their uses in the daily lives of the inhabitants of the native communities. For all these reasons, the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador is another essential point on any visit to Ecuador.
Amazon Rainforest
GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ECUADOR
With approximately 17 million inhabitants, Ecuador is located in the north occidental zone of South America and it is the ninth biggest country in South America with 283.561 square kilometers. It borders Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Of course, the most important data is its name, the country receives its name due to the Equatorial line that crosses it just in the middle of its territory.
Its population is divided into 71,9% of mestizo, 7,4% of native countrymen, 7,2% of afro Ecuadorians, 7% of indigenous and only 6% of white people. In this form, Ecuador is a pluricultural country with many colors, flavors, and activities to offer, besides traditional villages, old colonial towns, and occasional ruins scattered across the landscape. Quito is the Ecuadorian capital with more than 2,850 m.a.s.l. nestled in the middle of the Ecuadorian mountain range. There you will see beautiful colonial neighborhoods combined with charming nature and a rich history, not to mention the kindness of its people. For all these reasons Ecuador is a must-see country on your South American itinerary.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ECUADOR
- Lose yourself in the stunning natural beauty and marine life of the Galapagos Islands.
- Step back in time with a stroll through the charming European-style alleys and squares, marvel at the impressive white-domed churches, and experience the rich ancient traditions. Cuenca welcomes you with open arms
- Unwind in pure nature as you let the hot springs and waterfalls of the town of Baños transport you away from the stresses of the world and into a state of peace. Furthermore, partake in exciting adventures such as trekking, rappelling, and climbing that will ensure an active and energetic experience
- Additionally, embrace the culture and heritage of a country that embodies the four natural phenomena: jungle, mountains, coast, and overseas. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, guarantees to envelop visitors in its rich history and contemporary atmosphere
- Whilst Guayaquil stands as the Pacific’s gem, boasting exceptional tourism offerings and world-class port infrastructure. Explore Guayaquil’s exclusive shopping centers, indulge in 5-star dining, or opt for a luxurious stay in one of its high-end hotels. The possibilities are endless.
- Immerse yourself in nature and embark on a thrilling adventure with activities such as trekking, hiking, and climbing across the lush expanse of flora and fauna of the breathtaking Cajas and Cotopaxi National Parks.
EXPERIENCES
Culture
Ecuador is a pre-Columbian country with a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times with cultures such as the Cotocollao and Yumbo. Passing through the Inca occupation and the Spanish invasion, until reaching its beautiful colonial and republican stage. All of these stages imbued Ecuador with unique traditions and customs, colorful dances, and festivals that pay tribute to its history. As an example, we can mention The carnival festival between February and March shows the preparation for the following 40-day fasting period in a celebration of color and faith. In addition, it covers the Kichwa de Paucar festival that marks the end of the solar year, which makes it the best demonstration that Ecuadorian festivals are truly unique.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy in Ecuador is so varied as the cultures, local or international, who once settled in Ecuadorian lands. The colors, flavors, and forms of its dishes show the great biodiversity of the country of the 4 worlds (Amazon, Sierra, Coast, and Overseas) and its rich history and traditions. Bananas, Quinua, and corn among others will bring you new flavors in colored and delicious dishes. For example, the Llapingacho is a typical dish with diverse and delicious potatoes cooked in different forms and served with cheese. Or you can taste the Ecebollado which is a delicious and substantial fish soup that is accompanied by onion, lemon, and other typical Ecuadorian spices. As you can see, Ecuadorian cuisine and its delicious dishes will not disappoint you!
Nature
If we talk about nature in Ecuador, we have to refer to its beauty Amazon, and the awesome Galapagos islands. Precisely, the overseas islands are home to impressive endemic and uncommon sea life, unique in the world, like marine iguanas, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, and giant cacti among others. Furthermore, the strong volcanic and seismic activity, combined with the cross-section of three ocean currents, make these islands a natural laboratory for marine life mutations. That means, a paradise for biologists and nature lovers. Without mentioning its Amazon area, on the east side of the country, with panthers, dolphins, capybaras, pumas, tapirs, agoutis, monkeys, and more. Simply wonderful!
Adventure
The adventure in Ecuador has only one name and it is Baños (Bathrooms in English). The Town of Baños is located 194 km south of Quito and 333 km north of Cuenca. This is a charming town nestled at the entrance of the Amazon basin and besides beautiful natural landscapes and tropical weather, the town offers different amazing adventure activities like mountain swing, trekking, canyoning, rafting, and zip line among others. Of course, the town receives its name from the several natural hot springs distributed along the town. As if this were not enough, you can look for The Flight of the Condor, which will take you directly to the edge of the most famous bathing mountain. As you can see, the adventure has no end in Ecuador.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ECUADOR
Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Ecuador is between June and November, or in other words, during the dry season. Clear skies, fresh breezes, and sunlight will accompany fantastic experiences like kayak, diving, snorkeling and even hiking, through the Amazon rainforest or the Mountain range. The Galapagos Islands deserve special mention, whose surrounding and deep waters become more crystalline due to the warming climate of the area, therefore practicing diving and swimming in their waters is perfect. In addition, this season allows to visitors go hiking through the Ecuadoran Amazon, climb mountings in the Andes, or navigate through the famous Galapagos islands without annoying rains, or cloudy skies. Furthermore, the season coincides with the high tourist influx, which is why the days and nights in Ecuador become more cosmopolitan and vibrant.