ECUADOR TRAVEL GUIDE
Ecuador, bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean, is one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations. The Galapagos Islands, approximately 965km west of the mainland is also considered a part of Ecuador.
Ecuador’s climate and topography - including the rain forest, volcanoes and the Andes Mountains - attract thousands of visitors each year. Ecuador is also considered one of the most eco-diverse countries on the planet with over 1,600 bird species, 25,000 different plants and 6,000 different species of butterfly. It is definitely the place to go for the nature lover, especially the Galapagos Islands. However, Ecuador’s cities, such as Quito and Guayaquil, provide quite a bit of modern urban entertainment too. And some great beaches can be found along the country’s north-eastern coast.
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ECUADOR WEATHER - When to Go
There are two basic seasons in Ecuador, wet and dry. Temperature varies dramatically depending on the altitude. Quito and the mountains experience highs during December, January and February of 20-25 degrees Celsius and lows in the winter during June July and August of 8-10 degrees Celsius. The wet season runs from October through April. The coast is coolest and usually coated with a dense fog from June through November with temperatures from 8-10 degrees Celsius. Highs range from 25-31 degrees October through May. The rainy period runs from December through May.
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ECUADOR HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Quito: Arrival-point for many tourists is the capital city, Quito. The city is divided into three sections. Old City lies at the centre of Quito with a cornucopia of churches, convents and monasteries. Modern Quito in the north is known for its museums, restaurants and nightlife. The southern and northern districts are mostly working class neighbourhoods. Besides a plethora of old buildings and ancient structures, the city boasts numerous museums including the Museo del Banco Central, Museo de la Ciudad, Museo Mindalae and Museo Guayasamin. Also recommended is a ride on the Teleferico, the second-highest cable car in the world. The car travels to an altitude of 4,000 metres and offers a great view of the city and volcanoes in the distance.
- Guayaquil is the country’s largest city and home to its most significant port. The city is famous for its lively boardwalk known as the Malecon 2000, along which are shops, restaurants, gardens and even an IMAX movie theatre. For history and culture enthusiasts, the city offers a selection of museums including the Museo Nahim Isaias, Museo Municipal, MAAC and Presley Northon Museum. Guayaquil is also the city from which to start your trip to the Galapagos Islands.
- Galapagos Islands: Nature rarely comes as stunning as that found in the Ecuadorian archipelago known as the Galapagos. The islands actually sit on the equator and contain some of the most unusual animals and plants in the world. Visitors head to five out of 13 populated islands to experience the magical sights of penguins, sea lions and giants tortoises. Those prepared to don scuba gear and head into the ocean’s depths are promised even greater sights, while those trekking the Darwin Trail are treated to views of indigenous marine bird species including frigates and boobies. Bird watching is a very popular activity on land as well as the opportunity to visit the famous iguanas that populate the area. There are daily flights from the cities of Quito and Guayaquil that take about 3 hours.
- Banos and Volcanoes: In the region of Banos lies the Avenue of Volcanoes, located in a valley south of Quito. This is a great place to visit very remote Indian villages that have been untouched for centuries. However, the highlight of this area is the smoking volcano Tungurahua. Banos is also a jumping off point for some popular outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking and rafting. ATVs and motorcycles are available for rent to tour the surrounding countryside. There are also daily hiking trips to Cotopaxi Mountain. This once active volcano is part of the Andean mountain range and its cone shaped top, 800 meters wide, is the remnant of a fiery eruption. The view from the top of Cotopaxi is spectacular as the climber is surrounded by a snow covered mountainous landscape. Only those in peak physical condition should attempt this climb, as it is quite strenuous.
- Riobamba and The Devil’s Nose Train: Take a trip on the Devil’s Nose train as it winds its way along narrow mountain passes. This ride is world famous and train lovers from around the world travel here to take this trek through the snow-covered mountains. The train passes by several small native villages as well as the beautiful mountain lakes. The trains also travel to the Ingapirca archaeological site. The train leaves from the city of Riobamba several days a week. Not only is Riobamba the start of the Devil’s Nose Train ride but it is also an excellent jumping off point for many exciting sporting adventures. Guides are available to take visitors on hiking treks throughout the countryside. Mountain biking is another popular sport in Riobamba and mountain bike tours fill up fast. For a less active day in Riobamba visit the shops around town and stop in at the Saturday market where local artisans show off their handicrafts.
- Paraque Nacional Sangay: This World Heritage Site Park possesses incredible diversity. With two active volcanoes, mountains covered in snow, a tropical rainforest and a few glaciers it feels like just about every variety of ecosystem is represented.
- The Amazon: While only a small portion of the Amazon Rain Forest is in Ecuador it is still a very popular place to visit. Plan on travelling with a guide or hire a guide through one of the many jungle lodges. The guides will show visitors the best areas to spot wildlife such as monkeys, caimans and an abundance of birds. Activities include canoe tours, hiking and piranha fishing! Visitors do have the option to visit native villages deep within the Amazon. Usually however, these trips are quite expensive and can only be made by small planes.
- Cuenca: The old town-centre here gives the visitor an idea of life in Ecuador during colonial times. With cobble stone streets and numerous art galleries, museums and churches this is a city sure to please all travellers. The primary tourist attraction in this town is Catedral Nueva, a lovely cathedral in the centre of town with incredible stained glass windows and blue domes and El Sagrario an old cathedral whose construction began in 1557.
- Otavalo Markets: Just a few hours from Quito is the lovely little town of Otavalo, possessing some of the most incredible shopping anywhere in the country. The local artisans have been selling their handicrafts here for centuries. Carpets, jewellery, reed pipes, woodcarvings and puppets are just a few of the local delights for sale. Market day is on Saturday and has become quite a party amongst the locals so be prepared to socialize as well as shop.
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ECUADOR HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Dining in Ecuador is as diverse as its ecosystems and the food available usually depends on the region of the country.
- Soup is considered the specialty of Ecuador and making a pot becomes quite a social event. Watch out for aji, a spicy sauce that comes with most meals. It can be very hot.
- In the mountains a popular dish to be found in restaurants and from street vendors is Hornado, roasted pig and potatoes. In the southern mountains, repe, a soup made with green bananas and cecina or roasted pork is quite popular. Another popular meat that makes up a lot of dishes is cuy or guinea pig.
- The lower regions take great pride in their fresh fruit such as passionfruit, naramjilla, granadilla and several different types of bananas. Along the coast seafood is a favourite, especially shrimp, lobster and prawns. Ceviche or marinated seafood is a very popular means of serving fresh fish. A favourite dessert is patacones, fried green plantains with cheese.
- In the rainforest cassava or yuca is a main staple as well as bananas, tree grapes and peach palms. Yuca is also made into a bread and a frozen yogurt popular in Quito.
- There are numerous restaurants that cater to European tastes for those who do not like the local fare. Keep in mind that most of these eateries are only found in the major cities.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Ecuadorians love a good party and there are plenty of bars and nightclubs in most cities to enjoy a night of drinking and dancing often until the wee hours of the morning. Try to visit one of the Penas. These are local establishments where Latin and folk music are played throughout the night by live musicians. The general public is welcomed to try their hand at singing too. While out and about try a glass of Aguardienta. This sugar cane drink is the most popular brew for the locals.
- Accommodation: Accommodation options vary depending on the region of Ecuador. In the Amazon basin also known as El Oriente there are many thatched huts make especially for bird watching. There are also more modern lodges as well as cabins to be found deep in the rain forest. The focus here is on Eco-friendliness with modern amenities. Cities such as Banos and Cuenca offer both budget hotels and finer luxury establishments with first rate rooms and spas. Quito has just about any accommodation desired from 5 star hotels to youth hostels. The Galapagos have four islands that contain hotels from the ultra luxurious to the more budget oriented.
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ECUADOR FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
International airports situated at both Quito and Guayaquil provide the primary gateways to Ecuador for international visitors. There are no direct flights from the UK, so you will probably find that your flight route involves a stop-off in the USA in order to reach Ecuador.
For flight options from the UK to Ecuador, try Expedia.co.uk, Netflights or ebookers.
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