Elevation
The at the start factor to know earlier than you go to Ecuador is that the elevation might have an effect on your arrival or different journey plans. If arriving by aircraft, chances are high you’ll fly into Quito Mariscal Sucre Worldwide Airport (UIO). Quito is the best official capital metropolis on the planet. Whereas La Paz, Bolivia is increased, 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 dwelling, although – the canine will sniff them out!). Wait till you’ve acclimatized earlier than making an attempt 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 completely different microclimates, be certain you deliver layers!
What you pack and when to go fully depends upon the realm you’re visiting. Know earlier than you go – Ecuador is a comparatively small nation, so checking off completely different areas in a single journey is doable in the event you’ve acquired 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 change fee 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 make sure you spend them earlier than you fly dwelling (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 widespread, there have been circumstances of counterfeit payments making their approach into circulation via machines. I didn’t have any points myself, nevertheless it’s a identified threat—so higher secure than caught with Monopoly cash.
Making Change Is an Artwork Kind
Large payments are principally ineffective. Even a $20 may get you some critical side-eye, particularly from taxi drivers and small distributors. At all times 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. Precise change is the unofficial nationwide foreign money right here.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Ecuador is insanely low-cost. We’re speaking 25 cents for a metropolis bus experience low-cost. Even Ubers and taxis hardly ever price greater than $3—so until you’re actually pinching pennies, you may simply experience in fashion in all places like I did.
Inter-Metropolis Bus Journey
Have to get from one city to the following? Buses are your finest good friend. Simply funds about $1 per hour of journey (sure, actually). A 3-hour journey will set you again a grand whole of $3. The primary stations in Quito, like La Ofelia, are a bit exterior the town heart—anticipate to pay round $25 for an Uber in the event you’re ranging from the historic district.
Uber > Taxi
Whereas each are low-cost, Uber wins for one large motive: 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 employees. Whereas locals are used to it, your abdomen most likely isn’t. Carry 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 be certain than to gamble along with your intestine.
Vaccines
Totally different elements of Ecuador require completely different vaccines. Don’t wait till the final minute—some pictures (like yellow fever) aren’t out there in all places and may take time to schedule. Be a accountable traveler and examine the CDC’s suggestions forward of time. Significantly—nobody desires to share a jungle bungalow with Typhoid Man.
Haggling
Really feel bizarre haggling? Identical. However in Ecuador, negotiating is a part of the tradition—and oddly sufficient, not doing it may really make distributors belief you much less. Skip the cringe, and also you’ll seemingly pay the “foreigner tax.” Take a deep breath, channel your inside discount hunter, and provides it a go.
Pickpockets
Security First (and At all times)
Let’s be actual—security is without doubt one of the high considerations for anybody heading to Ecuador, and some key precautions could make an enormous distinction. Everybody’s expertise varies, however staying alert and trusting your instincts will go a great distance.
Should you’re snapping images, 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 luggage from behind with out you even noticing.
And as a lot as that “pleasant stranger” might sound useful, unsolicited help is a pink flag. One distracts, the opposite snatches—it’s a basic rip-off. This consists of so-called bus employees providing to retailer your luggage. 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 climbing round El Parque Nacional Cajas and nonetheless ended up cooked to a crisp. On the experience 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 gentle, breathable clothes. SPF alone gained’t prevent.
The “Actual” Center of the World
Certain, Ecuador is known as after the equator, however in the event you assume Mitad del Mundo is the actual equator, assume once more. That well-known monument? Cute for pics, however not really 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 steadiness 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 might even be charged just a few cents to make use of the amenities, and further if you’d like TP. The sensible transfer? Maintain tissues or a small pack of wipes in your bag and keep away from the awkward drip-dry dance.
Huge Empanadas
Meals lovers, hear up: Ecuador takes snack parts to a entire new degree. I ordered two $1 empanadas in Quito, assuming they’d be snack-sized. Spoiler alert: they have been the scale of my face. Scrumptious? Completely. Mandatory? 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 may 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 high cacao producers on the 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 may deal with, and mind-blowing flavors like chili and keenness fruit.
Language Obstacles
Don’t assume you may skate by on English—it’s impolite and impractical. Most locals, particularly older generations, don’t communicate it. Study just a few primary Spanish phrases; it’ll go a great distance and earn you critical respect. Strive 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 acquired 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 attempt it!
Cuy: A Delicacy… or Your Childhood Pet
Cuy (sure, guinea pig) is a standard Andean dish, sometimes roasted entire and served with its tiny little face intact. I didn’t see it throughout my journey, however perhaps I simply wasn’t wanting exhausting sufficient—most likely on goal. Phrase on the road is it’s gamey, a little bit 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 packing containers for contemporary, native, and sometimes natural—however in the event 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 cook 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 may nonetheless slather your meals within the wonderful hearth of their home mix.
Almuerzos & Desayunos: The Actual MVPs
Should you’re ballin’ on a funds, 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, a little bit salad, some meat, soup, juice, and dessert. In Cuenca, I lived for my mornings at Café Fractal close to Parque Calderón—huge breakfasts, contemporary 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 aspect dish—it’s a lifestyle. You’ll discover it in every little thing. Tostado along with your ceviche? Verify. Corn masa for breakfast? Yep. Entire kernels in soup? After all. Simply settle for that in the event you’re consuming in Ecuador, you’re additionally consuming corn—most likely in 5 types on the identical plate.
Expats Are In all places
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 residing, straightforward tempo, or dreamy mountain views, it’s not exhausting to see why so many people determine to remain approach previous trip.
It’s not simply the empanadas and epic landscapes—Ecuador is a legit hotspot for expats because of its low price of residing, surprisingly good healthcare, and general prime quality of life. Locals are heat, welcoming, and sometimes keen to assist (particularly in the event you try some Spanish). The one recurring gripe I heard from expats? Spotty web, notably 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 downside. Both approach, it’s a small trade-off for residing in paradise on a funds.
Medical Tourism in Ecuador? Oh Sure.
One of the crucial shocking (and albeit, mind-blowing) issues I realized in Ecuador was simply how reasonably priced and high-quality the healthcare system is. As an American—aka somebody used to hemorrhaging cash for even primary 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, fashionable 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 large protests of October 2019—an 11-day nationwide upheaval that made worldwide headlines. What sparked it? A gasoline worth hike tied to an IMF austerity bundle. What ended it? The sheer collective drive of Ecuador’s Indigenous communities.
My information (and now good friend) Marc defined how one member from almost 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 completely after sitting down with Indigenous leaders. Ethical of the story: Indigenous Ecuadorians maintain critical political and social energy—and so they’re not afraid to make use of it.
Panama Hats? Made in Ecuador, Truly.
Regardless of the title, 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 throughout the Nineteenth-century canal development growth. Then got here Teddy Roosevelt, rocking one throughout his go to to the canal—and growth, the title caught. However make no mistake: in the event you’re selecting 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 canine in nearly each metropolis in Ecuador. Plenty of them. Whereas most locals go away them be and so they’re usually surprisingly well-behaved, it’s nonetheless robust to witness. Simply know: it’s part of life right here. (And no, sadly, you may’t rescue all of them.)
Proof of Onward Journey (Don’t Get Caught on the Airport)
Heads up in the event you’re arriving in Ecuador on a one-way ticket: you’ll seemingly be requested for proof of onward journey. That is often enforced by airways at check-in—not customs—so that they gained’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 non permanent/faux 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 point out.
Tipping in Ecuador
Eating out? Your invoice will often 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 Dust Low-cost Roses
File this below “pleasant surprises”—Ecuador is the world’s third-largest exporter of reduce flowers, and it reveals. You may rating two dozen long-stemmed roses for below $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 contemporary blooms in each colour conceivable. Deal with your self.
Shrunken Heads
Feeling a little bit morbid? Head over to Museo Pumapungo in Cuenca, the place you may 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 Elective
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 critically. So in the event you’re planning to turn into 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 in the event you’re from the Americas, you’re most likely good. Seize an adapter in the event 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 may be approach cheaper. Captains usually drop costs to fill these ultimate spots. However in the event you’re a hyper-organized, spreadsheet-loving, type-A traveler (hello, similar), this strategy may make you escape in hives. Journey isn’t at all times completely deliberate!
Isla de la Plata
Can’t swing a Galápagos journey however nonetheless dying to examine “Blue-Footed Boobies” off your bucket checklist? Say good day to Isla de la Plata—aka the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Simply off the coast of Puerto López, this little island affords up a surprisingly comparable wildlife expertise (assume humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles) for a fraction of the associated fee. Simply bear in mind: nature runs on her personal schedule. Mating seasons, migrations, and hatchings all rely on once 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 will nonetheless make your coronary heart race. Should you’ve by no means skilled one, it’s principally 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 beautiful and thought-provoking. I’m street-art obsessed, particularly whereas touring (you’ve most likely seen that from the images on right here). One in every of as of late, I’ll lastly publish a publish rounding up my favourite items from world wide. 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 girls collect in Cuenca one morning as I wandered across the metropolis. I didn’t know what they have been saying, or why they have been blindfolded, or why it was solely girls. Nonetheless, my eyes welled up with tears as I witnessed this solidarity and keenness. 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 very good cry. Should you haven’t heard of it, right here’s what it’s all about.
That very same night time, 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 motive for the protest – the signal within the background within the picture beneath mentioned one thing alongside the strains of ‘the facility is with the folks, NOT the federal government.’
Whereas the probabilities of operating right into a protest could also be excessive wherever – not simply in Ecuador – concentrate on your environment and any doable exit methods. There was police presence, however no violence. Each of the protests I witnessed in Cuenca have been nothing however peaceable. Nonetheless, some protests may be extraordinarily harmful (such because the uprisings in October 2019) – be conscious of your environment ALWAYS.
Unimaginable Structure
Quito’s historic heart is dripping with Spanish colonial vibes—these beautiful previous buildings are undoubtedly value a glance. But when Quito manages to impress you, simply wait till you get your butt to Cuenca. Significantly, Cuenca’s structure may 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, nevertheless 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 energetic volcanoes and sprawling nationwide parks to the wild Amazon, dreamy Pacific seashores, lush cloud forests, and sure, even judgmental alpacas in all places you look—this place is a nature lover’s jackpot.
There you have got it — probably the most in depth, no-BS information I may put collectively for Ecuador. Bought questions or wish to add one thing? Hit me up!