All you need is Ecuador
Over 18 million people reside in Ecuador, with the majority following the Roman Catholic religion. It is classed as an upper to middle income country.
Currency: American Dollar
Language: Spanish
Visa: Constantly changing, check when planning your trip.
Power: 120 volts AC. Plug types A & B
Safety: Ecuador is generally a very safe country at least in the tourist areas. Unrest can occur so keep an eye on the current situation. Usually any pockets of unrest can be avoided.
Flights around the country are reasonably cheap. Roads are in very bad state but it is also possible to hire a car and drive as we did. Buses travel between main areas and are cheap. As of 2022 all trains have ceased running.
The main festivals are
January – La Diablada de Pillaro
February/March – Carnival
April – Semana Santa
June/July – Inti Raymi
September – Yamor Festival
September & November – Mama Negra
December – The burning of El Ano Viejo
There are 4 distinct climate zones in Ecuador, but only 2 seasons. Summer is from June to September and winter from October to May. The coast and the Galapagos have a humid subtropical climate with the rainy season from December to May. In the Andes it is cool and at night often quite chilly at high altitudes. The Amazon is a typical humid rainforest climate.
Packing:
Layers are best with waterproof poncho or similar for the regular rains. If going into the higher altitude, hats, gloves and thermal underwear is advised.
Accommodation:-
Dorm beds – 10 USD
Basic Double Beds with air cond – 25 USD
Mid range Double – 60 USD
Luxury – 100 USD and upwards
Food:-
Stalls – from 2 USD
Local restaurants from 7 USD
Resort or similar from 20 USD
Transport:-
Car hire – from 60 USD per day
Taxis – meter run
Uber is a more economical way of getting around in the city.
A brief visit to Brazilian Falls, Rivers and Wildlife A new (but short) adventure – more organised than our normal as we have organised this
On shore and underwater The best way to see the Galapagos is by boat – luckily we have the freedom to book late –
Rainforest, Snow and Volcanoes Landing in Quito there was great views of a snow covered volcano. Going firstly to pick up our hire car
On shore and underwater The best way to see the Galapagos is by boat – luckily we have the freedom to book late –
Rainforest, Snow and Volcanoes Landing in Quito there was great views of a snow covered volcano. Going firstly to pick up our hire car
Like to read more about other countries we have visited, Click here.
On a 9 month stint around Caribbean, Central and South America plus a couple of other places