Located in the northwestern South America, and known as The land of fire and ice, Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world and has the most biodiversity per square kilometre of any nation, with amazing landscapes and features to explore. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, mouth watering food and amazing architecture.
Why Visit Ecuador
BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPES
Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world and has the most biodiversity per square kilometre of any nation, featuring an astounding array of wonders that include many volcanoes, the Amazon rainforest, beautiful beaches and mountains in The Andes.
VOLCANOES
We mentioned volcanoes above, but we think they deserve their own section. Ecuador is home to over 27 potentially active volcanoes, highlighting the Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano and the Chimborazo Volcano, the point on Earth closest to the sun. The Cotopaxi National Park is one the most important tourist attraction in Ecuador, after the Galapagos Islands.
GASTRONOMY
Ecuador’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. Every region (Coast, highlands, Amazon and Galapagos) enjoys different traditional dishes, each of them equally delicious. Soups are a specialty in the highlands, ceviche and heavily seafood-based foods are typical dishes on the coast, and stewed Guanta and Chontacurro are specialties on the Amazon, and wouldn’t be found anywhere else in the country.
CULTURE
Ecuador enjoys a diversity of cultures as well, a mix between indigenous practices along with European colonial influence. Unique customs and traditions are the result of this mix, and regionalism is a important part of ecuadorians. Each region will have different traditions and gastronomy to enjoy.
ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY
Ecuador enjoys a tumultuous and rich history. Many indigenous cultures lived in what is today Ecuador more than 12,000 years ago. Further on the Incas took over the region and the tribes, and remained there until the 1500s, when the spanish arrived. The first Spaniards landed in northern Ecuador in 1526, and defeated the Incas in 1534. Ecuador’s architecture has seen several influences, as each period has left its remains, and, examples of these cultures can still be found in the country. Several Incan ruins survived and are open for tourist and locals to explore, and spanish colonial architecture can be found in almost every city and town in Ecuador.
Located in the northwestern South America, and known as The land of fire and ice, Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world and has the most biodiversity per square kilometre of any nation, with amazing landscapes and features to explore. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, mouth watering food and amazing architecture.
Why Visit Ecuador
BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPES
Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world and has the most biodiversity per square kilometre of any nation, featuring an astounding array of wonders that include many volcanoes, the Amazon rainforest, beautiful beaches and mountains in The Andes.
VOLCANOES
We mentioned volcanoes above, but we think they deserve their own section. Ecuador is home to over 27 potentially active volcanoes, highlighting the Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano and the Chimborazo Volcano, the point on Earth closest to the sun. The Cotopaxi National Park is one the most important tourist attraction in Ecuador, after the Galapagos Islands.
GASTRONOMY
Ecuador’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. Every region (Coast, highlands, Amazon and Galapagos) enjoys different traditional dishes, each of them equally delicious. Soups are a specialty in the highlands, ceviche and heavily seafood-based foods are typical dishes on the coast, and stewed Guanta and Chontacurro are specialties on the Amazon, and wouldn’t be found anywhere else in the country.
CULTURE
Ecuador enjoys a diversity of cultures as well, a mix between indigenous practices along with European colonial influence. Unique customs and traditions are the result of this mix, and regionalism is a important part of ecuadorians. Each region will have different traditions and gastronomy to enjoy.
ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY
Ecuador enjoys a tumultuous and rich history. Many indigenous cultures lived in what is today Ecuador more than 12,000 years ago. Further on the Incas took over the region and the tribes, and remained there until the 1500s, when the spanish arrived. The first Spaniards landed in northern Ecuador in 1526, and defeated the Incas in 1534. Ecuador’s architecture has seen several influences, as each period has left its remains, and, examples of these cultures can still be found in the country. Several Incan ruins survived and are open for tourist and locals to explore, and spanish colonial architecture can be found in almost every city and town in Ecuador.
- Name: Republic of Ecuador
- Capital: Quito
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: United States dollar
- Time Zone: UTC−5 / -6
- Name: Republic of Ecuador
- Capital: Quito
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: United States dollar
- Time Zone: UTC−5 / -6
Bucket List
Visit the “Mitad del Mundo“, the Equator line
Hike the Cotopaxi Volcano
Shop at Otavalo Market
Learn to surf in Montañita
What to expect
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language in Ecuador, but Quechua, an Inca language, and 10 other native languages are spoken by the Indian population. English is the most spoken foreign language, especially in big cities and tourist attractions or by younger generations. Still, it will come in handy to learn some basic phrases in Spanish as not everyone will speak english.
ELECTRICITY
In Ecuador the standard voltage is 110 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the US, Canada and most South American countries.
CURRENCY
Ecuador uses the USD as its official currency. The currency changed in 2000 after the financial crisis. Foreign currencies are not accepted, but they can be exchange at any bank or withdraw directly from the ATM. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Ecuador.
CLIMATE
Ecuador’s climate is as diverse as its landscape. Pretty much every region has a different weather. The temperature is usually colder in the higher altitudes, and warmer along the coast and in Galapagos. Ecuador has two seasons: a wet season and a dry one. It is recommended to research in deep about the region you will be visiting.
SAFETY
Ecuador is relatively safe to visit. Unfortunately, tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops and public transportation are places where petty crime tend to occur oftenly. Violent crime varies from area to area, but you would rarely experience it in your visit. It is recommended to exercise caution at all times, just like you would do anywhere else.
How to get around
By plane
Traveling inside Ecuador is the fastest option, and it would also allow you to enjoy the scenery from the top. Domestic flights, with the exception of the flight to Galapagos Island, are relatively cheap. Domestic carriers include Avianca, LATAM and Tame, and some other local charter companies.
By Car
Renting a car in Ecuador might not be the safest option due to car burglary (even less if you don’t speak spanish), but it is a good option if you are planning to go on a road trip or want to reach remote locations, where 4WD is recommended. For short journeys, taking a taxi is recommended. Major rental companies like Budget and Hertz can be found in Ecuador, as well as smaller local agencies, that tend to be cheaper.
By Bus
Ecuador offers and extensive bus network, offering excellent fares. Standards very based on price and routes, as you can find from luxury buses for long distance routes to overcrowded minibuses to visit a nearby town. Most cities will have their own bus station, however some private companies will have a separate terminal for themselves. With the exception of intercity luxury buses, stops will be made for travelers wanting to board anywhere along the route.
By Train
Ecuador’s rail network is limited, but beautiful. The primary route is a 282-mile stretch through the Andean Mountains from Quito to Guayaquil, a journey that will impress your sight, as volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and picturesque villages can be spot throughout the trip. The most famous part of the trip is the Devil’s Nose.
Visa Policy & Passports
Citizens of the following 25 countries will require a visa to enter Ecuador: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria and Venezuela.
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