Ecuador Travel Guide

Ecuador is a country in the northwest of South America. It shares borders with Colombia and Peru. It is also washed by the Pacific Ocean. The breathtaking coastline has endowed the country with magnificent wildlife. The capital city is Quito. The majority of the population speaks Spanish. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism.

The currency here is US Dollar. All major credit cards are acceptable. Also, ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. Try to have cash in smaller denominations. And keep in mind, dirty or torn notes may not be accepted. 

Taxis are widely available, particularly in large cities and towns. Fares tend to be low, but you need to negotiate the price beforehand. Only in Quito taxis have meters. There is no need to tip the driver. Few people rent cars in Ecuador, because getting around by public transport is rather easy. However, if you want to hire a car, you can do it through one of the international or local companies. It is advisable to book in advance. Also, you need to be over 25 years old to hire a vehicle. Some companies decrease this limit to 21, bu the prices are much higher in this case. Cars drive on the right side of the road here. Roads are in a reasonable condition, although there are still a lot of potholes. 

In Ecuador, they use electric sockets and plugs of types A and B. The standard voltage is 120V. So, you don’t need to bring an adapter, if you are coming from the USA. 

Although it is a small country, Ecuador packs a punch. You will find Kichwa villages and picturesque colonial hubs a real delight. And you can also satisfy your thirst for adventure by exploring the thick Amazonian rainforests or the incredible heights of the Andes.

Tourist attractions include natural, cultural, historical sites and resort areas. The natural travel attractions include Galapagos Islands, Baños de Agua Sant, Yasuní National Park, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, the Machalilla National Park and the El Cajas National Park. Other popular places are also Lagartococha Lagoon, Loma de Tres Cruces, Taitachungo Lagoon, Avilahuayco, the Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Volcano and the Podocarpus National Park.

The major cities with cultural and historical heritage sites are San Francisco de Quito, The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (the City Middle of the World) and Cuenca. Other famous places are also the fortress of Ingapirca, the historic center of Loja and the city of Latacunga.

The Ecuadorian resort destinations are also famous among travelers. The major destinations are Salinas, Atacames, which is the largest natural beach in the country, Manta, Bahia de Caraquez, Esmeraldes, and Playas.

In Ecuador, you’ll find many cities and sites that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. That includes the Galapagos Islands and the city of Cuenca. The biodiversity here is breathtaking. The Galapagos Islands are home to over 1,600 bird species and 38 endemic bird species. It also houses more than 16,000 species of plants, 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 butterfly species.

August 1, 2016 12:00 am Published by Neha Rizal 2 Comments