About Ecuador
Planning a Trip to Ecuador
As Ecuador is situated close to the Equator, it is more characterized by a hotter and wetter winter season and a drier and slightly cooler summer season. If you want to avoid crowds, then stay away during December and the July to August periods.
Last edited Mar 3, 10 6:28 PM. Contributors:
A passport that is valid for at least six months is required. Generally, a visa is not required for stays less than 90 days.
Last edited Mar 3, 10 6:29 PM. Contributors:
Ecuador
New Year's roadblocks
If you plan to drive in Ecuador in the period starting with Christmas and ending with the New Year make sure you carry a BAG of change with you. It is a custom for masked locals to stop cars (by setting a barrier on the road) and ask for gifts.
On smaller roads, such as the famous Quilotoa loop, road blocks happen, at times, every 200 meters or so. Some are sophisticated such as tree trunk barriers, some are "administered" by local children who have dragged jumping ropes across the road.
If you plan to drive in Ecuador in the period starting with Christmas and ending with the New Year make sure you carry a BAG of change with you. It is a custom for masked locals to stop cars (by setting a barrier on the road) and ask for gifts.
On smaller roads, such as the famous Quilotoa loop, road blocks happen, at times, every 200 meters or so. Some are sophisticated such as tree trunk barriers, some are "administered" by local children who have dragged jumping ropes across the road.
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Quito, Northern Highlands, Ecuador
The people of Quito are extremely friendly and accommodating. There are PLENTY of adventure trips leaving for the mountains every hour of the day. Horse back, biking, kayaking, you-name-it! Internet bars are plentiful as are hostels for backpackers.
Ecuadorians use the USD, so conversion is unnecessary. However, Ecuadorians will NOT do business with you if they don't like you.
There's a wonderful art fair in the park every Saturday. Totally worth a stroll.
Unfortunately, the cuisine is less than appetizing for my taste.
It's very beany, ricey, potatoey. The national dish is cui (whole deep fried guinea pig). I'd recommend the Magic Bean for the biggest pancakes you've EVER seen.
Ecuadorians use the USD, so conversion is unnecessary. However, Ecuadorians will NOT do business with you if they don't like you.
There's a wonderful art fair in the park every Saturday. Totally worth a stroll.
Unfortunately, the cuisine is less than appetizing for my taste.
It's very beany, ricey, potatoey. The national dish is cui (whole deep fried guinea pig). I'd recommend the Magic Bean for the biggest pancakes you've EVER seen.
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Banos, Southern Highlands, Ecuador
Stay at Hostal Chimenea! Its a good price (US$7) for clean rooms, hot water, free internet. Although its not smack bang in the centre, nothing in Baños is too far away! There´s also a baños de cajón there!
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you can choice between boat and hotel for your accommodation go for the boat!!!Bring or buy the most highest grad of sun (UV)protection sun protection and avoid to spend time between 11.00-14.00 outside under direct sunshine.
If you need T-Shirts etc for souvenirs visit the supermarket at the main square close to the post office, or if you are going to Quito on your way back home better wait until you see the Indian-Market in Quito ;)
If you need T-Shirts etc for souvenirs visit the supermarket at the main square close to the post office, or if you are going to Quito on your way back home better wait until you see the Indian-Market in Quito ;)
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Otavalo, Northern Highlands, Ecuador
Best and cheapest shopping in the world. Just watch your wallet.
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Quito, Northern Highlands, Ecuador
To take pictures of the "Virgin" Panacillo from the front you may stop halfway on the street upwards.
At the statue the park is behind her so you'll see her back or climb down again!
At the statue the park is behind her so you'll see her back or climb down again!
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Riobamba, Central Highlands, Ecuador
Train to "Nariz del Diablo"
There is a train every Wednesday/Friday/Sunday at 7 am. Tickets available one day in advance from 2.30 pm at the station, costs for one way 11$ per person (2007).
Tickets are numbred - only the cabin's number but not seats! - so you should be waiting early in the morning to get a good seat with windows (there are some without!). Prefer seats on the rightside - there is the view!
The trip starts in Riobamba and after Alausi there comes the most exhilarating part of the journey, said to be one of the most spectacular in the world. The train zigzags up and down 45-degree gradient called "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil’s Nose).
Prepare for derailings and delays!
There is a train every Wednesday/Friday/Sunday at 7 am. Tickets available one day in advance from 2.30 pm at the station, costs for one way 11$ per person (2007).
Tickets are numbred - only the cabin's number but not seats! - so you should be waiting early in the morning to get a good seat with windows (there are some without!). Prefer seats on the rightside - there is the view!
The trip starts in Riobamba and after Alausi there comes the most exhilarating part of the journey, said to be one of the most spectacular in the world. The train zigzags up and down 45-degree gradient called "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil’s Nose).
Prepare for derailings and delays!
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
After landing in Baltra (Airport) you can take the free shuttle to the canal - takes about 5 min.
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Angelique is highly recommended for 4 or 8 day cruises. Lovely refurbished wooden sailing boat with great food and comfy ensuite cabins.
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