Ecuador Travel Guide

As with everywhere you should take precautions about not walking around at night and avoid certain areas of the city of Quito – your guide will advise you of these upon your arrival. Avoid travel at night as this is a time petty crime can occur. Make sure you only take registered taxis booked by hotels.

Distances are relatively small within Ecuador and you can expect fascinating culture, great wildlife and incredible scenery.

Ecuadorian food is based around meat or fish, plantain and rice and is generally cheap, tasty and plentiful. With many of exotic fruits to hand in this tropical country expect to eat maracuya (passion fruit), naranjilla and guanabana which are served as juices and ice cream.

Different all over and very British in its temperamental nature. There are three vertical bands in Ecuador; from west to east- Pacific, Andes, Amazon with varying weather patterns. The driest time to visit the Pacific and Andes regions is from June to October. In the rainforest, surprisingly, you should always be prepared for rain – it’s what makes it so magical.

Ecuador is at its best June to November. Travel is possible outside of this time but be prepared for rain. Galapagos is a year round destination with seasonal variations.

Quito is at a height of 2,800 metres, so spending your first day there taking it relatively easy is recommended. Staying hydrated and maintaining a lazy pace will help you no end. Also, don’t eat too
much in the evenings, because your slowed rate of digestion will keep you awake. Go careful with alcohol too, you will find it affects you quicker up there.

Ecuador hosts many festivals which generally have a political or religious derivation involving dancing and very authentic markets to visit for all to visit, with Easter celebration being particularly important.