ABOUT ECUADOR

 

The principal cities are Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca; its capital city is Quito, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the 1970s for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America. The country’s largest city is Guayaquil. The historic center of Cuenca, the third largest city of this country, was also declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, for being an outstanding example of a planned inland Spanish style colonial city in the Americas.

CURRENCY

The Ecuadorian currency is the American dollar. At tourist sites, purchases can be made with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club.

WEATHER  & CLOTHING

Ecuador’s climate can greatly effect what you should pack when visiting. Ecuador is known for having one of the most diverse climates, you should mainly pack layers and warm clothes and also clothes for warmer weathers. The weather in the Amazon Basin is very humid and warm. You will likely be fine bringing no more than one or two sweaters, as sometimes it can get a little chilly at night. The Coast is summer all year round; we only have rainy and dry season, but even in rainy weather is when the beaches have clear and sunny skies. The climate of the Galápagos Islands is mostly pleasant. On this note you don’t have to warm-up as much as you do in the Andes, but a windbreaker and a light sweater are a good idea.

CULINARY SPECIALTIES

The following list of culinary specialties is in no way complete, because our gastronomy is wide and varied, but some special dishes are potato soup with cheese, potato soup with sprinklings of fried cow blood, pig feet soup, beef soup with peanut sauce, green banana ball soup, ceviche and many others.

PACKING LIST

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HIGHLANDS

Ecuador’s climate can greatly effect what you should pack when visiting. Ecuador is known for having one of the most diverse climates, you should mainly pack layers and warm clothes and also clothes for warmer weathers.

Packing list:

• Light wool
• Warm jacket (it is usually necessary in the highlands after the sunset)
• Rain Jacket
• Swim suit
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Good hiking boots (if you are planning on doing any heavy trekking).
• Fast drying clothes (synthetics and wool are good, but avoid cotton, especially directly against the skin).
• Passport
• Sunscreen is a must.
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Shirts
• Socks
• Sneakers
• Sweaters
• Camera
• Water proof binoculars
• Long sleeves
• 1 Pair of Convertible Pants
• Canteen or plastic water bottle
• 1 Pair of Sandals
• Any other thing you consider important to take with you.

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AMAZON RAINFOREST

The Amazonia in Ecuador is one of the most diverse ecosystems of Earth. For animal and nature lovers the Amazon is just a paradise. In fact, most foreign travelers only go to the Amazon to live a real bird watching experience. However, because of its peculiarities, the jungle, as well as any wilderness environment, should not be entered without planning and preparation.

The weather in the Amazon Basin is very humid and warm. You will likely be fine bringing no more than one or two sweaters, as sometimes it can get a little chilly at night. Try to stick to relatively fast-drying material as far as pants and shirts go, it can get really humid there, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see rain, especially from March until September. Lots of cotton socks are a good rule of thumb to go by. Maybe even bring all the cotton socks you own, they get wet fast.

Temperature Range: 23º to 26º C (72º to 80º F)

Packing list:

• Passport
• Sunscreen is a must.
• Insect repellent
• Take loose light colors clothing with you.
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Shirts
• Sweaters (1or 2)
• Rain ponchos
• Camera
• Water proof binoculars
• Clip bags to pack the devices (Humidity of the Amazon is the worst enemy of electronic items so be sure to carry with you)
• Long sleeves
• Long pants
• Swim suit
• Rubber boots ( some lodges provide these)
• A flashlight
• Binoculares
• Personal first aid kit
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Cash for paying for bar services, tips or for buying some souvenirs
• A small bag for daily excursions.
• Canteen or plastic water bottle
• Any other thing you consider important to take with you.

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THE COAST

The Coast is summer all year round; we only have rainy and dry season, but even in rainy weather is when the beaches have clear and sunny skies. Sounds contradictory? Come and see for yourself.

Temperature Range: 24º-32ºC (80º-96ºF)

Packing list:

• Sunscreen is a must.
• Insect repellent
• T-shirt
• Sandals
• Long sleeved shirt
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Shirts
• Camera
• Water proof binoculars
• Swim suit
• Personal first aid kit
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• A small bag for daily excursions.
• Canteen or plastic water bottle
• Any other thing you consider important to take with you.

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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The climate of the Galápagos Islands is mostly pleasant. On this note you don’t have to warm-up as much as you do in the Andes, but a windbreaker and a light sweater are a good idea. If you are going to the islands don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, you will find quite enjoyable swimming in these islands. You’ll also want to have as much (maybe more) sun protector as you need, sunrays may get pretty strong, like anywhere along the equator. If you’re going on a cruise ship, most of them have sufficient electricity to run an electric appliances, like a shaver or a hairdryer. The terrain isn’t very rough so tennis shoes will work just fine, but they should still be comfortable. Temperature Range: 18º-27ºC (68º-86ºF)

• Sun hat
• Sandals (for the boat)
• Sneakers (for dry landings and rocky shores)
• Teva-style sandals (for wet landings)
• Swim suit
• Umbrella (for sun protection during island hikes)
• High factor, waterproof sunscreen
• Snorkel and mask (you can rent them in Quito or in Puerto Ayora)
• Beach towel and bath towel
• Wind resistant jacket
• Light sweater or sweatshirt Extra camera batteries and film / memory card
• Underwater camera (recommended!)
• Pills for dizziness