8 reasons you need to visit Ecuador right now

With the entire world set to descend on Brazil for the World Cup, there has never been a better time to… NOT go to Brazil. But it is the perfect time to visit nearby Ecuador. Not only is the national soccer team playing in the Cup (so the atmosphere should be festive), but this small coastal country offers travelers the full monty of outdoor adventures — from gorgeous beaches, to the Andes Mountains, to the Galapagos Islands.

1. No Currency Exchange

                                        Flickr user Beatrice Murch

No need to spend your time figuring out exchange rates because Ecuador has been using the U.S. Dollar as currency since 2000, when it retired the Sucre. In addition, prices are lower, so you get a lot for your buck.

2. Short Flights

                                        Flickr user Aero Icarus

                                             Andrew Villagomez

                                     Flickr user Carlos Adampol Galindo

                                              Andrew Villagomez

If you prefer your travel more rugged, welcome to the Andes and Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, has erupted more than 50 times since 1738.

6. City Life

                                               Andrew Villagomez

As Ecuador’s capital, Quito is where you’re heading for culture (its historic center is the one of the first World Cultural Heritage Sites), stunning views (it’s the highest capital city in the world), nightlife (karaoke is a big deal here, just so you know), and local meals to blow up your Instagram.

7. Food

                                                Andrew Villagomez

And speaking of local meals, the country’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. Hearty mountain fare and seafood make up the crux of Ecuador’s national specialties, which include a citrusy ceviche, toasted corn snacks, a cheesy potato soup, pan-fired pork/chicken, and goat stew. For more adventurous eaters, though, there’s guinea pig, or cuy. Yep, people in the Andean region of South America love them some guinea pig.

8. Nightlife

                                            Hola Ola Cafe/Facebook

Party in Quito’s La Mariscal neighborhood in Plaza Foch, the main nightlife zone filled with bars, clubs and restaurants. In Guayaquil, head to Las Penas; it may look shady from afar, but it’s actually one of the safest areas in town. You’ll find small dive bars throughout, several with karaoke as part of their lineup (we warned you, it’s big).

For smaller beach towns, there’s Montanita, a surfer hippie escape with open-air cafes and bars that stay open until dawn. As for what you’ll be imbibing, the popular beer is a pale lager called Pilsener, and the must-try cocktail in the Andes is the Canelazo, a spiced cinnamon/sugar cane hot rum libation that’s the perfect end to any meal.

Source: www.thrillist.com