See what the experts are saying about Ecuador. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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The best outdoor adventures
Ecuador's varied landscape, ecosystems, and natural wonders make it a prime destination for adventure travelers, with opportunities to participate in a wide range of adventure sports and activities. Climbing Volcan Cotopaxi: Although it's... Continue reading »
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The best websites
Latin America Network Information Center (http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/Ecuador): This site contains a collection of diverse information about Ecuador. It's hands-down the best place for Web browsing, with helpful links to a wide range of touris... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
A large majority of tourists coming to Ecuador do so as part of an organized package tour to the Galápagos, often with an "add-on" excursion to some other popular destination in the country. Whether or not you are traveling on your own or wit... Continue reading »
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Fast facts
American Express -- There are two American Express travel offices in Ecuador -- one in Quito, the other in Guayaquil -- both run by Global Tours (www.globaltour.com.ec). In Quito, the office is located on Av. República El Salvador 309 and Cal... Continue reading »
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When to go
Peak Season -- The peak seasons for travelers to Ecuador last from mid-June to early September and from late December through early January, because most American and European visitors have vacation time during these months. Cruises in the Ga... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
Most of the events listed below are more traditions than organized events -- there's not, for instance, a DÃa de los Muertos PR Committee that readily dispenses information. In many cases, I've given a more detailed description of the events... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane There are two international airports in Ecuador. All flights into Quito land at the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (tel. 02/2430-555; www.quitoairport.com; airport code: UIO). Most international flights also touch down in... Continue reading »
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Escorted & package tours
Packages for the Independent Traveler Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itsel... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Passports For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement" Web page of the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov. Visas Ecuadorian visas are not... Continue reading »
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Getting around
Because Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, traveling from one end to the other is not too difficult. The bus routes are comprehensive. The roads, however, can be a bit rough, and the buses are often hot and crowded. If... Continue reading »
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Money
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel b... Continue reading »
Ecuador Travel Experiences
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Cotopaxi
Having found our land-legs after the fantastic Galapagos trip, we were adjusting back to city life in Quito. We decided it would be... Continue reading »
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Climbing the highest active volcano in the world!
Hola!!! How is everyone??Seems like AGES since rich and i have been at sacha, but it has only been 5 days vacation!!! Well, to start at t... Continue reading »
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Cotopaxi NP
After one week of Spanish I was ready to practice ... thanks to my hands, fingers and fantasies I managed to get to the Cotopaxi NP. My S... Continue reading »
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On top of the World, literally
I realize it most when I am in the bus. The huge city passing by me, seeing hundreds of people in one ride and this is when I think to my... Continue reading »
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The Biking Dutchman: Cotopaxi and Quilotoa
So it would seem that Lyndi and I have the unique ability to harness the power of bad weather, and take it with us wherever we go. I thin... Continue reading »
