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 21st-century traveler
Telephones To call Ecuador: If you're calling Ecuador from the United States: 1. Dial the international access code: 011 from the U.S.; 00 from the U.K., Ireland, or New Zealand; or 0011 from Australia. 2. Dial the country code 593.... Continue reading »
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Regions in brief
The Republic of Ecuador sits near the northwestern corner of South America. It's bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Galápagos Islands, which straddle the equator, are located... Continue reading »
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Special-interest vacations
Spanish-Language Programs Ecuador is one of the most popular places to study Spanish in South America. It is also one of the least expensive. A vast majority of the schools are found in Quito, although many have sister institutions in other... Continue reading »
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Sustainable travel & ecotourism
Each time you take a flight or drive a car, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your CO2 emissions by the same amount you've added. Car... Continue reading »
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Tips on shopping
It's impossible to leave Ecuador empty-handed. Local artisan traditions have been thriving here for thousands of years. Take a trip up to the market in Otavalo (one of the best local handicraft markets in all of South America), and you'll fin... Continue reading »
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Tips on accommodations
You'll find a whole range of accommodations in Ecuador. There are very few truly high-end luxury hotels and resorts. Most are in Quito or Guayaquil, and are geared toward business travelers. Two exceptions are the Royal Palm Hotel, on the Gal... Continue reading »
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Tips on dining
In major cities such as Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil, you'll find tons of Ecuadorian restaurants, as well as an excellent selection of international cuisines. In Quito, there is everything from cutting-edge fusion cuisine to Thai food and sus... Continue reading »
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Tips for families
Hotels in Ecuador often give discounts for children under 12, and children under 3 or 4 are usually allowed to stay for free. This varies according to the hotel, but in general, don't assume that your kids can stay in your room for free. H... Continue reading »
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Tips for gay and lesbian travelers
Ecuador is a predominantly Catholic, socially conservative country, and in general terms the nation is considerably homophobic. Public displays of same-sex affection are rare. For these reasons, the local gay and lesbian communities are prett... Continue reading »
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Tips for senior travelers
Members of AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP: The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. An... Continue reading »
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Tips for student travelers
The International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC; www.istc.org) was formed in 1949 to make travel around the world more affordable for students. Check out its website for comprehensive travel services information and details on how to get... Continue reading »
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Tips for travelers with disabilities
Most disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before. But Ecuador is severely behind the times in making structural changes to address the needs of its own citizens with disab... Continue reading »
Ecuador Travel Experiences
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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
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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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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Ecuador Vacation-Quito
Nov. 18, Friday: Melissa had arranged a tour with a guide. The first thing we had to see was the middle of the world, the equator. It... Continue reading »
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My Cotopaxi climb!
Last weekend I braved Cotopaxi, which is the highest active volcano in the world at 5897 metres to the summit. It last blew its top in 18... Continue reading »
