Ecuador Travel Essentials: Practical Tips and Local Insights

We’ve compiled the most important information and observations from our stay in Ecuador (data from early 2011). These tips will help you better prepare for your journey and avoid common mistakes.

Basic Information

  • Geography: Ecuador lies exactly on the equator (hence its name). Day and night last 12 hours each throughout the year – it gets dark by 6:30 pm and the sun rises at 6:00 am.
  • Currency: Ecuador has used the US dollar since 2000. Carry bills of $20 or less – larger denominations might be hard to break, especially in small shops or taxis.
  • Money Safety: Ecuadorians meticulously check banknotes for authenticity. Common methods include rubbing bills against walls or feeling for raised ink. If a bill gets rejected, simply pay with another one.
Traditionally dressed woman in Ecuador
Traditional costumes are a daily occurrence in many regions of Ecuador

Costs and Transportation

  • Accommodation: Lodging costs $7-15 per person. Look for places with local character – often cheaper and more authentic.
  • Food: Meals with natural juices or beer cost $5-10. Eat where locals eat – cheaper and tastier. Try “almuerzo” – a lunch special served between 1:00-4:00 pm for about $3.
  • Transport: City taxis cost just a few dollars. For 4 people, often cheaper than buses. Between cities, the bus network is excellent – about $1 per hour of travel. Buses are comfortable and punctual.
  • Fun Fact: There’s no “mañana culture” in Ecuador – everything runs efficiently and on schedule, which is rare in South America.

Regions and Attractions

Ecuador is like all of South America in miniature:

  • The Andes: Volcanoes, colonial cities, and indigenous markets
  • Oriente: Wild Amazon with lush jungle
  • Costa: Pacific beaches and banana plantations
  • Galapagos: Unique wildlife paradise
Equator line in Quito
Standing on the equatorial line, you can be in two hemispheres at the same time

Jungle – Practical Tips

  • Standard jungle tours last 3-5 days. We recommend 4-day trips – optimal for first-time Amazon experiences.
  • “Lodge” accommodations are comfortable, but larger animals rarely appear near frequented trails.
  • For a true adventure, plan about 10 days with a private guide (contact us for recommendations).
  • Note: On routes from the jungle to Quito, expect military checkpoints (up to 3 during one journey).

Galapagos – Cruise or Independent Travel?

A tough choice – both options have pros and cons:

  1. Boat Cruises:

    • Diving: 7-9 days, $3000+ (best sites at Wolf and Darwin Islands)
      Exploring + snorkeling: 3-8 days, $450-550 (16-person boats offer best value)
      Pros: More wildlife sightings, comfort, everything organized
      Cons: High cost, fixed schedules

  2. Independent Travel:

    • Cost: Much cheaper (but island prices are double mainland costs)
      Pros: Flexibility, authenticity
      Cons: Need to arrange transport and lodging yourself

Galapagos tortoise
Galapagos is the only place where you can see elephant tortoises in their natural habitat

Final Travel Tips

  • Travel agencies in Quito are mainly in La Mariscal district and open only on weekdays.
  • Ecuadorians are extremely friendly – they love talking with tourists and helping out.
  • On intercity buses, you won’t go hungry – vendors board at every stop with food and drinks.
  • Remember: Andean evenings get chilly – many accommodations lack heating.