“Beyond the Equator: Navigating Ecuador’s Beauty for the Ultimate Adventure”
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine
Hey there! Let me tell you, I’m a total sucker for ancient culture, and jaw-dropping natural beauty. And you know what? Ecuador takes the cake. Nestled right in the heart of South America, this little gem has got it all. I’m talking about mind-blowing natural wonders, ancient cultures steeped in history, and traditions that’ll make you tremble in disbelief. Trust me, every corner of Ecuador has something special waiting to be discovered. So if you’ve been eyeing Ecuador as your next vacay spot, stick around because I’ve got all the insider tips you need to know before you go!
Where is Ecuador?
Before I headed off on my trip, I had another one of those frantic FaceTime calls with my parents — 8 hours apart and with that classic look of worry on their faces. “Where exactly are you going?” they asked. Well, I was headed to Ecuador, a scenic little country nestled within the Andean community famous for being home to the Galapagos islands. Ecuador is located on the northwestern coast of South America. It shares borders with Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador straddles the equator, which is why it’s called Ecuador, meaning “equator” in Spanish.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is bustling with about 17.5 million people, spread over an area of roughly 283,561 square kilometers. Ecuador itself is a real mix of cultures and landscapes, offering a little something for everyone. And when it comes to getting around, you’ve got plenty of options with airports dotted across the country. If you’re flying in, you’ll likely touch down in Guayaquil, down in the southwest — it’s one of the main hubs for travelers coming in and out of the country.
Nonetheless surprisingly, despite being a hotspot for tourists, on our trip here we discovered that only a handful of locals spoke English. So, it’s a good idea to brush up on some basic Spanish before you visit or perhaps have a guide with you to make your trip smoother.
What was it like?
Let me share a funny story with you. Before I even set foot in Ecuador, nearly everyone I spoke to had a word of caution for me. It was like a broken record, with warnings about being super careful during my visit. And you know what? The warnings didn’t stop there. When my partner mentioned our travel plans to her parents, her dad nearly lost it. He was all worked up, going on about how dangerous it could be, shouting, “¡ES MUY PELIGROSO!” It was quite the scene! But despite all the doom and gloom, we decided to do some research. And you know what we found? Things seemed to be pretty stable, despite the political issues making headlines. So, we took a leap of faith and went ahead with our trip. And let me tell you, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
I’m so thankful that we didn’t let the doubts hold us back, because let me tell you, Ecuador turned out to be an absolute treasure trove. While we spent most of our time soaking up the vibes of Quito, the capital city, we were blown away by just how much it had to offer. From its sprawling museums to its endless array of dining spots and tourist attractions, there was something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an adrenaline junkie, or just in need of some R&R, Quito has got you covered. And let me tell you, every day was a new adventure — we couldn’t believe how much there was to explore!
Some of our favorite spots include the Middle of the World Monument situated in the city’s northern region, accessible via the metro. Another highlight was hiking Volcan Cotopaxi, an exhilarating day-long activity where we trekked toward the summit of one of the region’s oldest volcanoes.
We also thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Temple del Sol, where we had the opportunity to take part in several Inca rituals and meet Mital Ortega, the previous holder of the world’s fastest finger painter title. Additionally, we explored the Centro Histórico. This area not only showcases elegant colonial architecture but also boasts a diverse array of cafes and coffee shops.
Safety?
You know, most of the locals we met were friendly and kind. But I gotta be honest, there was this underlying sense of unease, especially when it got dark. It felt like there weren’t as many cops around, especially in busy spots like the historic center and central metro. But hey, that’s just part of traveling, right? You gotta keep your wits about you no matter where you go. So yeah, while it’s something to keep in mind, I wouldn’t let it scare you off. Just stay alert and trust your instincts, like you would anywhere else.
Nevertheless, try to limit your outings at night and steer clear of bustling spots after dark. And when it comes to getting around, I’d say skip the regular taxis and go for Uber instead. It’s safer that way — you can keep track of your ride and make sure you’re not getting ripped off on the fare. Just keep these things in mind, and your trip should go off without a hitch.
Was it Expensive?
Oh, Ecuador? was a traveler's dream! Yup, you heard me right. This place is like the budget traveler’s dream come true. They’ve been using the good US dollar as their official currency since 2000, which makes things super simple for tourists to understand. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a place to crash, craving some local grub, or planning to explore the sights, you’ll find that Ecuador won’t break the bank.
