Why choose Ecuador for your next vacation? From the charm of Quito's hotels to the remains of ancient civilizations, Ecuador has something to feast on many globetrotters in landscapes, encounters and cultural discoveries!
Why choose Ecuador? A rich and eventful history
The history of Ecuador, like many countries in South America, is eventful: from Inca origins, a conquest by the Spanish Conquistadors and, since the beginning of the XNUMXth century, a democratic period marked by very strong political instability. and three short periods of military dictatorships. Traveling today in Ecuador allows you to discover the traces left by these eras as well as the natural resources that the country has: mountains, volcanoes, flora and fauna ...
Natural beauties of Ecuador
Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
For once, the capital Quito is not the largest city in Ecuador; it is Guayaquil, a port city. Nevertheless, Quito has many riches, in addition to welcoming the majority of travelers who arrive in Ecuador thanks to its international airport and daily flights from Europe. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. and its location in the heart of the Andes cordillera offers breathtaking panoramas.
Visit the colonial district of Quito
As for the visit, in Quito, we can start with the colonial Quito and its historic district inhabited by Amazonian Indians. To learn more about the country's history, we recommend a visit to the Colonial Museum. As in all the countries colonized by the Spanish conquistadors between the XVth and XVIIth centuries, the Catholic religion was imported and many churches were born such as those of San Francisco, Santo Domingo or San Augustin. To have !
Train ride in the Andes!
A few tens of kilometers north of Quito, is the town of Ibarra, also perched in the Andes. It is renowned for its market where travelers are sure to shop and experience the customs and flavors of Ecuador. For tourists looking for thrills, there is an unusual attraction: the “autoferro”. It is a rail bus that crisscrosses the Andes, borrowing aqueducts, balancing above the void. Strong sensations guaranteed!
Still unusual, in the same region, meet at Mitad del Mundo : the middle of the world, so called because this is where the equator passes, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. Are there not good reasons which answer your question, namely “why choose Ecuador” and not another country in South America?
The Andes
Enjoy the beaches of Ecuador
For a return to calm, travelers will head to the beaches of the Pacific coast. The town of Same, in particular, is perfect for resting and enjoying the mild Ecuadorian coast.
Beach in Ecuador
Stay in the Galapagos Islands to end
Ecuador also has the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean about 1 km from the coast. For the more fortunate travelers, this is the opportunity to discover a new UNESCO heritage site for the richness of its flora and fauna including the emblem of the archipelago, the giant turtle, as well as than many species of iguanas. That's why choose Ecuador!
Galapagos Turtle
Budget hotels and accommodation in Ecuador
Quito has a modern side, notably with hotels of a good standard. Distrust all the same during periods of festivities: accommodation in Quito or in Ecuador in general becomes more complicated and cheap rooms available at the last minute are scarce.
To eat in Ecuador, you can count on small restaurants, stalls where you can taste local specialties based on rice, vegetables and meats (often poultry) for example.
Pratical information
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : Visit the official Ecuador tourism website
- Passport and visa : A passport valid for 6 months after the stay is required. Please note, however, that a tax payable in cash will be required at the airport when leaving Ecuador.
- Money and change : Until the 2000s, the Ecuadorian currency was the Sugar (named after a General, key figure in the independence of Ecuador) but it is now the US Dollar which is current in Ecuador.
- Delinquency : Ecuador is not a dangerous country, nevertheless, as advised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, savvy travelers should avoid walking the streets alone at night and traveling on buses at night. It is also better to travel with small sums of money on you and photocopies of official documents.
Transports
- Getting to Ecuador : Marsical Sucre international airport serves the capital, Quito.
- Getting around Ecuador : The state of the roads is generally average but it tends to improve over time. Renting a car is not necessarily the best solution due in particular to the lack of road signs. Buses, on the contrary, are a good solution. They allow you to go everywhere, rather quickly and inexpensively.
