Ecuador offers an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, scenic volcanic landscapes, dense Amazonian rainforests, world-class beaches and the world-famous Galapagos Islands with their unique wildlife - all this in a nation no bigger than the US state of Nevada. Ecuador is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, offering great possibilities for trekking, rafting, kayaking, diving and birdwatching as well as cheap shopping.
The Equator State. The smallest country in the rugged Andean region of western South America, Ecuador is located right at the center of the Equator, which has given the country its name. With a multitude of attractions from beaches, jungles and mountains to cities, Indian cultures and nature reserves all in a relatively compact area, "Equador" is one of the most interesting and well-developed travel destinations in South America.
Ecuador's coast also has much to offer, from the busy port city of Guayaquil and the wonderful sandy beaches of Esmeraldas to lovely secluded bays, national parks and archaeological sites and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. However, the most famous destination in Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km west of South America. Famous for their unique plants and animals and protected as a National Park, Galapagos Islands offer hiking, diving, snorkeling, cruises and unsurpassed wildlife watching experiences.
Accessible Amazon. The Ecuadorian Amazon Basin offers all that one would expect a tropical jungle to be. Jungle travel in Ecuador is easier than in most countries, because the distance between jungle sites and cities is shorter here. The most popular outdoor sports in the region are rafting and kayaking, chosen by those looking for the maximum adventure in the middle of a paradise of untouched rainforests and pure and crystal waters.
The Equator State. The smallest country in the rugged Andean region of western South America, Ecuador is located right at the center of the Equator, which has given the country its name. With a multitude of attractions from beaches, jungles and mountains to cities, Indian cultures and nature reserves all in a relatively compact area, "Equador" is one of the most interesting and well-developed travel destinations in South America.
What to see and do in Ecuador: from Andean mountains to Galapagos & Amazon jungles
Ecuador offers a great deal to see, from its picture-perfect capital to the green Amazonian jungle, and from breathtaking wildlife reserves to ancient archaeological sites, remote indigenous villages, and of course pleasant tropical beaches. The capital city of Ecuador, Quito has a charming old town that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quito offers great possibilities for shopping and nightlife and is also a good base for excursions to the other destinations in Andean region of Ecuador, such as the colonial city of Cuenca, the beautiful volcano of Cotopaxi, the cloud forests of Mindo, the spas and outdoor opportunities of Baños and the colorful Indian markets of Otavalo.Ecuador's coast also has much to offer, from the busy port city of Guayaquil and the wonderful sandy beaches of Esmeraldas to lovely secluded bays, national parks and archaeological sites and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. However, the most famous destination in Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km west of South America. Famous for their unique plants and animals and protected as a National Park, Galapagos Islands offer hiking, diving, snorkeling, cruises and unsurpassed wildlife watching experiences.
Accessible Amazon. The Ecuadorian Amazon Basin offers all that one would expect a tropical jungle to be. Jungle travel in Ecuador is easier than in most countries, because the distance between jungle sites and cities is shorter here. The most popular outdoor sports in the region are rafting and kayaking, chosen by those looking for the maximum adventure in the middle of a paradise of untouched rainforests and pure and crystal waters.
Ecuador travel information and practical tips
Ecuador has a tropical climate with great regional differences. The coastal areas and Amazonian lowlands have tropical hot climates, whereas the high Andean region of Ecuador has a mild and occasionally cool climate around the year. The Andean regions and Galapagos Islands receive little rainfall, while coastal Ecuador is cloudier and the jungles of the Ecuadorian Amazon receive plenty of rainfall around the year. There is a wet season in the coast and on Galapagos Islands roughly from January to May, but this season also has the most sunshine, making it a popular time to visit Ecuador. The official dry season from June to December is cool and often misty.
Photo: Aziz Y., used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
The Amazon region of Ecuador is best visited in drier time of the year between September and December.
Travel to Ecuador is easiest by air. There are two major international airports in Ecuador, located in Quito and Guayaquil. They receive flights to Ecuador from North and Latin America as well as from Europe. You can also travel to Ecuador by bus from the neighboring Colombia and Peru, or by boat via the rivers of the Amazonian region.
Once in Ecuador, transportation is available in form of a good network of domestic flights and buses, as well as occasional trains. Rental cars are also available in Ecuador, but local roads are often in bad condition. Cruise ships are the main method of transportation on the Galapagos Islands.
Visitor services. There is a great number of accommodation and hotels in Ecuador, ranging from very cheap to very luxurious. Restaurants in Ecuador are plentifully available and nightlife options can be found in all bigger towns and cities. English is spoken by many Ecuadorians in the major tourist areas, but if you are heading to the less traveled areas in Ecuador, it is well worthwhile to learn some Spanish.
Safety. Ecuador is a relatively safe and clean destination, although petty crime such as pick-pocketing exists particularly in the Ecuadorian cities. The Andean areas of Ecuador experience occasional earthquakes and volcanic activity. The border areas of Northeastern Ecuador towards Colombia are less safe than the rest of the country.
Short history of Ecuador
Ecuador has been inhabited by thousands of years by various groups of Indigenous people. It formed part of the Inca Empire and was conquered by the Spanish in 1533. In 1563 the present capital Quito became part of the Spanish colony of Peru. The war of independence was fought in Ecuador in 1822, after which Ecuador became a part of Simón Bolívar’s Great Colombia. Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela became independent nations in 1830 when the Great Colombia dissolved. Ecuador lost large parts of its Amazonian territory in wars against Peru and Colombia in 1904 and 1942. There was a border conflict between Ecuador and Peru as late as from 1995 to 1999. With an economy based on oil export, agriculture and tourism, Ecuador is slowly becoming more prosperous but is still suffering from political instability.hint See also these nearby destinations: Banos, Guayaquil, Quito
