Travel Guide to Ecuador

Ecuador is a country in west South America, with a varied terrain spanning the Andes Mountains, the pacific ocean, and the Amazon rainforest. The capital Quito sits at 9,400 ft / 2,850 m. Famous for it’s diverse Galapogos Islands, Ecuador also offers visitors adventures on the mainland such as the Mindo Cloud Forest, and the volcano crater Quilotoa. In Ecuador there are different types of climate depending on the area and altitude. The Galapagos are hot and humid, while Quito can be chilly and rainy. Ecuador is split between the northern and southern hemispheres, so always check the weather before embarking on your journey.

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Visit when cloud cover and rainfall are at their lowest, between June – September. The wettest months are March and April. If you’re looking for a party, visit at the beginning of December for a week-long fiesta, celebrating the founding of the city Quito. If you’re visiting the Galapagos – different seasons allow for certain wildlife to be spotted.

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What to do in Mindo Cloud Forest

Discover the beautiful cloud forest in Mindo Ecuador. Feed hummingbirds, visit a butterfly sanctuary, go on a chocolate-tasting tour, or coffee if that is your preference. If you’re looking for more adventure, there is white water rafting, ziplining, and waterfall hikes as well!

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what to expect

Language: Ecuador’s official language is Spanish, but Quichua, the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, is spoken by many of the indigenous people. Nine additional indigenous languages are also spoken in Ecuador. English is spoken in major visitor centers.

Currency: The currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.

Credit Cards and ATMs: Most major restaurants and hotels will accept credit cards in Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are almost all cash. The entry fees for Mindo Cloud forest, the Galapagos and transportation are all cash.

Plugs: Ecuador uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, which is the same as the United States. The majority of electrical outlets in Ecuador are two-pronged wall sockets, but there are also Type A and B power sockets. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Safety: If you’re traveling to Ecuador as a solo female travelerss, you’ll need to take a few extra precautionss. You should avoid travling after dark, keep an eye out for petty crime, and only use reputable cab companies.