Top Ecuador hotels
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After 116 years dealing with sucres, Equatorians bid goodbye to their old currency in 2000 and adopted the US dollar as the new one. Ever since, Equator is by no means a cheap destination, but, at least, there is no need to make difficult calcullations when translating prices into Euros. Credit cards are widely accepted and cash dispensers are plentiful in the urban areas, so there is no need to bring along a lot of cash.
First of all, you need a bagback to travel in Ecuador. This is the best way to deal with transportation...A protection for your bagpack is a good idea since it will be placed on the roof of the buses or in other places not particularly clean. So if you care, think about it. You need warm clothes (for the Andes) and light clothes (for the coast). Think about something to protect you from the rain as it may be rainy.Take tennis shoes or even trekking shoes. Don't need to take you richelieu with you...As far as warm clothes are concerned, however, please note that clothes in alpaca (very warm and sympathic souvenir) are sold everywhere for nothing. A good way to travel light and come back with souvenirs. Toiletries are available even in the small towns but bring with you the needed medical supplies. Don't forget mosquitos' repellent! Take your own photo equipment with you, as it is quite...
Pack light if you plan to move around as porters are not plentiful even at the airport. Layered clothing such as Polar Tec jacket with a quick dry t-shirt with stretch pants for the Quito area which can be warm in the day and cold at night. Most hotels do not have heaters. Shoes I wore "Aqua Socks" as they were light weight for Quito, Galapagos and general walking. Hiking boots recommended if treking around the volcanoes. I used both 35mm and digital cameras so brought plenty of 400/800ASA film and 2nd set of rechargeable batteries with recharger. Regular film is expensive here ($6 for a 36 roll of 400ASA film) and so are batteries. I mostly wore quick dry t-shirts, Polar Tec jacket and Aqua Socks. Plenty of cash in small denominations ($1/$5/$10) as most people did not have change for $20 or larger bills.
It is a good idea to bring clothing that you can layer, especially if you'll be travelling in more than one area of Ecuador. The mountainous Andean region can get very cold at night, sometimes reaching freezing in Quito for example. But since Ecuador lies on the equator, it can also get very warm during the day, esp. when the sun shines. Breathable but modest clothing is recommended for the jungle and the coastal areas. Insect repellent is advisable for the jungle and for sub-tropical regions. Bring sunscreen, even if you are only in Quito. The sun is much stronger here since you're at the equater.
Most of the time, tennis shoes are what you need for traveling. THere is a lot of mountains to climb. So if you want to climb the mountains, you will have to wear other types of shoes. Always bring toilet paper with you, because you do not always find good toilet paper in this country! Also a type of hand sanitizer is always good. A video camera is a must in this country. It is so beautiful, you need to have a video camera! If you are going to the coast, definatly have beach gear! The beaches here are a nice place to relax.
Take a small backpack with nothing of value packed inside! For Guayaquil, wear light pants or capris. I noticed that very few people wear shorts, even the children. Take a light jacket as the nights can be breezy and a little cool, if you are like me and stay cold anyway! Tennis shoes or sandals work well for most parts. Bug spray and hand sanitizer on the run. Take a disposable camera. If you take one more expensive, you automatically become a target.
bring some damn toilet papar-that's my wisest tip. also, if you really love something-don't bring it. you could get robbed or it can get crushed or dirty on the bus bring some pants. dont be one of those idiot tourists wearing shorts in riobamba or ibarra. they only wear shorts on the coast. even i had to laugh at some the tourists wearing tiny shorts in the mountain towns. basic diarrhea stuff, bandaids. they have lots of the basics that are cheap. condoms are cheap-bring your own if thats a need. cant' help ya there- but i knew many a folk that were robbed. i saw one poor german tourist get her camara snatched on the bus. the guy reached in through the window. for god's sake don't camp on the beach in latin america. even in costa rica i met someone who got robbed on the beach. its easy for theives to travel around in this country and if your on the beach with just a tent, they will...
WHAT TO BRING TO GALAPAGOSLuggage domestic airline regulations permit 20 kilos (44 pounds) per suitcase, maximum two per person. Additional luggage may be stored at your hotel. These restrictions do not include small carry-on, flight bags or camera cases.ClotingTwo pairs of sneakers.Shorts.Long and short-sleeve lightweight shirts.Bathing suit.A wide-brimmed hat.Long pants.A wind breaker or light jacket for evenings.Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film.Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.FootgearMost walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles should likely be worn.CameraCamera gear with extra film and batteries.High speed films or fine-grain.High resolution and relatively slow color transparency (this last one to be used with electronic flash).WHAT TO BRING TO THE RAIN-FOREST JUNGLEFor...
When traveling to South America, use luggage that has locks, tape up your boxes very well. Do not leave valuables in luggage. The locals WILL steal from you. Summer in the states is winter there and visa versa. Medical facilities are about 15 years behind in Ecaudor, but, all perscriptions are over the counter in South America.
If you are planning to stay at the Baja Montanita hotel in Montanita (province of Guayas), don't forget to bring some heavy shoes or books. The hotel is regularly invaded by squadrons of lovely crickets and you room quickly becomes their preferred auditorium! If you want to sleep the only solution is to go on a cricket hunt :)
Four Points by Sheraton Quito Quito
6 Reviews and 82 Opinions I knew this hotel as the Sheraton Quito, but I suppose that it was, at least at one time, a Four...
Hotel Victoria Cuenca
1 Review and 46 Opinions I arrived without a reservation at the end of a long and exhausting day (see my Alausi page). The...
Samari Spa Resort Baños
33 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Ecuador attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ecuador sightseeing.
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Q: Hello I leave in Ecuador next month and i'm looking a spanish school, located in the Pacific Coast. I know there is a school in...
A: Hello Enrico You're right, Montanita is such a touristic place. I understand you want to avoid it. Last year, I have spent one month in a spanish school in Sua, near...
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