You may have questions about what to see and do in Ecuador. You probably have heard of the Galapagos, but there is so much more to this country. My guide will give you tips and ideas on how to make the most of your time here.
Note**: This guide does not include the Galapagos. You should visit, but it is recommended for a minimum of 3 days there.
The Basics:
Language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholic
Currency: USD
Plugs: Power plugs are type A and B. Standard voltage is 120 and standard frequency is 60.
Safety: If staying in Quito (especially the old city), the locals warn not to go out after 6 p.m. This is due to the likelihood of robbery.
Tips:
- Beware of altitude sickness. Many people experience it the first one or two days here. It is not recommended to do many high altitudes hikes the first few days because of this. Coca leaves are commonly sold and used to help alleviate symptoms. The most important thing is to stay hydrated.
- This is a cash-based society. Keep small bills on hand.
Hotel/ Hostel:
Hotel David:
- Near Old Town Quito
- Can arrange airport transportation for a fee
- Private rooms
- TV and Wi-Fi available and free of charge
- 24-hour front desk reception
Hotel David, Quito – Updated 2022 Prices (booking.com)
Secret Garden Hostel:
- Near Old Town Quito
- Tour desk available (I booked my equator tour through here)
- Rooftop bar & restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Can book private room or dorm
- Free walking tour
- Can arrange airport transportation for a fee
- Perfect for those on a budget
The Secret Garden Hostel Quito | Your Adventure Starts Here | Book Now! (secretgardenquito.com)
Here is a short video of my adventures, but please read down to learn more.
Day One: Visit the Highlands
Note**: This itinerary is what I did in order. You may want to switch the highland day with another day in the itinerary, especially if you are susceptible to altitude sickness.
Go through the Andes mountains and explore all the local native communities. I booked an Airbnb experience for this with a local named Santiago.
One day experience with the real Ecuador – Airbnb
Lakes & Waterfall
He first took us to have a breakfast in a serene spot with a view of San Pablo Lake. Locals usually eat fresh fruit, bread with cheese, and eggs for breakfast. Afterwards, visit the Peguche waterfall. This waterfall is considered to be an Indigenous Ceremonial Site because natives would bathe in it to show their appreciation to nature.
To get to Peguche waterfall you walk by an old sundial and into a eucalyptus filled forest. It reminded me of a fairytale landscape with the sweet aromas and all of the greenery that engulfed me.
After Peguche waterfall, you should visit Cuicocha lake which is located inside of a caldera. The caldera was created as a result of a volcanic explosion around 3,100 years ago. Some people prefer to hike around the caldera, but my group took a boat ride around the lake. There are no fish in the lake, but plenty of birds to see such as the white herons and their nesting spots.
Otavalo
Next up, we traveled to Otavalo. I tried Cuy (a.k.a guinea pig) in this area because it was recommended and that in itself was an experience. After enjoying lunch, we shopped at Otavalo market. Having a guide helped because he negotiated with the locals to get us the best deals possible on our goods. This market is the largest in South America and most shops sell ponchos, alpaca blankets, jewelry, purses, and much more.
Other popular trips in the highland areas include :
- Cotopaxi volcano which is a hiker’s paradise.
- Quilotoa Lake which is a water filled crater.
- The town of Banos. It is known for the adrenaline filled activities such as bungee jumping, rappelling, and white-water rafting.
- Cuenca and the Devil Nose Railway. Cuenca is a UNESCO world heritage site filled with museums to enjoy, while the railway is the most dangerous one in the world.
Day Two: The Amazon Rainforest
I booked my jungle lodge through Expedia. The company that organized my tour is named Live Ecuador Tours.
The company came and picked me up from my hotel in Quito and transported me to the lodge located in Misahualli. Once settled into the room, they served me a delicious lunch and we started our first day activities.
Activities included: a 30-minute hike through the Amazon. We tried lemon ants, made a natural pesticide with termites by rubbing them into our skin, saw bright blue butterflies, and learned all sorts of facts about the plants and their uses. Our guide dressed us up with rainforest attire by making a cute headband out of leaves.
Our next activity was floating down the river on tubes that run parallel to the lodge. Be warned in the rivers near the Amazon there is a little fish known as Candiru or the vampire fish that will swim up your urethra if you pee in the water. The only way to get it out afterwards, is through surgery.
Buffet style dinner was served and then we went out on a night hike through the rainforest. Warning: do not touch any trees. There may be a snake or spider crawling on it.
Day Three: Amazon Rainforest
Chocolate Making Class
After breakfast, start out your morning with a sweet touch by attending a chocolate making class. We tried the fruit of the cacao and afterwards we roasted the cacao beans, grinded them up, and cooked them along with milk, vanilla, and sugar. They poured it over a bunch of fresh fruit, and we got to dig into it.
Amazonian Tribe
You will be able to check out a small Kichwa tribal village. To get there you ride a small boat. Upon arrival the tribal people will take you to an open space and will offer to let you help mash yuca root for chicha. You then have the option to try the fermented drink but be warned that the fermentation process usually involves people of the tribe chewing up the yuca root and spitting it back out. Personally, I tried the drink and did not think it was half bad. You will also have the option to participate in their traditional dancing and check out their gift shop.
Monkey Beach & Waterfall Hike
After the village tour, you will go on monkey beach and try to spot the rambunctious little critters. You can buy a couple rambutans for a few cents and feed them if you would like. After getting your fill of the monkeys, there is a waterfall hike through the Amazon. The hike can be strenuous at times, and it takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Diving into the waterfall once there is worth it though.
The guide took me to the local bus station afterwards and helped me buy a ticket back to Quito. If you decide to stay at the lodge longer, they offer more extensive rainforest hikes, caiman spotting, and a chance to go to the animal rescue center.
Note: If you can’t make it to the Amazon this trip, try going to Mindo Cloud Forest.
Day Four: Quito Market & Equator Line
If you still need to shop for souvenirs, there is a nice market to check out in Quito called Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal.
After checking out the market go to the equator line. The real one is called Museo Intinan. If you take a guided tour, you will be able to better understand the museum and your guide will show you a few tricks that can happen on the equator. I won’t spoil the experiments.
The museum contains a shrunken head and information about the local cultures in Ecuador.
Furthermore, you can stop by Mitad Del Mundo. However, it is mostly for a photo op with the monument they created when they thought they had found the original equator.
Day 5: Quito City and Food Tour
Take a free walking tour of Quito. The city of Quito was declared the first city to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Basilica de Voto Nacional. A feature that sets this apart from other cathedrals is that instead of using regular gargoyles in the architecture, the statues are made to look like famous animals found in Ecuador.
Check out Plaza Grande. It is the central square and contains the presidential palace and Cathedral Metropolitana. The Palacio Arzobispal contains food vendors and patios. I recommend buying a Helados de paila and some traditional candy such as mistelas. To find out further information about some of the best Ecuadorian food visit my food article.
9 Dishes to Indulge in: Ecuador Edition – Venture with a Ginger
There are street vendors that pump out beer foam (I am not for sure what the Spanish name for this is) and other sweets. There are also a few chocolate factories in the city that offer taste samplings.
Ecuador will surprise you in the best possible ways and I have left a piece of my heart there. There is so much to do and so much culture to experience.