From tropical beaches to stunning landscapes, indigenous markets and historical towns, Ecuador is often suggested as the ideal destination for anyone wanting a taste of the best of South America.
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What is so great about Ecuador?
Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world and has the most biodiversity per square kilometre of any nation.It is well known that Ecuador is named after the equator which runs through the country. It is in fact the only country in the world officially named after a geographical feature.
Is Ecuador good for tourists?
The short answer is YES, Ecuador is safe, as long as you take proper care. Ecuador is as safe as most other developing countries, and cities like Quito to be as safe as most major cities in the world, but with the general proviso that you should always travel with care and common sense, and be streetwise.
What are 3 fun facts about Ecuador?
8 Interesting Facts About Ecuador
- Ecuador is the closest country to space.
- Ecuador is the only country in the world named after a geographical feature.
- Ecuador has the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Ecuador had a long-standing border conflict with Peru.
- Ecuador was once joined with Colombia and Venezuela.
What are 5 interesting facts about Ecuador?
Ecuador Facts: 10 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know
- Ecuador means “equator” in Spanish.
- Yasuni Park is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet.
- The Galapagos Islands inspired the Theory of Evolution.
- Chocolate has a long history in Ecuador.
- Ecuador is where to find orchid flowers.
Is Ecuador safe right now?
Reconsider travel to Ecuador due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to crime.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Ecuador due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country.
What do I need to know about traveling to Ecuador?
10 Things to be aware of when traveling to Ecuador
- Altitude. Altitude sickness is a common thing when you land in Quito or if you go hiking in the Andes’ mountains.
- Water. Do not drink tap water although Ecuadorians may do so.
- Pickpockets.
- Galapagos flights.
- Weather.
- Going out at night.
- Bargaining.
- Bills.
What is Ecuador famous food?
Ecuador Food and Drink
- Cuy: Roast guinea pig.
- Locro: Soup of potatoes, corn, cheese and avocado.
- Empanadas: Corn pasties stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables.
- Llapingachos: Cheesy potato cakes.
- Seco de chivo: Goat stew usually served on special occasions.
- Ceviche: Raw seafood ‘cooked’ in lime and chilli.
What is Quito most known for?
The oldest of all South American capitals, Quito is notable for its well-preserved old town, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Church of San Agustín, on the Plaza Mayor, also called Plaza de la Independencia (“Independence Square”), Quito, Ecuador.
What are some traditions in Ecuador?
- 1)El Año Viejo and Nuevo Ano (New Year) December 31st – January 1. st
- 2) Carnival- February or March.
- 3) Semana Santa, Easter – March or April.
- 4) Dia de Trabajo- May 1st.
- 5) San Pedro & San Pablo- June 29. th
- 6) Día de Muertos- November 2nd.
- 7) Navidad- December 25th.
- 8) Ecuadorian Military and Independence Holidays.
Is Ecuador a poor country?
Ecuador is a middle-income country with an economy highly dependent on oil and export agriculture. Almost one quarter of the population in Ecuador lives in poverty, most of them in rural areas. The rural poverty rate, at 43 per cent in 2018 , is almost triple the urban rate (15,9).
Is Ecuador a beautiful country?
Ecuador is an incredibly beautiful country, with nearly every type of dramatic landscape packed into its small area. There are world-famous beaches on the coast, which is always warm due to Ecuador’s location straddling the equator.
Is Ecuador a bad place to live?
Ecuador is a relatively safe country to live in. But you should understand that not all of Ecuador is safe to live in and that larger cities see higher rates of crime. In fact, there are many places in Ecuador that are safe to live. Some of those places include Vilcabamba, Cuenca, and Cotacachi.
Is Ecuador expensive to visit?
Money in Ecuador
Budget travelers can expect to spend about $40-50/day and mid-range travelers should expect to pay about $50-100/day. High-end travel varies widely, as luxury hotels and lodges can cost $300-500/night.
Why do they use US dollars in Ecuador?
Why does Ecuador use US currency? Ecuador decided to switch their money to the US dollar from the old Ecuadorian Sucre back in the year 2000. Before this change, the inflation rate for the local Sucre currency was notoriously high and unstable.Ecuador also now has almost no control of its money supply.
What are the most popular activities for tourists to do when traveling to Ecuador?
Top 10 Things to Do in Ecuador
- Cruise the Galapagos Islands.
- Straddle the Equator in Quito.
- Downhill Mountain Biking on Cotopaxi Volcano.
- Shop at Otavalo Market.
- Explore the Amazon Jungle.
- Trek the Quilotoa Loop.
- Get Wet and Wild in Banos.
- Learn to Surf in Montanita.
What language do they speak in Ecuador?
SpanishEcuador’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.
What is the most important holiday in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s Major Holidays
- Carnival.
- Independence Day and Simón Bolívar’s Birthday.
- All Saints’ Day and All Soul’s Day.
- Christmas and New Year’s.
- Latacunga.
- Guayaquil. Guayaquil Foundation Day – July 25th.
- Cuenca. Corpus Christi – First Half of June.
- Quito. Foundation of Quito Day – December 6th.
What is the national drink of Ecuador?
Pinol
Pinol (also known as pinolillo) is the national drink of Ecuador, made with ground toasted barley flour, panela (unrefined sugar), mixed spices, and milk. It was invented by Rafael Emilio Madrid of Salcedo, Ecuador after seeing workers sucking on pieces of panela.
What is Ecuador’s national dance?
Sanjuanito
One of the most traditional forms of dancing in Ecuador is Sanjuanito. It’s originally from northern Ecuador (Otavalo-Imbabura). Sanjuanito is a danceable music used in the festivities of the mestizo and indigenous cultures.
Why should you visit Quito?
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, Quito is definitely the place to go! Out of the perfect combination of cultural tradition and creativity, this city is teeming with beautiful handicrafts that will always tell you a story about this city that’s cradled by mountains and its perky inhabitants.
