Are you visiting Ecuador and looking for something fun to do? Look no further! From bustling cities to remote beaches, hiking trails with stunning views, and awe-inspiring mountain peaks – Ecuador has it all. Whether you are a nature lover or an urban explorer, this guide will help you find the perfect attractions that will give you an unforgettable experience during your stay in Ecuador. So pack your bags, charge your camera batteries, and get ready to explore one of South America’s most amazing destinations!
Heads up!
I had a whirlwind 24 hours in Ecuador, and boy, was it a blast! I checked into the hotel right by the airport and boy, did I have an incredible time. Now, here’s a hot tip for you: if you’re prone to altitude sickness, be prepared! Quito sits at a dizzying 9,350 feet above sea level. So, if you’re feeling a bit under the weather, give yourself a couple of days to adjust to this vibrant city. Luckily, I’ve never experienced altitude sickness myself, but let me tell you, my oldest daughter definitely knows what it’s like to feel like death has hit her! My advice is to be mentally prepared.
What you need to know about Ecuador
- Good news for US travelers – you won’t need to worry about voltage differences! Ecuador uses the same 110-volt, 60-cycle electricity system, just like in the US. Plus, the plugs are typically the two-pronged flat type, so no need to pack a converter or adapter.
- No need to worry about exchanging money! They use good ol’ USD in Ecuador, so you can skip that boring bank stop. Just bring your cash.
- When you’re in Ecuador, don’t forget to BYOTP, which stands for “bring your own toilet paper”. Public restrooms won’t provide any, I repeat, no toilet paper in sight. So, make sure to pack it in your bag before you go!
- When I visited Ecuador in July, I decided to rock a T-shirt as my jacket. Can you believe it? As a Texan, I was totally taken aback by how cool the weather was during the summer months. So here’s a tip for you: make sure you pack layers! Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Wyndham Quito Airport
This is my top hotel pick because there’s only one Houston to Quito flight and it lands around midnight, making this hotel super convenient and safe. I mean, who wants to go on a crazy adventure in the middle of the night when you’re exhausted? Not me, that’s for sure! It is only a quick 3-minute shuttle ride that separates you from arriving at the hotel from the airport. Most importantly breakfast is included with the stay.
Intiñan Equator Museum
We embarked on our adventure to the real equator, and let me tell you, it was beyond awesome! Ecuador, the country named after the equator, had so much fun in store for us. Our fantastic tour guide spoke English and led us through a whirlwind of exhilarating equator activities. From attempting to balance an egg on the head of a nail (get a certificate if you succeed!) to witnessing the mind-blowing Coriolis Effect demonstration, and even walking the equatorial line with our eyes closed, every moment was filled with fun and excitement! If you love Science this is the place for you.
Guess what? I totally nailed it! I balanced the egg perfectly and got that awesome certification!
Middle of the World Monument
The Middle of the Earth was packed! It wasn’t exactly worth the wait to stand there, so we got creative. We climbed up to the fence and got a glimpse of the spot. It’s like we had a secret view! I can proudly say, “I did it!” and with that, we were off to more exciting adventures.
Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua
You must explore the Pululahua Volcano and its protected area in Ecuador. It is located just 17 km north of Quito, this unique spot in the Pomasqui Valley will leave you in awe. This is one of the only two volcanic craters in the world where humans live, and it’s the only one that’s actually farmed. With its fertile soil and mysterious cloud cover, this place is a paradise for crops.
Hey, while you’re there, make sure to snag some totally organic, freshly squeezed juice for just 3 bucks! It’s a refreshing deal you won’t want to miss!
Hasta la Vuelta, Señor
As a Texan, I’m always blown away by the fact that some countries don’t have spicy food. But let me tell you, the food in Ecuador is so ridiculously tasty that it doesn’t even need the spice! It’s all about those mind-blowing fresh flavors! Have an amazing, authentic lunch experience at Hasta la Vuelta, Senor. Yum!
Quito – Old Town
When you’re in old-town Quito, make sure to take a stroll and indulge in the delicious local chocolate. Trust me, they’re super proud of it! By the way, I visited during the day, and I felt completely safe the whole time. But let me tell you, the traffic is a real nightmare. So, my advice is to avoid booking a hotel near downtown unless you want to go through that madness every time you step out.
Basilica of the National Vow
The Basilica of the National Vow is a jaw-dropping neo-Gothic stunner, the cream of the crop in Ecuador, and one of the finest in the Americas! It brings back memories of the splendid Italian churches. Brace yourselves for a thrilling adventure – you can dare to take a heart-pounding tour to the top of the towers (not for the faint of heart, like me!). Our friends were actually up there during an earthquake! Talk about being in the right place at the wrong time. Luckily, I didn’t experience the quake myself, but our brave buddies said those towers were swinging to and fro. Uh-uh, count me out! Phew, thank goodness I was not at the church when the earthquake hit.
All in all, Ecuador is a place of adventure and beauty. From the mountain trekking to the beach lounging, there’s truly something here for everybody. So take a chance! Book that plane ticket, strap on your hiking boots, and hop on that bus; whatever you do, don’t be afraid to go out there and explore! There’s no telling what sort of incredible place you’ll encounter or who you’ll meet along the way. And if you’re looking for someone to help book your next trip, let Glam Escapes handle it – they know just what this amazing little country has to offer! Safe travels Ecuador-bound adventurers and have an incredible time exploring one of South America’s most beautiful gems! Click here to learn more about Glam Escapes.
Read more: Guide To Fun Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador
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