They say "good things come in small packages." Although Ecuador matches in size to Colorado or Ireland, you should not let the size of this magnificent country fool you, in fact the small size of this country works to your advantage as an adventure traveler. Due to the vast amount of natural diversity and amazing adventures available, one can experience numerous excursions with never leaving Ecuador.
In just one day, travelers can spend the morning ice climbing the glacier slopes of a 20,000 ft/6.000 m active volcano and spend the evening paddling a kayak down a wild Amazon river or surfing with a colorful sunset over the horizon of the Pacific.
Ecuador has everything
Ecuador is often called “Miniature South America,” because this small country contains so many unique and beautiful landscapes ranging from the Galapagos Islands located west of the coastline to the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon Jungle. As you make your way across the country, crossing over the Andes Highlands, you will not only be exposed the wonderful natural beauty that Ecuador has to offer, but you will be exposed to the wonderful beauty of the people and culture of Ecuador.
As a traveler of Ecuador you will have numerous choices in how you want to experience the vast landscapes of this amazing country. You may start your vacation trekking or mountain biking through some of the most untouched natural territories on earth in the Andes Highlands or the Amazon Jungle. You can take some days to go diving or snorkeling near the Galapagos Islands, surrounding yourself with hammer head sharks, rays, and turtles, and complete your trip on a luxurious cruise to get rested for your next adventure. Other excursions that Ecuador provides include, but are not limited to, horseback riding around the perfect cone shape Cotopaxi volcano or having your head in the clouds in a tropical cloud forest on a mountain bike.
Being the most biologically diverse country on earth, Ecuador has countless adventures for the active traveler. If you are ready to meet people of different cultures, experience several of natures ecosystems, interact with diverse wildlife, and take in some of your favorite sport activities, then Ecuador is the only choice for your next adventure!
Please look at our catalogue and you will be introduced to all the incredible possibilities that Ecuador can offer you!
Official Name: Republic of Ecuador Population: 13 million Capital City: Quito, pop. 2 million People: 40% Mestizo, 40% Indian, 15% Spanish descent, and 5% African descent Languages: Spanish and Quechua (and 10 other Amazon languages) Religion: 90% Roman Catholic Currency: American Dollar Time: GMT minus 5 hours and Galapagos Islands time is GMT minus 6 hours Electricity: 110V 60Hz , Plugs: North American/Japanese 2-Flat blade attachment plug, and American 3-pin, two flat blades and one round grounding pin. (type A and B at www.kropla.com) Major Industries: Tourism, Oil, Bananas, Shrimp, Fish, Coffee Airport Departure Tax: US$42 from Quito (subject to change)
Travel Documents
Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for trips lasting less than 90 days. Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries traveling to Ecuador for tourism do not need to ask for any visa. Citizens of other countries please check your local embassy for updated information on entry requirements or ask us and we’ll be pleased to help.
All travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months before arriving in Ecuador, and a return ticket to their country of origin or to another destination. To enter the country, visitors must fill in an international embarkation –disembarkation form. It is important to keep it with your passport. Travelers should have their passports with them during their stay in Ecuador to avoid problems with the authorities that may want to see it. A copy of your passport is not acceptable.
Climate
Even though Quito and the Central Highlands are on or near the equator, the altitude is between 7,000 and 10,000 ft. (2,100 and 3,000 meters) and the weather is comfortable year round. Temperatures are usually in the 70's F (mid 20's C°) during the day, and in the 50's F (around 12’s C°) when the sun goes down. The rainy and dry seasons vary depending on the location you are. If you are visiting different zones, you probably will encounter a wet and dry season on your adventure regardless of the time you travel. Be sure to come prepared for all climate situations.
Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. There are two season and the warmest is from December to May and this is the time when the sky is almost always clear and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cold but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapago's famous marine reserve.
The weather temperature varies during the year: January to May: from low 80°F (27°C) to low 90°F (32°C) (possible rain); June to September: low 60°F (15°C) to high 70°F (21°C) (possible rain); and October to December: 70°F (21°C) to 80° (27°C) (dry season).
On the Pacific Coast the average temperature is 83F (28C°), with the hot rainy season from November to May. The dry season is from June to September.
In the jungle, tropical temperatures average around 82F (28C°). Rainfall is common year round, especially from June to November. However at this time the jungle is at its luxurious best and most of the rivers are navigable.
Food
Ecuador is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and its seemingly countless types of potatoes in the Andes. In Ecuador, food is intrinsically linked to culture and you will find a broad spectrum of national and regional dishes, including lemon-marinated shrimp (ceviche) on the coast, toasted corn, pastries stuffed with spiced meats and supplemented by potatoes, menestra (bean or lentil soup) or yucca, in the Andes or Amazon Region. If you're feeling courageous, you can put your culinary bravery to the test with roasted cuy (guinea pig).
Soups are without doubt Ecuador's specialty. Most lunches and dinners are accompanied by a savory soup as the first course. Locro soup, made with cheese, avocado and potato, sounds a bit odd, but is actually quite tasty. Chupe de pescado, a fish and vegetable soup with coastal origins, is becoming popular throughout the country.
In need of some pre-packaged food? Supermarket chains in the big cities have enough variety to keep the average chef happy. There are a handful of specialty stores and delis, particularly in the more affluent districts of Quito, which will satisfy all tastebuds.
Allow yourself a bit of time to adjust intestinally; eat very cautiously the first few days and then slowly begin to venture out on a culinary limb. Keeping healthy is not only about avoiding germs, but also about acclimating to new ones. Many Ecuadorians complain about traveling to the States and getting sick from U.S. food or water, so it goes both ways! Eating well cooked, piping hot food, is possibly the best way to avoid problems.
Water
While in Ecuador, it is best to drink only bottled water or treated tap water. This also pertains ice cubes and to brushing your teeth. Fruit drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea are all widely available and safe to drink.
Vaccinations
The health risks in Ecuador are not considered high, however The Toronto Hospital Tropical Disease Clinic advises travelers to have anti-hepatitis, yellow fever, typhoid and tetanus shots current. We advise you to contact your nearest travel clinic for information on health requirements, as this information can and does change frequently. A good website for current information is The Centre for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/travel/
Equipment checking list
There is some general equipment you should bring: backpack/suitcase, day backpack, rain/wind clothes, long pants, shorts warm clothes (warm sweatshirt, shelljacket for the Highlands, T-shirts, underwear, socks, comfortable trekking boots, rubber boots (can be easily bought in Ecuador), good socks for the trekking, tennis shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen (protection factor over 30), hat to protect from the sun, personal medicine, swimsuit, mosquito repellent, head lamp or torch, knife, plastic bags where you should pack all your clothes to protect them from the humidity, passport, binoculars, film and recording equipment.
Moreover, please take into account the specific equipment check list that is required in every different activity that is displayed in our catalogue.
For those interested in high-altitude mountaineering, Ecuador is a perfect introduction and one of the best training grounds in the world for developing mountaineering techniques at high elevations. Climbers from all around the world visit the Ecuadorian Andes for a first high-altitude experience, for improving climbing techniques or for having a better understanding of physiological capacities. Moreover, Ecuador has some climbing jewels as Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5.897 m), one of the world’s most perfect cone shaped active volcano, the Cayambe (5.790m/18,997ft), having the unique glacier formation literally on the Equator, and the Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft), the highest mountain of Ecuador and of the world if we measure it from the earth’s center. Check extended information about Volcano Climbing in Ecuador and about our Volcano Climbing Tours.
Trekking
Ecuador's special appeal to trekkers can be described in three concepts: accessible, untouched and biologically divers. The country's unique combination of exceptional geographic and biological diversity and good transportation infrastructure places an outstanding variety of splendid natural experiences within easy reach of the adventurous visitor. Deserts, endemic high plateaus, cloud forests, Amazon Jungle, snow capped active volcanoes and the unique Galapagos Islands ecosystems, each with its specific wildlife and climate conditions. While trekking, one can easily experience dramatic climate and biological change in just a few hours! Check extended information about Trekking in Ecuador and about our Trekking Tours.
Mountain Biking
Have you ever spent some days biking alongside wild tropical beaches, or through Andes Highlands and into deep jungle? This is your opportunity. The geographical diversity of Ecuador offers a great variety of possibilities for the best exotic mountain biking tours. Biking through nearly untouched nature areas, from the Andes to the deeper regions of the jungle and to the Pacific Coast, is an unforgettable experience. While mountain biking you can get to know a different Ecuador: remote spots, cultural wonders, natural diversity, etc. Check extended information about Mountain Biking in Ecuador and about our Mountain Biking Tours.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding around the Cotopaxi National Park is great experience for those who love horses and wild and untouched nature. As we only use reliable, good-natured horses from which some of them are extremely calm and other ones full of personality, our tours are suitable for beginners and children as well as for experienced riders. Check extended information about Horseback Riding in Ecuador and about our Horseback Riding Tours.
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing and Bouldering Ecuador’s volcanic rocks and cliffs is a must do, both for beginners to advanced climbers. To the advanced climbers Ecuador offers challenging climbing experiences on different kinds of volcanic rock formations. Traditional climbing, sport climbing and bouldering areas are always located in amazing landscapes. To the beginner, Ecuador may represent the perfect opportunity to learn or improve your climbing abilities while getting to know the country and its people. Ecuador Expeditions’s Rock Climbing Guides are the best! Check extended information about Rock Climbing in Ecuador and about our Rock Climbing Tours and Courses.
Kayaking and Rafting
Ecuador is known as having the world’s best kayaking routes through warm tropical forest. From II to IV grades, its rivers are exceptional, not only because its beauty and wilderness but also because its continuity and accessibility. This combination makes for a truly unique kayaking vacation. Check extended information about Kayaking and Rafting in Ecuador and about our Kayaking and Rafting Tours.
Diving in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands is more than a dive trip, it is a pilgrimage to earth's sanctuary for endemic species, a Mecca for divers who worship biodiversity. It is also a place for those who prefer diving as far away from overcrowded and overdeveloped resort destinations as possible. Why is that incredible marine biodiversity? Volcanic in origin, these islands comprise the tops of still-active volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor 7,200ft / 2.200m below. Situated where the cold Humboldt and several other major ocean currents converge, the Galapagos nurtures one of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. In terms of wild life observation, Galapagos is the number one! Check extended information about Diving in the Galapagos Islands and about our Diving Tours.
Surfing
Ecuador: a paradise for Surfers! A South American diamond in the rough, Ecuador has tons of reefs, points, and beachbreaks scattered within a 120 kilometer radius. Wave diversity, warm water and mellow Caribbean-like beach towns make Ecuador the perfect destination to satisfy any wave craving you may have and all the fun only a tropical destination can provide. Having the whole west open to the mighty Pacific Ocean, Ecuador offers swells all around the year and so many break points not enough time to surf them all! Ecuador Expeditions understand your needs: surfing and resting. Check extended information about Surfing in Ecuador and about our Surf Trips.
Community Based Experiences
Deep into the Ecuador Amazon Jungle, Ecuador Expeditions have established associations with communities that are managing high quality lodging. While preserving the authenticity and its culture and nature environment, the lodge and the community can bring an outstanding excellent service in terms of accommodation and guiding to one of the territories with more biodiversity of the planet. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the millenary culture of the Amazon and to make your visit one of the best experiences of your life. Check extended information about Community Based Experiences in Ecuador and about our Community Based Experiences Tours.
Bird Watching
Ecuador, sitting right on the equator, offers more bird diversity in less space than any other country in the world: over 1500 species of birds! Geographic good fortune has blessed Ecuador with a wide variety of faunal zones, including some of the richest on this planet. Every faunal zone has its characteristic birds, Amazonian Lowlands (with more than 600 species), Northwestern (Choco) Lowlands, Southwestern (Tumbesin) Lowlands, Subtropics, Eastern Subtropics, Temperate, Paramo or Highlands and the Galapagos Islands. And moreover, Ecuador's small size and well-developed transportation system means that this diversity can be easily accessed and experienced. Check extended information about Bird Watching in Ecuador and about our Bird Watching Programs.
Galapagos Islands
Literally a living laboratory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most spectacular places on Earth. The Islands are peaks of enormous underwater active volcanoes; having never been connected with the South American continent, Galapagos' flora and fauna developed in complete isolation, a fact that in many ways allowed Charles Darwin to form his theory of evolution. The Galapagos are truly a wonder that should not be missed. Where else can you swim with hammerhead sharks, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical reef fish? Bear in mind that, for many divers, this archipelago is the best diving spot! Landscapes are rare and amazing: volcanic early formations, dry and tropical surprising forests and a paradise for bird-watchers. Check extended information about the Galapagos Islands and our Galapagos Islands Relaxed Destinations.
Amazon Jungle
Ecuador is blessed with a portion of the most biologically diverse area of the Globe, the pristine area of the Amazon Jungle. Hums and buzzes all day around, giant trees covered by hundreds of lianas and orchids, monkeys, ants, birds, 30-feet anacondas, spiders, pink dolphins and caimans, all form part of the world's largest remaining tropical rainforest. Moreover, the ethnic richness and diversity is equally amazing: 200 distinct indigenous nations, like the Secoya, Cofan, Shuar or Huaorani, all representing the ancient keepers and guardians of the world's biological heritage. A paradise for bird-watching, hiking or just contemplating the exuberant forest. Check extended information about the Amazon Jungle and our Amazon Jungle Tours.
Andes High Lands and Cloud Forest
Snow-caped giant active volcanoes, colorful Indian Markets, colonial old haciendas, high-altitude remote “Paramo” Grasslands, the astonishing biodiversity of cloud forests, all represent the wonders of the “Sierra” or Andes High Lands and middle mountains of Ecuador. This mountain spine in between the Pacific coastal lowlands and the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle is a place one can discover through unused trails that will reveal the magic and beauty of the wildest landscapes. It is a wonder for lovers of White Water Kayaking or Rafting, Rock or High Altitude Volcano Climbing, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Horse-back Riding, for Bird Watchers or in general for nature explorers. Check extended information about the Andes High Lands, Cloud Forest and our Andes High Lands and Cloud Forest Relaxed Destinations.
La Sierra is also the home of Ecuador’s economic and political capital: Quito, a thrilling and lively city, mixed of colonial (UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity) and modern architecture that creates a fascinating environment.
Pacific Coast
Coastal jungle, mangrove forests, traditional fishing villages and stunning warm and humid tropical beaches form the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. It is certainly the perfect place to go relax for some days in one of our luxury hostels getting to know the coastal culture and environment or combine that with an amazing personalized Surf Trip exploring hidden creeks and different breakpoints. Check extended information about the Pacific Coast and our Pacific Coast Relaxed Destinations.
About Ecuador
For those interested in high-altitude mountaineering, Ecuador is a perfect introduction and one of the best training grounds in the world for developing mountaineering techniques at high elevations. Climbers from all around the world 
visit the Ecuadorian Andes for a first high-altitude experience, for improving climbing techniques or for having a better understanding of physiological capacities. Moreover, Ecuador has some climbing jewels as Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5.897 m), one of the world’s most perfect cone shaped active volcano, the Cayambe (5.790m/18,997ft), having the unique glacier formation literally on the Equator, and the Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft), the highest mountain of Ecuador and of the world if we measure it from the earth’s center. Check extended information about 
also a place for those who prefer diving as far away from overcrowded and overdeveloped resort destinations as possible. Why is that incredible marine biodiversity? Volcanic in origin, these islands comprise the tops of still-active volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor 7,200ft / 2.200m below. Situated where the cold Humboldt and several other major ocean currents converge, the Galapagos nurtures one of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. In terms of wild life observation, Galapagos is the number one! Check extended information about 
Literally a living laboratory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most spectacular places on Earth. The Islands are peaks of enormous underwater active volcanoes; having never been connected with the South American continent, 
Galapagos' flora and fauna developed in complete isolation, a fact that in many ways allowed Charles Darwin to form his theory of evolution. The Galapagos are truly a wonder that should not be missed. Where else can you swim with hammerhead sharks, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical reef fish? Bear in mind that, for many divers, this archipelago is the best diving spot! Landscapes are rare and amazing: volcanic early formations, dry and tropical surprising forests and a paradise for bird-watchers. Check extended information about the 
Snow-caped giant active volcanoes, colorful Indian Markets, colonial old haciendas, high-altitude remote “Paramo” Grasslands, the astonishing biodiversity of cloud forests, all represent the wonders of the “Sierra” or Andes High Lands and middle mountains of Ecuador. This mountain spine in between the Pacific coastal lowlands and the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle is a place one can discover through unused trails that will reveal the magic and beauty of the wildest landscapes. It is a wonder for lovers of White Water Kayaking or Rafting, Rock or High Altitude Volcano Climbing, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Horse-back Riding, for Bird Watchers or in general for nature explorers. Check extended information about the 