Ecuador attracts a lot of holiday-makers because of the Galapagos and if you’ve travelled in to Ecuador via bus you’ll notice the sudden influx of westerners when you’ve been used to seeing hardly any. Whether you are heading to the Galapagos or not, Ecuador is still worth a visit. It’s an adventure haven, with many mountains accessible just outside of Quito itself. The coast offers great wildlife and surf and the famed Quilotoa Loop was one of the highlights of my entire time in South America.
Likes: Quilotoa Loop | great scenery | outdoor spaces | peace and quiet | wildlife
Dislikes: beware the pickpockets!
Route (click on the links): Quito | Latacunga | Puerto Lopez
Including (click on the links): Rucu Pichincha | Otavalo Market | Cotapaxi | Iliniza Norte | Quilotoa Loop | Isla de la Plata | Quito Parks
Food to try: cuy (guinea pig) | hornado (pork) | salchipapas (chips and sausages) | llapingachos (potato cakes)
Tips: We met many people who had had their phones stolen in Ecuador. Pickpockets and sneaky bag-stealing is an issue here so be vigilant on public transport. Be careful of who is sitting behind you on the bus; conductors will often tell you to hold your bags on your laps here; at least they are recognising it!
Articles related to here: The Galapagos; to go or not to go? The poor man’s Galapagos