Best Things to Do in Ecuador (Epic Guide) What to See and Do: All Regions

How are your Ecuador travel plans? Are you looking for great attractions, tips and recommendations? The best cultural and food experiences?

Great – you’ve found the right place!

28 Giant Armadillo Facts (2 Types) Largest Living and Extinct

What comes to your mind when you picture an armadillo? Perhaps you picture a cute little rolly-polly creature. Today we ...
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All 105 Ecuador Volcanoes: Active, Mainland, Galapagos (Charts/Map)

How many volcanoes are in Ecuador? You would think that would be a pretty straightforward question. But as I was ...
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Ecuador Spiders: Tarantulas and Red Fanged Wolf Spiders in Cuenca

Do you like spiders? Now we have some new photos - and a video - of the largest spider we've ...
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Guide to Ecuador’s 11 National Parks (and 25 Reserves & Wildlife Refuges)

Love nature? Then Ecuador belongs at the top of your bucket list. In this post, we'll cover all of Ecuador's ...
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Guide to Yasuni National Park (13 Things: Ecuador’s Biodiverse Park)

Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth! Visiting Yasuni is sure to be a highlight ...
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Ecuador’s Cloud Forests: 13 Things to Know (Travelers Guide)

Sure, Ecuador has the Amazon rainforest. But have you heard of the cloud forest in Ecuador? In this article, you'll ...
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34 King Vulture Facts: World’s Most Colorful Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

Have you heard about Ecuador's king vulture? In this post, you'll learn 34 king vulture facts, including diet, size, wingspan, ...
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36 Black Caiman Facts: Amazon’s Huge Apex Predator (Melanosuchus niger)

Did you know that the Amazon jungle is home to giant black caimans? These apex predators can reach lengths of ...
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47 Amazon Rainforest Animals (Ecuador’s Monkeys, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Mammals, Amphibians…)

The rainforest is home to amazing (and often giant) animals. In this epic guide to rainforest animals, you'll learn all ...
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18 Interesting Facts About Quito Ecuador (Natural, Cultural, Political)

Looking for Quito Ecuador facts? In this post, you'll learn 18 interesting facts about Quito Ecuador. We're going to learn ...
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10 Facts About Darwin’s Cotton in the Galapagos (Gossypium darwinii)

While exploring the Galapagos Islands we came across some Darwin’s cotton. I had never seen a cotton plant before (not ...
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Las Grietas: Our Favorite Place to Swim on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

I love to swim! I especially love swimming in places where I know there is nothing too big that's going ...
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Ecuador Andes Mountains [Planning Guide] 15 Things to Do

Planning a trip to Ecuador's Andes mountains? In this post, I'll share 15 things to do in Ecuador's Andes Mountains ...
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Hiking in Ecuador: Cajas National Park, Galapagos (Photos / Videos)

Ecuador has hundreds of beautiful hikes. Hiking in Ecuador draws thousands of adventurers every year. In this post, you'll learn ...
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Summiting Antisana Volcano in Ecuador: What You Can Expect

Thinking about summiting a volcano in Ecuador? In this post, you'll learn about Antisana Volcano - Ecuador's 4th highest volcano ...
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Things to Do in Banos Ecuador: Adventure, Food, Waterfalls, Active Volcano

This is a post by Magali Ipina - a Canadian expat living in Quito, Ecuador. Baños is by far one ...
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Quito’s Cable Car: 10 TelefériQo Riding Tips/Facts (Parque Vulqano)

A great way to see Quito is from above. The TelefériQo (a combination of teleférico and Quito) runs up the ...
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Otavalo Tour: 11 Things to Know When Visiting Otavalo Market, Ecuador

In this post, you'll take an Otavalo tour that'll show you the highlights and everything you need to know as ...
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29 Vampire Fish Facts: Meet Amazon’s Payara (Hydrolycus Scomberoides)

Curious about the mysterious vampire fish? In this post, you'll learn 29 vampire fish facts, including diet, size, habitat, and ...
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Don’t Miss Iguana Park In Guayaquil Ecuador

Guayaquil is known for its "Iguana Park" (Parque Seminario) which is packed with iguanas. Coming from Canada we haven't seen ...
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25 Galapagos Islands Facts for Travelers (Animals, Geography, History)

Thinking of visiting the Galapagos Islands? The archipelago is famous for its animals, diving, and rugged terrain. In this article, ...
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17 Best Galapagos Books to Plan Your Vacation

To make the most of a trip to the Galápagos, research and planning should be a priority. With that in ...
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15 Ecuador Landmarks to Visit: Historical, Natural, Artisan, Cultural

Ecuador is a place rich in culture. What do you want to see on your trip to Ecuador? We'll give ...
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22 Ecuador Beaches & Beach Towns [Ultimate Guide] Maps, Photos, Videos

Looking for a great beach in Ecuador? In this post, we'll cover 22 Ecuador beaches worth visiting. Plus details on ...
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What’s the Best Galapagos Airport? (3 Options)

In this post, we'll help you determine which is the best Galapagos airport. There are three airports on the Galapagos ...
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Things to Do in Galapagos Islands: Plus 4 Reasons to Visit Galapagos from Ecuador

Planning a trip to Ecuador and not sure if you should visit the Galapagos? Here are four reasons to travel ...
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19 Galapagos Islands Animals [Travelers Guide] Facts, Photos, Videos…

Planning a trip to the Galapagos? Here are 19 amazing Galapagos Islands animals to watch for on your next trip! ...
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43 Blue-footed Booby Facts: Dancing, Dive Bombing Clowns (Sula nebouxii)

The blue-footed booby has become the unofficial mascot of the Galapagos Islands. In this post, you'll learn 43 blue-footed booby ...
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43 Galapagos Penguin Facts: Tropical Guide (Spheniscus mendiculus)

Tropical penguins? Yes! In this post, you'll learn 43 Galapagos penguin facts, including adaptations to keep cool, habits and habitats, ...
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Where are the Galapagos Islands Located? Coordinates, Elevation, Timezone…

The Galapagos Islands are a top destination for nature lovers all over the globe. But where are the Galapagos Islands ...
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22 Galapagos Sea Lion Facts: Diet, Habits, Photos & Videos

The Galapagos sea lion has often been called the "welcoming committee" of the Galapagos Islands. Please read on for the ...
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6 Best Things to do in Quito Ecuador (Plus 7-Stop Weekend Itinerary)

Planning a trip to Quito Ecuador is exciting. It's a large city and there's a lot to see. In this ...
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46 Weird and Interesting Ecuador Facts (That You Might Not Know)

Although tiny, Ecuador is a very diverse country. In this post, I'll share 46 unusual and interesting facts about Ecuador ...
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15 Blue Morpho Butterfly Facts: Iridescent Gem of Ecuador’s Amazon (All 24 Species)

Planning a trip to Ecuador's Amazon rainforest? Here are 15 amazing blue morpho butterfly facts that you'll want to know ...
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7 Reasons to Visit Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador: Hiking, Birds (37 Photos)

Ecuador's Podocarpus National Park is said to have some of the highest plant and animal diversity in the world. In ...
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Pork and Cuy: Street Food in Cuenca Ecuador

Shortly after your arrival in Cuenca, you'll realize that there are some pretty unique things here. One of the things ...
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Ecuador Amazon: 8 Things to Know Before Visiting the Amazon Rainforest

Are you thinking about visiting the Ecuador Amazon? In this post, we'll cover 8 things you should know before you ...
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39 Vampire Bat Facts (All 3 Species) Tiny, Heat-Sensing Flying Mammals

Are vampire bats real? Yes, but don't be scared. In this post, you'll learn about their habitat, diet, size, hunting ...
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25 Waved Albatross Facts: Largest Galapagos Bird (It has 8ft Wingspan!)

The waved albatross is the largest bird in the Galapagos Islands. In this post, you'll learn 25 facts about the ...
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28 Scarlet Macaw Facts (Ara macao) Guide to Both Subspecies

The scarlet macaw is famous for its appearance, intelligence and personality. But how much do you know about the scarlet ...
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Guaba Fruit: Ecuador’s Delicious Ice Cream Bean

A little while ago, I discovered a very interesting fruit called guaba. It is very common at markets and can ...
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17 Galapagos Shark Facts (Diet, Size, Attacks, Range)

Wondering about Galapagos sharks? In this article, you will find facts about where they live, what they eat, and if ...
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36 Harpy Eagle Facts: World’s Most Powerful Eagle (Harpia harpyja)

Looking for details about the magnificent harpy eagle? In this post, you'll find 36 harpy eagle facts, including size, strength, ...
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13 Tasty Facts About Golden Berries: Andean Uvilla Fruit

In this post, you'll learn about the delicious golden berry (uvilla fruit) originally from Peru and Ecuador. Now, the tasty ...
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Guide to 18 Largest Cities in Ecuador (Population, Elevation, Attractions…)

As you plan your trip (or relocation) to Ecuador, it's good to know about the major cities. In this post, ...
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Visiting Amaru Zoo in Cuenca Ecuador (Animals, Photos, Videos, Directions)

We recently visited the Amaru Zoo here in Cuenca. It made for a really nice morning. The Zoo is located ...
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Ecuador Pictures: Our 11-Year-Old Daughter Captures Expat Life in Photos

A number of years ago, our daughter published her experiences and photos in a series of individual blog posts. This ...
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Galapagos Timelapses: Sunrise & Sunset on Isabela Island (Beach, Dock)

See two beautiful Galapagos sunrise and sunset videos from Isabela Island. These timelapse videos give a taste of what it's ...
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6 Breathtaking Reasons to Visit Floreana Island, Galapagos

Floreana is a small isolated island in the Galapagos. It has a very interesting history and is one of the ...
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10 Plantain Recipes: How to Cook Plantains (Videos, Photos, Recipes…)

Plantains can be eaten as a snack or a side dish and they taste amazing regardless of whether they're green ...
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Corviche: Deep Fried Fish and Green Plantain

Corviche is definitely one of my favorite traditional foods here in Ecuador. It's right up there with encebollado. Corviche is ...
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Annual Weather Chart for Cuenca, Ecuador ("Spring-Like" Climate?)

Everyone wants to know about the climate in Cuenca. On an almost daily basis, we get asked: When is the ...
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What is Ecuador Famous For? 16 Fameworthy People, Places, Foods…

So, what is Ecuador famous for? In this post you'll find out what makes Ecuador famous - the people, places, ...
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25 Red-footed Booby Facts: Color Morphs, Tree Clinging Webbed Feet… (Sula sula)

Red footed boobies are one of the most unique birds that you'll find in the Galapagos Islands. In this post, ...
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Things to Do in Guayaquil, Ecuador: Where We Stay, What to Do

In this post, you'll learn about the best things to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Attractions in Guayaquil include food, culture, ...
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34 Guayaquil Photos That Will Make You Book Your Trip to Ecuador

In this post, you'll see 34 gorgeous Guayaquil photos - eye candy that just might make you want to book ...
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Guide to Guayaquil Weather (Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity…)

Planning a trip to Guayaquil? Here's what you need to know about Guayaquil weather - including rainfall, average temperatures (monthly ...
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The Flower Market: Prettiest Spot in Cuenca Ecuador (Video)

One of our favorite places in Cuenca is the flower market. It's beautiful! I enjoy visiting the flower market regularly ...
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Whats Your Question About Cuenca, Ecuador? 580+ Questions and Answers

We've been covering Cuenca, Ecuador and expat life in general for just over 5 months in more than 100 posts ...
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Guide to Mall del Rio in Cuenca Ecuador (Maps and Photos)

Today, we're going to visit Mall del Rio in Cuenca, Ecuador. The largest mall in the city, Mall del Rio, ...
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10 Tips for Shopping at an Open Market in Ecuador (11 Spanish Phrases)

The attraction for many gringos, of traveling and living in a foreign country, is the thrill of traditional open markets ...
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Guide to Ecuador Taxis: Cuenca, GYE, Salinas, Quito (Tips, Safety)

Many expats here in Cuenca do not own cars and have to rely on public transportation to get around. Car ...
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Ecuador Vaccinations: What Vaccines Do I Need in Cuenca Ecuador?

Last week, we received this inquiry from a reader. There is lots of confusion about what types of vaccinations are ...
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Tagua Nut Guide: South America’s Vegetable Ivory (Vegan, Sustainable)

Tagua nuts are vegan, sustainable faux ivory product grown in South America. Learn about this beautiful jewelry product grown by ...
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Ecuador Souvenirs: 16 Best Things to Buy in Ecuador (Food, Art, Textiles)

As you travel around Ecuador, you'll see some amazing things. What are the best things to buy in Ecuador? What ...
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22 Sally Lightfoot Crab Facts: Guide to Galapagos’s Grapsus grapsus

Sally Lightfoot crabs are easily recognizable, with their reddish-orange shell and their baby blue belly. In this post, you'll learn ...
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24 Spectacled Caiman Facts: Guide to Caiman crocodilus

Interested to learn more about spectacled caiman? These average sized caiman live across much of Latin America - from Mexico ...
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40 Bothrops Asper Facts: Guide to Fer de Lance (Terciopelo Viper)

The bothrops asper is one of the most dangerous snakes in the Americas. In this post, you'll learn about these ...
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What is Ecuador’s Weather? Annual Climate Charts from Across Ecuador

So, what is Ecuador’s weather like? To help you plan your trip, here are all the details on Ecuador’s four ...
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35 Squirrel Monkey Facts: All 5 Saimiri Species (Plus 8 Subspecies)

Is there anything cuter than a squirrel monkey? In this post, you'll learn 35 squirrel monkey facts, including diet, range, ...
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26 Nazca Booby Facts: Galapagos Islands Largest Booby (Sula granti)

Nazca boobies are the largest of the booby birds in the Galapagos Islands. In this post, you'll learn 26 Nazca ...
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28 Swallow-tailed Gull Facts: World’s Only Fully Nocturnal Gull and Seabird

Curious to learn about these nocturnal seabirds with night vision? In this post, you'll learn 28 facts about the swallow-tailed ...
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22 Galapagos Hawk Facts: Diet, Range, Size, Population… (Buteo galapagoensis)

In this guide, you'll learn 22 facts about the Galapagos hawk. They include diet, range, size, endangered status, mating habits ...
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45 Emerald Tree Boa Facts (Guide to Both Species) Diet, Habitat, Babies, Photos, Pets

Interested in the emerald tree boa? In this post, you'll learn 45 emerald tree boa facts - about both species ...
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31 Pygmy Marmoset Facts: Guide to Finger Monkeys (Cebuella pygmaea)

Are finger monkeys real? Yes they are! In this post, you'll learn 31 pygmy marmoset facts with a focus on ...
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16 Ecuador Desserts You Need to Try! [Pictures, Videos, Recipes…]

Are you looking for some amazing Ecuador desserts? Then you're in the right place! Here are 16 of our favorite ...
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Tortuga Bay, Galapagos: 9 Things to Know Before You Visit (Climate, Location, Safety, Map…)

Santa Cruz Island is home to Tortuga Bay, one of the top attractions in the Galapagos Islands. It's the perfect ...
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3 Months Exploring Ecuador: Our Top 12 Experiences, Dishes & Attractions

What can you expect when exploring Ecuador? In this post by Carla of Exciting Adventure, you'll learn about her favorite ...
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9 Ecuador Beverages You’ll Want to Drink: Horchata, Canelazo, Colada Morada…

Are you taking a trip to Ecuador? Or maybe just looking for some classic latino flavors? Here are nine Ecuador ...
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Guide to Quito Ecuador Weather: (Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity…)

Planning a trip to Quito? Here's what you need to know about Quito Ecuador weather - including rainfall, average temperatures ...
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Guide to Baños Ecuador Weather: (Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity…)

Planning a trip to Baños? Here's what you need to know about Baños Ecuador weather - including rainfall, average temperatures ...
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9 Ecuador Airbnb Tips and Tricks: How to Find a Place in Ecuador

If you're looking for a place to stay in Ecuador, this post will help. When you choose an Ecuador Airbnb ...
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23 Ecuador Holidays (To Plan Your Trip Around)

What are the big Ecuador holidays? In this post, you'll learn about the largest public holidays in Ecuador. As you ...
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9 Must-Try Ecuador Fruits: Naranjilla, Ice Cream Bean, Tuna…

Are you planning a trip to Ecuador? Then you need to know these 9 awesome Ecuador fruits. While there are ...
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Where is Quito Located? Altitude, Longitude, Latitude of Quito Ecuador

Where is Quito Ecuador located? In this post, you'll learn the altitude, longitude, and latitude of Quito Ecuador, along with ...
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Cuy in Ecuador: How to Eat Guinea Pig

Cuy is a traditional dish - a delicacy - in Ecuador. And yes, cuy are guinea pigs. In this post, ...
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11 Facts About Ecuadorian Chicha (Saliva-Fermented Yuca Drink)

You've likely heard of chicha - the chew-and-spit alcoholic drink made in Ecuador's amazon region. Here's what you need to ...
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What do People in Ecuador Eat? My Favorite 16 Foods

So, what do people in Ecuador eat? In this post. you'll learn about 16 typical dishes in Ecuador. What Do ...
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Curiquingue: Sacred Bird of the Incans (Ecuador’s Caracara)

While traveling through the Ecuador's Andes mountains, we've seen lots of wildlife. As I went through my photos, I found ...
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Cuenca Tour: The Best of Cuenca Ecuador in 12-Video City Tour

Visiting Ecuador and looking for a great Cuenca tour? In this post, you'll get to see the best of the ...
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How to Eat Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit (Video)

Have you ever eaten prickly pear (genus opuntia) cactus fruit? I never knew cactus plants produced edible fruit until we ...
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Azogues Ecuador: An Easy Day Trip From Cuenca

We recently spent some time in Azogues, a small city not far from Cuenca. It has a population of around ...
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Ecuador Chocolate Guide: República del Cacao, Pacari, Hot Chocolate

Ecuador is famous for chocolate. In this post, we'll cover some of the premium chocolate brands in Ecuador (República del ...
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15 Facts About Ecuador’s Vermilion Flycatcher

The male vermilion flycatcher is a tiny bright red bird. He is a real attention grabber! The first one we ...
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What’s a Seco? Seco de Pollo, Carne, Chivo in Ecuador

One of the cultural dishes you'll find on most menus in Ecuador is the seco. Have you tried it? I've ...
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11 Facts about Ecuador’s Pink Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

The Pink Silk (Albizia julibrissin) tree is beautiful! Its blossoms look more like feathers than flowers. The first time I ...
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24 Provinces of Ecuador: Population, Area, Capitals, Cantóns, Parroquias

In this post, you'll learn about the 24 Ecuador provinces. We also include the population numbers, physical area, and provincial ...
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How to Avoid Sunburn in Ecuador (UV Index on the Equator)

Sun protection is very important while traveling in Ecuador - especially in the Andes. And it is even more important ...
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Exploring Gualaceo: A Day Trip From Cuenca

There are a lot of nice little towns in the province of Azuay. If you are staying in the city ...
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What Type of Cell Phone Works in Ecuador? (Carriers, Rates, Bands)

Curious about what type of cell phone will work in Ecuador? In this post, you'll learn about the best type ...
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Pale Legged Horneros and their Mud Homes (Furnarius leucopus)

Birds are so interesting! There is something so captivating about them, their beautiful colors, songs, and not to mention their ...
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My Favorite Ecuador Coffee: Café Cubanito

Looking for the best coffee in Ecuador? In this post, you'll learn about our favorite brand and roast of coffee ...
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My Favorite Photos of Adobe Homes in Ecuador

One of the things I love most about travel photography is capturing textures. I find the adobe houses in Ecuador ...
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Why I Love Cuenca’s Parque Calderon

Parque Calderon is in the center of Cuenca, it's a beautiful little park where we like to sit, relax and ...
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Visit Paute Ecuador: Travelers Guide to 9 Attractions, Getting There

Paute is a small canton (county) in Azuay province - just outside of the city of Cuenca. It is just ...
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The Monkey-Faced Orchid of Ecuador (Photos)

One of the most amazing flowers I've ever seen is the monkey-faced orchid. The first time I ever saw this ...
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17 Facts About Ecuador’s Andean Bear (Meet Paddington Bear)

In this post, you'll learn about Ecuador's Andean bear. It is also known as a spectacled bear (for obvious reasons) ...
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Have You Tried Encebollado? Fish (Tuna) Soup in Ecuador

Have you heard about encebollado? This is a very popular soup in Ecuador - especially on the coast. In this ...
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Ingapirca: Ecuador’s Largest Incan Ruins (1 Hour North of Cuenca)

Ingapirca is the largest site of Inca ruins in Ecuador. There have been other sites found, but none as large ...
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Being a Bad Host: Treating Parasites and Amoebas

Are you concerned about parasites and amoebas? When we first moved, we were too. And since then we've been sick ...
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Higos con Queso (Figs with Cheese) Recipe: Ecuadorian Dessert

A few months ago I discovered a new dessert in Cuenca: Higos con queso. Despite having lived here for four ...
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Great Ecuador Treat: Salchipapas (Fries with Hotdogs, Mayo and Ketchup)

If you’re in the center of town, it’s a quick snack. If you’re at a restaurant, it’s an appetizer. May ...
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La Mitad del Mundo: The Middle of the World in Ecuador

When speaking of Ecuador, most people think of the Andean capital city of Quito with its subtropical highland climate, of ...
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Yuca Bread: A Delicious Treat in Cuenca Ecuador

One of the yummy treats we like to pick up when we are on the go is called yuca bread ...
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29 Best Books About Ecuador: Travel, Expat, Maps, History

As we planned our move to Ecuador we bought a lot of books. Not just books to learn Spanish or ...
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How’s the Fishing in Ecuador? Angling on the Equator (Species, Locations…)

This is a post by James Drummondo of FINTASTIC ADVENTURES de ECUADOR Fishing Excursions. Learn more about James in the ...
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Is "Gringo" Offensive? Meanings, 4 Origins, (Travelers Guide)

We knew before we moved to Ecuador that we were gringos. And we have been called gringos frequently - by ...
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Visit Chordeleg Ecuador: Silver Jewelry Artisans (Day Trip From Cuenca)

One of the little towns close to Cuenca that we really like to visit is called Chordeleg. It’s only about ...
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Electric Showers?! How Shocking! (Are They Really Suicide Showers?)

When I stepped in the shower for the first time in Ecuador I was shocked to see wires coming out ...
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The Panama Hat: 8 Myths and Legends (Made in Ecuador?)

B. Brent Black is a Panama Hat expert (bio) and in this post he shares 8 common myths and legends ...
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Handmade Ceramics in Cuenca Ecuador: Ceramic Art By Eduardo Vega

I love the work of Eduardo Vega. He is a famous ceramic artist who lives and works in Cuenca. His ...
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What’s the Guayaquil Airport Like?

Last Saturday we took a flight back to Canada and came through the Guayaquil Airport on our way. I thought ...
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Marine Iguanas

Marine Iguanas are really quite weird. They enjoy eating the algae. . . at the bottom of the sea. They ...
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Visit Yunguilla Valley, Azuay Province Ecuador

One of the prettiest areas we've seen is in the Yunguilla Valley - just south of Cuenca. This area is ...
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13 Tips for Using City Buses in Cuenca, Ecuador

Car ownership can be complicated and somewhat expensive in Ecuador so, like many other expats, we have had to adapt ...
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Cuenca Attraction: El Chorro de Giron (Waterfall 30 Minutes from Cuenca)

An interesting place to visit while in Cuenca: El Chorro de Giron. Recently I had the chance to give some ...
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Visit Santa Isabel, Ecuador (Yunguilla Valley)

Beautiful small towns are literally everywhere in the Andes here in Ecuador. Here is an amazing little town called Santa ...
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Whats the Cuenca Airport Like?

Yesterday we set out on a trip to Quito, so I thought I would tell everyone a bit about the ...
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Guide to Visiting Salinas Ecuador: How’s the Beach?

Ecuador is for hiking and jungle exploring - right? Who goes to Ecuador for the beach? That's what Mexico and ...
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29 Ecuador Currency Facts: USD, Handling Your Money, Sacagawea Coin, History

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency. In this post, you'll learn about Ecuador's currency including pesos, francos, ...
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How We Travel in Ecuador

We write about Ecuador travel from the perspective of a young family. We travel safe and like to sleep in a comfortable bed at night.

And while a little luxury is nice, it isn’t necessary. Sometimes we travel in our own car – other times we let an agency take care of all of the details.

Our goal is to see each place as it really is. To experience the culture and the local flavor. And to take lots of photos/videos. 

Our site is for anyone planning on visiting Ecuador. If you are going to live in Ecuador, then you’ll have even more time to explore this amazing country.

As you plan your trip, you’ll want to know about these 23 Ecuador holidays. They can clog public transportation and fill hotels around the country.

Where Do You Want to Travel in Ecuador?

In this article, you’ll learn about the Galapagos, Quito, Cuenca, Salinas, and Guayaquil. At the bottom of the page, we also cover Ecuador’s food and animals.

Ecuador Travel: Galapagos Islands

There is no question that, of everything we’ve done in Ecuador, we have enjoyed traveling the Galapagos the most.

Even though we’ve been there three times – we can’t wait to go back.

There is just so much to experience. And so many things we want to do again. Things like swimming with sea turtles and sea lions, hiking volcanoes, and snorkeling with sharks.

More reading: Travelers Guide to Galapagos Islands Animals

Here are a few of the highlights (thus far):

• What’s the Best Galapagos Airport? (3 Options)
• A Week in the Galapagos Islands
• 6 Breathtaking Reasons to Visit Floreana Island, Galapagos

Some of our past Galapagos photos posts: Galapagos marine iguana, and (of course) the famous blue-footed boobies.

Check out our set of the top 17 Galapagos books!

Ecuador Travel: Quito

Quito is a modern city located in the northern sierra of Ecuador. Parts of Quito remind me of a North American city (like Toronto) while other sections are more like Cuenca.

Quito is a great landing spot for new visitors to Ecuador. The new airport is modern and there are lots of transportation options into the city.

Is Quito safe? Well, it’s a large city so you need to be careful. We haven’t had any problems but we are still careful – as we would be in any other large city.

Once, we thought that someone stole our camera in Quito. As it turns out, we had a lesson in human kindness and honesty.

Here are a few posts about Quito:

• 11 Things to Know When Visiting Otavalo Market
• See Quito – Ride El TelefériQo (Visit Parque Vulqano)
• Guide to the Best Things to Do in Quito

Something we love about Quito is all of the parks. Specifically Parque La Carolina and Parque El Ejido.

You should definitely check them out!

Parque La Carolina in Quito Ecuador (Video)

Ecuador Travel: Cuenca

Of all of Ecuador, we certainly know Cuenca the best. Since we moved here in 2009, we have seen almost all the areas of the city – although there are still lots of restaurants left to explore…

Cuenca is a great mix of the old and the new. It is has a modern airport and a downtown full of old, and (mostly) restored buildings.

Cuenca has many large, well-maintained parks (Parque Paraiso and Parque de la Madre being our favorites) – and it even has a nice zoo. 

Here are some of our favorite posts about Cuenca:

• Annual Weather Chart for Cuenca, Ecuador 
• Why I Love Cuenca’s Parque Calderon
• Where Are the Dangerous Areas in Cuenca, Ecuador?

Getting around Cuenca is easy (and cheap) using city buses and taxis. Check the local news in one of Cuenca’s two daily papers.

Haines Family Casting Video (for House Hunters International)

This is a short video we created to showcase the best of Cuenca.

Cuenca’s Famous Flower Market (Video)

Just off of Parque Calderon is the famous flower market – one of our favorite places in the city.

Hiking in Cajas National Park (Video)

Just outside of Cuenca is the Cajas National Park.

Ecuador Travel: Salinas

Salinas is one of the top beach areas in the country. It is close to Guayaquil airport so it’s accessible by a quick flight (then drive) from anywhere in the country.

Salinas has two beautiful beaches. One right on the Malecon and the other one just past the yacht club (which is more private – but still open to the public).

We love the atmosphere on the beach.

There are food and souvenir vendors walking the beach. We’ve bought fresh seafood from a cardboard box and there are beach chairs and umbrellas to rent for a few dollars a day.

There are lots of hotels and vacation rentals located right on the main road, facing the beach. There are tons of restaurants (serving amazing seafood) and a couple of grocery stores in town.

• Guide to Visiting Salinas, Ecuador

You might also be interested in the taxi rates for Salinas.

Learn more about Ecuador’s beautiful beaches.

The Beach Malecon in Salinas, Ecuador (Video)

Ecuador Travel: Guayaquil

Guayaquil is the country’s largest city – both in terms of population and economic power.

While we have been through Guayaquil many times, we haven’t explored it like we want to. It is on our list and we’ll be covering it in more detail in the future.

Many of the international flights into Guayaquil arrive late at night – and many of the outbound flights (to the US) leave around midnight.

Because of this, having a great hotel – with a shuttle – is important. We stay at the Howard Johnson, which is very close to the airport.

Here are some posts about Guayaquil.

• Whats the Guayaquil Airport Like?
• Don’t Miss Iguana Park In Guayaquil Ecuador
• Things to do in Guayaquil Ecuador

Although it can be very hot, Guayaquil is definitely worth exploring. There are many cultural and natural attractions to experience. And the local culture and way of speaking are notably different than in the sierra.

Ecuador Food

The food in Ecuador is amazing. It’s worth traveling here just to experience it.

The bakeries in Cuenca are incredible. And as a family, we especially love the seafood dishes from the coast.

Here are a few of the highlights of food in Ecuador:

• Encebollado: Fish (Tuna) Soup in Ecuador
• Corviche: Deep Fried Fish and Green Plantain
• Pork and Cuy: Street Food In Cuenca Ecuador
• Cuy in Ecuador: How to Eat Guinea Pig
• Yuca Bread, A Delicious Treat In Cuenca Ecuador

 Freshly Made Yuca Bread (Cuenca)

Ecuador is home to many craft towns. Here are some of the best items produced in Ecuador.

Animals We’ve Seen in our Ecuador Travels

During our travels in the Galapagos, we’ve seen marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, and sea lions.

We still have lots of photos and videos to publish about our adventures in the islands. Stay tuned!

On mainland Ecuador, we’ve also seen lots of animals. Here are some of them:

• Meet Paddington Bear: 17 Facts About Ecuador’s Andean Bear
• Don’t Miss Iguana Park In Guayaquil Ecuador
• The Wild Horses of Southern Ecuador
• The Animals of Amaru Zoo, Cuenca Ecuador (Video)
• Ecuador Spiders: Tarantulas and Red Fanged Wolf Spiders in Cuenca

So there you have it – an overview of travel in Ecuador.

Hungry for more? You should check out our site map for a full list of every post we’ve ever published.

Two of our other popular sections are: Living in Ecuador and Ecuador real estate.