Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Ecuador, an amazing country in South America. We loved our Ecuador trip, but we had a few surprised along the way. Some good, some we wished we had a head’s up before arriving. That’s why we’re sharing the top things that will shock you in Ecuador!
Currency in Ecuador
The United States Dollar is the currency used in Ecuador. It’s not like some places in Mexico that take U.S. dollars because there are so many U.S. tourists. In Ecuador, it’s actually the only currency. So, getting and converting currency is one less thing you have to worry about; go ahead and bring your U.S. dollars from home and save money on withdrawal fees. Just make sure you bring small bills; nothing larger than a $20 bill.
Ten Rules for Tipping in Ecuador
Prices in Ecuador
Don’t worry about bringing too much cash from the States because Ecuador is super affordable. You can have a nice lunch for about $4, so your money really goes a long way here. Hotels, food, and transportation are all very cheap in Ecuador, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination, I highly recommend Ecuador. We paid less than $40 per night for a really nice guesthouse in Cuenca!
Price to Visit Galapagos Islands
While most of Ecuador is very affordable, a trip to the Galapagos Islands is not! You can expect to spend at least $3,000 for a decent Galapagos tour. You can do a land-based tour to save some money, but the best way to see the Galapagos is on a cruise, and they will cost you. You do get what you pay for, though! Don’t just pick the cheapest tour without doing some research, because you might be sorry.
Biodiversity of Ecuador
You expect biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands, but it’s something you’ll find nearly everywhere in Ecuador. First, you have underwater wildlife; rays, sharks, and sea lions are abundant in Ecuador. On the other side of Ecuador, you have the Amazon rainforest, with thousands of species living there. Between the plants, the animals, and the scenery, Ecuador is truly a diverse country with many different types of areas to explore.
Food in Ecuador
There are a couple of shocks when it’s time to sit down for a meal in Ecuador. First of all, yes, they do eat guinea pigs. It’s called cuy in Ecuador, and they are raised as food just as cows are in the United States. This is more specific to the mountainous areas, and you’ll find it in Peru as well. It’s roasted on a stick and sometimes served whole on a platter.
Corn is a major staple in Ecuador, but I was still shocked to see popcorn served at restaurants as a side dish. Who doesn’t love popcorn? We’re just used to seeing it at the movie theater, not in a dish at a restaurant! They sometimes even sprinkle it on a dish.
Bathrooms in Ecuador
The biggest thing you need to know about toilets in Ecuador is that they can’t handle toilet paper. There will always be a bin next to the toilet where you should throw your toilet paper. Don’t flush it! There’s usually a sign to remind you as well.
Stray Dogs in Ecuador
You will probably see a ton of stray dogs running the streets of Ecuador. Yes, there are a lot of strays, but even pets in Ecuador tend to roam the streets. Many people own “outside” dogs so they just run around. Regardless of how cute they are, I don’t recommend running up and petting every dog you see.
Altitude Effects
Quito sits at 9350’ and Cuenca at 8400’ so you can expect to experience some symptoms related to altitude. The biggest shock is how much gas you’ll have at a high elevation! Have some sympathy for your travel companions when this happens!
How to Deal with Altitude Sickness
Temperatures in Ecuador
Many people assume Ecuador is hot everywhere. It’s on the equator, so it’s a reasonable assumption, but that’s not the case! Ecuador definitely has hot climates, but there’s a pretty wide variety of weather in Ecuador. With Quito being nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it’s a lot cooler, even cold sometimes. There isn’t much seasonality, however, so you will pretty much always need a jacket in Quito.
Sun Intensity
One assumption that does ring true is the intensity of the sun. Being on the equator means the sun is at it’s most intense. Add some elevation to that mix and it’s super easy to get a sunburn in Ecuador. Definitely make sure you pack some sunblock for your Ecuador vacation; it’s one thing they tend to overcharge for. Bring bug spray, too!
Ecuador Locals
The people in Ecuador are amazing! They are so kind, helpful, and welcoming. Even before we left for Ecuador, I had so many people reach out to me, excited to give us their best tips for Ecuador travel. They have great pride in their country, and this also helps to make it feel very safe to visit Ecuador.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Of course, we can’t forget the biggest shock of them all: Panama hats are from Ecuador, not Panama! Yes, shocking, I know! We were shocked at how much we loved Ecuador; it’s really an ideal family vacation destination. It’s affordable and there are a ton of great places to visit in Ecuador, especially if you love nature and the outdoors. Looking for more tips on travel in South America? Check out some of our other blog posts!