8 Reasons to Visit Ecuador This Year |Los Andes Ecuador
Now that the New Year has rolled around and we begin the season of resolutions, the question I have for you is “have you thought about where you want to travel this year?” If your answer is “No!”, then what are you waiting for?!
Aside from wanting to be more fit, eating healthier or achieving certain goals, one resolution we should all have is taking time for a vacation. Let’s face it with so many obligations the New Year will bring at some point we need a time-out and enjoy the beautiful world around us. And there is no better place to take a vacation then to Ecuador.
Recently named by the World Travel Awards organization as the top South American destination for the 4th consecutive year in a row; Ecuador is becoming one of the “go to” places to visit. With a stunning array of mountains and natural landmarks, pristine beaches, a wide range of ecological diversity and an assortment of well-maintained colonial towns and cities; it’s no wonder Ecuador keeps receiving so many awards. Best of all, it’s receiving recognition while maintaining a “green” thumb by being one of leading countries in sustainable tourism which is why they have won for multiple years in a row, South America’s top green destination.
As you plan your resolutions for the year, make sure Ecuador is on your list of places to visit. And if the recognition and awards are not enough for you to consider Ecuador, then here are 8 top reasons why you must visit Ecuador!
1. Rich Ecological Diversity
One of the reasons Ecuador receives so much acknowledgment is the incredible selection of natural landscapes to visit and explore. For example, if you are a rugged adventurer there is the Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world or Cajas National Park, with an assortment of hiking trails in the cloud forest. If you prefer to be more adventurous, you can take a trip to the Amazon and visit Yasuni National Park which boasts thousands of wildlife species in their natural habitats.
2. Diverse Range of Beaches
However, if you prefer to lounge in the sun then Ecuador offers a wide range of stunning beaches. Take for instance, several beaches near Guayaquil where you can enjoy breathtaking views or take excursions to see humpback whales! Or you can visit more lively beaches like Montañita, a surfer-friendly village that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and a beach party atmosphere.
3. City Life
Aside from the natural beauty, Ecuador has several colonial towns and cities that have received the distinct honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main cities to visit is no other than the capital of Ecuador, Quito. The capital offers travelers a wide range of things to do from visiting natural landmarks, historic churches, museums, shops and restaurants. And just a short distance away from the capital are other well kept towns that offer their own unique attractions like Otavalo, Ecuador’s top marketplace for handmade crafts from local artists.
4. Galapagos Islands
Not many destinations can boast that it influenced a whole scientific theory. Home to Charles Darwin in 1835, Galapagos served as his basis to define his theory of evolution. And a visit to Galapagos you can begin to understand why even today it offers travelers wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.
5. Weather
Ever wonder what it would be like to have an endless spring? Because of Ecuador’s unique destination on the Equator, the mainland of Ecuador stays at an average temperature of about 65 degrees throughout the entire year. Temperatures and conditions may vary by region/geography, but no matter where you decide to visit you will always be visiting a section of Ecuador at the perfect time.
6. Food
Just as diverse as its landscape the country’s cuisine offers a little bit of everything. Hearty mountain fare and seafood make up the crux of Ecuador’s national specialties which include citrusy ceviche (a must try in Ecuador), Locro de Papas (cheesy potato soup), pan fried pork/chicken, an assortment of fresh bread, empanadas and quimbolitos (sweet tamales). For more daring eaters, there is the national delicacy guinea pig.
7. No Currency Exchange
One of the biggest hassles for travelers going abroad is dealing with currency exchanges. However, for Americans one of the best aspects of Ecuador is that it uses the US dollar as its national currency so no need to fiddle around with doing the math for the exchange rate.
8. Affordability
Last but not least, you may be asking yourself, “how much is this going to cost?” Unlike other destination vacations like Europe/China or even local places like Disneyland, Ecuador is relatively cheap. Aside from buying the plane ticket to get to Ecuador that can typically run from $300 - $500 dollars, once in Ecuador food, lodging and excursions are very inexpensive. For instance, you can take a private day custom excursion for a family of 4 to places like Otavalo or Mindo, a natural cloud forest, for $120 - $150 total.
Now that Ecuador has been cemented in your mind as a place to visit from your bucket list, we should mention what are the best times to visit Ecuador. If you want to stretch your budget, then going to Ecuador during the low season during the months of March – May or September – November is best. Although a little more expensive, the months of December – February or June – August are unique periods to visit Ecuador because of several national holidays that take place during these months where you can experience once in a lifetime events, parades and shows like “Carnival”.
If you are visiting Quito, Ecuador then let Los Andes Ecuador become your preferred accommodation partner. Los Andes is Quito's best kept secret. Los Andes is not a hotel but a private 17th century Spanish colonial home that offers private suites and rooms. Even though it's not a hotel the service is top notch where the staff goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is enjoyable and comfortable. See what others have said about Los Andes:
"Magnificent stay! Most welcoming and helpful host, clean cozy room, delicious breakfast, excellent location. Stephanie did a lot for us and we can't be more thankful!"
--Galina
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