
ecuador
We didn't originally plan on traveling to Ecuador. Our original plan was to spend 3 full months in Peru - exploring the jungle, coast, and mountains. But then we did a bit of research on the neighbor to the north and realized Ecuador had the same things - plus, a couple of magical hiking trails, off the beaten path destinations, and what was sure to be some amazing adventures. So we bought a bus ticket and headed north. We never regretted our decision once.
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While we only got to spend about two weeks in the country, we tried to fit in as much adventure as possible. The only problem: Luke was terribly sick with what we later found out was giardia (not fun). But he was a real trooper, so even though he completely felt like he was dying we still were able to go backpacking, visit the equator, walk around beautiful Quito, explore Banos and take a trip around the very modern city of Guayaquil.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Along the coast, December - April, in Quito there are 12 hours of sun every.single.day.
THE TOP ADVENTURES
Hiking the Quilotoa Loop, summiting Cotopaxi, and visiting the Galapagos Islands.
TIME NEEDED TO EXPLORE
2 - 3 weeks, not including the Galapagos Islands.
LOCAL CURRENCY
Ecuador uses the United States Dollar (USD), so $1 USD = $1 USD in Ecuador.