
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.
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.