Ecuador Country Overview
Define Ecuador from a
backpackers perspective
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Country Overview
From well preserved colonial architecture in beautiful old cities, to surreal volcanic landscapes, to the humid green depths of the great Amazon jungle, Ecuador offers a rich and varied diversity for the traveller.
Sadly, travellers should avoid the northeast region of Ecuador, and refrain from hiking to the Volcan Pichincha area via Cruz Loma, west of Quito. It is also risky traveling the Colombian border region.
Daily Budget
Ecuador is not expensive; in fact it is about the cheapest of the Latin-American countries, and with meals coming at US$1-5, and a bed around US$2-15, with the occasional blow-out, you can bank on paying US$15 per day for a really tight budget. US$50 to US$80 per day will get you better sleeping arrangements and leave enough to do some traveling, as well as some decent grub.
When to Go!
The weather in Ecuador is okay year round with the rainy season in January to April in the Galapagos, and June to August in Oriente. School holidays in January to May find the beaches crowded, as well as during June through August when tourists flood in. To enjoy some fun and festivities the carnival that is held just before Easter is a riot with water fights and fruit and flower festivals. In June in Ecuador traditional harvest fiestas merge with Corpus Christi.
Sadly, travellers should avoid the northeast region of Ecuador, and refrain from hiking to the Volcan Pichincha area via Cruz Loma, west of Quito. It is also risky traveling the Colombian border region.
Daily Budget
Ecuador is not expensive; in fact it is about the cheapest of the Latin-American countries, and with meals coming at US$1-5, and a bed around US$2-15, with the occasional blow-out, you can bank on paying US$15 per day for a really tight budget. US$50 to US$80 per day will get you better sleeping arrangements and leave enough to do some traveling, as well as some decent grub.
When to Go!
The weather in Ecuador is okay year round with the rainy season in January to April in the Galapagos, and June to August in Oriente. School holidays in January to May find the beaches crowded, as well as during June through August when tourists flood in. To enjoy some fun and festivities the carnival that is held just before Easter is a riot with water fights and fruit and flower festivals. In June in Ecuador traditional harvest fiestas merge with Corpus Christi.