December 25, 2015 | Leave a comment Ecuador invites the rest of the world to come have a look. The country’s 2014 tourism campaign, All You Need Is Ecuador, boasts that they really do have it all: the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific, and the Galapagos. I associate this country with hummingbirds, expats, striped popsicles, and the color green. Blue-footed boobies, North Seymour Island, Galápagos. Transport In Quito, roaring city busses swarm the roads connecting the far ends of the capital city, with the larger stops being huge transfer stations. Outside Quito, busses are cheap but not as fast or reliable. Trucks, or camionetas, can be arranged in more rural towns to take you to nature trails and parks. Taxi fares should be negotiated before stepping into the vehicle. See and Do Quito and Around Quito is sprawling. Enjoy cooler breezes walking through Old Town, or spend a day playing with physical phenomena on the equator at La Mitad Del Mundo and descending into a volcanic valley in Pululahua Geobotanical Park. Day trips are easily made to other parks full of birds and other wildlife, such as admiring the snow capped peak of Cotopaxi National Park or taking milder hikes through Mindo Cloud Forest. Cotopaxi may be worth staying more than just a day in order to tackle the glacier or to indulge in the pricier eco-lodging offered. Otavalo is a town two hours north, where those of Incan descent embody the cultural tradition of selling textiles, souvenirs, and crafts. The size of the Plaza de Ponchos is incredible, especially on Saturdays. Stock up on affordable souvenirs. Nature sites within a few kilometers of Otavalo include Peguche Waterfall, where the celebrations occur on the Summer Solstice, as well as Imbabura Mountain and San Pablo Lake. Atacames Atacames is a small beach town with a local Afro-Ecuadorean scene to discover, if you can break away from in soaking up in the equatorial sunshine. Notice the passion for soccer at all times of day—the Esmeraldas province shows an unmatched commitment to the sport. An impoverished region with only 3% of the national population, 10 of the 23 members of the World Cup team come from Esmeraldas*. Other Notable Destinations Galapagos Islands Cajas National Park Yasuni National Park Cuenca Isla de La Plata Ayampe Eat Rotisserie guinea pig Humita Salcedos Pan de yucca Tortillas de verde Tamales Tortillas de yucca Patacones Batidos Guanábana Mora Papaya Coco Ceviche Yahuarlocro Safety Use your discretion and never bring valuables to the beach at night. Or when walking through poor neighborhoods. Check with hostel staff and locals for their advice and you’ll have a blast! * Source: http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/ecuadors-world-cup-team-brings-hope-to-poor-minority-province/Content?oid=3137302 Note: As of 2015, there are no Budget or Lodging sections because I went on a medical mission trip before I learned how to budget-travel or adventure solo.