Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Signs of Altitude Sickness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headaches/Migraines
• Stomach pain/Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Fever/Chills
• Dehydration
While going through this preliminary stage, its best to walk slowly, drink a lot of water,
get plenty of sleep and generally take it easy. This is also a good time to make full use of
traditional means of coping with the climate, such as the aforementioned Canelazo cock-
tail. Offered at many mountain hotels as a welcome drink (and at most bars, of course)
sipping this sweet concoction replaces 'the edge' with a light and pleasant buzz while
slowing down your heart rate and warming the bones.
Though nighttime temperatures are tough and indoor heating rare, the cold can be easily
endured with a few layers topped with wool or Alpaca (llamas' camelid cousins.)
Ponchos, sweaters and hats made from this material are popular in traditional markets and
almost all locals get away without wearing any gloves or even socks: Kichwa women, for
instance, don calf-length velvet skirts, thin tights and short black heels. Travelers will find
most beds in this area's accommodations outfitted with Alpaca blankets and rooms that
feature fireplaces, most especially at colonial haciendas that dot the region.
The best time to visit and avoid extreme cold and cloud cover as much as possible is dur-
ing Andean 'summer' which extends from July to January. More of a dry season than
summertime, temperatures are relatively the same year round.
Ambato
Located about two hours directly south of Quito, Ambato is a colorful city known as the
Garden of Ecuador for its February flower and fruit festival and its yearlong springtime
climate. It is probably one of the least touristy cities in Ecuador because it offers little in
