Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fish and fearless sea lions swim in schools around the Galápagos, prismatic parrots, tou-
cans and condors patrol the country's skies while pink dolphins and
capuchin
monkeys
populate the Oriente. In fact, packs of
llamas
crossing interstate roads can make snaking
along the Andean cordillera a slow-going business.
With all this in mind, it's no wonder why most things to do in Ecuador revolve around
ways to enjoy its natural wonders. The country hems in no less than 11 national parks, 10
wildlife refuges and 14 ecological, biological and geobotanical reserves (not including a
plethora of private ones). Highlights cover the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a vertical route
speckled with snow-capped peaks (many of which are still active,) the Route of the Sun,
which snakes up the Pacific coast through mellow fishing villages just miles away from
the Galápagos archipelago, and the Amazon Basin, where jungle treks, canoe trips and
shamanic ceremonies await within remote pockets of wilderness. In short, consider
Ecuador a word synonymous with adventure.
Back in the country's industrialized cities, where you'll undoubtedly be spending some
time before jumping off to explore more natural sights, the ambience moves between
chaos, charm and glamour in a social dance that personifies metropolitan culture. The cap-
ital of Quito, located just miles from the equatorial center of the Earth in a sliver of a val-
ley cupped by volcanoes, is also considered the country's cultural epicenter, while the
largest city in Ecuador, Guayaquil, spins off a gulf in the southeast in a dizzying array of
sweaty streets and rowdy crowds reminiscent of Cartagena or Havana. From exclusive
Galápagos cruises to secluded Amazonian eco-lodges and stately colonial
haciendas
in
the Andes, luxurious travel is easy to come by in Ecuador, too.
So if you're considering a South American trip but can't afford the time and budget restric-
tions involved in scanning an entire continent, don't completely cross it off your list. Get
the best it has to offer without sacrificing a second of action in the country that has it all:
Ecuador.
Currency
Since 2000, Ecuador has used the United States Dollar as its currency. Banks in major cit-
ies like Quito and Guayaquil give the best exchange rates, while currency exchange bur-
eaus located throughout cities (usually at airports and top-notch hotels) may exchange at
lower rates, meaning you'll get a little less. ATMs are in all cities but make sure you with-
draw before you head to a small
pueblo
or other out-of-reach village. Unfortunately, some
of them (even in Quito) are out of service or don't recognize international cards. In most
