
The Southern Sierra
The Southern Andes also have much to offer for the adventurous traveller. The devils Nose finishes here also!
Explore destination







Galapagos
Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean region and as its name suggests, sits happily on the Equator. The size of the country doesn't make it any less amazing, however! The country is blessed with the Andes, the jungle and even some beaches, for good measure! They say great things come in small packages! With the cities being typically colonial, the Amazon rainforest at the base of the incredible Andes, and the small Afro- Ecuadorian towns this tiny country is not short on different activities, cultures and things to do! Ecuador has a Southern border with Peru, an Eastern border with Colombia and a pacific coastline. Its geographical regions can be defined by mountain region made from 2 mountain chains, the jungle region of the Amazon basin, the white sandy coastline and The Galapagos Islands offering a home to many aquatic and species. Ecuador's location on the Equator means that the weather all year round is tropical and humid. The ethnicity is mainly indigenous, especially in the mountain regions and most people consider themselves "mestizos" being a mixture of native and Spanish descent. A small part of the population are Afro-Ecuadorians in the North, who are descents of the African slaves. Historically the country was ruled by the Incas and then conquered by the Spanish in 1532. The Spanish ruled for over 300 years and Ecuador officially gained its independence from the Spanish in 1822. Subsequently, there have been a few wars with Peru up until 1942 when a treaty was signed. Now Ecuador is a democratic country yet still has internal conflicts which are usually to do with subsidies and taxes of international investors and the government even had to move its congress to Guayaquil from Quito. Still, there are signs that it will return to the capital soon. The political unrest does not affect tourism and this tiny country is a highlight on many peoples travels through South America.
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Experience the world-famous volcanic Galapagos Islands with this 5 day adventure! The islands offer countless opportunities to witness abundant wildlife in a spectacular setting. This
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Discover the enchanted Galapagos Islands which offer countless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a unique setting, unlike any other on the
Discover the enchanted Galapagos Islands which offer countless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a unique setting, unlike any other on the
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Discover the extra-ordinary magic of Ecuador and its famous Galapagos islands, offering endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike
Discover the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes and cloud forests. Marvel at the incredible biodiversity such as butterflies and bird watching. Experience the cloud forests
Discover remarkable landscapes, historic cities, and iconic landmarks across the region.
Explore monthly average temperatures across major regions to help plan your adventure.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuenca | 21°C | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C |
| Loja | 15°C | 15°C | 15°C | 15°C | 15°C | 14°C | 14°C | 14°C | 15°C | 16°C | 16°C | 15°C |
| Alausi | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C | 9°C | 9°C | 9°C | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C |
| Esmereldas | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C |
| Santacruz | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 28°C | 26°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C |
| Quito | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | 20°C |
| Rio Bamba | 12°C | 12°C | 12°C | 12°C | 12°C | 11°C | 11°C | 11°C | 12°C | 12°C | 13°C | 12°C |
| Guayaquil | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| Tena | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 21°C | 21°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C |
Real stories and authentic feedback from travelers who explored with VA Expeditions.
Everything you need to know before visiting Ecuador: local customs, safety guidelines, currency, health advice, and practical tips.
The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador, coming in denominations from $1 to $100 USD. ATMs are widely available, especially in the cities. But there are often limits on the amount of cash you can withdraw per transaction.
You can pay with credit cards, especially in cities such as Quito and Guyaquil.
It is worth having a credit card insurance, not only for theft or fraudulent transactions but also the banking system in Ecuador often goes down, taking your card with it!
Most people can enter Ecuador for a period of 90 days without a visa. This can then be extended for another 90 days at the embassy. If you plan to stay for longer than this, then you will need to apply for a visa. Check with your local consulate about your countries visa requirements.
The hotel options in Ecuador are wide-ranged and varied and usually quite reasonably priced. From the large colonial houses and haciendas to pensiones, which are the lower end basic accommodations. All the hotel chains are present in Quito and Guayaquil and there are a wide variety of accommodations in these cities. Motels are the only ones to avoid as they are the hotels that rent rooms "by the hour". It is always best to have a look at the room beforehand as qualities definitely vary. Hot water, in general, is a luxury and can only be found in the main hotels. Occasionally you can find hot water in the highland areas, but it is a rare species and in the lowlands, in the hot and sticky conditions it is deemed unnecessary in the lower regions.
Air conditioning is a lot more common, especially in the lowlands and almost deemed a necessity! Even lower standards of accommodation can be found with air con!
Bring a mosquito net with you as they are rare except for jungle lodges and some coastal areas and mosquitos are abundant in most places except the mountains.
Haciendas are a wonderful option and dating back to colonial times these incredible mansions have been adapted to authentic luxury hotels but have kept all their charm. The surroundings are like old stately homes yet are relatively decent pricewise.
Pensiones are good value and consist of a room and bathroom and set around a colonial courtyard. Residenciales are similar but of a slightly better standard.
Camping is largely unavailable due to the cheap accommodation options.
Ecuador is a conservative country and politeness goes a long way. A "good morning", "good afternoon" or "good evening" usually proceed most conversations as well a "bon appetite" before meals.
People usually greet each other with a handshake and often a kiss on the cheek. Dress is also on the conservative side, especially in the mountain regions. Hats should be removed before entering a church or religious building. The less clothing used the more attention you will receive as a woman traveller so better to dress up rather than
Ecuador is a typical conservative "Machista" country. In most parts of the country, overtly sexual behaviour can be frowned upon or even met with abuse. In Guayaquil and Quito, there is a slightly more open attitude and gay community; however, even the locals tone it down somewhat to avoid any issues.
Ecuador is generally a safe and friendly place to travel. However, it is still necessary to take some precautions. Please remember that in general. There are some basics to remember and you will have a wonderful time in the country!
Avoid wandering around unknown areas or deserted streets. Also, avoid using ATMs at night. In the larger cities, pickpocketing and theft is common. If you leave your things unattended, they will disappear. Pickpockets are common as are distraction techniques, so be aware as thieves generally work in groups. Fake policemen are common and can catch you off guard. In general, police do not approach tourists unless you are misbehaving, of course. If "fake" police approach you, always look for a uniformed officer to help you out. Undercover policemen are very rare and wouldn't approach a tourist in any case! Take extra care when travelling on buses and never leave your bags unattended.
Avoid anything to do with the drugs trade as any drugs-related offences are taken very seriously.
The health system in Ecuador is considered quite effective for such a small country and local people have access to free healthcare. However, tourists do not have access to this system and to be able to enter Ecuador, you are required to have a health insurance policy. Make sure that you have medical insurance that covers health and emergency treatment. The private health clinics are decent but possibly not up to western standards, so a comprehensive travel insurance that covers health is always recommended.
Being a country in the tropics, there are the associated tropical diseases and mosquitos related illnesses Dengue, zika and malaria are common. Typhoid and yellow fever are also a problem in some areas.
It is easy to eat in Ecuador and most places offer a wide range of dishes. Top-end and lower end seem to be different variations of the same dishes, however.
Asaderos or roast chicken are popular as are cevicherias, picanterias and marisquerias (seafood),}. Vegetarian options are limited but check out the pizzerias and chifas (Chinese food) for some veggie options. These are likely to be the only option in certain towns.
Lunch is the main meal with many set menus available and meriendas are a smaller dinner option widely available.
Popular snacks include:
In the highlands, soups are common as are dishes of all the different animal parts! The staple grains such as quinoa and habas (broad beans) are also a popular, healthier option.
Main meals may include Llapingachos, which are cheesy potato cakes. Chorizo, chicken, beef and pork are all widely available in their different forms. Corn and potatoes are popular accompaniments.
Motepillo is a popular dish in the south which is a type of corn (mote) mixed with scrambled eggs.
Morocho con leche is the Ecuadorian version of rice pudding for the sweeter tooth, humitas are popular as are higos con queso (figs with cheese).
The coastal areas have a fish and seafood concentration as you would expect, with ceviche and shrimp widely available.
Fresh fruit juices are everywhere in Ecuador with a wide range of fruits available. Sodas and beer are also everywhere, with pilsener being the favourite tipple. In the highlands, the locals drink the corn beer called chicha. Caña or sugarcane alcohol is the chosen spirit and on the coast, an Ecuadorian Caipirinha can be enjoyed!
Everything you need to know before and during your travel experience in Ecuador.
You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://adventurejourneys.com/news-about-covid-19
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.
As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.
Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.
We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.
We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.
Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.
Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.
This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.
At VA Expeditions we believe that every action we take should generate a positive impact on the communities and the environment of our entire production chain, which is why we carry out various activities focused on this objective. For an example of our sustainable projects, visit: https://adventurejourneys.com/pan-animalia/
This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.
The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.
Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your hotel.
In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.
It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your program.
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We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.
We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.
VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.
Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.
Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.
We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.
The official currency in Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.
As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations, that is why we carry out the following activities to generate a fair and sustainable development in our areas of operation: "Women & Weaving - Sacha Warmi" project to support women from an indigenous community in the Ecuadorian Andes and Pan Animalia
a project to improve the quality of life of stray dogs in Galapagos Islands.
Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.
For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: +593 2 255 8805
All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: +593 2 255 8805. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com
This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.
In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodations which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
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