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. &nbsp;
You can pay with credit cards, especially in cities such as <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/ecuador-in-a-nutshell" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/ecuador-in-a-nutshell">Quito </a>and Guyaquil. &nbsp;
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!&nbsp;

Money

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.&nbsp;

Visas

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 <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-amazon-and-andes-adventure" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-amazon-and-andes-adventure">highland areas</a>, but it is a rare species and in the lowlands, in the hot and sticky conditions it is deemed unnecessary in the lower regions.&nbsp;
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!&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/7-day-ecuador-cycling-and-haciendas" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/7-day-ecuador-cycling-and-haciendas">Haciendas</a> 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.&nbsp;
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. &nbsp;
Camping is largely unavailable due to the cheap accommodation options.&nbsp;

Accommodation

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.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/from-the-andes-to-the-amazon" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/from-the-andes-to-the-amazon"> mountain regions. </a>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&nbsp;

Culture

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.&nbsp;

LGBTQ

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! &nbsp;
Avoid wandering around unknown areas or deserted streets. Also, avoid using ATMs at night. In the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-luxury-ecuador-and-galapagos" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-luxury-ecuador-and-galapagos">larger cities,</a> 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.&nbsp;
Avoid anything to do with the drugs trade as any drugs-related offences are taken very seriously.&nbsp;

Safety

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. &nbsp;
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.&nbsp;

Health and Insurance

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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
Lunch is the main meal with many set menus available and meriendas are a smaller dinner option widely available.&nbsp;
Popular snacks include:
<ul>
<li>Choclo con queso is corn on the cob and cheese. &nbsp;</li>
<li>Salchipapas are hotdogs and fries&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
Motepillo is a popular dish in the south which is a type of corn (mote) mixed with scrambled eggs.&nbsp;
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).&nbsp;
The coastal areas have a fish and seafood concentration as you would expect, with ceviche and shrimp widely available.&nbsp;
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. Ca&ntilde;a or sugarcane alcohol is the chosen spirit and on the coast, an Ecuadorian Caipirinha can be enjoyed!&nbsp;

Eating and drinking

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 <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/cultural-immersion-in-the-ecuadorian-amazon">jungle </a>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 <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/from-the-andes-to-the-amazon">Andes,</a> 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 <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-5-day-galapagos">Galapagos Islands</a> 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 <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-15-day-ecuador-and-galapagos">Ecuador</a> 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.

You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://adventurejourneys.com/news-about-covid-19

What are the health and safety protocols used during the trip?

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.

Do I need travel insurance? What insurance do you recommend?

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.

What vaccinations do I need for the trip?

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.

Which medications should I bring from home?

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.

How safe is the destination?

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.

Are flights included in the tour?

Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.

If I travel alone will I be charged a single supplement?

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.

Is it safe to book with VA Expeditions?

Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

Can the packages on the website be customized?

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.

Do you offer only multiday packages or do you also offer day trips?

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.

Can I purchase additional services after I have made my reservation and paid?

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.

Can I travel with children? Are there age restrictions?

We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.

How big are the group sizes?

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.

How far in advance should I book a package?

We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

What documents do I need for my trip?

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.

What kind of currency do they use at the destination? Are ATM easily accessible?

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.

I have dietary restrictions Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

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 &amp; 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.

What does the company do for the sustainability of its operations?

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.

Are tips included in the price? If not how much should I budget for tips?

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.&nbsp;
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.

What general norms of culture should I take into account at the destination?

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.&nbsp;

How much free time will I have during the tour?

For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: +593 2 255 8805

What number can I contact if I have an emergency during my trip?

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/

What sustainable activities can I do at the destination?

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&nbsp;

What kind of support will I receive during my trip?

This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.

How many guides will there be on my trip?

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.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency?

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.

What kind of pace can I expect on a tour?

How flexible is my itinerary already being at the destination?

Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your&nbsp; hotel.

Can I leave my main luggage somewhere safe during my excursions?

For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.

Are there bathroom /toilet facilities during the tour?

In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

What is the internet /WIFI availability during the tour?

In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.

Will there be cell phone reception during the tour?

It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your&nbsp; program.

What is the highest altitude we will reach during the tour?

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.

What hydration options do I have on tours at the destination?

Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:
&nbsp;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaexpeditions/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaexpeditions/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaexpeditions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaexpeditions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaexpeditions/

How can I keep up to date of your news and information?

Discover the extra-ordinary magic of Ecuador by travelling from The Andean mountain range to the Amazon Basin, travelling by train and trekking through the Volcano

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Altar Volcano Trekking Expedition

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Special features of our 8 day Discover The Galapagos Adventure: 
Type of Tourism:  Nature, Biodiversity, Adventure
Places to Visit: Quito, Galapagos, Sierra Negra, Isabela Island 
Duration:  8 Days

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Experience the world-famous volcanic Galapagos Islands with this 10 day action-packed adventure! The islands offer countless opportunities to witness abundant wildlife in a spectacular setting.

Action-Packed Galapagos

Geography, culture and nature define our 12 day tour, with the famous and unique Galapagos Islands with its endemic animal species, unparalleled in the world. The mainland of Ecuador all be it small, is also full of natural prowess, with its imposing volcanos, lush cloud forests and traditional Andean communities.

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Experience the best of the Andes, the jungle and beaches with our Ecuador Vacation Packages specially designed for travelers. Book now to explore!

Ecuador

Ecuador Vacation Packages, Tours & Travel Experiences | VA Expeditions

This is the best place to see Inca ruins, the national park of Cajas, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ingapirca, the amazing city of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-15-day-ecuador-and-galapagos">Cuenca,</a> the city of Loja and the sleepy town hangout of Vilcabamba. &nbsp;

Ecuador&rsquo;s third largest city only has a population of just 200,000,. It is totally different from Quito and Guayaquil but what it does share with Quito is that its a UNESCO world heritage site. The old-town centre of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-ecuadorian-highlights">Cuenca,</a> featuring pretty balconies, cobbled streets and colonial architecture, plus the striking blue-domed Cathedral Nuevo, make it easy to see why Cuenca is considered by many as Ecuador&rsquo;s most picturesque town. Cuenca can also lay claim to being the home of the Panama Hat,&nbsp; their actual place of fabrication!

Cuenca

El Altar is an extinct volcano in <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/altar-volcano-trekking-expedition">Sangay National Park</a> surrounded by multicoloured lagoons, giant waterfalls and glacial lakes. El Altar is found at&nbsp; 17,451 feet (5,319 metres) high and this extinct volcano this extinct volcano is stunning, with a ring of nine jagged peaks (which the Spanish thought looked like friars in church, hence the name) and its own crater lake. For now, there&rsquo;s only one way to get there and itvolves a seriously muddy track!
&nbsp;

El Altar

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

The Southern Sierra

Is the home of the spectacular <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/complete-ecuador-and-galapagos-adventure">Cotopaxi</a> volcano and the Chimborazo volcano. There are also many untouched mountain villages and more popular towns like Ba&ntilde;os. Take a train ride through the area to the Devil's Nose and on to the beautiful town of Riobamba. The central mountains have lots of beautiful and attractive villages in this region.&nbsp;

This spectacular train trip from the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/high-end-highlights-of-ecuador">Devils Nose</a> to the town of Riobamba is a fantastic way to see the stunning patchwork scenery through the mountains and valleys. This train track is said to be one of the most difficult tracks ever to be built! Please bear in train trips are for the experience and not usually used to travel to another destination!&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Devil´s Nose Train Trip

43km south of Guamote, lying far below the highway in a round valley enclosed by hills, ALAUS&Iacute; (2350m) is an atmospheric little railway town made up of crumbling adobe houses. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, crowds gather around the rail tracks from 10&ndash;11am to watch the train from <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-ecuadorian-highlights">Riobamba </a>glide right through the middle of town, where it pauses for a short stop while vendors clamber onto the roof to sell refreshments. About two and a half hours later, the train reappears on the way back from the Devil&rsquo;s Nose ascent at which point most people get off to take a bus (saving a few hours), before it trundles along the track on to Riobamba.

Alausi

There are certainly a few to choose from! <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-ecuadorian-highlights">Chimborazo</a> is the famous volcano and the highest at a whopping 6263 metres high. You will need technical help at the top and it's a 2-day hike with acclimatization but choose your operator wisely. Cotopaxi is another popular climb which is one of the highest active volcanos in the world and is a classic conical snow-capped volcano. This also needs an overnight to reach the summit and is quite often off-limits if it about to erupt! Sierra Negra is the most active volcano on Galapagos Islands. This one of the widest volcanoes on the planet at over 9km wide! This makes it impossible to photograph, of course. This black volcano is reminiscent of walking on another planets' surface!&nbsp;

Climb a Volcano!

The central sierra is famous for the volcanoes and train rides like the Devils Nose, that winds through the central mountains.

The Central Sierra

The mountains of the north are blessed with green ravines, pristine lakes and volcanic exuberance to perfect the surrounding scenery. It is where the native arts, weavings and handicrafts of Ecuador come from. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/ecuador-in-a-nutshell">Otavalo </a>is the most famous town for its incredible Saturday market. The horse riding and hiking is spectacular and many haciendas will cater for your every need. &nbsp;

Ecuador is blessed with many beautiful waterfalls such as the Palion del Diablo and Nambillo waterfalls with the surrounding dramatic scenery and torrential <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/from-the-andes-to-the-amazon">waterfalls</a> these incredible natural sites and wonders of nature are definitely worth a stop off on your trip. Many Ecuador waterfalls also have special spiritual significance to local indigenous people, and play important roles in cleansing ceremonies.

Visit a waterfall

Yes&nbsp;Peru is more famous for the Inca trail but the network of Inca roads actually started in Ecuador and the famous ruins&nbsp;<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-amazon-and-andes-adventure">Ingapirca&nbsp;</a>which is the best-preserved Inca site in the country. The pathways and stone terraces leading to the spectacular sun temple are incredible and actually light up on the summer solstice. These temples are very reminiscent of Indiana Jones!&nbsp;

Visit Inca Sites

The Cuicocha glacier lake is a smaller version of the Quilota lake though the more spectacular and definitely lesser-visited. Found just outside of Otavalo so if shopping is not your thing, you can take a trip to the&nbsp; magnificent <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/11-day-ecuador-encompassed">Cuicocha</a> lake. The crater lake has a jagged ridge and you can hike around the whole thing without bumping into anyone. Named after&nbsp; a guinea pig (Cuy)&nbsp; this legendary lake takes the form of our fluffy friend and is hidden in the Andean mountain range.

Cuicocha Glacier Lake

The Ecuadorian Andes maintain their traditinal customs to this day and once formed part of the Inca Empire.

The Northern Sierra

These volcanic islands boast over 400 species of fish, an incredible amount of bird species and 97% of the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/ecuador-and-galapagos-complete-adventure">Galapagos</a> is natural park, so the incredible species are protected! They are also the home to the friendliest iguanas you will ever meet! The beaches are pristine and untouched with endless white sand. The<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/11-day-ecuador-encompassed"> volcanoes</a> are raging and active, and whether you stay on one Island or go Island hopping, the Galapagos have to be one of the best things to do in Ecuador.&nbsp;

Darwin's favourite place on the planet was his special place for some reason. The <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/complete-ecuador-and-galapagos-adventure">remote Galapagos islands </a>were untouched for many years. There are so many unique animal species that can be found here it's a naturalist's paradise on earth. Sea lions, iguanas and other species walk around like they own the place and that is because they do! The sea life is also abundant with unique fish and marine species, such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtle and manta rays. Be at one with nature in this unique and incredible place.&nbsp;

Unique wildlife encounters on the Galapagos

Kicker Rock is the remains of a volcanic cone that has been eroded by the sea. Above the water, the rock is home to a number&nbsp; of birds such as, Blue-footed Boobies, and Frigatebirds, but it is really its below-water inhabitants that has visitors in awe. The natural erosion of the cone has created a channel between the rocks that serves as the ideal place to view myriad sharks and rays. If visitors arrive at the right time, they can see hundreds of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/discover-the-galapagos">Galapagos </a>sharks, schools of Spotted Eagle Rays, turtles, jellyfish, and even the occasional sea lion.&nbsp;

Kicker Rock

Another hotspot for aquatic life, Las Tintoreras, located on Puerto Villamil, is home to hundreds if not thousands of marine iguanas. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/action-packed-galapagos">Las Tintoreras</a> is one of the few places in the world where they can reproduce successfully. It is geologically young at one million years old and was formed by the merger of six volcanoes, 5 of which are still active. Also living here are thousands of sharks, often sleeping, and on occasion, stingrays, seals, seahorses, and even penguins. It&rsquo;s a quick and easy stop, only about a ten minute boat ride from the Island of Isabella, and an absolute must-do.

Las Tintoreras

Quite possibly the main reason why we have heard about Ecuador and it is for a very good reason , boasting unique animal species!

The Galapagos Islands

The bustling capital of Ecuador, is where you will probably arrive to the country. This city is handily split into the old town and the new town. The new town as it suggests is more modern with all the big city facilities and the old town is wonderfully colonial with the interesting <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-15-day-ecuador-and-galapagos">historical sites</a> to see. The old town did have a reputation for petty crime and tourists were often targeted. However, due to a government regeneration programme and more police on the streets, most of Quito is much safer and the old town is more interesting for most visitors. See the centre of the world of a day trip, climb the tower of the Voto Basilica for the best views over Quito, or take in the vibrant nightlife. The city has something interesting for everyone.&nbsp;

This is all about jumping from one side of the Equator to another and Ecuador, Quito specifically, is one of the few places on the planet that you can do this. You can see water run clockwise and anticlockwise depending on which side of the line you are on! There is a lot more history and culture at <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/complete-ecuador-and-galapagos-adventure">this attraction, </a>including the museum within the monument itself,&nbsp; other museums, a planetarium, ancestral village, and many restaurants. However, the random experiments you can take part in are also awesome!&nbsp; This is a must-do on your visit to Equador&acute;s capital, without a doubt!

Mitad del Mundo

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 for its well-preserved historical centre, beautiful colonial architecture, and many incredible churches, the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-ecuador-highlights">Old Town</a> is a place where you will disconnect from the crowded public transportation, omnipresent street noise, and vendors trying to sell their stuff. Independence Square, the Presidential Palace, &nbsp;La Compania de Jesus and one of Quito's most notable squares Plaza San Francisco can all be found in the impressive old town.&nbsp;

Visit the Old Town

To get one of Quito's most renowned and postcard-like views, you must climb the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-ecuador-highlights">Basilico del Voto</a> Nacional tower. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas, and although it looks nice from the outside, it is worth it to spend $2 to climb the tower. There is a separate entrance fee to get to the basilica ground floor, but you will see the inside anyway if you want to climb the tower. Bring a good head for heights as climbing the last ladder is pretty challenging, but it is nothing too scary that should stop you from enjoying the spectacular views from above.

Climb the Basilico del voto Nacional

The capital of Ecuador is where most people will arrive to. The city has its unique attractions also !

Quito

This part of Ecuador gives you the easiest access to the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-galapagos-and-amazon-adventure">Amazon jungle</a> with its fantastic jungle lodges and rivers to travel down, different animal species to encounter indigenous communities to stay with and hot and humid climate to enjoy. This is the jungle and is expert in making you kick back and relax!&nbsp;

This is the spot for piranha fishing, pink dolphin spotting and anaconda watching! With monkeys and tapirs abound, there are many jungle species to see amid the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/cultural-immersion-in-the-ecuadorian-amazon">lush rainforest</a>&nbsp;and a number of eco-lodges to fully enjoy your Tarzan experience! The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to a number of native tribes.&nbsp;

Float through the Amazon

Quechua culture and traditions are kept alive, communities continue to flourish, and travellers are provided with a unique experience at a local level in an Amazon lodge, in a more<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/cultural-immersion-in-the-ecuadorian-amazon"> remote destination.</a> All the good of travel, without the harmful social impact. Head into the jungle armed with a machete a good attitude&nbsp; and a wealth of knowledge from your guide, who will teach you how to use a blowgun, as well as coffee and chocolate making sessions.

Local Living experience in the amazon

Many of these tribes are deeper within the Amazon, where it would take days for those who live on its fringes to reach them. If you want to experience and learn about the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/discovering-yasuni-5-day-adventure">indigenous tribes </a>of the Amazon, you can from the locals you live with, since core parts of the culture and traditions have been passed on, even if these communities now live differently. Jungle walks teach you about basic survival, hunting and the medicinal properties of plants; daily life teaches you about the coexistence with nature and the respect of the rainforest&rsquo;s other (animal) inhabitants.&nbsp;

Jungle Walk

Get ready to cut yourselves off from bustling civilisation and wrestle with the fears of a land to really take you out of your comfort zone!

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