This is a guest post by Alyssa.
There is something extra special about visiting Ecuador. Maybe it’s because it is still somewhat off the beaten path, meaning there are far fewer crowds than more popular travel destinations; or perhaps it’s because Ecuador is the country of four worlds: coast, jungle, highlands, and islands; or maybe it’s the llamas (it’s definitely the llamas). And that’s not to mention the ancient ruins, magical hot springs, and rich culture.
Budget-friendly Ecuador features activities for all interests. History buffs will love its many ancient ruins. Adventure enthusiasts will be in paradise among the Andes Mountains. And who doesn’t love taking a dip in a natural hot spring at the end of a long day?
Is it obvious I am absolutely enthralled by this country? While Ecuador is often not the first choice for women planning a solo trip, I cannot begin to describe what an underrated, beautiful country I think it is.
Ecuador Planning Details
Location: Ecuador is located between Colombia and Peru in South America. Its international airport is in the capital city of Quito.
Altitude: Ecuador is in the middle of the Andes Mountains. This makes for absolutely incredible views, but also means you must take altitude into consideration. The higher-altitude places in Ecuador are Quito and Cuenca. This means experiencing altitude sickness is more likely there, so I recommend taking advance precautions, such as packing altitude sickness medication or other remedies that work for you. Altitude should not get in the way of enjoying your Ecuador trip.
Weather: Did you know that Ecuador is the Spanish word for “equator”? This is because the line crosses directly through Quito, Ecuador! Aside from a new fun fact, this is also the reason Ecuador is known for very mild temperatures year-round. Not many places have the advantage of being a temperate travel destination no matter the season! This makes creating an Ecuador packing list easy, and ensures you won’t need to take many different outfits, no matter the region.
Cuenca: 3 Days
After arriving at Quito’s international airport, catch one more flight down to Cuenca. There are no direct international flights into Cuenca, so plan accordingly. I recommend spending at least three full days in Cuenca to enjoy its charm and take a day trip.
Cuenca is known as one of the safest spots in Ecuador. Located in the southern highlands, its geographic features are…
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