Ecuador Series Part 1: Because Ecuador is more than only Galapagos — it’s dramatic landscapes, clouds, llamas, and cash (not credit cards).

Ecuador wasn’t even supposed to be even a part of our 2.5-months trip to South America— Galapagos was. Ecuador turned out to be the unexpected show‑stealer. This Ecuador travel guide dives into Andes landscapes, safety myths, cloud theatrics, and cacao that is so good that should honestly be illegal — because Galapagos alone wasn’t enough. Here’s the unfiltered, 50+‑friendly, sarcasm‑powered overview.

Why Ecuador Ended Up on Our Itinerary

The original plan for our third South American adventure was simple: Galapagos or bust. But seven days in paradise barely scratches the itch for two travel addicts, so we needed more. Ecuador should have been the obvious add‑on — it’s the same country, after all — but headlines about rising crime made us hesitate. After booking our Galapagos cruise through a local agent who specializes in finding good deals, I asked him the big question: “Is Ecuador safe?”

His answer: “It’s no less safe than any other South American country… just avoid certain coastal areas.”

He was right. And I’m very glad he talked us into it.

Ecuador Safety Guide: Reality Behind the Headlines

Ecuador used to be one of the safest countries in South America. Then, about a decade ago, drug cartels expanded their influence — especially along the coast. According to locals, the previous president’s family ties to a drug lord didn’t exactly help.

But here’s the nuance:

The dangerous areas are coastal, especially Guayaquil — the country’s most problematic city. Even Ecuadorians avoid Guayaquil unless they have family there. Their accent alone would give them away as “outsiders,” making them targets for muggings. The Andes and Amazon regions are a different world — calm, welcoming, and stunning.

We skipped the Amazon this time. My dream is to cruise the actual Amazon River, and Ecuador only has a tributary — lovely, but not the Amazon. So we focused on the Ecuadorian Andes, which turned out to be a spectacular mix of volcanoes, rainforests, lakes, lagoons, and waterfalls.

Laguna Quilotoa — where the view is free, but the hike back up charges interest

Cotopaxi: towering, intimidating, and still less dangerous than Guayaquil

Manto de la Novia waterfall in Baños Ecuador

Ilinisa Grande volcano

And the clouds — oh, the clouds. They cling to volcanoes like fluffy beautiful scarves, hiding the peaks until they suddenly don’t… and then WOW.

Chimborazo volcano photobombed by clouds

Rucu Pichincha Volcano as seen from Cruz Loma, near Quito, Ecuador

Quito: Big City Rules Apply

Quito behaves like any major city: some areas are perfectly walkable; others are “Uber-only unless you enjoy adrenaline.” Hotel‑organized rides or Uber are safer than random cabs. Nothing unusual for a Latin American capital.

Ecuador’s Beauty: Worth Every Second of Your Visit

Now that we’ve been, I can vouch for both the safety of the regions we visited and the jaw‑dropping beauty of the country. Ecuadorians are warm, friendly, and frustrated that tourism dropped after the pandemic due to exaggerated safety fears. Their loss, your gain.

Facts You Didn’t Know You Needed

The Currency Situation

Since 1999, Ecuador has used US dollars. They mint their own coins up to $1, but they are not accepted in the US. All banknotes are from the US.

Ecuador-minted US dollar coins

But because they can’t print their own bills:

• Cash is king. Bring cash. Lots of it.
• Credit cards are hit‑or‑miss, definitely outside big cities.
• Many restaurants accept only cash. Hotels though accept credit cards.
• ATMs limit withdrawals to $200–$300/day with ~$4.50 fees.
• Galapagos works the same way.

The Weight-Loss Illusion

At the equator, gravity is slightly weaker. Everything weighs about 0.5% less. If you’re worried about gaining weight on vacation, Ecuador is basically the place to go!

Ecuador Food Guide: Andes Flavors and Cacao Bliss

Ecuadorian cuisine isn’t as sophisticated as Peru’s, but it’s delicious and diverse thanks to the country’s geography and indigenous traditions.

Expect: Lomo Saltado (yes, like in Peru); Goat stews; Empanadas; Excellent seafood; Amazonian fish like paiche — the largest freshwater fish

Paiche was a revelation: meaty, flaky, slightly sweet, and perfect grilled. It reminded me of Chilean sea bass — which, by the way, is actually Patagonian toothfish rebranded by a shrewd American wholesaler.

The Real Star: Cacao

I’m a chocolate addict (65% cocoa and up, obviously), and Ecuador’s cacao is on another level. More on that in my Mindo post.

Cacao pods. The magical ingredient in the chocolate made in Ecuador

Getting There

Quito isn’t a major hub, but flights from North America are plentiful. LATAM, COPA, and AVIANCA fly from Canada, though all require a layover. United has direct flights from Houston and Newark. other US airlines may also have flights to Quito, but I did not check. Air Canada plans to start direct flights in late 2026 — too late for us.

Our Ecuador Itinerary

We planned an 11‑day tour focused on the Andes, with must‑visit stops in Quito and in Cuenca, a gem that feels like a country within a country. More about Cuenca in its own post.

Map of our Ecuador travel itinerary

Highlights

• This Ecuador travel guide proves the Andes are safer than the headlines — and cacao is better than therapy.
• The Andes deliver nonstop drama: volcanoes, lagoons, rainforests, and cloud theatrics.
• Cash is essential — your credit card will feel neglected.
• Paiche is the fish you didn’t know you needed in your life.
• Ecuadorian cacao will ruin all other chocolate for you.
• Quito is a typical big city: walk some areas, Uber others.
• Avoid Guayaquil unless you enjoy danger tourism.
• The equator makes you weigh 0.5% less — you’re welcome.
• Cuenca is a must‑see, and Galapagos is just the beginning.

FAQ Ecuador

• Q: Do I really need altitude acclimatization in Ecuador?
  A: Unless you enjoy gasping like a fish on land, yes. Take it slow, hydrate, and skip the macho “I’ll be fine” routine
• Q: What’s the deal with Ecuadorian food?
  A: Expect seafood and meat, plantains everywhere, and guinea pig if you’re feeling adventurous. No, it doesn’t taste like chicken—it tastes like guinea pig. But don’t eat it mixed with honey!!! It’s horrible.
• Q: Can I pay with US dollars?
  A: Yes, Ecuador uses USD as its formal currency. Cash is king and credit cards are not a trend.
• Q: Can I drink the tap water?
  A: Unless you want your trip to turn into a bathroom marathon, stick to bottled.

Next: Part 2 – Avianca, Standing Eggs, and Quito’s Extra Equator