"lenoreva's Ecuador Page" Ecuador by lenoreva

Ecuador Travel Guide: 4,861 reviews and 13,444 photos

Ecuador is like my second home, after having spent an exchange year there 1993-1994 (and numerous repeat visits). Ecuador is an amazing country - it's not often you find mountains, rain forest, and beaches all in the space of one small country. With lots of beautiful nature, delicious food, and a wealth of cultural opportunities, you won't be dissapointed. And oh the handicrafts you can buy! This is one of my favorite pictures: Sunset at a lake in Cuyobeno national park (in the jungle).

Warning! Don't jump from waterfalls during the rainy season - see my <a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.144418/article/221/2/"><font color=green> Mindo Travelogue </font></a> to find out why...

Updated! I finally found a few more of my Ecuador pictures and put them up - next time I go back to the states, I will look for the rest!

So you've decided to go? The Lonely Planet guidebook to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is a nice place to get an idea of what iteniery you can manage in the time period that you have. They are also known for their budget accommadation recommendations. On the Internet, a good place for more upscale lodging recommendations is www.ecuadorexplorer.com They also have a page with current news links (very interesting and up-to-date) and a lot of general practical information. My page will give you a good overview of the cultural attractions and I share a lot of my personal experiences.

a hand-woven ecuadorian blanket

On this page you'll find:

info on important festivals (local customs)
overview of Ecuadorian food (restaurants)
tips on where to get all those handicrafts (shopping)
my favorite destinations (must see activities)
lots of warnings (warnings & travelogue)

and much more!

Pros and Cons

Pros:beautiful nature, great food, and lots of cultural opportunties
Cons:not the safest place on earth

Last visit to Ecuador: Aug 1997
Intro Updated Jan 21, 2004
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Reviews (36)

A birthday cake in your face Local Customs (8)

Ecuadorians have a fun little custom - on your birthday they like you to "morder el pastel" (bite the cake). This... more travel advice

Just do it! Sports & Outdoors (1)

If you like sports, there are a variety of opportunities in Ecuador, BUT there is not much of a sports infrastructure... more travel advice

my host parents (check out my tan!) - Ecuador

Learn Spanish - Homestays Favorites (1)

I could defanitly recommend a homestay as the BEST way to learn the language. My host family, the Ordonez, was so... more travel advice

me, the viejos and my sweet aunts! - Ecuador

New Years "Anios viejos" Local Customs (8)

If you are in Ecuador over New Years, you'll probably get a chance to see the local custom of burning effigies called... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
See All The Galapagos Islands
Hotels (1)
Accommodation for under $1 a night
Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Cuyobeno National Park
Tourist Traps (2)
See All Mitad del Mundo
What to Pack (1)
Layers!

Warnings Or Dangers (4)
See All violent demonstrations
Shopping (4)
See All "Bread Dough" figures
Transportation (2)
See All Flying to Ecuador
Nightlife (1)
Dance!
Restaurants (1)
Ecuadorian Cuisine

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (194)

88Starflite Aug 6, 2007 at 1:47 PM Report Abuse

I saw a travel show on Ecuador or Peru, can't recall which one. It showed a really dirty city, garbage in the streets, while having some very nice old Spanish type buildings. Some say Ecudor is a great place to buy property, do you think so?
ricoali Jun 16, 2007 at 2:17 PM Report Abuse

I'm traveling to Ecuador on Tuesday, June 19,2007 w/ co-workers. You had mentioned on your page Ecuador is not one of the safest places. Did you mean crime???? Any other advise would be great. PS- When do you plan on returning?
Kinia Mar 28, 2007 at 4:54 PM Report Abuse

wow what a great experience you had with Ecuador!!! the whole year?? cool :)
sprdak11 Dec 13, 2006 at 7:45 AM Report Abuse

Great page about Ecuador. Best wishes.
SLLiew Dec 1, 2006 at 5:09 AM Report Abuse

Lenore, Fantastic tips on Ecuador especially of local customs and on warnings. Agree that homestay is a great way to know a country and the people. BTW, today, I received my first Ecuador postcard and two of them from same VT. Cheers, SL
laura36035 Jul 28, 2006 at 8:27 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for all of your wonderful information on Eucador!! I think it will be very helpful for my upcoming trip.
trek06 May 29, 2006 at 5:48 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your Ecuador pages! Think I'll skip your accom in Puerto Lopez :)
hindu1936 Apr 3, 2006 at 4:28 AM Report Abuse

Now THAT is a beautiful cloud photo. good tips too.
travellingdan Aug 30, 2005 at 3:57 AM Report Abuse

Nice Ecuador-sites! I take that as kick in my butt to finally build my own ones ;-) Best wishes from a travelling Bavarian!
madamx Jun 8, 2005 at 7:18 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page on Ecuador; thanks for the warning about the hovel ;o) Greetings from Calgary ~ Helen