Ecuador Travel Specialists
Our Ecuador specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Ecuador inside out.

RichardEcuador Specialist01993 838 624

The typical Andean delicacy "cuy" (guinea pig), is best eaten roasted. Stop enroute from Cotopaxi National Park to Riobamba to try this tasty South American rodent!

Read moreEcuador travel specialist - Richard

LizzieEcuador Specialist01993 838 616

Otavalo market is the best place in Ecuador to try out your haggling skills and pick up some beautifully soft alpaca blankets along the way.

Read moreEcuador travel specialist - Lizzie

SarahEcuador Specialist01993 838 623

A great souvenir is a handmade Panama hat, especially if you're visiting Cuenca where they are traditionally made.

Read moreEcuador travel specialist - Sarah

AnnaEcuador Specialist01993 838 626

Try drinking the local drink of Canelazo whilst in the Otavalo region - the haciendas often serve it up as a welcome drink and it is very tasty!

Read moreEcuador travel specialist - Anna

JoannaEcuador Specialist01993 838 999

The law in Ecuador stipulates that no establishment will sell or serve alcohol on Sundays, so remember to enjoy your favourite tipple beforehand on Saturday!

Read moreEcuador travel specialist - Joanna

HollyEcuador Specialist01993 838 619

Unleash your inner cowboy/girl and make sure you take advantage of some of the haciendas that offer horse riding. A great way to get off the beaten track.

Read moreEcuador travel specialist - Holly
- Richard
- Lizzie
- Sarah
- Anna
- Joanna
- Holly
Practical Information
Ecuador is a wonderfully welcoming place, and travelling around the compact mainland is an easygoing, entertaining and scenic experience.
Based on your preferences and budget we can provide full time drivers and guides, or just provide you with a vehicle and driver.
However you decide to travel we will ensure that you get the most from your trip, whether you are making something of a road trip and are moving on each day, or staying at one of the haciendas for a few relaxing days.
Extended stays
We like to take clients with sufficient time on a journey down the length of the country, dispensing with the need for internal flights and ensuring you see the most of the magnificent scenery of the country.
Language
The official language is Spanish, although it is not the first language of the majority of the indigenous population. English is understood and spoken by many in the tourist industry.
Food and drink
Ecuadorian food is based around meat or fish, rice and plantain, and is generally cheap, tasty and plentiful. There are dozens of exotic fruits such as naranjilla, maracuya and guanabana that are made into delicious ice creams and juices.
Money
In September 2000 Ecuador abandoned its century-old currency (the Sucre) and began using the US$. Change is always scarce, many places will not accept notes bigger than a US$20, nor will they accept any notes that are ripped or dirty. ATM's are available in the major cities and towns. Visa and Amex are widely accepted (Mastercard to a lesser degree).
Tipping
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Amounts are discretionary.
Under The Skin
Read
'Savages', by Joe Kane. Testimony of how one small band of Amazonian warriors defended their territory against hell-bent oil companies, dogged missionaries, and starry-eyed environmentalists.'End of the Spear', by Steve Saint. Memoir of Saint growing up with the Ecuadoran Waodani tribe whose members killed his father in 1956, and about taking his wife and teenage children back to Ecuador in the 1990s to live among them again. He tells the story of the 1956 murders from the Waodani perspective. Most of the book is devoted to his latest experiences with his Waodani family.
Listen
'A Quito, a Quito'. Everywhere you go there is a bus heading to Quito!
Watch
'Master and Commander'. Hollywood Blockbuster staring Russell Crowe. See if you can spot the factual inaccuracies when on Galapagos!
Eat
Ceviche - a tasty seafood salad traditionally containing raw fish which is marinaded in lemon and lime. This cooks or pickles the fish without heat.
Drink
Canellasso - a piping hot mix of strong sugar cane liquor with fruit similar to mulled wine. Very energising at higher altitudes.
Trademarks
Markets, volcanoes, mountain villages.
Handicrafts of all types, especially in Otavalo market - artwork, hammocks, wooden sculptures, leather goods.