ECUADOR TRAVEL INFO
Quito & Surroundings

Quito: Declared by UNESCO a World Cultural Heritage in 1978. Quito has a population of about 2 million. The altitude is about 2,850 m (about 9,381 ft).

The altitude might make you feel a little breathless when you first arrive from sea level.   Do not overexert yourself and get plenty of rest and liquids This symptom, however, will disappear in a day or two. It is better to take things easy upon arrival, eat lightly, and avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages.  Quito is a multicolored urban located at the foot of Pichincha Volcano, its old-town is like walking through time and back again amidst splendid 16th century architecture, churches bathed in gold, convents tucked away behind hand–carved, baroque doors and block upon block of Spanish-style.  11 miles (18 Km) north you will find “Middle of the World” complex situated 0º0’0” latitude.

What to bring: A warm jacket or sweater for the evenings. Dressing in layers is ideal. Afternoons might be rainy; we suggest an umbrella.

OTAVALO & MAGDALENA KARANKI COMMUNITY : Experience our community based tourism project “Karanki Magdalena” where passengers can establish cultural ties staying at their comfortable homes with capacity of 24 guests, engage in farm activities, do arts and crafts, undertake adventure hikes, horseback and bike rides, among other past-times in the heart of the Northern Andean highlands close to the famous Otavalo Indigenous market the largest in South America.

What to bring: Dress in layers and for the night bring warm clothes. Sunblock, sunglasses, comfortable shoes for hiking

CUENCA: Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cities because of its cobblestone streets and rich collection of colonial churches and buildings. It is located at 2,430 m (about 7,971 ft.) above sea level. Cuenca is the center for pottery and handicrafts in Ecuador. Declared by UNESCO a World Cultural Heritage in 1999.

What to bring: The weather is very much like that of Quito; therefore we suggest you dress the same for Cuenca.

AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES: The Highlands of Ecuador or Andes are known as “The Avenue of the Volcanoes” because of their snow-capped peaks and impressive volcanoes.

GUAYAQUIL: It is Ecuador’s main port and has a population of about 3.3 million. In this city, shrimp and bananas are well- developed industries. Nearby there are the beautiful beaches of the Pacific seaboard.

What to bring: Tropical (summer) clothes are recommended along with sunglasses, a good hat and a light jacket for the evening.

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST: The vast territory of Ecuador that stretches from the eastern slopes of the Andes to the Peruvian border is known as El Oriente.
In the tropical jungle the climate is warm and humid with an average temperature of 25ºC (77°F). It rains all year long, especially from April to August.

What to bring:
Light tropical clothes, long sleeves and trousers (to protect yourself from mosquito bites, do not wear short sleeves, T-shirts or shorts), good hiking shoes or rubber boots, raincoat, sunglasses, sunblock, and hat. Good insect repellent is a must.