How to Plan Your Trip to Ecuador – 5 Useful Tips
Planning a trip to Ecuador is no small feat-the county’s infrastructure is still being developed to accommodate international travelers. For the unaware, this can cause awkward moments that usually can be avoided with some planning before you arrive. Keep reading for five useful tips to consider before you pack your bags and get on the plane.
1) Remember that Ecuador has its Own Rules
While the country’s people and their spirit can be infectious, the nation is independent of preconceived notions from those traveling here. In one day you can go to five shops and get five different prices for the same item. The same goes for immigration issues when you arrive, depending on who the officer in charge is, you may or may not be able to bring in electronics, alcohol, clothes, etc.
2) Learn some Spanish
One of the keys to having a great time in Ecuador is to take some Spanish before you come. It makes traveling around the country more fun and ultimately easier if you can master phrases that are used in taxis, restaurants, and hotels. The people here are happy to help when you stumble on words, but never-the-less appreciate the effort that you make to talk to them in their own tongue. For those that have a few free days during their trip, there are Spanish schools around the country who can give you a crash course in the basics you need to truly appreciate the country.
3) Unleash Your Sense of Adventure
Within Ecuador’s borders, there are volcanos to scale, waterfall to rappel down, routes to mountain bike, Jungle Rivers to canoe and kayak, and islands to explore. The countries small size makes all of these activities possible within one visit. A little preplanning and with the help and advice of an expert from Happy Gringo Travel will put you in the far reaches of the country, where adventure awaits around every turn.
4) Bring extras
While Ecuador and its big cities have their fair share of stores, pharmacies, and places to find SD cards if you are in a pinch the brand is limited. Bring extra medication to avoid confusion among brands, take extra camera batteries as some major brands can’t be found here, and make sure that you have back up bank and credit cards. Major financial companies have a habit of cutting off cards once they notice that they are being used in Latin America.
5) Find the People Who Know the Country and Listen to Them
The last thing to consider when planning a trip to Ecuador is that word of mouth, instead of the internet, is still the best way to find the amazing places and people behind them in Ecuador. A review found online might be a few months old, and things change fast here. Managers leave, volunteer positions dry up, and even the local hangouts have a habit of shutting their doors before anyone has noticed. Use the experts, like our staff at Happy Gringo Travel.
For more information about the tours, custom-made and otherwise, that Happy Gringo Travel offers, contact a member of our staff through this site or our toll-free numbers.
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