Trip tips and What to Pack
Ecuador Singles Vacation
Passport and Visa:
If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to enter Ecuador, you must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. Ecuadorian immigration officials also sometimes request evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket.
Ecuador welcomes people from all over the world who wish to visit for a short period of time or to establish permanent residency. If you come to Ecuador as a tourist or on a business trip, you do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days on a 12 month-period
Local Currency:
Ecuador’s official currency is the US dollar. If you’re not traveling from the USA, consider bringing a small supply of US dollars with you on your trip in case you have trouble exchanging currency from your home country. Western Unions are in most big cities.Euros, Peruvian pesos and Colombian nuevos soles are the easiest currencies to exchange in Ecuador.
ATMs are the easiest way of getting cash, period. They’re found in most cities and even in smaller towns, though they are occasionally out of order. Make sure you have a four-digit PIN; many Ecuadorian.
Local Time:
Ecuador is in Western South America and is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Ecuador utilizes Ecuador Time (ECT) year round.
Electric Plugs:
Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Republic of Ecuador (República del Ecuador) usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient. The voltage will have to be changed from 110-120 volts at the socket, to whatever voltage your appliance requires. This is accomplished with a voltage transformer.
Weather
The only thing predictable about Ecuador's weather is its unpredictability. In fact, it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. Generally speaking, Ecuador has two seasons, wet and dry, but in a country as geographically diverse as Ecuador, local weather patterns vary greatly.
The mainland coastal areas and the Galapagos Islands are influenced by ocean currents and are hot and rainy between January and April and cool and dryer the rest of the year.
Shopping
Shopping is a varied experience in Ecuador. From dusty, noisy animal markets to craft markets to sterile, glossy malls, there is something for everyone here. Ecuador produces an interesting array of products that can be purchased as souvenirs. Arts and crafts (in Spanish, artesanía) such as weavings, wood carvings, rugs, toys and clothes can be picked up all over Ecuador. Prices are reasonable and bargaining is encouraged.
Special to Ecuador and of note is the so-called "Panama" hats. Despite their name, their origin is Monte cristi, Ecuador. Good quality hats can be rolled up and will spring back into shape. Beware of the hats available in Otavalo market, cheap does not equate to a bargain
Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Ecuador
Taking gifts back for friends and family is an important part of your Ecuador Singles Vacation. Here is a suggestion of gifts you could take back home.
1. The Ecuadorian Alpaca Hoodie
2. Alpaca Socks
3. Dragons Blood
4. Coffee
5. Chocolate
6. Panama Hats
7. Handmade leather goods
8. leather bags
9. decorative jewelry boxes
10. woven wall hangings
Local Foods
Traditional foods of the highland region of Ecuador are often based around potatoes, sweet corn, cheese and avocadoes. Typical dishes include llaping achos, delicious little fried patties of mashed potato and cheese, often served with a fried egg, avocado, and beetroot and sometimes sausage or pork as well. Locro is a filling potato and cheese soup.
Ecuador is known for its exotic fruits, seafood and potatoes. Some traditional dishes include seco de pollo, stewed chicken with rice and avocado; lomo salteado, beef steak covered with onions and tomatoes; and seco de chivo, goat stew with rice. Ceviche served with popcorn may well be the signature dish of Ecuador, especially along the coast. Ceviche can be made of fish (de pescado), shrimp (de camarones), shellfish (de concha), squid (de calamari) or all of the above (mixta). Encocados, seafood dishes prepared in coconut milk, are known as a delectable specialty in the Esmeraldas province.
Roasted cuy (guinea pig) is regionally popular. Guinea pigs were originally domesticated for their meat in the Andes and are an important food in some areas of Ecuador (mostly in the Sierra or highlands) and other South American countries, such as Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.
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