Ecuador has four distinct microclimates, making it difficult to determine which is best for you. Whether you're deciding which part of Ecuador to visit for a vacation or whether you're considering relocating here for a longer period of time, it's critical to keep these climates in mind.

Regardless of how long you intend to stay in Ecuador, the weather will have a significant impact on your daily life. It is critical to conduct thorough research before committing to a region. You may prefer the sound of tropical weather in the country's coastal and rainforest regions, or you may prefer the spring-like climate of the highlands.

You will have a great time in whatever area you decide is best for you. Ecuador is a country with people and cultures as diverse as its weather, and there are many opportunities for experiences and adventures. And what if you get sick of the weather wherever you are? Don't be concerned. There's an old Ecuadorian proverb that says you can experience all four seasons in a single day, so you won't be stuck with it for long!

So you've arrived; where do you begin? Traveling from north to south in Ecuador? From east to west? It is entirely up to you. And you'll find transportation to suit your needs in Ecuador. Keep your passports with you at all times while traveling in Ecuador. Passports will be required at all checkpoints across the country. In case of loss, keep duplicates of your passport in a safe place.

A hop-on hop-off bus combines the advantages of a guided tour (such as seeing places that are difficult to reach without a guide) with the freedom of independent travel. Buses take you to all of the major cities and popular attractions, but they also stop at lesser-known locations so you can see the real Ecuador.

Ecuador Hop, Ecuador's first hop on hop off bus company, launched in February 2019. Sister companies Peru Hop and Bolivia Hop have already been in operation for a few years, establishing a strong reputation in those countries for their high level of service and this distinctive style of travel. If Ecuador Hop can replicate the experience provided by those two companies, it will be an excellent option for travelers in Ecuador. The new service will take travelers to incredible locations such as Baos, Montaita, Cotopaxi Volcano, and Quilotoa Lake.

While tourists flock to Ecuador for hikes up towering volcanoes, boat rides deep into the Amazon, and close encounters with the world-famous wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, this small South American country has one more trick up its sleeve: beaches.

Some of South America's most beautiful but little-known beaches are within striking distance of the capital, Quito, with its Spanish-era architecture and Indigenous Andean culture. These scenic coves, lined with fine sand and washed by highly surfable waves, could give Brazil's Atlantic coast a run for its money, and in most places, you won't have to share the sand with massive crowds.

Plan time to explore Ecuador's 2237km (1390-mile) Pacific coastline in addition to visits to volcanic peaks and wildlife-filled national parks. The villages, towns, and low-key traveler hubs here offer everything from mangrove boat trips and whale watching to water sports, surf breaks, and yoga on the sand. It is definitely one of the reasons to visit Ecuador.

Ecuador is the only country in South America that uses the US dollar as its currency, making it an appealing travel and business destination. This, combined with its safety, the friendliness of its people, the quality of its services, and its exceptional diversity, makes it a very appealing destination.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, using your card abroad may result in an unexpected charge. Check with your credit card company before you travel. Low-value notes are easier to exchange in Quito's smaller neighborhoods. Due to the ease of finding exchange offices and banks in larger cities, it is easier to exchange foreign currency. There are also plenty of ATMs, and many credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels.

Despite the fact that the currency is dollars, visiting Ecuador is not expensive, and there are many places to visit other than the capital city of Quito. Pick some flowers in Cuenca's world-famous markets, seek adventure in Baos, and surf the days away in Montaita. You should take the Ecuador Hop bus if you want your money to go further because it includes free extra tours and discounts on accommodation in each city.

The cost of living in Ecuador is quite low for expats, and the country continually shows up as one of the cheapest places to retire in the world. However, you do not have to be old to benefit from the low prices. And you don't have to live in Cuenca to take advantage of the savings. It's just that if you're of retirement age, you get a slew of extra perks and benefits that help you save even more money.

A spacious flat in Quito's city center costs significantly less than in other capital cities, whereas rent in Cuenca is slightly higher but still very affordable. The same is true throughout Ecuador for utility bills, phone bills, and groceries. Healthcare is also reasonably priced in Ecuador. Going out for a meal or drink is also less expensive than in most other countries, particularly in smaller towns. The only exception is gasoline, but public transportation and taxis are frequently very inexpensive, so there are some alternatives to owning a car. Furthermore, because the US dollar is the official currency in Ecuador, ex-pats from the US can avoid any currency exchange fees. This is one of the reasons to visit Ecuador.

Nine out of ten expats agree that the Ecuadorian people are generally friendly. This warm welcome makes it easier for expats to settle in—Ecuador is ranked among the top five countries in the world for feeling at home in the Expat Insider 2019 survey.

However, Ecuadorians are said to be rather indirect in their communication. They may consider blunt verbal communication to be impolite because they usually speak diplomatically and with courtesy. Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, can be extremely revealing. Ecuadorians are also known for their optimism and ability to look on the bright side of life. The family core is extremely important in this community, and almost all leisure time revolves around it: families tend to gather for meals or spend public holidays together.

Relationships and common courtesy within the local community are especially important in Ecuador, as they are in other Spanish-speaking countries, so do not be surprised if someone you have never seen before says Buenos das (good morning) to you while commuting, or you see neighbors helping each other with the groceries.

Ecuador has a well-developed publicly funded health care system as well as national health insurance. All residents, regardless of income or insurance status, have access to free medical care (via an extensive network of hospitals and regional health clinics). A comprehensive and proactive public health program includes activities such as teams of nurses going door-to-door offering influenza vaccines to residents. This system also serves remote rural areas, with physicians, dentists, and nurses required to complete a one-year "rural" rotation in which they serve isolated or underserved populations. This one year of service is required for professional licensing in Ecuador.

According to the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, Ecuador meets 92.6% of what it should for the right to health based on its income level. When it comes to children's health rights, Ecuador achieved 97.1% of what was expected based on its current income. In terms of the adult population's right to health, the country achieves only 90.9% of what is expected based on the country's level of income. Ecuador falls into the "fair" category when evaluating the right to reproductive health because the country only achieved 89.8% of what was expected of it based on the income available. It's a soothing relief for many tourists to have quality healthcare service to tackle any worst-case scenario while travelling.

When it comes to the reasons to visit Ecuador, can't help but mention food. Ecuador is quickly becoming a popular culinary destination. Cooking is an important part of the culture here, and traditional recipes have been passed down through generations. You'll have a feast of tasty dishes to choose from, whether you're in a hole-in-the-wall cantina or a high-end restaurant.

In Ecuador, lunch, or "almuerzo," is the main meal of the day. It frequently offers three courses for as little as $3. Bargain! Typical dishes differ depending on whether you're on the coast, in the highlands, or in the rainforest. However, rice is ubiquitous, alongside potatoes, yuca, and yams. Plantains are served with almost every dish, and soups and stews are also popular.

Moving into the country's center and ascending a few thousand meters above sea level, you will arrive at the Sierra or Andes region. Different types of meat, grains, and root vegetables (such as potatoes) become more prevalent here. You should try Locro de Papa, Fritada, Hornado, Llapingachos, Tamal Lojano, Fanesca, and Guinea Pig.

Last but not least, the unique Galapagos Islands can be found hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. Food is typically organic in this region because ingredients are sourced and grown locally. Most dishes feature seafood such as fish, crab, shrimp, lobster, octopus, oysters, and others. These are even combined to make some delectable ceviche options.

Ecuador produces some of the world's most valuable chocolate and recently became the top Latin American exporter of chocolate. Cacao producers in Ecuador's Amazon have the hot and humid climate required to grow the world's most flavorful cocoa beans.

The world's other top chocolate-exporting countries have had crop failures, which has only added to Ecuadorian chocolate's growing popularity. Western Africa produces 70% of the world's cacao, primarily in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Droughts have been particularly severe in these countries in recent years. Cocoa prices increased by 24% in 2013. Economists predict that by 2020, chocolate demand will exceed chocolate production by 1 million tons. The fact that cocoa beans take a relatively long time to mature adds to the scarcity concerns.

A rising demand for dark chocolate contributes to some of this number crunching. Dark chocolate has earned the enviable status of a health-conscious dessert choice thanks to its recently touted antioxidant health benefits. Dark chocolate accounts for 20% of the chocolate market in the United States. Chocolate demand is also increasing in China.

Among the reasons to visit Ecuador, Quito is one of them. This beautiful and colonial city's history, full of legends woven over more than 400 years, is still alive in the minds of its inhabitants. To determine its official origin, one must go back to December 6, 1534, when the Spanish conquistadors founded the city with 204 settlers.

It was first inhabited by the Quitus, a Quechua civilization tribe. The area where these first inhabitants lived ranged from Cerro del Panecillo in the south to Plaza de San Blas in the center. Today, this strip has grown to become the great city that it is. During the pre-Hispanic period, this city was known as Reino de Quito. Originally, the buildings were made of carved stone and sun-dried brick. Later, Spanish architects began to use various materials for their constructions, primarily stones brought from pichincha pits.

Quito, the capital city of the Republic of Ecuador, is now a thriving metropolis that serves as the country's administrative and political hub. It has made enormous efforts to mitigate the effects of natural disasters that have struck it over the years. This city offers multiple options for your visit and for enjoying an absolutely pleasing stay, surrounded by tradition, fantasy and legend.