If you are travelling on a tight budget, or if you simply like to experience the country as a local would do, Ecuador offers an incredible number of opportunities. From the well known Galapagos, the amazing mountains, the stunning beaches, to its Amazonian lush green destinations, Ecuador has it all. They say that everyone falls in love with this country. I know, I did!
City of Loja - view over the Andes - at 2060 m (6758 ft) above sea level
Below are some tips I learnt from my Ecuadorian friends on how to travel safe and cheap throughout the country:
Finding cheap accommodation.
Cheap doesn't always mean bad service. There are plenty of hosterias (small hotels or B&Bs) which provide great services (hot water, WiFi, internet, clean sheets, AC, and even break-fast). All it takes is to speak some Spanish, or at least have some understanding of it. Most of the English websites such: Booking, TripAdvisor, Hotels cater for foreigners, and they have higher accommodation prices. Each has to add his commission, right?
In the Southern hemisphere, it appears that the Despegar.com and the local classified adds sites (OLX, Encuentra24 and Enlinea.ec) are more popular and offer better deals in terms of accommodation.
Or if you are more of an adventurer, then you can go couch surfing. Ecuador has close to 17000 hosts offering their couches to travellers. This option offers the most authentic Ecuadorian experience, since you are sleeping under their roof and eating their food. You can't ask for more. Plus, you are getting valuable insights on where to go and what to do. Not everything is available online!
Less than $4 meals
If you never heard of the almuerzo del dia, let me tell you that means lunch, the biggest meal of the day. In Ecuador, it is served from 12PM and 2PM, in some places until 3PM. This meal usually consists of a soup, a second dish (rice with some meat/fish and a small salad), and a dessert, along with a glass of juice.
Therefore, when you enter a resto, ask for the almuerzo and its price. Usually it can vary from $2.50 to $4, but there are also restos serving the almuerzos ejecutivos which can cost from $7 to $15. In fancier restos, you might be given the a la carte menu right away, just because you are a foreigner. It never hurts to ask if they serve the almuerzo.
Word of the mouth.
In case you decide to extend your stay within the country for more than couple of weeks, you might want to consider renting. Besides the above mentioned websites, there is also the word of the mouth.
If you are set on a location and you need to know which are the good neighbourhoods, or you are looking for the services of a professional, such doctor, dentist, electrician, etc., go to the closest barbershop or hair salon, called Peluqueria. There you will find all the info you need, or even more.
Ecuadorians are very friendly and helpful people. You have a much higher chance of finding what you need there, than online. Although you are not used on relying on the word of the mouth, here it seems to be the norm. Everyone know someone who might have or know the service you need.
Thus, within the price of a haircut you shoot two rabbits. You get the desired info, brush up your Spanish language skills, maybe even make new acquaintances or friends. The most important is you create a liaison which will allow you access to a pool of local info unavailable online.
Talk! Talk! Talk!
We all know that flashing valuables in an undeveloped country makes you an easy target. There is no need to reinforce this advice. It has been done over and over again. What I want to add is that you need to get immersed in the culture. Talking can improve your safety during travelling.
Smile, look confident and talk with the people around you. Don't worry about you are not proficient in Spanish. They won't care that you are fluent or not. As a matter of fact, there are many Ecuadorians who speak English, at least at a beginner level. They would appreciate that you are interested in knowing their country. Once that door is open, life gets easier.
Safety during transportation.
While using public transportation (local or inter-provincial buses), always try to seat or be near an old lady, or someone who is old enough to be a grandma. Either you engage in conversation or not with her, is up to you and how well you master your Spanish.
In different occasions, I witnessed how this tip can actually get you out of some really nasty situations. Apparently even the thieves have ethics and morals. They have respect for the grandmother, and robbing someone in front of an elder woman, is a very shameful thing to do. This is probably due to the fact that among all the countries in Latin America, Ecuador has the higher score on the family oriented values.
Wear that ring!
If you are a woman, regardless your civil status, when you travel alone or with family or friends, ALWAYS wear a wedding ring. In this culture, a married woman has a higher status and is thought or supposed to be less likely to get harmed. Who knew that a wedding band can deter villains?
Drinking water.
Everyone knows that you CAN'T drink water from the tap in Latin America. But that can be easily forgotten when you are thirsty and all you see at each street freshly squeezed juices that make your palate dry and your brain melt.
One easy way out is to either enter the first small shop named Tienda and purchase a bottled or canned soda. If that is not available, then look for a local resto which offers the famous “almuerzo del dia” and either buy one almuerzo, or simply ask for a glass of juice (jugo). The juice is done with bottled water. Don't take my word for it, ask. It`s your health that's on the line!
Car rental.
When it comes to getting the best deal, there is no doubt, Priceline.com is a winner. Their prices are smaller than anything you would be able to find locally. It seems that more secluded you are, higher the prices get, and less options are available in terms of choosing a car.
Restrain yourself from renting the same type of car you are driving at home. Go small! Besides the fact it saves you money, it might save your life. Driving in Ecuador is not the same as driving back home. Passing through the Andes is an amazing drive which requires lots of focus. The highways were recently done and looked better than some highways in North America!
Pointless to say that there is no such thing as road courtesy. The roads might be good, but the drivers are terrible. That being said, keep in mind that it is advised that you park the car somewhere inside during the night. Most of the hosterias offer free parking.
Also know that the rental cars, are easily spotted due to the rental company`s stickers applied on the rear of the car. You might want to ask the rental company to have it removed before you hit the road.
I hope you'll enjoy travelling through this beautiful country. Here are some photos meant to convince you to jump on that flight and go explore Ecuador.
View of the Tungurahua volcano
View over the PanAmericana highway crossing the Andes
Ceiba Tree in the deserted area of Ecuador
Sunset on the beach - City of Manta
Images source: Lavi Picu
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