The next morning, make sure you take a hike, canoe trip or walk the canopy. Set among three snow-capped volcanoes, the bustling city of Quito is filled with dozens of churches, historic buildings, arts and crafts.
When you visit Ecuador, spend the day exploring its sites and tasting local delicacies such as cuy guinea pig. Ecuador Helicopter Tours — Quasar Expeditions is known for life-changing experiences over water and land and now, we are reaching for the skies.
Enjoy flights from 35 to up to 90 minutes in duration, just 20 minutes away from the city of Quito. These are just a few of the incredible experiences you can have when visiting Ecuador. To learn more about what to do once you get there, look at our Ecuador popular packages or create your own Ecuador Custom Tours itinerary! My name is Paul.
I am a photographer, traveler, teacher and writer. The exchange has varied from 3. However, currency really should not be a major factor in the trip decision.
More importantly to planning, what is the overall cost difference for Peru vs Ecuador? In general, the prices in Peru are relatively cheaper concerning basic food and accommodation. However, the costs for these are radically less when compared to the U. S, UK, or Europe. Thus, the cost differences between the two countries are negligible, unless of course you are backpacking or vacationing long term.
Additionally, expenses are going to vary greatly from traveler to traveler. Amazon lodges in both countries and Galapagos cruises in Ecuador are divided into three and four price categories, respectively. One traveler might find a cruise or lodge category to be the most important decision in their trip, while another guest may find the dining options and tour itinerary to be more important.
One recommendation I have, speak with our travel planners free of charge, where they can help match your desired budget with the many offerings out there. Ecuador and Peru are both situated in the northwest region of the continent, where they border the Pacific ocean.
Fortunately for travelers, this offers some of the most gorgeous beaches in South America. Running through the middle of both Ecuador and Peru is the Andean mountain range, which provides a pleasant climate for countries so close to the equator, along with plenty of breathtaking vantage points and mountain cities.
Accounting for large percentages of both countries is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, the Amazon rainforest. The biggest factor in destination selection between Peru vs Ecuador is often the hard choice between Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Some want the adventure of trekking one of the major Inca trails or taking a train to the Incan capital.
Others may want to cruise the Galapagos archipelago, exploring the domain of giant tortoises , marine iguanas, fur seals, and hammerhead sharks. Both have their own magical, unique experience. An important note to add, it would be an injustice to say that these two destinations are the only things to see in these countries. One can explore either without these destinations, and still have the adventure of a lifetime with an appetite for more.
Although this article touches on quite a bit, it merely skims the surface of all the attractions available. The advantage to Ecuador is that all corners of the country can be rapidly traversed. The flights are extremely cheap, and the distances short. Getting from Quito to the Amazon rainforest is a breeze. A minute flight followed by a few hours in a motorized canoe — a tour in itself — and you are completely immersed in the vast Amazon rainforest and the magical sounds of the jungle.
By contrast, the Ecuadorian Andes are a bit lower in altitude. Although certain regions like the Cajas outside of Cuenca remind me very much of the Peruvian Andes, for the most part I found the mountains of Ecuador to be a bit more…gentle.
In a nice way, of course! At times, the Ecuadorian Andes felt more like glorified hills than mountains to me. Speaking of getting bang for your buck, Peru wins hands-down if you want value for money spent. I believe the problem stems from Ecuador using the US dollar; a strong currency that inherently makes things more expensive.
I saw the same phenomenon in Costa Rica and Panama ; a general sense of surprise at the cost of living in what is supposedly a developing country. In the heat of the day, if the sun is shining, temperatures can hit 20 degrees Celsius.
The timing of the rainy season depends on who you talk to, but in both countries it is around the February-April time frame. However, the lower in altitude you are, the warmer it gets. Similarly in Ecuador, the southern region of Vilcabamba has beautiful lush scenery and botanical life, along with a steadier and warmer climate than Cuenca.
This whole post was inspired by a short trip I made to Vilcabamba in the south of Ecuador, while I was living in the rural Andes near Cuenca. Now to be fair, I spent just a few days in Vilcabamba, and a few years in Pisac. For me, Vilcabamba was kind of like that hit movie that everybody raves about and tells you is the best movie ever and that you must see it.
Vilcabamba was that movie for me. Similarly for small town life, Pisac in Peru and Vilcabamba in Ecuador are comparable.
But in neither case did I find the local markets as in, markets selling artisan goods comparable. Cuenca has an artisan market set up at plaza San Francisco, as well as a number of shops in the historical district selling wares like ponchos, alpaca sweaters, bags, blankets, scarves, and a variety of chachkas and souvenirs. Similarly, Pisac features the largest market in the Sacred Valley; an enterprise of over outdoor stalls that take up a huge square the size of a city block, and spills onto adjacent streets.
Imagine my surprise when I rolled into Vilcabamba and found their market Sundays only to be about 10 tables with some beaded jewelry, crystals, homemade soaps, and dreamcatchers. The indigenous style of dress is similar, though perhaps a bit more colourful in Peru.
It can be difficult in both places to connect personally with indigenous Andean people; sometimes due to their rural lifestyle and location, and sometimes due to their speaking other languages such as Quechua. The relative number of expats in the Andes of Ecuador or Peru are about the same. In Cuenca and Cusco there are similar percentages of expats, and fairly small percentages at that.
Both Pisac and Vilcabamba are heavily visited and lived in by expats. This is where the Ecuador or Peru picture skews a bit. I overheard many more animated conversations about expats in Ecuador than I ever did in Peru. Both Pisac and Vilcabamba are bigtime expat communities — for better and worse. In both places if you want to, you can get by speaking only English this is not a plus in my books; it just is what it is. The most important points for you to visit are: The Cathedral built in the year of 1,; The basilica, Renaissance style, is decorated with the most select of the colonial goldwork, its altars were made of carved wood; Another historical relic is the Plaza de Armas, this place witnessed past events such as the proclamation of the independence of Peru in Quito: The capital of Ecuador and the oldest city in South America.
It is located in the eastern part of the Andes at an altitude of 2, meters above sea level. This city satisfies the most demanding tastes. It combines the classic historical monuments, with an attractive modern city. There are different ways to explore the area, let us know what your preferences are, we have the best suggestions according to your needs.
Mindo: Located a few hours from Quito, this picturesque town is ideal to see up close unusual and colorful birds that amaze everyone. The climate, location, and humidity of the area form the perfect scenario to find exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Otavalo: The largest handicraft market in South America is a must go if you are visiting Ecuador. These skilled artisans have taken their culture to the world. Share This Amazing Location!
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