After the flight to Ecuador, most visitors head straight to Quito, one of the oldest cities in both North and South America. Bring an extra suitcase on your Ecuador flight – the highest active volcano in the world is in Quito and at the top is the one of the largest and most colorful open markets in South America. Guayaquil is the country's most populous city. Some travelers who made the Ecuador flight to Guayaquil say it’s one of the more up-and-coming cities in South America. A walk along the river boardwalk, the Malecon 2000, treats travelers to new and stylish galleries, museums, and restaurants. For the adventurous traveler, hop an Ecuador flight to the jungle and take in one of the most diverse tropical rainforests in the world.
If your Ecuador flights only allow enough time to visit the Galapagos Islands, rest assured it’s an experience worth having. Like most tourists, it’s likely that after a visit to the islands additional flights to Ecuador are in the near future.
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Ecuador's geography has endowed the country with a variety of microclimates. The coast is hot all year, with a humid rainy season between December and May. In the mountains climate depends on altitude, becoming cooler the higher you go. The Amazon region is hot, humid and wet while the Galapagos Islands are dry with a year-round average temperature of 77F.
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Peak Season:
Peak season for visiting mainland Ecuador is June through September and December through January. However, even in the rainy season, conditions are good and travel is still enjoyable. Quito especially is a year-round destination, though be prepared for temperatures to become chilly due to its altitude during the dry season, June through September.
The Galapagos Islands remain relatively dry even in the wet season, so are a good year-round destination. Official peak season is June through August and again December through January; though this is based more on holiday seasons of travelers arriving from the United States and Europe.
Off Season:
December through April is the rainiest season in the jungle.
While it's great to find cheap flights to Ecuador, it's not advised to travel during the rainy season. The jungle is damp and uncomfortable, and Ecuador is best seen during the peak season when the temperature is warm and dry.
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- Quito is the most visited town – though not the capital. Colonial Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see spot for any tourist. Start at the Plaza de la Independencia and visit the cathedral and Presidential Palace. In modern Quito, take a walk down Avenida Amazonas for some shopping, people watching or a drink at one of the many cafés.
- The Galapagos Islands are a major touristic draw for their wildlife. The marine iguana, native to the islands, is a large black iguana which can live in the sea. Charles Darwin wrote of it, “The black Lava rocks on the beach are frequented by large (2-3ft) most disgusting clumsy Lizards […] I call them the imps of darkness.” You may find the giant galapagos tortoises, after which the islands were named, more appealing. The Charles Darwin Research Center, in Puerto Ayora was founded for conservation of the islands natural habitat and is the best place to get up close and personal with the tortoises.
- There is also excellent swimming and snorkeling on the islands. The sea life is relatively tame: swim with sea lions, turtles and penguins. The sea lions, and their pups if you visit at the right time of year, are especially fond of divers and will approach and play with them.
- Guayaquil is the largest city in the country and it has the biggest population. The town has been through extensive renovation recently and, though not yet a major tourist spot, its natural beauty and fantastic views are starting to be recognized. For a view of the city, take a walk up the 444 steps at the end of Malecon 2000.
- Ecuador has some culinary delights, and local dishes specific to almost every region. Favorites include lemon-marinated shrimp, corn pancakes and lechon – roasted suckling pig. However, it is for eating cuy, the humble guinea pig that the Ecuadorians are best known to us…
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Ecuador flights can arrive/depart from two major airports. Additional Ecuador flights to other cities and countries in South America also arrive and depart from either Quito or Guayaquil airports.
Quito (UIO) (Mariscal Sucre) is 5 miles from the city center.
Guayaquil (GYE) (Simon Bolivar) is 3 miles from the city.
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All visitors boarding flights to Ecuador should have their passport, another form of identification, and return ticket or onward ticket to the next destination. All members of the Sikh religion regardless of nationality require a passport valid for six months and a visa.
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U.S. citizens must hold a valid passport. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days per year.
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