General: Ecuador

Advantages: Incredibly diverse, Fun, Loads to do and see.
Disadvantages: Flights are a little expensive

This is my first review....please be gentle with me! How am I qualified to review Ecuador? I spent over 4 fantastic months there in 2004 travelling and doing voluntary work and 1 month there in March/April 2005 when I got married there and now have a beautiful Ecuadorian wife! OK, maybe that makes me a little biased, but I can't wait to go back there for a month in Jan 2006...there is so much to see and do. Obviously I can't review every little ...
...I'l try and cover the parts that maybe concern first time travellers to Ecuador and a little more. Ecuador was my first taste of South America and it has given me the desire to know more and more. In such a tiny country there is so much to see and experience that in all honesty 6 months would not be enough to do everything and really experience the culture. I suppose the general culture could be described as slightly crazy, but in a friendly way. ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderful insight into South America all in one small country.
Disadvantages: Poverty and associated social impacts.

We selected Ecuador as the focus of our visit to South America as it offers a wide range of geographical experiences in a relatively compact country. We hoped to experience volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, beaches, cities and native Ecuadorians. Our visit did not disappoint! First impressions of Quito are a little threatening. Upon arriving you step out of the airport door into a caged area to protect you from the masses of beggars, taxi drivers ...
...for first timers always book a taxi through your hotel before arrival. You pay a couple of dollars more but it avoids the unwanted hassle after a long flight. Alternately haggle with a taxi driver, the fare to the old town should be no more than US$ 5, less to the new town. Tip No. 2- At night NEVER walk far around the city unless you are in a group of more than 4. Even then be cautious as armed robbery is a common event. That said there are areas ... Read review