Ecuador has introduced a new strategy to attract travelers who want to interact with nature, aiming to provide open places for safe enjoyment. The country is not just known for its Galápagos Islands, but it also boasts the world’s highest active volcano, multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. However, overtourism has been identified as one of four threats to people and the planet by the Center for Responsible Tourism (CREST), alongside climate change, biodiversity, and cultural heritage loss.
Ecuador offers numerous places to visit and activities across four natural regions: the Amazon rainforest, the Andean highlands, the Pacific coast, and the Galápagos archipelago. However, the rise in tourists to the Galapagos has put pressure on water and food resources, waste management, and existing infrastructure. More tourists in Ecuador means more pressure on existing infrastructure, encroachment on animal habitats, and a heightened risk of introducing invasive species.
The Galápagos Islands have struggled with balancing tourism and environmental health, with revenue brought in seeming enough to offset these issues. To address overtourism, the Ecuador government could place restrictions on the number of visitors that can enter the islands. Some communities now rely on tourism for subsistence, and it is feared that the rise in foreign visitors increases the risk of invasive species being introduced to the islands and disturbing their ecosystems.
To address overtourism, Ecuador could consider traveling to lesser-known but still special destinations, such as lesser-known monuments or historical sites. By learning from its neighbors and addressing overtourism, Ecuador can continue to grow and improve its tourism industry.
📹 Ecuador Travel Guide: 17 BEST Places to visit in Ecuador (& Top Things to Do)
————————- Recommended Tours in Ecuador: Mindo Cloud Forest Private Day Tour: …
Is Galapagos too touristy?
The Galapagos Islands are facing pressure from a surge in tourists, putting pressure on water, food resources, and waste management. In 2022, 268, 000 tourists visited the archipelago, a steady increase from pre-pandemic levels. The islands are doubling their entry fee, from $100 to $200, starting August 2024. This move is part of the Ecuadorian archipelago’s efforts to combat overtourism.
Is it overtourism or over tourism?
Overtourism refers to the excessive congestion or overcrowding caused by an excess of tourists, leading to conflicts with locals and negatively impacting the quality of life of citizens and visitor experiences. The World Tourism Organization defines overtourism as the impact of tourism on a destination that excessively influences the perceived quality of life of citizens and visitor experiences. Overtourism can lead to conflicts between residents, commuters, day-visitors, and overnight tourists.
It can also be observed in rural destinations or on islands. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) found that a perception of overcrowding can prompt local residents to protest against tourism. The carrying capacity of a tourist destination is measured in terms of social carrying capacity and the behavior of tourists. The term overtourism was first used infrequently before 2017, but is now the most commonly used expression to describe the negative impacts ascribed to tourism.
Why do many tourists come to Ecuador?
Ecuador is a paradise for nature lovers and ecotourists, boasting numerous nature reserves, national parks, and protected areas. Visitors can explore Cotopaxi National Park, marvel at the Cotopaxi volcano, or Yasuní National Park, showcasing the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity. The Galapagos Archipelago offers a unique wildlife viewing experience with giant tortoises and Galapagos penguins. Ecuador’s natural beauty, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and hospitality captivate travelers.
Despite potential concerns about crime, the security situation in Ecuador has improved, ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience. If you’re Dutch and considering a vacation, it’s recommended to visit this website.
What is the reason for increased tourism?
The world’s largest industry, tourism, is experiencing significant growth, with motorways, urban bypasses, airports, computerized reservations, and package holidays enhancing accessibility and transport facilities. With leisure accounting for 75% of international travel, the World Tourism Organization reported a 6. 1% increase in international tourism arrivals between 2006 and 2007. Domestic tourism is four to five times greater than international tourism.
Tourists often visit cities for cultural experiences, museums, art galleries, architecture, shops, and restaurants. The natural landscape, particularly mountains like the Alps and Mediterranean coastlines, also attracts many. UK workers now earn higher salaries and receive paid leave, allowing them to travel more frequently and afford more holidays. Overall, the industry is expected to continue growing and expanding.
Why is there over tourism?
Overtourism is a growing issue that has been exacerbated by factors such as Airbnb, which offers thousands of beds without any planning, permits, or taxes, undercutting nearby hotels and hostels. The commercialization of the “home share” concept has led to increased rents and displacement of local people. Airbnb is not the leading player in overtourism, but rather a symptom rather than a main cause.
Local and national governments and tourist boards have long believed that more is better, and a successful year in tourism is defined by substantial increases in numbers. This has led to a reluctance to cap numbers, increase taxes, charge cruise lines for docking, or ensure that tourists’ behavior is beneficial to local lifestyles and landscapes.
Another issue is the availability of cheap flights, which have saturated Europe in recent years. These low fares are only possible due to tax and VAT not being charged on aviation fuel, a “subsidy” that saves the industry billions of pounds per year in the UK alone.
Why has tourism increased in the Galapagos Islands?
Tourists to the Galapagos Islands are drawn to its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, with guides from the Galapagos National Park providing expert guidance. The islands offer a variety of beaches and forest habitats, making it an ideal destination for exploring and learning about the islands. The islands are also a popular spot for ornithologists, with a growing number of tourists learning to scuba dive in the pristine tropical waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
The islands provide various accommodations, with most tourists staying on cruise ships, but a growing number of visitors are staying onshore in hotels, particularly for backpackers. The opening of Seymour Airport in 1965 made the islands more accessible to tourists, and in 2007, a second airport was completed, allowing visitors to reach the islands within around twenty hours. Additionally, San Cristobal Airport, which was upgraded in 2006, offers more options for ship passengers, making it more tourist-friendly. Overall, the islands attract visitors from all over the world, with a focus on providing a memorable experience for their visitors.
Is there a lot of tourism in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s tourism industry, which contributes over 5% of the country’s GDP, is primarily concentrated around the Galapagos Islands. The country has numerous dazzling ecosystems, including coastal areas, high mountains, and rainforests, with 26% of them having protected area status. Ecuador is home to 2, 477 species and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, the average number of tourists visiting the country has only slightly increased over the last decade, and the pandemic has worsened the situation. Tourism revenues in Ecuador have come to a near-standstill in the last two years, similar to other South American nations experiencing declines in tourism.
Why is there so much tourism?
Overtourism has become a significant issue due to the combination of global technology and demographic trends. The rise of the emerging global middle class, particularly in China, has driven the surge in tourism. However, overtourism can also erode the cultural heritage of destinations, as local markets become souvenir shops, leaving tourist towns rather than communities. The availability of more information about landmarks and attractions in other countries has made it easier for people to dream of visiting them. It is crucial to address these issues to ensure sustainable travel and maintain the cultural heritage of destinations.
Why is Ecuador so popular?
Ecuador is a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot, home to around 23, 056 taxonomic species of animals and plants, accounting for 6. 1 of the world’s total reported species. The country’s tropical ecosystems thrive, with 140 species of hummingbirds gracing its landscapes. The Galapagos Islands, a global treasure and a testament to evolution, harbor an exceptional diversity of species found nowhere else on Earth. Iconic inhabitants include giant tortoises, penguins, blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, and marine iguanas.
These islands, formed from ancient volcanic remnants, serve as a sanctuary for rare and endemic species. 97 of the land area and 99 of the surrounding waters are protected to preserve this natural wonder. Ecuador also boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich cultural and historical heritage.
What attracts people to Ecuador?
The Galápagos Islands, also known as the Colón Archipelago, are a group of 13 volcanic islands, 6 smaller ones, and 107 rocks and islets off the coast of Ecuador. They are a significant scientific and tourist attraction in the country, with about 200, 000 visitors annually. Administratively, the islands are a province of Ecuador, with Puerto Baquerizo Moreno as its capital. Annexed in 1832 under Juan José Flores’ presidency, they have been part of Ecuador since 1973.
Is Ecuador good for tourists?
Ecuador has declared a nationwide state of “internal armed conflict” in response to rising crime and gang violence, allowing increased military and police presence. In May 2024, a state of emergency was declared in several provinces, allowing military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections, and enter private properties without permission. Curfews have been imposed in some districts, and the situation may change at short notice. It is advised to exercise high caution in Ecuador due to the potential for violent crime.
📹 Ecuador: 10 Things That Shock Tourists When They Visit Ecuador
Hey there fellow travelers, greetings from Ecuador! Here we look at some of the fun culture shocks that travelers and tourists have …
This country is amazing I had the privilege to visit Ecuador for a month and I had great great time. I traveled all over the country except the Galápagos Islands cuz yes the tours were around 3000$. And yes the people are so so so nice and friendly there I loved them and I loved how they were so interested and welcoming.. every time I told someone there I am a Saudi Arabian I got an amazing lovely reaction oOoOh arabia 😂😍. I will definitely comeback and visit this great country again. Be well all
I was waiting for you to mention how kind we are. I was born in Miami, FL, USA and had the blessing of living in Guayaquil for a few years as a kid. I stood out, looking more of my Italian side (white and tall for my age), and I never felt like I was any different. I came back to the states for 4th grade and I remember how much of a culture shock coming back to the USA was. I am 37 now and I am still not used to how different people are here. I have kept the values I learned while in Ecuador. I am as kind as my people. I haven’t felt like I fit in here since I came back. I haven’t been back in over 20 years. My kids are teenagers now and I look forward to taking them to meet MY beautiful country and see where Mommy gets her kindness from 😊🇪🇨 I really enjoyed this article and laughed when you mentioned the Popcorn 😂 popcorn on everything!!!! When Anthony Bourdain visited, he mentioned how we add ketchup to everything 😂 The ketchup thing is more of a coast thing! Thank you thank you for not forgetting to mention our kindness. You made my day! 🙏🏼
The good thing about being a citizen of both the U.S and Ecuador means I can visit Galapagos for 250-350$ For tourists looking to do solo backpacking and save alot of money, taxi trucks on the islands will also take you on a round trip tour in any island you choose for no more than 20-40$ Boat tickets to cross islands run 30$ per person as well. You can also find a decent hotel down there for 15-25$ in the center of each island town.
I spent my vacations in Ecuador back in 2012. I visited Cuenca, Guayaquil and the Galápagos. Sure, Galápagos was a bit more expensive than continental Ecuador but I don’t remember being THAT expensive. I remember seeing the cruise ships in the harbour, those did look expensive, but there are a lot of things to do and see in Isla Santa Cruz that don’t requiere to pay a lot of money. An excursion to Isla Isabela (the largest and less inhabited one) is expensive but as I said not something you have to do. Another important thing he does not mention: haggle. Most merchants will expect you to haggle to get a better price for stuff. This doesn’t applies to shops in malls and big store chains, but small souvenir shops, clothes and even B&Bs will set their prices expecting you to haggle. Sometimes is just as easy as asking the price of a product, saying ‘thank you’ and walking away. The sales person will offer you a better price before you cross the doorway.
That’s why I loved my country so much Ecuador. We are on of the friendliest country in south america. not just in south america but in the world rather. And when you visit here you will feel like so much comfortable with the people you may encounter, and the places you want to visit. Viva Ecuador. There so much adventure in this country. Viva 🇪🇨❤️💪🏻❤️🇪🇨😍
What shocked me about both Peru and Ecuador was the QUALITY of the street food and the mom/pop restaurants. Absolutely amazing for almost nothing compared to eateries at home. And yes….I ate cuy which was just like rabbit….just smaller. I can’t wait until this Covid thing is over so I can go back. I really miss the place. For me…beats the hell out of Mexico.
Glad, you enjoyed my heart country of Ecuador. It is a paradise and it’s incredible that you can ski, explore the Amazon, or dive in the Galapagos – all within an hour flight. My wife loved it there, and talks about someday retiring there, and she’s from California. We have stayed in some of the most amazing AirBnB’s in Ecuador. Sure does help to have family there also. The food is wonderful.
Thanks for your great review of my country 😁 The best thing about Ecuador is how near everything is. From Quito you can go to Quilotoa or Cotopaxi Volcano in 2 hours, then go the Amazonas entrance Baños and Puyo in 2 or 3 hours. Then you can go to Guayaquil and the Beach in 5 hours. A complete adventure!
I’ve lived in the USA for about half my life, 15 years to be exact. It’s so cool to come across articles like these. To know that my land is as appreciated as I appreciate yours. Everything you said was pretty on point, cuy always takes the show. If you go back, based on everything you’ve said here and how much you like the gastronomy and the people, I’d highly recommend you to visit my town! Sigsig! is about one hour away from Cuenca and there isn’t enough words for to describe it’s spectrum. Thank you for this!
Thanks for this excelent article about my country. I really believe Ecuadorians must know their country before going on vacation abroad. I have been lucky to have visited most provinces except Galápagos (you know, it is expensive) and I can attest that Ecuador is so beautiful because I have visited other places in the Americas (including the US) and Africa. Ecuadorians keep dreaming in Miami or New York when we have such a wonderful country for ourselves with no need of flights, a visa, or thousands of dollars.
I visited ecuador about a year ago and by far it was an experience I will never forget. Love everything about it. The culture, food, how friendly the people are. Deffinitly one of my favorite place. Highly recommend a vacation. The only thing I had to adjust was the altitude and headache and dizziness. It got easier after a couple days, just when getting up, do it slowly. Other than that I has a very pleasant and wonderful time.
place i stayed at in guayaquil was a nice place, modern, with fridge and double beds $10/night. only weird part was the owner had to let me in cus he had the key to my room. i think his family stayed in the building too. never had excessive gas or altitude sickness in quito, cuenca, or ibarra. didn’t have issues with sunburn cus i tan naturally no sunscreen. i was a shade darker my mom didn’t recognize me at first coming home, but eyes were teary in ibarra, so i officially got sun glasses for the first time in my life, which solved the problem. i just hated the muggy beach in guayaquil. yes, cuenca was a little too chilly for me cus i had to leave house by 8/9am. then you have to lug around sweaters or jackets when it’s warm by noon. i loved ibarra though, could brave the morning short sleeve with a little endurance, brisk walk, by noon absolutely perfect temps, comfortable walking weather with no humidity the peoople are extremely chill, patient, and don’t’ talk fast, good listeners, extremely helpful even tho they’re clueless sometimes about directions. i was there 3 months and never had a single rude experience (except several with extremely hostile expats), as opposed to being sexually harrassed weekly and getting screamed at regularly in france
I was in Quito last year and I thought altitude sickness was exaggerated the fist couple of days, then the 3dr day I went to “El Panecillo” and when I climbed those stairs, man, I thought I was gonna pass out 😅. There’s so many places that I wish I could go explore but I’m putting traveling on hold until at least a vaccine is available.
I have been to Ecuador four times, the first one back in 1990 and the last in 2018. I have spent eight months there and came very close to making it my second home, but…. I can’t wait to go back someday. I love that country. By the way, good Panama hats can exceed 200 dollars, but yes, you can find cheap ones as well. Go to Isla de la Plata to get a small taste of Galápagos for a fraction of the cost. As for the toilet drains and paper, I remember you had said the same thing about my home country of Greece. Safe and happy travels.
The religious museums in Cuenca are a must for anyone visiting, also at night when is cold drink a “Morocho” a corn sweet drink or if you want something with a bit of a kick a “canelaso” drink within alcohol and cinnamon I’m glad to see this reviews, I do live in US Hopefully after COVID gives us a break I’ll visit the mother land .
Um Ceviché is from South America, Ecuador for sure, Peru says it’s their’s but then they say everything is their’s! Ponchos, cacao/ chocolate, hammocks, tomatoes, potatoes, pineapple, papaya, yucca, Panama hat has the following real names, Toquilla, Monte Cristi, peanut sauce, potato pancakes, Ahote/Annato, so much more others get credit for. 💗
If you have the time, I would consider adding Cotacachi, Ibarra, then to the coastline…. Salinas and Montanita to your itinerary. Leather/Alpaca goods to beaches, surfing and seafood. Amazing scenery along the way. A 16 hour bus ride costs about $20. ( Bring hand sanitizer . Not everyone uses the t.p. you can’t flush. There is a reason you can’t drink the water at lower elevations. ) It’s a beautiful country to visit. So many places to see. I won’t repeat other’s.
Remember too. Respect to work you have to give it back. Thread on this article is based of how wonderful Ecuador is and it’s towns are. Indisputably true. I was born in a wonderful town there and still remember it. To do justice to tourist, they have to be alerted about dangers there and perhaps what to watch out for. Talk to someone you know and who’s been there preferably, if not do a through search before going there. Ecuador is beautiful, you’ll enjoy pretty much all there too.
When I went to Greece, I learned that you don’t put paper in the toilet, so I thought how gross it would be to have to empty the trash with all that shitty paper. I put icky paper in the trashcan a couple of times then realized that there is a nozzle on the toilet to spray yourself off before wiping. We should do that here, it is much better.
I have to add a few things…. I have lived in a tourist town in northern Ecuador for 12 years. I never had problems with gas and I live at 7,900 feet. I never have seen a bathroom that tells you to throw the toilet paper in a wastebasket. Though it is good to always carry extra toilet paper. Corn is grown everywhere, real corn, not produced. Most of the foods you get are right off the farm. It is against the law to sweeten or import anything with corn syrup, only sugar. Hot or cold has to do with elevation. Our Pacific coast is like Miami Beach. The higher you go, the colder it gets. Corn is in and for everything. Choclo if the best of all corns and you can pick it right off the cob. It is what real corn tastes like. And Ecuador has the nicest people in the World.
Great vid! Love your enthusiasm. I’m (young-ish) retired and comfortable in the US but thinking I should look for a relocation site elsewhere before 2024. Thanks for all your vids, as you seem to be an experienced traveler, even though I don’t really want to travel, just somewhere to go and stay. Your vids, and the many vids from the Unconventionals and Don in Manta, are really encouraging.
Hi Walter, you commented you were gassy, that’s from the Cumin. Ecuadorian people spice 98% of their food with it. I’m was born in Ecuador, raised in NJ, whenever I go to Ecuador I go through that gassy, bloated stage too. My relatives ask me what I want to eat, I tell anything as long as it doesn’t have cumin. I tell them I get a bad reaction from cumin, but that’s their main ingredient to spice food. They lie to me, telling me they won’t use cumin but I can always tell they use it when the symptoms start after eating.
two other surprises I had in Ecuador, aside from US coins (if you’ve ever wondered where all those Sacajewa dollar coins went… ) 1. The President gets out on the balcony and addresses the people weekly. Had a LONG cab ride into down town Quito from our airBNB, thought the traffic normal… until rounding a corner to a square, nearly getting trampled by mounted cavalry rocking old school uniforms, a military procession and a whole lot of people screaming and yelling at him. (Was just glad wasn’t directed at me.) 2. New Years Eve and Viejos. Imagine a minotaur the size of the Hulk in the Marvel movies, along with other figures/politicians etc – basically similar to pinatas. Stuffed with explosivos. then put into a giant mound at midnight and set ablaze while everyone is knocking back watery South American lager. Really loved our stay in Quito and the various day trips we did from there, Guayaquil – a week was far too long, should have spent time in other places.
I had a chance to visit the city of Manta in 2011-2012 and I would like to say this – this city can hardly be called a pearl of tourism. And it is difficult to imagine this city suitable for life, especially for a foreigner. Heavy impressions left a feeling of constant danger, and it is also interesting that the danger can come not only from locals, but also from compatriots, and it is not known what else could be more dangerous. In Manta, I stayed at the Nazo Hotel, where I met very interesting people, the owners of the hotel, a family, originally from Vladivostok, as they themselves said – Sergey, Vasily, Yulia and Galina. The impression remained ambiguous, because there was a feeling that these people were involved in some very serious affairs, so characteristic of this area as a whole. And, apparently, this impression did not disappoint at all. The story came out amazing and no matter how fantastic it may sound, these people contacted me in 2018 and after that my life literally turned into hell. After making sure that I guessed about “serious matters” (export of cocaine), they still do not leave me alone, threatening me and my family with reprisal (and much more). The truly epic capabilities of these people are amazing – they managed to collect information about literally my whole life, on the basis of which they STILL try to arrange provocations against me, to put pressure, “poison” and continue to threaten me. Moreover, it is not clear how these people managed to set up wiretapping and article surveillance at my previous place of residence IN ANOTHER COUNTRY in Eastern Europe – Serbia.
That really shocked me about the Panama hats . The food looks amazing there. I would love to swing on those vines lol. Oh my goodness I have a story about Kowi Lol. Ask me about it some times lol. Thanks so much for this outstanding and informative information .. I would love to get there sometime. :).
Thank you this is very helpful as I am planning on a trip to Ecuador through a medical volunteering organization and this information is useful in helping me prepare! Also, do you have any tips for visiting Uganda? I can’t seem to find a article on that for your website and you have so many countries listed. If you do, I really appreciate it because that’s the second country I’m going to volunteer in pretty soon. Thank you 🙏
Maybe you could mention the “Poor Man’s Galapagos, which is the Isla de la Plata and can be reached via a 2 hour boat ride from Puerto Lopez. It would include whale perusal, snorkelling, island walk etc. Of course it is much more affordable than visiting Galapagos islands. I found Cuenca had a bit too much car pollution for my liking. I did find that the Historic center of Quito to be well worth staying at, with many lively and interesting things to do and see.
Hi Mark, I want to say I just found your website, and really enjoyed this article! My gf now lives in Cuenca but is planning on moving to Manta for the warmer climate there. But I have been to EC several times to visit her, want to make these comments! @2:13, where is that middle of the world line? We have been to Mitad del Mundo north of Quito, and I see you have footage later from there. @3:10, that is going from the low Cuenca up to higher, older section, Calle Larga, I know that turn, lol! @3:45, the Cajas, we have bused through them several times between Cuenca and Guayaquil, always an adventure on those buses! And at 9:34 you talk about the sun there, when we first went to EC we stayed a couple days in Quito before going on to Cuenca. Walked all around there, was not really hot, but I got a hell of a sunburn, and I’m from SW FL, am used to sun! Anyway, thanks for the post, I love your energy and enthusiasm, subscribing!
We were in Cuenca inDecember. The only Cuy we saw was someone dressed up like one. The one striking thing about the place for me was the altitude sickness. After nearly 12 days there, I still had a bit of it. Not everyone gets it. Was hoping to possibly move there, but now am not sure if I can adjust to the altitude.
if we agree on the premise that south america is cheap to visit on a whole. then yes the gallapagos are expensive for the average person on a budget backpacking for 6 months it is very expensive. but in relativity to what it cost to go spend a week in paris. or a week in new york city. it is not that bad. the big catch is to go in the off season. which late january early february is a good time. and second is have some flexibility. if you book the dream vacation off of the internet you will get robbed blind. book your trip in ecuador when you arrive. personal experience is a cruise was $6,000 for 7 days 6 nights making a reservation from the united states months in advance. exact same cruise on the same boat booked in quito was $1700. you will get the best deal booking in ecuador. if you have the foolish assumption the same as i did . that you can get a better deal on the island for a cruise. at this point the captains know exactly how empty the boat will be the day they are leaving. that assumption is correct. your can get them a couple hundred dollars cheaper still. but the catch is they will pretty much go with empty cabins unless you have cash to pay with. you get a sob story of the bad internet and how hard it is to process the cards for them. which is total bull. they want to pocket the cash and not pay taxes on it. same with the hotels and pretty much everything else you try to do there. they will do everything possible to not take your credit cards. which is a huge turnoff.
Regarding the stray dogs. Don’t try to pet them, I hiked up panecillo today and ran across an agressive german shepherd. He didn’t look stray but I’m not sure. I tired to keep walking but he barked, growled and tried to jump on me and bite me but I was lound and moved my arm like I was about to strike him so he backed off. I probably startled him, or maybe he was hungry but just be very careful with the stray dogs.
To the people on wanted to visit to Ecuador there’s always that it to see on the website that are of your login of Ecuador travel or Ecuador to the mountains or Ecuador that of a different destinations that everywhere from Ecuador including the Galapagos Island and specially that do your homework and then do you carry anything that you want to end specially that well everyone know this already that American money is still using American money today the year of 2007 that Ecuador will be the future of American money and today forever
Is not popcorn it’s just plain big corn they serve !!! I know because I’m married to an Ecuadorian. Actually he’s in his way now until April 30th. Never had Guinea pig but our 9 yr old loves it . My 12 doesn’t even want to try it and I myself say hell to the NO. In Colombia 🇨🇴 my family don’t eat that or know anyone that sells it Our typical plate is the Bandeja Paisa and my husband can’t live without it . One day I’ll plan to visit Ecuador but for now I just go to Colombia because is way cheaper since is pesos and my entire family is there. My husbands 90 percent of his family is here in the USA 🇺🇸. They are 9 in total while o only have 1 sister lol 😂
Go to Cartagena, Colombia from Ecuador instead of the Galapagos. Much cheaper, yet a truly vibrant place, and good snorkeling and turquoise waters southwest of the city via bus. You will find good snorkeling in only one place in Ecuador outside of the Galapagos, and that is Isla de la Plata, off the central coast. The rest of the coast of Ecuador is disappointing and full of litter. I spent 4 months in Ecuador in the winter of 2018-2019, and found it to be an ecotourist paradise. However, the populace in general is dour, unlike almost all the rest of Latin America. Not true of Cartagena.
I love these articles about how cheap it is. $4-5 for lunch, $37 for a room…”super” cheap. I don’t know what this dude is comparing to but I have lunch at Costco, best hotdog, $1.50 drink with refill included. I wouldn’t say $37 is “super” cheap for a room. It makes me doubt these articles. I also see them say food is cheap, like bananas. For the last 4 years I’ve paid $0.33/lb for bananas here in the US which is cheaper or about the same as westerns in articles being amazed at “cheap” prices in Central & South America.
Please people stop Bragging about foreign countries about how cheap they are, if $38 usa dollar for a night to sleep it’s cheap for you for many is not. People talking like this have made every country hard to afford. Just please stop using the word cheap so maybe others can afford to travel as well !