October 2019 - Traveling Rockhopper

Ecuador – Final Impression

Today, the last day of October, I’m showing you my last picture from Ecuador. How did you like my travel impressions from a diverse land of chocolate?

Ecuador – Land of Chocolate

I didn’t mention one food-product yesterday… it’s a chocolate or cacao.

Ecuador claims that it produces a special kind of cacao, and used to be the largest fine or flavored cacao producer in the world.
Check the “visit.ecuador” website for all “sweet” details.

Fortunately, I didn’t forget about chocolate while being in Ecuador and bought a very, very dark Ecuadorian chocolate. 🙂

Ecuador is a diverse country, based on climate zones, nature, people, and also its cuisine. My “food-memories” include plantains, avocados and soups. I’m not sure does it sound good, but you can be sure to find in Ecuador variety of delicious dishes. 🙂

Ecuador – Tourism Slogan

What’s the tourism slogan of Ecuador?
Well, I’ve heard a few versions, e.g.:
-“We are a country full of colors”
or
-“All you need is Ecuador”.

They basically show how diverse and interesting Ecuador is.
Do you like them?

Ecuador – Currency

Travellers are usually happy to hear that the US dollar is the official currency in Ecuador.
It’s convenient, because you can easily exchange US dollars almost everywhere; but you may be also a bit disappointed to not have any Ecuadorian money for your own small travel-money collection. (I was) 😉

Ecuador – Mountain Sickness

While visiting amazing mountains in Ecuador, please don’t forget about mountain sickness (altitude sickness).

I’ve already mentioned it a few times on my blog, but maybe it’s never too much. 😉
Acute mountain sickness may happen to anyone. Don’t try to show off how fit you are, just take it easy, move slowly, drink lots of water and observe your body. Immediately inform someone if you have a headache, stomachache, fatigue, etc.

Just remember about the altitude sickness and do everything to prevent it and observe your body to catch the first symptoms!

Ecuador – Language

In Ecuador, like in almost all South American countries, Spanish is the official language. However, some regional languages are also recognized.

Ecuador – Hiking Cotopaxi

A characteristic snow cone – the Cotopaxi volcano is located quite nearby Quito, so it’s a popular place for travelers. Of course, not everyone climb to the top, but a short hike in the area is also a great experience.

Ecuador – Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, 5,897 m,
and the second highest mountain in Ecuador.

Apparently, Alexander von Humboldt, the German geographer, said, the Cotopaxi is the most beautiful huge mountain in the Andes.

Ecuador – Andes

The Andes or Andean Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world. They are located in South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

In Ecuador, you can enjoy the Andes just outside Quito, what’s very convenient for tourists.

Ecuador – Nature

Ecuador has four main geographic regions: coastal, mountains and volcanoes, the Amazon jungle and the Galapagos Islands.
Amazing nature for everyone. 🙂

Ecuador – Hiking the Caldera Quilotoa

You can also take a hike to or around the caldera Quilotoa.
Depending what you choose, it may take a few days or just 1 day.
The total distance is not so big, but the elevation, up to 3900 m, may be quite demanding. So don’t forget about the altitude sickness and be aware of first sings of it.
When I was there, there were only a few people hiking, but other seasons are more crowded.

Ecuador – Quilotoa

Quilotoa is also a name of the village where the lake is located.

Ecuador – Laguna Quilotoa

Quilotoa is a volcano that last erupted in 1280. The eruption caused a 3km-wide caldera which is now filled with water, so we can enjoy beautiful Laguna Quilotoa.

Ecuador – Landscapes

Ecuador is a country of lovely landscapes, so nature definitely a good reson to visit Ecuador.

Ecuador – Native Ecuadorian

This Native Ecuadorian or Native American is only a man from the museum in the equator site. I’m presenting you this picture to show how diverse Ecuadorians are.

Ecuador – Traditional Clothing

Ecuador is a small country, but with different regions of different climates. In each area, traditional clothes look a bit different. Everything is interesting and usually full of colorful fabrics.

Ecuador – Ecuadorians

Ecuadorians have various ethnic origins.vThe country is relatively small, but Ecuadorians make Ecuador even more diverse and also very interesting for travellers.

Ecuador – People

When I started traveling, I hardy ever was taking pictures of people. I was always more interested by nature or architecture. At some point, I change my mind and realized that local people are actually an important part of a culture in a given country. I like to observe what kind of clothes they wear, especially traditional clothes. Unfortunately, younger generations often don’t want to wear traditional clothes any more; that makes sense, but it’s also a bit sad.

Ecuador – Shoe Cleaning

After visiting variety of countries/territories, I realised that cleaning shoes on the streets is still popular in some of them. I’ve never seen it in Europe, so at first, I was surprised; but later it became more normal to me, so I stopped taking pictures of this. 😉

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