Road Trip through Ecuador The "Switzerland of South America" entices with breathtaking landscapes and action-packed adventures. But what about safety and comfort? Why this equatorial country is the perfect destination for families and what highlights it has to offer.
South America is a place of contrasts. Beauty meets brutality, sexism meets tradition. While Mass is held in churches every hour, people smoke crack on the streets. However, if you know where it's safe and which places to avoid, even as a young solo traveler, you can safely explore the southern part of the American continent. The Andes and the Amazon, in particular, offer a fantastic adventure where you can meet warm-hearted people and discover spectacular natural treasures.
Green is the new luxury. Our four-month journey begins in Ecuador, often referred to as the "Switzerland of South America" because of its relative safety and breathtaking mountain landscapes. The mix of jungle and sea, islands, and snow-capped volcanoes is especially impressive. Both locals and visitors appreciate the diversity of nature, which is why the country offers a wide range of ecotourism activities. Traveling sustainably is not just the new form of luxury; it guarantees responsible resource management and supports local projects. Pablo Romero, the founder of a sustainable travel agency, EcuaTraveling, has been leading environmentally conscious trips since 2009. He proudly says about his homeland, "Ecuador is the perfect place for those who want to experience nature, wildlife, and tradition." He recommends spending at least two weeks in the country to experience as much diversity as possible. He also adds, "To try even a fraction of the 146 traditional soups, you need enough time." By the way, liquid foods are served with popcorn instead of bread.
A Stroll Through History. The journey of discovery begins from either Guayaquil or Quito, where you'll be welcomed by chaotic metropolises that are far more modern than expected. "Most visitors to Ecuador are outdoor enthusiasts and often overwhelmed by the cities. It's essential to be cautious and keep a close eye on your luggage. Also, choose wisely the time of day and the areas you explore," says Romero. Since Ecuador is located on the equator, it gets dark as early as 6 PM. Quito, the capital, is a slightly smaller city and an excellent starting point for adventures. If you want to acclimatize to the altitude, you can hike to the "acclimatization peak" of Rucu Pichincha. With the TelefériQo cable car, you can quickly reach an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level and hike up to 4700 meters in about two hours.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can start by strolling through Quito's charming old town. You'll frequently encounter portraits or statues of Jesus, often depicted as very handsome. Besides "Hollywood Jesus," another prominent figure is Simón Bolívar. This national hero liberated the country from the Spanish in 1822, who had conquered it in 1534 and destroyed significant parts of the Inca Empire.
Despite the Spanish invasion, remarkably many Inca monuments survived. Ancient customs have also endured through indigenous peoples, especially when exploring the Amazon regions or the Mindo rainforest. Romero gives an example: "When an animal is killed during a hunt, a prayer is offered for its soul." The dishes are usually prepared wrapped in banana leaves. A popular dish is "Maito": fish with yuca and a spicy sauce. The respectful treatment of nature inspires tourists—even the youngest ones. If you go parrot-watching in the jungle, even the wildest children remain silent for hours.
Tourism Meets Tradition. "From Quito, you can either travel to the jungle by bus or rental car. It's more comfortable with an organized tour, especially if you don't speak Spanish," says Romero. This applies to other destinations as well, such as the adventure mecca of Baños or the 5870-meter-high Cotopaxi volcano. The roads in this area are filled with potholes and can be challenging for inexperienced tourists. Without a sturdy jeep, you'll have a hard time navigating the muddy paths. "There are excellent two-day tours to the active volcano. If you like, set off very early and reach the summit before sunrise," suggests Romero. As a reward, you'll enjoy an incredible view at 5000 meters above sea level and possibly the best hot cocoa ever. The secret recipe is a pinch of pepper and chili, which you can get fresh at a local market like the one in Pujilí or Otavalo.
If you're in the mood for genuine Ecuadorian rural life, it's best to stay in the area a bit longer. Farmstays are highly recommended, where you can stay on a ranch to gain insight into the culture and cuisine. One dish you must try is "Locro de Papa," a potato soup with delicious fresh cheese and avocado. During your stay at a "Hacienda," you can observe farmers and their families in their daily lives. The warm interaction among family members is impressive. Family holds a very high value in Ecuador, and remittances from Ecuadorians abroad are a significant economic factor in the country. According to the World Bank's World Development Report, it is the second-largest source of income here, after oil exports. By the way, expect surprises during such a farmstay: If the grandmother has a birthday, it can quickly lead to 80 family members showing up, ranchers playing guitar on horseback, and even the grandfather dancing.
Singing and dancing are deeply rooted in Ecuadorian culture. Salsa or Bachata are popular dances, and taking a dance class is well worth it. Typically, the man leads—symbolic of "machismo," which, according to Romero, "is the opposite of feminism and persisted until just a few years ago." However, the inhabitants are gradually opening up to a more modern way of life, "even in smaller towns and villages where time seemed to stand still." Romero attributes this change to the development of tourism.
Paradise Without PET Waste. After the economic collapse in 2000, the government increasingly focused on developing this sector and promoting ecotourism. The benefits of these investments are evident, especially in the case of the Galapagos Islands. If you don't want to fly from Quito or Guayaquil, you can sail to the islands from the Ecuadorian coast. The archipelago consists of 95% protected areas. Beaches and seas are well-maintained, making them some of the few in the world that are free of litter. This is probably why animals like giant turtles or iguanas seem so happy here—thanks to the diversity of species, it feels like an open-air zoo.
The Galapagos Islands offer numerous unforgettable experiences: surfing with wild sea lions or, for the very brave, diving among hammerhead sharks. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can explore the islands by bicycle and relax in beautiful "Ecolodges." Romero raves, "Especially for families with children, Galapagos is a true paradise and belongs on every bucket list."
Written by Rachel Fassbind.
