PRICE FAQ| History and Culture |
| Climate |
| Highlands |
Ecuador does not experience the four seasons known in temperate latitudes. Instead, there are wet and dry seasons. These vary depending on altitude and region. Temperatures in Quito range between 58-68°F. Rain in Quito is unpredictable often lasting just a few moments and then followed by sun. The only dry spell in Quito is from June to September. The sun, although not necessarily hot, can burn at this altitude on the equator. Adequate sun protection should be taken in the highlands. |
In the mountains, (e.g. Cotopaxi), the weather is unpredictable and you can experience all temperate seasons in one day. Cotopaxi is higher than Quito and with you possibly reaching 4500m/14,750ft, the weather does tend to be more extreme with a brighter and more intense sun and if there’s bad weather: strong, cold winds and horizontal rain. Be prepared. |
| Food |
A few of the local specialities are: ceviche, of which there are several kinds, including ceviche de mariscos (seafood), de pescado (fish), de camarones (shrimp), de pulpo (octopus), de langostino (prawns). In a ceviche the fish is cut into small pieces and marinated in limejuice; it is eaten in a kind of raw onion salad. Churrasco is a thick piece of grilled meat, eaten with palm hearts, manioc or corn. Cuy is grilled or stewed guinea pig. Empañadas are dough patties filled with meat or cheese. Humitas are corn cakes wrapped in corn or banana leaves. Locro is the national soup, made with potatoes, cheese and avocados. Llapingachos are delicious potato cakes with onion, chilli or cheese inside, served with a peanut sauce. |
Eating out is generally very good value in Ecuador: you can get a good meal for a few dollars, while around fifteen dollars will buy you a gastronomic experience at one of Quito's great restaurants, of which there are many. Two that are worth trying are La Choza, a simple, traditional restaurant, and La Ronda, more sophisticated and international, though probably rather less good value as a result. Others include La Cocina del Monasterio and La Terraza del Tartaro. |
International cuisine is excellent and cheap in Quito. Paleo is a good Swiss food restaurant. Their rostis are particularly recommended. Adam’s Rib is an American grill/diner. Tandoori Chabati is a good Indian café run by a Pakistani from Aldershot. |
| Drinks |
Wine is more expensive than spirits in Ecuador (Chilean is best) approx. £6-15 per bottle in a restaurant. Some mixers like tonic or soda are hard to get hold of in the remote areas like the islands. A popular drink is rum and juice or ‘Cuba Libre’ (rum and coke with a twist of lime). |
