ECUADOR TRAVEL TIPS: Top 22 Things To Know Before You Visit Ecuador

Planning a Ecuador vacation? Here are the top 22 helpful things to know before your Ecuador trip. I talk about transportation, food, currency, the weather, and other valuable Ecuador tips!
#SouthAmerica #EcuadorTravel #TravelingTips
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:24 #1: Beware Altitude Sickness
0:46 #2: Plug Adapters
0:58 #3: Ecuadorians And Spanish
1:31 #4: Ecuador Isn't Always Hot
2:34 #5: Buying Ecuadorian Items
3:03 #6: Mercados Are Your Friend
3:45 #7: Ecuadorian Food Is Amazing
4:29 #8: Don't Drink The Tap Water
4:55 #9: Ecuador Currency
5:09 #Bonus: Ecuadorian Coins
5:31 #10: Bring Coins And Small Bills
6:20 #11: Ecuador Tipping Culture
7:03 #12: Credit Card Fees
7:52 #13: Inform Your Bank You're Abroad
8:19 #14: Ecuador Is Not As Cheap As You Think
8:49 #15: Don't Come To Ecuador During National Holidays
9:46 #16: Don't Show Off Your Stuff
10:21 #17: ALWAYS Be Cautious When You're Out In Ecuador
11:02 #18: Phone Carriers
11:29 #19: Explore Ecuador's Nature
12:04 #20: Hire A Private Driver Or Guide
12:48 #21: Buses For Intercity Travel
13:21 #22: Driving Vs Private Vs Public Transportation
Recommended Ecuador Travel Gear
-Belly Pack
MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack with 4-Zipper Pockets: amzn.to/3KlHCzF
ProCase Fanny Pack Waist Packs for Men Women: amzn.to/3KlHMqL
Leather in Chicago Extra Large Mens Womens Leather Fanny Pack: amzn.to/3Xxq329
-ScotteVest:
SCOTTeVest Featherweight For Men (16 Hidden Pockets): amzn.to/3jXradV
SCOTTeVest Featherweight For Women (16 Hidden Pockets): amzn.to/3Ih9eEp
-Electric Plug Adapter
2 prong to 3 prong outlet adapter: amzn.to/40P4q0m
Europe to US Plug Adapter: amzn.to/3YDfGuS
US to Europe Plug Adapter: amzn.to/3RXccB3
-Recharges for Prepaid SIMS:
[phone] / @flashmovil (Remember you have to be able to transfer funds in order to get the "recargas")
-Darwin Paredes WhatsApp Number:
[phone]
-Authentic Ecuador:
www.kimkim.com/o/authentic-ec...
-Active Expedition:
activexpedition.com/tours/act...
-Rebecca Adventure Travel:
rebeccaadventuretravel.com
-Charles Schwab Account Information:
www.schwab.com/checking
Gear I Use:
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal: amzn.to/3GzUXkl
Joby JB01507 GorillaPod: amzn.to/3QtMWBI
Vastar Smartphone Tripod Adapter: amzn.to/3X3gVD2
Rode Wireless GO (Mic): amzn.to/3CAd744
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Tags:
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[@user-wi2jh9ii3o]

Ecuador is the best

[@siegfriedbraun5447]

#8 The tap water in Cuenca is the best in all of Latin America. Far-and-away better (in every way) than the water we were used to, in Canada!

[@GMAceM]

That’s awesome! I’m glad included the text from some of the people who mentioned that Cuenca’s tap water was good. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@Brightly747]

What makes Cuenca's water safer than others areas?

[@siegfriedbraun5447]

@@Brightly747 the source is in a (protected) national park. Piped in from there. Very little chlorine is added. No taste, no smell

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Why do some expats dislike Quito so much?

[@siegfriedbraun5447]

@@dovygoodguy1296 Because we've been there. Takes hours to get from the north to the south. Lots more crime.

[@samy4842]

I'm Ecuadorian, I definitely recommend visiting small cities, each one has someting different to offer, like ice-cream, leather, cheese, etc. Make sure you search, you will find some interesting places! Also, about the tap water, I recommend to always ask. There are cities like Cuenca in whixh you can drink it directly, and others you may want to boil it even for cooking 😅. So ask! Finally, this is a country that is very prepared for tourism, so don't be afraid to ask anything or to go anywhere! Good luck and welcome 😊

[@GMAceM]

Asking is definitely a must! Sometimes you can get so much resolved if you ask someone who is from here. That’s also why I feel that knowing the language is great, it helps make that communication so much smoother. Appreciate your comment and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@user-zv2ng6ov2k]

i wish visit Ecuado too

[@ZENLEARNER...1]

Bro as am Indian 🇮🇳how can i take Equador citizenship...plz tell me..help me..okay

[@christiangalloza5143]

Do not visit this uglyass place

[@crypticcomputing604]

Sounds like a dangerous place bro...

[@ezequielcervantes8112]

Lindo pais

[@jonh-nathan4219]

Excelente video, gracias por demostrar lo belllo que es mi pais Ecuador.

[@dianareyes6344]

Muy buena explicación de mi ecuador

[@schesterman12]

beautiful country, lovely people so glad we go to know this wonderful country.

[@GMAceM]

I’m really glad you got to visit and that you enjoyed your time here. Was there a place that really stood out to you or something that you feel I didn’t get to say that you think others should know?

[@christiangalloza5143]

Lame ass place

[@juliebabin]

I agree a lot about small currencies. Even a 20$ is hard to use in tiendas unless you buy for 12$ ;) Taxis and buses are cheap, carry a LOT of 1$, 25c and 5$.

[@GMAceM]

Yesss definitely! I wanted to go into the details but there are so many situations that it just felt like too much. $1 coins are definitely your best friend in my opinion :D Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@wilsoncumbe8877]

Great info brother finally someone that make videos base in reality. No in promoting advertising to get some compensation by misleading people. Keep the great work. God bless

[@GMAceM]

Thanks a ton for the feedback, always trying to help! Are there any topics that stood out in the video or anything you’d like to know more about? Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@honkiavelli8044]

Great video. I just retired to Olon and everything you said was spot on. Definitely book private transport in advance and ensure that your banking resources are settled prior to arriving. The Ecuadorian people are magnificent and I love their warmth.

[@GMAceM]

I appreciate you taking the time to check the video out and I hope you’re having the best time in Olon. There’s so much to love about Ecuador and I really hope more people decide to visit.

[@user-rt9hs2rk9p]

Soy ecuatorina 😊 y les recomiendo visitar este lugar es super fantástica es el mejor lugar a e visitado les recomiendo😊

[@TruWzrdTexas]

Any way to contact you about a trip we are taking in October.

[@noheliamogollon1090]

Genial, me encantó su manera de explicar todo, yo vivo en Ecuador hace casi 10 años y conozco casi todo el país.

[@GMAceM]

Muchísimas gracias por su comentario! Como te ha ido en estos casi 10 años en Ecuador?

[@user-fj5nd2sf1h]

Wow, it's so beautiful😘

[@LuisVPazmino]

Wow..! Congratulations! This is the best video that I have seen regarding tips on Ecuador!!! Lots of hard work there!

[@GMAceM]

Thanks a ton Luis, I’m really glad it’s given so many people so much value!

[@bibekghatak5860]

Very good 👍 video .Please make such informative videos .

[@leonardogonzalez9204]

Ecuador es hermoso.

[@christiangalloza5143]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nunyabidniz2868]

Thank you, these tips are extremely worthwhile!

[@Aquacurve80]

These are all great recommendations! Some things I will def say: - so true about Cotopaxi! Do not go there right away as you need time to acclimatize. It’s very easy to get acute mountain sickness there. The summit of Cotopaxi is at 19,000ft+ and the refugee start at 14,000 if I remember. You’ll get a headache quickly if you are not careful. - I went to Macas and got a fruit salad. I never in my life had stomach problems like I did there. Always drink bottled water and always try to bring some probiotics with you just in case. Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@GMAceM]

I appreciate your insight! It will definitely give more clarity to anyone who sees it, especially since I have had comments from others who risk it with the water. I always say, you never know and it’s better to always be prepared. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@hjander]

Mil gracias hermano!

[@GMAceM]

Gracias a ti por ver el video! 👏🏼

[@edwardoproductions138]

Nonono, best video as always❤️such good editing man😃

[@GMAceM]

Appreciate it man, thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@edwardoproductions138]

@@GMAceM btw, i am traveling to Ecuador next year and planing to have a project and would like to Ask You some questions, do ypu have any sosial plattform we Could keep in Contact?

[@GMAceM]

@@edwardoproductions138 that’s awesome, here’s hoping the trip over goes smoothly. And yeah if you need to contact me my socials are in the description of this video or my business email is in the about section of my channel page.

[@gataluchis1982]

Ecuador es maravilloso ❤

[@GMAceM]

Indudablemente! 💯

[@user-oz3qe5oq8v]

Me gusto mucho tu video amigo...soy de Ecuador.

[@GMAceM]

Muchas gracias and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@daniellez4664]

Loved the blooper reel at the end! Nice touch!

[@GMAceM]

Gotta say, it’s probably the blooper reel I’m most proud of. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@bibekghatak5860]

Nice video 📷 brother . Thanks 👍.

[@jhors7777]

Well researched and presented. Thank you for posting this helpful, succinct, and creative video.

[@GMAceM]

You’re so very welcome and appreciate you taking the time to check the video out! 👏🏼

[@spraschlere]

As we find ourselves surrounded by countries with somewhat problematic cultures, also because we represent a crossing point towards the United States and due to displacements from the same region (Latin America), we knew that sooner or later their influence would reach our country. Ecuador. We Ecuadorians are also very sad that "Our Island of Peace" has disappeared, we feel very affected in every way.

[@GMAceM]

Thank you for your comment! Honestly there’s just so much going on in the world that I’m not surprised by what’s happening. I’ve said it before in another video, everywhere has its problems. It is very sad because nowhere and no one should have to worry about violence and problems. I hope things get better over time and I feel we can always work towards making the things in our immediate area even the slightest bit better. If my advice at least helps one person in the world, then it’s one more person who may visit this beautiful country and enjoy the wonderful things that it has to offer. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@jessicasheldon7320]

I agree with ACE. Especially since this pandemic scenario has played out. Every country has suffered. I think in the years to come it will be important for all the good people of the world to see their similarities instead of their differences and help one another in ways that we are able. Many of us have been victimized by our countries of orgin. It is always important to remember that as an immigrant to a new country, we need to adapt to the culture of that country, learn the language and learn how to do things a new way instead of expecting a country to change for our preferences.

[@PudiimBR]

I understand where you're coming from and I don't think you meant to be offensive, but saying "countries with somewhat problematic cultures" is a bit too much, don't you think? Sure, there are lots of social and economic problems in South America, but why blame our cultures for it?

[@dkdisme]

I don't understand the implication that migrants bring unpleasantness with them. Can someone explain? Is the criminal element that strong? Are we to think that desperate people are lawless people? Somehow I see a tint of bigotry in the thought.

[@user-dl1nj9fg1o]

There’s not just crime and robbers in holidays there’s also anywhere anytime at where you go anything could happen especially in Guayaquil.

[@ApocalypseCreek]

I want to see the "off the beaten path" of Ecuador in your channel. The places no tourist goes. Even the scary or strange places no one else knows about.

[@jimddg]

then you should follow the TEMBR (Trans-Ecuador-Mountain-bike-Route). there are videos here in KZbin

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

Excellent video, thank you

[@GMAceM]

Thank you so much! If there’s anything you’d like to see or hear about please let me know. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@adrianaamaiquema9944]

Muy buenos viajar Ecuador

[@fernwebb5568]

Thank you!

[@GMAceM]

Thank you for watching! 👏🏼

[@aaronml8298]

Great video Ace, thanks for the info and the entertainment.

[@GMAceM]

Much appreciated Aaron, glad you enjoyed it! Mind if I ask what you liked the most and what you’d like to see more of? Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@aaronml8298]

@@GMAceM The over all vibe of your work is top notch. Your editing skills are great, production is great and the over all feel of your vids are light and fun. You pack a hell of a lot of needed info into each video. More of? language skills, bar life, local events, beach tours, apt hunting, things to beware of, food, interesting laws, cultural differences ect. Your doing a fine job as is.

[@estelamino6356]

Well said it THANKS ..🇪🇨

[@GMAceM]

Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@edithmariapaltinmacas6222]

Muy buena explicación 👏👏👏

[@GMAceM]

Muchísimas gracias! :)

[@michaelmarino334]

very helpful, thanks

[@GMAceM]

Thanks for the feedback! Might I ask what was most helpful to you and what you’d like to see more of? Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@WhereisSamNow]

loved this. came out just in time. can’t wait to be there the beginning of January !

[@GMAceM]

Thanks a ton! Glad the information was useful to you. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about in the future let me know and I hope you enjoy your trip in January! Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@WhereisSamNow]

@@GMAceM Thank you so much ! I am curious, how is the weather currently in Quito ?

[@GMAceM]

@@WhereisSamNow don’t mention it! From the looks of things it’s about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly cloudy. It seems to be similar to here in Portoviejo except over here it’s hotter at 78-80. If I can get a family member who’s in Quito right now to send me a pic I’ll post it in my community tab comparing it to one that I’ll take in Portoviejo. Also here it’s been randomly raining on certain days, not nonstop yet but just slight rain showers that last about 30min-1 hour. Hope this helps!

[@debs7879]

Excellent advice. We look forward to visiting in February. Will be watching more of your informational videos.

[@GMAceM]

Glad I could be of assistance, if there’s anything else you need to know please let me know! Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@crypticcomputing604]

How was it?

[@arturolecaro6166]

Nice video guys! Above all, I like your positive attitude. I'm from Ecuador 🇪🇨, living in Costa Rica 🇨🇷.

[@GMAceM]

Much appreciated. I hope things are well in Costa Rica and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@cadizwilmo9687]

Great job on the video editing!

[@GMAceM]

Appreciate it! You almost wouldn’t think it was done on a phone. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@grantzhang7500]

Greetings from Saskatoon, Canada. Thank you so much for sharing, I am planning the trip to Guayaquil and Cuenca super soon, those are great information, very helpful!

[@GMAceM]

Greetings Grant, thanks for your comment! I appreciate you taking the time to check out the video and I hope that you have the best trip possible. 👏🏼

[@pep590]

Great and informative Video!

[@GMAceM]

Appreciate it! If there’s anything else you’d like to see/know about ley me know. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@noD1va]

Nice vide man, muchas gracias! This was perfect for me since I am planning to stay in Ecuador for a couple of months from January. First stop is Guayaquil:) Really solid made video also:D

[@GMAceM]

Hey, thanks a ton for your feedback! Would you mind me asking you what you liked most about the video and what you’d like to know more about? I hope you have an excellent trip, don’t forget to eat Encebollado, and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@noD1va]

@@GMAceM I just bought a small belly pack, so thats a good tip right away:). Also everything regarding money, tipping and credit cards. Probably saved me from a lot of hassle there! I would be interested to hear about the social aspects of Ecuador. What is considered polite and being nice as well as rude. Something down that street. Anyways, looking forward for future vids!

[@GMAceM]

@@noD1va that’s awesome! Here’s hoping there are no hassles on your trip over here! And got it, there are actually some tips about punctuality and greetings in my Do’s and Don’ts video but I’ll try to make a more social focused video in the future. Thanks for your support, hope you keep enjoying the content! 👏🏼

[@broadcasttttable]

I'd recommend a visit to the city of Loja. Elevation about 6000 ' so temps are comfortable, but you're close to sea level towns/areas and their tropical aspects. About 200k population and very few expats that I could see/meet, which I liked. I wanted to immerse myself in the culture, not hide behind a community of like-minded folks. But if you want some expat shoulder-rubbing, Vilcabamba is only a half-hour away. Friendly people, fabulous farmers' markets (THERE'S an experience...huge selection fruits and veggies, "weird" animals roasting on spits, people in your face, not for the faint-hearted, because some of these folks won't eat unless they make a sale...there's no gov't welfare "safety net"). Would recommend using the public bus system...THAT will stretch your comfort zone if your espanol is weak at best, like mine. What I remember is huge papayas/mangoes for .50 each and every block had a nondescript cafe/eatery where you could get a big plate of chicken/rice/beans for $2.50. This was 2016. Anyone know, what's changed?

[@ApocalypseCreek]

The closest place I ever got to Ecuador, was when I went to Guatemala in 1991. Hated it when I was there (I was young), yet I have missed it ever since then. I actually loved it after the fact. One day maybe I can go back down south and enjoy it as an old man.

[@GMAceM]

Hey thanks for the comments! I guess I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t the fondest of the early year trips. Is there anything specific you’d want to go back and see in Guatemala or just go to see new sights? Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@missisfreddiemercury]

Amazing video and tips. Thank you. No cringey vlogging and distracting pictures and filming.

[@GMAceM]

Hello! Really appreciate the feedback! It gives me a different perspective from the usual editing tips/KZbin school stuff I and other KZbinrs learn during the process. Knowing it’s enjoyable means I can apply this style to future videos too. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@songway4227]

nice video . mucha gracias

[@GMAceM]

De nada!

[@gisselatorres5018]

Amigo tu video es muy interesante me gusto. Ecuador es hermoso ❤❤

[@GMAceM]

Muchísimas gracias y si, Ecuador es maravilloso! ✨

[@rousemori2056]

Muy bien

[@keigoheng2244]

Keep it up Ace !!!

[@GMAceM]

Will do! 🫡

[@joelguzmanjoelguzman250]

Megusta

[@marcelamaria4205]

God bless you 🙏

[@user-fr8ut3te1b]

Exelencte video

[@GMAceM]

Muchas gracias!

[@carlosgeovannygrefaandi3530]

Me gusta esos videos..son interesantes

[@GMAceM]

Muchísimas gracias!

[@cplusmorecomments]

Thanks for the information. I plan on visiting Ecuador in November for a month to work on my Spanish.

[@GMAceM]

Don’t mention it! I hope that your trip helps you out a ton, make sure to interact with the locals to refine your Spanish, I can’t stress enough that that’s probably the best way to improve your Spanish. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@gwamakangwala6468]

I would like to visit and any particular city? Thanks

[@rachelnnabors]

I'll be there in December! Maybe I'll run into you in Quito haha. Thank you so much for your helpful tips.

[@GMAceM]

I’m actually in Portoviejo which if you get a chance to you definitely should visit. You won’t find better food than the food in Manabi and you HAVE TO TRY ENCEBOLLADO! Thank you for watching! 👏🏼

[@Environmentalist240]

I plan to travel in February first week of February from the Philippines here 🖐️thanks for this info.🙏

[@GMAceM]

Hope you have a great trip and that the content on my channel can keep helping you out!

[@My_Secret_ArtSketchbook]

How much Spanish do you know?

[@downey416Toronto]

good video

[@Rodrigo-zw4ib]

Nice video Bud. One comment, technically there is no winter and summer in Ecuador rather we have a rainy and a dry season with the added factor of the Humboldt current on the coast

[@GMAceM]

Appreciate the feedback Rodrigo! I keep getting told by Ecuadorian friends here that it’s winter and summer (verano and invierno) so that’s why I mentioned it being winter and summer but I have noticed that it does seem to shift from rainy to not most of the year, like even now it seems like the sky is just waiting to burst with rain at any moment (here in the coast) but most of the days are just really hot. I was starting to really enjoy the fresh weather about a month or 2 ago. Once again, I appreciate the info and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@GladysmercedesPenarrietaMendoz]

Me gusta

[@ClaudiaGarcia-ez8rp]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dannytanguila-ln4js]

Buena

[@renemedina8026]

You Rock Dude

[@GMAceM]

Much appreciated and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@observaciones5213]

buen video

[@GMAceM]

Thanks for watching!

[@leidygarcia86]

Me encanta lo bien que hablas el ingles🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️👌

[@GMAceM]

Muchísimas gracias!

[@wolstenholme100]

Our Ecuador rail trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5STpKl-j6err80

[@theguy4542]

Im glad I’ve found this channel. I’ve met someone from Guayaquil and we want to travel Ecuador together 😁

[@GMAceM]

Hey that’s amazing! I hope you both have an excellent time and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@alucine9384]

Hola saludos desde ecuador

[@DKimberly]

It would be great if my country was safe to travel to, because it has many positive things, especially the food

[@GMAceM]

Ecuador is going through some rough times, but I have high hopes that it will get through all of this. For now, it’s still a place that can be enjoyed when you take the necessary precautions. And you are absolutely right, the food is amazing!! :’)

[@2a.bby.x3]

thank you so much for making this video

[@GMAceM]

Thank you so much for watching! 👏🏼

[@edwardnull5447]

Yes Charl3s Schwab will reimburse the Atm fees. I have used Schwab for 4 years in 7 ciuntries. Never a problem.

[@DonShader]

Excellent job my man.

[@GMAceM]

Much appreciated Don! 👏🏼

[@DonShader]

@@GMAceM My pleasure. Your work is really good and inspiring.

[@GMAceM]

@@DonShader appreciate it Don, just hoping my work keeps getting better and helping those who need it. 👏🏼

[@DonShader]

@@GMAceM I think you gave a extremely strong skill set in your video production and post processing. Better than a lot of others out there. Keep up the good work.

[@josephbennett1401]

Great tips.. be there in 3 weeks!

[@GMAceM]

Here’s hoping your trip is awesome! 👏🏼

[@josephbennett1401]

@@GMAceM thanks so much!! I already know it will be the best trip of my life! June 7 can’t come quick enough!!

[@GMAceM]

@@josephbennett1401 without a doubt! If you have any questions or suggestions just let me know.

[@goyaame4517]

@@josephbennett1401what was it like? Did you like it?

[@lukeswain1752]

You should make a video about the history of the people that use to live there before the spanish. Peru had the Incas. Who was in Ecuador? Great video!! Hope to visit one day ❤

[@pedroblanco8311]

Thanks for sharing this helpful video, and for taking the time to have it published with Spanish subtitles. (Like # 47)

[@GMAceM]

Hey thanks for your feedback! Did I mistakenly put 47 instead of a different number? Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@pedroblanco8311]

@@GMAceM No, it's just me showing you that I was the 47th like your video received.

[@GMAceM]

@@pedroblanco8311 ohhh I was so worried about the subtitles I forgot the like count. Thanks a million and if there’s anything else you’d like to see on the channel please let me know!

[@pedroblanco8311]

@@GMAceM OK, I'll keep this in mind. How do you feel about a Q&A type video?

[@GMAceM]

@@pedroblanco8311 Q&A sounds fun depending on how it’s done! I always like to mix things up but what did you have in mind?

[@crlitoh]

Mario , And Assassins creed black flag? im Ecuadorian too. Those are some of my favorite things..

[@broadcasttttable]

My own tip: take plenty of change! Coins, dollar bills, fives, tens. The dollar is the currency, but not many small businesses can make change and most are reluctant to do so. Like the US, banks are hesitant to make change unless you have an account with them. I've had shopkeepers abandon their stores, and run next door to get change, which didn't leave me feeling too good about the social imprint I was leaving. And believe me, they appreciate exact change at the register!

[@GMAceM]

Yessss I’ve also had the situation where a shop owner has had to go get change from another shop it feels really bad. Even my dad has had to get change since he owns a food business and a lot of people tend to go out with big bills, but he does tend to prepare for that beforehand by getting a ton of coins. That’s also why I added to have change as my tenth tip, I thought it might help out anyone wanting to avoid any kind of uncomfortable situation! Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@broadcasttttable]

@@GMAceM Sorry, my bad! Didn't watch your video til the end. Thanks!

[@GMAceM]

@@broadcasttttable it’s all good, as long as the parts that you watched were useful to you then that’s what matters! 👏🏼

[@JasonSotomayor]

No te olvides q el idioma del Ecuador es Español... como inglés en USA...

[@anitamendez116]

Great Content! Thank you for such detailed information. What made you decide to move to Ecuador?

[@GMAceM]

Glad the information was useful! I’ve talked about why I came on livestreams but to sum it all up it was the economy. I’m pretty sad to hear that the economy in the states is getting worse with things becoming way expensive but yeah. Thanks for watching!

[@anitamendez116]

@@GMAceM I hear ya!

[@nikipili1232]

Thank you for this super useful video!! I will be travelling to Quito in mid July and staying there for a month, where I will be working with a local NGO, and this information was very helpful. Are there any important do’s and don’t’s you have for staying in Quito? Thanks again!

[@GMAceM]

Hello! Glad that you got value from it. I was actually in Quito not too long ago and talked about my experience there, there might be some information in that video that could help or maybe even the interview I did with some foreigners in Quito. Aside from that, the main do’s that I can think of is to make sure to be prepared for ANY climate. It is as random as you might’ve heard. One minute it was sunny, the next the rain and Thunder was wacky. It’s not guaranteed because there were completely sunny days/mainly rainy ones, but a raincoat or umbrella would be a good thing to carry around. Another do is the altitude meds like mentioned in this video. I went for work and the person I met to work with cut his trip short, literally only stayed 2 days instead of 7, because he wasn’t feeling good due to the altitude. As for some don’ts, I mainly got these from family living in Quito but you should definitely avoid going to an ATM alone and much worse at a desolate one at night. Use the ones in a mall ideally, that’s what my cousin who lives in Quito always done and what we did while I was there. Don’t accept paper or anything from anyone at a park because it could have scopolamine and you don’t want that. These are just suggestions because everyone’s experience is different but I hope they help. Thanks for watching!

[@nikipili1232]

@@GMAceM Thank you so much!! Really appreciate it :)

[@bigtinyhomeadventurebigtin5201]

Love your videos. I'm traveling to Ecaudor for a surf trip. Would you recommend bringing a surfboard or trying to rent one?

[@GMAceM]

Hello! This is a great question but there are a few things to take into consideration. For example, the main one which I don’t immediately have an answer for is how much an airline would charge you to bring a surfboard. With how much a board already costs and adding the price of bringing one to and back it might not be worth bringing. Then we go onto the longevity. Is it just for the trip? If it’s just for the trip I think it would probably be better to rent one here that way you save on the airline cost of bringing more luggage and you don’t have to lug around a board (which also means you can bring back more souvenirs). On the contrary if you plan on surfing in the future then maybe having and brining one might be ideal. I personally like having things that I know I’ll constantly be able to use. Now this last thing is just a wild idea but if you could get in touch with a surf place here and asked if they’d be willing to buy it off you after you left (if you weren’t planning on using it anymore) then you’d be able to save on the price of renting and make back a bit of the money you used to buy the board. You could even try selling it to someone who lives there. There’s no guarantee with the second one though and for the first you’d have to get in touch with someone (maybe a surf academy owner) who would be willing to buy it. Hope this helps and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@WhirlOmar]

What about the major warning when visiting? The extreme crime and robberies.

[@mochapoundcake]

22? Never mind. I’ll just skip. 😜

[@noraboekestein1671]

Thank you for all the great tips! I’m planning to visit Ecuador next month and I was wondering where you can find the ‘ejecutivo’ option for traveling with busses. And if these busses go as much as regular public busses. I would rather not travel to much with public busses because I’m worried about their safety.

[@GMAceM]

You are so very welcome and sorry for responding so late! I’ve really wanted to make a video on that topic since it may be confusing but here’s a summarized version of that. When you go to most bus stations, the “terminal” if you will, there are a bunch of counters and on the top you’ll see the name of the company and on the inside you’ll see some signs that say where they’ll take you. Sometimes, the name of the bus company, for example “Reina” will be accompanied by “ejecutivo” (Reina Ejecutivo) so it’ll be super clear that that’s the ejecutivo option. But sometimes it isn’t like that so you’ll have to ask if the bus takes you directly to the city you want to go to with no stops. The price is a little higher, maybe around $1-2 more but it’s worth it to avoid the random stops to pick up extra passengers. I recommend that in the city, you use a taxi because it’s not the safest to be around in a public bus, unless you’re not carrying anything important around. Hope this helps and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@JostinBiber4850]

✌️

[@peterlester3981]

Hola a Todos!!

[@chulaguy619]

Great video! What cities do you suggest for first time visitors to Ecuador?

[@GMAceM]

Hello! Thanks for your question! Honestly the best thing you could probably do is go to the most touristy place possible which might just be Galapagos and there’s no way you could go wrong with that choice, but if you’d like to just relax in the mainland then I guess it would depend on if you’d like to go to the beaches or check out scenic locations in Ecuador. For example Los Frailes is a beautiful beach that’s kept nice because how it’s a reserve. But if you want to visit a beautiful city then Baños or Loja might be preferable. A lot of the time you can’t go wrong with anywhere in Ecuador but it’ll really depend on what you’re looking for. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@apolo8399]

Bahía de Caráquez

[@downsouth5971]

Puerto López , for Frailes beach, but the beach in Puerto Lopez is great itself.

[@pedepot]

Thanks for the video! Where do you get small change after using an ATM if you don't have a local bank account?

[@GMAceM]

Hey how’s it going, thanks for your question! Exchanging money can be easy or difficult. You could try to go into a bank and ask them to exchange your bigger bills ($20) for smaller ones ($10) but there is that chance that they won’t do it if you don’t have the account. If you have $20’s, you could procure to make purchases above $10 which will make it a bit easier for them to accept the $20. I can’t say I know of any other way to get change other than that so if you can bring it beforehand that would be ideal. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@DraculaKane]

$100 and $50 have to be changed at the central because most stores won’t accept them so you get 20s 10s 5s When I visit I make sure I get $100 in 1s to use there

[@GMAceM]

For sure! That’s why I’ve even seen the cases where $100 and $50 are so rare that people will hold onto at least one for good luck. Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@FRANK.G]

I’m about to for next month for 5 days

[@GMAceM]

That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy your trip and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@goyaame4517]

Did you like it ?

[@FRANK.G]

@@goyaame4517 I went to montanita it’s was good

[@erickcatiis]

Is October a good time to visit Ecuador ?

[@jdsantibanez]

Hey, Guayaquil is not warm the entire year. It's cooler from May to October.

[@GMAceM]

Really? Everyone says it’s really hot (even someone when I asked for all the information said it was always hot) and a family member lives there and even she tells me it’s always hot. Even the day I went for the anime event it was also really hot, but that was in October. I probably need to visit again in May and see what’s up.

[@jdsantibanez]

@@GMAceM I would say it depends on so many levels. House and apartments are getting smaller and smaller and there is no room for air circulation. Old houses in Gye used to have very high ceilings so hot air would rise and stay there leaving the rest of the house fresh, but that doesn't happen anymore. We even build houses with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, in Gye, which is stupid, but it's very common (but they look great in photographs!)

[@Gamebred-Nightmare]

Welp! Can't go now..

[@dovygoodguy1296]

I think you left out a discussion about health care services and health insurance....

[@ghostmandr]

Ace great detail job in all your videos from Ecuador. With that said I’m planning a family trip for July and I already have Mindo and mitad del mundo in the itinerary. I will also like to visit Manta or Bahia de Caraquez. Can you give me any info on a good decent and fare driver that could take me and my family from Quito. Also is the food and other stuff still cheap or has it go up with this global inflation.

[@GMAceM]

Much appreciated Christian! I’m sure you’re gonna love Mindo and La Mitad Del Mundo! As for a driver, so far the best one that everyone recommends is Darwin, the guy I mentioned in my video! His number is in the description of the video, if you decide to go hire him let him know that the video helped you find him, I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear that! If you think you’d like to find someone else I can send you the link to a group on Facebook where some people tend to offer driving services as well as other valuable info. In terms of food prices I always think it’s relative to your budget or what you’re used to. Just to give approximates: If you eat a normal lunch (almuerzo) it could cost each person about $2.50-$3.50 Encebollado (my favorite food) costs around $2.00-$3.00 (unless you order the marinero which comes with various other seafoods then it’s more expensive) There are also foods you can specifically order at places but those are more expensive from around $5-$10 a meal. For most people specifically ordering foods would be expensive but if you’re used to paying $10+ for food then it would be normal or even cheap to pay for something like that, right? Hope this helps, if you have any other questions let me know and thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@ghostmandr]

@@GMAceM thank you so much Ace this is great info I hope you can keep doing such a great job and videos I haven’t been in Ecuador since I was 7 yo so I’m like a tourist going there. Is great to see that there is people like you that are honest and talk facts about our place of birth I can’t wait to explore Ecuador. Once again thank you

[@Brightly747]

How's the weather in Quito and Cuenca in middle of April? Thanks

[@GMAceM]

Thanks for the question! After doing some investigations of Quito’s weather for the past 3 years (from 2019-2022) it seems that during the night the weather is from 45-50 degrees and during the day it’s 59-72 degrees with varying rain (light showers-heavy rain). As for Cuenca, after investigating I found it has nighttime weather of around 50-55 degrees and day time weather of 63-70 degrees with cloudy days up to moderate rain. I hope that helps and thanks for watching!👏🏼

[@giuliana9434]

It’s kinda cold because it’s winter and Quito and Cuenca are in the highlands, so it would be 7 to 19 degrees (Celsius) probably, but if you want a warm weather you can go to the coast

[@The-Roach]

Do you have to have travel insurance to enter the country? Some websites say yes, others say no.

[@downsouth5971]

No.

[@alfonsocalero]

How about using debit cards like wise?

[@Sexpistolz]

Fun fact when traveling to cuenca there is a mountain you go over dat has a tube with the purest water you will ever drink cold and just amazing😂🔥. Truckers use it to wake them selves up when doing long trips our taxi driver used it to keep himself awake

[@GMAceM]

I’m going to have to try this water myself 😂 With all I’ve heard about Cuenca’s water I have to get a taste of it myself lol Thanks for watching! 👏🏼

[@leojacome3377]

The video is very good, I like that there is such diffusion of how beautiful our country is 🇪🇨❤️

[@tomg1247]

Uber!? You mentioned it being an option in bigger cities. We just returned from Cuenca and had not Uber or Bolt service. Azutaxi seemed the only similar option--though you can only order a cab but can't pay through the app. Did we miss something!?

[@GMAceM]

Hello! Yes, unfortunately Uber is only a thing in bigger cities and the bigger cities are considered to be Guayaquil and Quito. Most other cities use other apps such as Azutaxi and Click&Go (Portoviejo). What I have heard aside from all of this is that Cuenca has a good bus system so it might be more worth using that than a taxi or Uber since it’s definitely gonna be cheaper, but i always think that’s more of a preference thing.

[@Agacirovaluemedia]

Thanks bro,so if I don't know well english I can not move to Ecuador?

[@GMAceM]

Not exactly. You’ll have a better time knowing Spanish, that’s what’s ideal since most people speak Spanish. Natives should 100% of the time speak Spanish. If you want to integrate with the expat community, the majority speak English. If you don’t know either then it might be tough but definitely not impossible.

[@Visitacion-ry7mr]

Do you have a website to look for rooms/flats for longer stays in Ecudor?

[@GMAceM]

The site that immediately comes to mind is Plusvalia. I can’t put the link on here because KZbin will probably remove it but you can search on Google “Plusvalia Ecuador” and it should show up.

[@azeezorelope2005]

How can I get Ecuador tourism visa from Africa since we don't have Ecuador Embassy around us