Ecuador is such an interesting place with Amazonian rainforests, the beautiful Andes and Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is named after the equator which runs through the country. It is the only country in the world officially named after a geographical feature. Ecuador’s highest mountain, Mount Chimborazo, is the point on Earth closest to the sun. Due to the mountain’s location along the equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest point from the Earth’s core. This also means that Ecuador is the closest country to space. As you can see, Ecuador is a very interesting place due to its geographic location. Interestingly enough, the equator is widely promoted at the tourist attraction Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) near the capital, Quito. This is supposed to be where one can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern. However, thanks to modern re-measurements, the exact equator is said to lie 240 meters north of the marked line and monument. Oops!
What I personally find fascinating is the fact that Charles Darwin visited Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands in 1835 and largely based his theory of evolution on the discoveries he made there. The Galapagos Islands are also an amazing place to visit. There is unique wildlife to view such as the blue-footed boobies, albatross, and penguins. Because of the remoteness of the Islands, many species are distinctive to this area.
Of course, there are many things to do in Ecuador including diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and surfing. My favorite is the giant tortoise breeding center in Puerto Villamil on Isabela. Here, you can hold a baby tortoise egg and learn about the distinct tortoise types that are linked to the different volcanic areas on the island, each with distinct-shaped shells. During your downtime, however, it is important to know what you will need for your electronics and appliances. In Ecuador, the standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Ecuador if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada, and most South American countries). If your country is different, you can use Ceptics 3 Piece International Travel Plug Adapter Kit. It accepts plug types: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L and N. Ecuador takes plug type A and B. This adapter kit is easy to use as well. Just connect your cord or adapter into the Universal socket and plug in the GP series adapter to the wall outlet.
Once you have your electrical needs figured out, put on your Panama hat and get out and enjoy the wonderment of Ecuador. You can also pick up a dozen roses fresh from the greenhouse for $2.00! By the way, the sharks are friendly it is said. They are so well-fed that you can actually swim around them, all types of them, and not worry. Not sure this would be on my bucket list but apparently people partake in this activity!
Happy Travels!
