If you are flying into Quito (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet) or Cuenca (2,560 meters / 8,400 feet) from sea level, you must take altitude sickness—locally known as soroche—seriously.

Take it incredibly easy for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, drink copious amounts of water, and try the local remedy of mate de coca (coca leaf tea). If you plan to hike nearby volcanoes like Cotopaxi or Pichincha, spend at least three days acclimatizing in the city first.

Ecuador adopted the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency in 2000. While this makes mental conversions incredibly easy for many travelers, there is a catch: small change is king.

Outside of major hotels and luxury restaurants, it can be nearly impossible to break a $20 bill, let alone a $50 or $100. Bring a large stack of $1 and $5 bills, and carry plenty of coins for taxis, street food, and local markets. You will also notice Ecuadorian-minted coins circulating alongside standard US coins; they are identical in value and size but are only valid within Ecuador.

Intercity Buses: The bus network in Ecuador is extensive, remarkably cheap (usually about $1 to $2 per hour of travel), and generally reliable. Premium bus lines offer reclining seats and air conditioning for the long, winding routes through the Andes or down to the coast.

Domestic Flights: If you are short on time and want to avoid the 8-to-10 hour mountain drive between Quito and Guayaquil or Cuenca, domestic flights via LATAM or Avianca are fast, usually taking less than an hour, and are relatively affordable if booked slightly in advance.