Ecuador: A Budget Traveler's Paradise

Are you looking for an inexpensive and unique travel destination for your next trip? Somewhere with unrivaled natural beauty and a favorable exchange rate for the weakening US Dollar? How about Ecuador!?

Ecuador is a small country in northwest South America, about the size of Colorado. Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the entire world. Natural wonders abound within its borders, where you can find exotic beaches, unique cloud forests, the great Andes Mountains, the mysterious Amazon rainforest, and the famous Galapagos Islands; all within 3-6 hours of one another.

Despite offering so much, the country is still an incredible deal for the budget conscious traveler. Having switched its national currency over to the US Dollar in 2000, the plunging dollar in international exchange rates is not a concern in Ecuador. Accommodations cost just a fraction of what you are used to paying back home, as nice hotel rooms generally run from $25-$50 per night. If you are on a tight budget, check out one of Ecuador's thousands of budget hostels that offer a clean and safe albeit simple room for just $5-$10 per night. After you've found a place to stay, grab a bite to eat at one of Ecuador's many international restaurants, or opt for a traditional Ecuadorian dish. A meal at one of country's most elegant restaurants will set your back about $15-$20 per plate, or just $2-$7 per plate at an average restaurant.

After you've found a place to stay and gotten some food in your belly, you can enjoy the hundreds of activities and wonders this extremely diverse country has to offer the traveler.

Galapagos Islands: Ecuador's most famous attraction, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique and incredible destinations on the planet. A visit to the Galapagos archipelago is more expensive than simply spending your time on the mainland, but it's well worth the extra cost. 8 day cruises around the islands cost from $800-$2000 depending on the ship. On a cruise you'll have the opportunity to visit the fearless Galapagos wildlife up close and personal, as well as take part in more adventurous activities such as snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Since the Galapagos are located directly on the Equator they enjoy tropical temperatures year-round and can be visited in any month (though experts often recommend avoiding September when waters are quite choppy).

Andes Mountains: Ever wanted to climb a 19,000ft active volcano? Ecuador's capital, Quito, is located right in the heart of the Andes mountain range. Excursions from Quito include everything from stays in 17th century colonial haciendas, to multi-day mountain biking adventures, to ascents of Ecuador's highest peaks. The options are practically limitless and again the prices are incredible. For example a two day, professionally guided, all-inclusive ascent of Ecuador's famous Cotopaxi Volcano (19,342 ft / 5897 m) will set you back just $160. A similar package to a smaller mountain in the Rockies will easily cost you at least $500.

Amazon Rainforest: With access to the Western side of the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador is a great country to base a visit to this mysterious jungle. You can organize multi-day camping excursions into some of the rainforest's most remote regions, or book a stay at a 5 star jungle lodge. Regardless of how you decide to visit this magnificent region, you're guaranteed to see one of the most magnificent and diverse eco-systems on our planet.

Doesn't matter if you decide to visit the Galapagos, the Andes, the Amazon, or all three, it's almost impossible not to fall in love with this extraordinary country. No matter how long you stay, it won't be enough. You'll never have time to explore all that this tiny country has to offer. Luckily, however, as one of the best international travel deals in the world, you'll have plenty of cash left over to come back and enjoy more of the Ecuadorian experience!