Food

 

Do not drink tap water, despite signs posted in hotels. Avoid using ice cubes as well. Be prepared to purchase bottled water, and carry a plastic thermos or bottle to be refilled at clean sources.  You will require considerably more liquid than you normally do, and while there is ample beer (Pilsen and Club are popular) non-alcoholic sodas are also available. Avoid eating raw vegetables, fruit which you cannot peel, and food from street vendors. While on board the ship in the Galapagos, you can be assured that all salads, vegetables and fruits will be cleaned properly so they are safe to consume.

That said, Ecuador has a great variety of food and drink for the adventurous.  Native dishes are generally highly seasoned and exotic.  Try "Llapngachos" (potato and cheese fritters)  "humitas" (a delicately flavored sweetcorn tamale) or explaining to children that you ate the national delicacy, "cuy" - roasted guinea pig.  The tropical fruit (mango, pineapple, banana, melon, oranges) are not only wonderful, but a good antidote for the altitude's affect on your body.

DID YOU KNOW?
There are 31 volcanoes in Ecuador.