Im going away to ecuador in august...?

Travel Info
with my friend to stay with her family, i dont speak spanish and she is the only one who will be speaking english. what should i expect when i go there? (people, places, etc)

Travel Tips

It depends on where you are going. Urban or Rural area and Coast, Mountian or Amazon region. I am going to assume you are goint to either Quito or Guayaquil the two largest Ecuadorian cities.

In both cities it seems most people speak at least some english so not speaking spainsh should't be too much of a problem especially if you have a friend to tour you around.

Do to machisimo if you are a woman I would recomend covering up. Try not to reveal much skin where pants and sleaves when you can. If you don't you can expect to hear a number of cat calls, hissing and other nucences from the ecuadorian men. They are persistant and annoying but typically not dangerous.

Remember that the rural areas are usually quite safe and the big cities are where the trouble is. Not that the cities are dangerous but you need to use common sense in any city you go to. If you feel something is wrong get moving.

Remember that people give you less personal space here. On the bus, on the sidewalk. Be forwarned.

Guayaquil (coast) is Hot and HUMID but Qutio (mountians) can get quite chilly.

Guayaquil is a much less touristy city then is Quito.

Above all else, you should relax and I find myself using the phrase "That's just the way it is here" very often. Things are different and for you to have a good time you're going to need to go with the flow a bit. But if you chill out and adjust to the atmosphere you'll have a great time.

Me and my experience:
Male, 27
Lived in Guayaquil 6 months.
Lived in Quito 6 Months
Have been all over Ecuador and love it

Others
Ever see pictures on the TV of "third world countries" - That's where you are going, only a little nicer, they have plumbing.

Do NOT drink the water. Do not eat things rinsed in water (salads). Do not eat fruit, unless you peel it (like an orange). Do not use ice in beverages. Only drink beverages from a sealed bottle. Do not sit on toilet seats. Etc...
Ecuador is a nice place to go. It is like Mexico, but much more smaller. Now, make sure to be very careful with the things you eat, never eat on the streets; if you are staying with your friends' family try to eat at home, it is the best food to eat.
In Ecuador there are a lot of people who speak English, specially in touristic zones, so don't worry. However, a pocket dictionary may help somehow.

Like in other countries, most Ecuadorians are courteous and very polite; however, don't trust anyone and always ask your friend if you need something, she'll be able to help you better. Do not go out by yourself, always ask your friend of one of her good relatives to go with you. Depending on where you are going to be, some places are kind of dangerous.
There are many places to go and you can see very good answers if you go to "search for questions" and type in Ecuador. Have fun =)
people there are extremly kind, they are like the type of people that if you 'know' that certain person, your in the group, your ok. i mean, if your 'accepted' by that friend/person and you are titled as a 'good or great friend' then they are totally open to you.
they will offer you the best, in food specially, be very polite and say 'muchas gracias' (thank you very much) or 'no, gracias, estoy bien' (no thanks, im fine). when you want to say for example, can i have some more juice? 'puedo tomar un poccito mas de jugo?' try to add the '-ito' to every adjective. dont ask my why, but through out my years ive gotten to notice that in spanish, specially in equador they dont say for example, 'poco' but 'pocITO'. hehe..i dont konow, i might totally out of it, but wheneve i hear my parents or my relatives talk they speak in that form.
anyways, have a good trip!
I`ve heard roads are bad, so don麓t rent a car.
In the city instead of pigeons in the squares you麓ll see lots and lots of Iguanas running around, harmless though scary to see.

Locals favorite dish at restaurants is a huge ratlike animal called
Cuy also known in America as Guinea pig. Bon apetite!!!

Be prepared for extreme heat and watch your blood pressure and lungs for some cities are in a very high altitude (very much above sea level)
A typical tourist attraction is Ba帽os hot springs and La Mitad del Mundo or The World`s Belly Button. Have Fun!!
Girlfriend traveled there once.