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Traveling to Ecuador Highlands with kids
Chimborazo Travel Guide and Tips
April 11, 2019
Ecuador Family Friendly Destinations
April 18, 2019At Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders one question we get asked a lot is whether traveling to the Ecuador highlands with kids is a good idea or not. Ecuador travel with kids can be tremendous fun, but it may not be for everyone. Traveling to Ecuador with kids does take some thinking about. However, there is a great deal to see and do in the Ecuador highlands that kids of all ages will appreciate. Here we will examine the pros and cons of traveling to the Ecuador highlands with kids so you can make your own mind up what is best for you.
Pros of Traveling to Ecuador Highlands with kids
The Ecuador Highlands offer a wealth of activities for kids, making it unique place to have a vacation full of diverse experiences. These experiences include learning about history and culture, as well as a variety of different outdoor activities. For example, Ecuador travel with kids in the highlands can include a stay or two in a hacienda, learning how to weave near Otavalo, ziplining or tubing in Mindo, visiting waterfalls in Baños, horseback riding in the Cotopaxi National Park and hot springs in Papallacta. It is difficult to think of many regions in the world where it is possible to get the diversity of activities that your kids may experience on a vacation to Ecuador. If you want to give your kids a memorable vacation where they will learn a lot and experience a culture that is quite different than their own, the Ecuador
highlands is a great spot to pick.
One benefit of visiting the Ecuador highlands with kids, rather than other South American nations, is that everything is quite closely packed together in this small country. You can relatively easily visit a lot in a short time frame. You will, however, want to find things to do to keep children occupied in the car. It is also recommended to take private transportation such as a tour, rather than a bus, as bus journeys can be hot and uncomfortable.
What is more, Ecuadorians love children. In both Quito, the capital city, and in the smaller towns and villages of the highlands, people will be interested in your children. Because Ecuador has a relatively young population when compared with western societies, people are used to having children around and catering for them. This makes traveling with kids in the Ecuador highlands easier than it might otherwise be.
Cons of Traveling to Ecuador Highlands with kids
One point to think about when considering traveling to the Ecuador highlands with kids, is the journey times that you will experience. While the country is small, roads are not always that good, especially in remote areas. You may end up in the car from anywhere between one to six hours to get to different places. Journeys of this length and with a significant element of discomfort at times, may be miserable for some children (and then also their parents!) if they are not used to these types of trips. However, it is possible to plan around this and bring things to do that will keep kids interested. Also, as specialists in Ecuador Travel, at Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders we can help you plan a trip that keeps journey times to a minimum.
It is worth pointing out that when visiting the Ecuador highlands with kids you will need to be aware of the altitude and how it may be affecting them. Both children and adults alike can get headaches and feel dizzy from the altitude. When people try and do too much too soon at altitude then they may also get nauseous. This aside, the sun is much stronger the Ecuadorian highlands, due to the altitude. This means that although it might feel chilly, sunscreen is a must. None of these are reasons not to visit the Ecuador highlands with kids, but they are certainly factors to be aware of.
There are also health factors to consider when visiting the Ecuador highlands with kids. You’ll want to make sure you get your kids vaccinated for diseases such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever before you go – though this is also recommended for many other countries too, so Ecuador is no different in this regard. Check with your doctor to find out exactly what is needed. You also need to be aware that rabies is present in the Ecuador highlands, so you’ll want to keep your children away from both wild animals and street dogs.
Insider Recommendations for your time in Ecuador and when traveling with kids
An Insider recommendation for your time in Ecuador when traveling with kids is to try and spend some time in the small mountain town of Banos. This place is packed with things to do for both adults and kids alike and is sure to keep the whole family delighted.
Why not message or call us today as we can offer tailor made and personalized tours for your Ecuador highlands trip with kids. As Ecuador and Galapagos experts we know what kids like and which places are family friendly, and we can put together an unbeatable tour for your time in Ecuador.
