Ecuador could possibly be used as the definition of a “banana republic”. Since the Spanish conquest over the Inca and its bloody road to independence in 1830, Ecuador has changed its government nearly 100 times and instituted over 20 different constitutions! The military dictatorships and civilian governments have swapped leadership more times than you may care to count. Between 1930 and 1940 alone, 17 different presidents took turns ruling. You do the math.
Nowadays, since the imposition of the US Dollar as the official currency, to stem rampant inflation, and the exploitation of their oil reserves, Ecuador has stabilized and perhaps even flourished. The roads are new and well maintained, gasoline is subsidized, and the people are genuinely warm. It’s no wonder many people consider it an Overlander paradise.
300 Days South 
Your pictures of Ecuador made me lonesome for the times we spent there. You have certainly seen a lot of S.A. and will have wonderful memories. Where do you plan on going next trip????? What an adventure for your children too. Love Grandma.
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