Ecuador is famous for its amazing biodiversity at the Galapagos Islands, stunning surf beaches like Tortuga Bay and Mompiche, and culturally rich cities like Cuenca and Quito. With so many beautiful and exciting places to visit in Ecuador, it can be difficult to narrow down your Ecuador trip to just a few key stops. If you want to find out the best things to do in Ecuador on your next trip, keep reading this complete Ecuador travel guide!
Whether you want to trek in Cotopaxi, get your adrenaline pumping in Banos, or explore the Amazon rainforest in Tena, there are plenty of Ecuador itineraries of different lengths that you can check out and a whole host of different Ecuador tours to choose from.
Not sure when the best time to visit Ecuador is for your trip? If whale-watching is top of your list, the summer months in Ecuador might be best. If you’re looking for top surf conditions, head to Ecuador in December. In the mood for Ecuadorian festivals? Book your trip to Ecuador in September. Let’s dive in and find out more about creating your dream trip to Ecuador.
Top Destinations in Ecuador
Discover the highlights of Ecuador.
Ecuador at a Glance
Quick facts about Ecuador.
The capital city of Ecuador is Quito, and it is also the oldest capital city in South America. With the city’s heritage stretching back to the 16th century, it’s full of amazing architecture, churches, and culture.
256,370 square kilometers. Despite sounding like a large country, Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, making it a great place to visit if you’re short on time.
+593. You need to add city codes after this, such as 4 for Guayaquil.
Since 2000, Ecuador has used the US Dollar as its official currency. Although ATMs are pretty common in most towns and cities, as well as tourist hubs like the Galapagos, it’s best to bring cash with you, especially small bills for tipping.
The main airport in Ecuador is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) which is located around 40 kilometers from the capital city, Quito. CODE: UIO CLOSEST CITY: Quito
Visas: For most overseas visitors including US and UK citizens, you can travel to Ecuador and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Of course, always check for any travel advisories with your local embassy before you book.
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, and it is spoken widely across the country, but Quichua, (the Incan language) is spoken by many of the indigenous people. Nine additional indigenous languages are also spoken in Ecuador. Remember to be polite; gracias means thank you in Spanish.
The correct local emergency contact numbers for police, fire and ambulance in Ecuador will vary based on your location. If you’re in Quito and Ibarra you should call 911. If you’re in Guayaquil, Cuenca, or Loja you need to call 112. If you’re anywhere else, call 101.
Ecuador was the first country to recognize that nature has constitutional rights. The Galapagos, Cotopaxi, and the Amazon Rainforest are all part of the natural environment and have the right to “exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles, structure, functions and its processes in evolution”.
When to visit Ecuador
Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit Ecuador.
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- JanAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
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- MarAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 9 ° C
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- JunAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
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- AugAvg Daily: 19 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
- SepAvg Daily: 19 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
- OctAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
- NovAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
- DecAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
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How long to stay in Ecuador
Read about the ideal duration to stay in Ecuador.
Ecuador Tour and Holiday Packages
Select the tour type that you are looking for.
FAQs for Ecuador
Read the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Ecuador below.
- Is Ecuador affordable to travel to?
- How many days are enough for an Ecuador tour?
- What is the best month to go to Ecuador?
- What is the easiest way to travel to Ecuador?
Sustainable travel — How to travel through Ecuador responsibly
In line with Bookmundi’s vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through Ecuador. As part of this effort, we carbon offset any Ecuador tour that you purchase through us. You can read more details about our carbon offsetting efforts.
Here’s what you can do to travel to Ecuador more responsibly:
- Carbon offset your transport to Ecuador via Fundacion Futuro. The moment your tour starts in Ecuador, and provided that you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, we will carbon offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
- Cross-contaminating ecosystems in Ecuador can harm the local environment. Make sure you clean your boots or trainers before heading to the Galapagos, and do not bring outside fresh food or plant life (it’s not allowed).
- Support local conservation efforts and donate money where you can to places like Un Poco del Choco, which actively works to conserve and protect the rainforest habitat and wildlife in Ecuador.
Ecuador travel tips and insight
- The journey from the airport to the city of Quito typically takes around two hours by bus. You can save an hour if you opt for a taxi, which is also a more economical choice for groups of three or more.
- Ecuadorian chocolate is a culinary experience not to be missed. It is available on nearly every street corner, regardless of the season.
- Carefully inspect alpaca products for their quality before purchasing. While items like sweaters may contain some alpaca fur, they often consist mostly of acrylic.
- The coastal regions are popular for parties and surfing. For a more tranquil vacation, venture inland to discover charming and peaceful towns.
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Tour types
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Popular Destinations
Popular Activities
- Active and outdoor
- Adventure
- Beach
- Bird watching
- Cruise
- Cultural, religious and historic sites
- Expedition tours
- Explorer
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Marine wildlife
- National parks
- Natural landmarks sightseeing
- Rainforest and jungle visits
- Safari
- Sailing, yachting and motor boating
- Snorkeling
- Trekking and Hiking
- Volcanoes
- Walking tours
- Wildlife