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.

City sightseeing in Quito

City sightseeing in Quito

Spend the day exploring the beautiful Ecuadorian capital, checking out sites like the Middle of the World monument and the impressive Basílica del Voto Nacional. Shop until you drop at the various markets and boutiques, stare in awe at some of the amazing architecture, or join a food tour. View Tours

Hiking trip in Cotopaxi

Hiking trip in Cotopaxi

Whether you want to spend a couple of days hiking and climbing up the mighty Cotopaxi itself or prefer a five-day adventure along the picturesque Quilatoa Loop, there are so many multi-day hiking tours all around the Cotopaxi area. Cotopaxi is a volcano and there are also plenty of hot springs in the area. View Tours

Wildlife-watch in the Galapagos Islands

Wildlife-watch in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is a true bucket-list destination thanks to its abundance of rare wildlife including giant tortoises, whales, marine iguanas, and many more. The best way to see all of these amazing creatures is on a multi-day boat tour around the different islands with a local guide! View Tours

Ecuador at a Glance

Quick facts about Ecuador.

CAPITAL CITY

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.

SIZE

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.

COUNTRY CODE

+593. You need to add city codes after this, such as 4 for Guayaquil.

CURRENCY

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.

MAIN AIRPORT

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

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.

LANGUAGE

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.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

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.

WHAT'S UNIQUE

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.

°C°F
  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Poor
  • JanAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • FebAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • MarAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 9 ° C
  • AprAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 9 ° C
  • MayAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 9 ° C
  • JunAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • JulAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • 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

How long to stay in Ecuador

Read about the ideal duration to stay in Ecuador.

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.

Ready to customize your Ecuador Vacation

Book your trip when it is perfectly designed and customized, just for you.

  • Marion Passier
    Marion PassierTravel Expert in Ecuador
  • Elisabeth Gschösser
    Elisabeth GschösserTravel Expert in Ecuador
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