Quick Navigation show

Ecuador Travel Guide: Andes, Amazon & Islands in One

Intro to Ecuador Travel Guide

Ecuador is one of the most geographically diverse countries on Earth — where snow-capped Andes meet the steamy Amazon, Pacific surf towns, and the bucket-list Galápagos Islands. Packed into a country the size of Colorado, Ecuador offers world-class biodiversity, rich cultural traditions, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Start planning your trip with this complete Ecuador Travel Guide — including curated Ecua d or tours, top places to visit, things to do in Ecuador, when to go, and what it costs to travel across this incredibly compact yet diverse destination.

Continent: South America
Country: Ecuador
Area: ~283,561 km²
Population: ~18.2 million (2024)
Density: ~64 people/km²
Capital: Quito
Regions/Subregions: Sierra (Andes), Costa (Coast), Amazon (Oriente), Galápagos Islands
Language(s): Spanish (official); Quechua and Shuar recognized regionally; English in tourism zones
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
Time Zone(s): GMT−5 (mainland), GMT−6 (Galápagos)
Airports: UIO (Quito), GYE (Guayaquil), GPS (Galápagos), LTX (Latacunga), MCH (Machala)
Climate: Diverse — tropical on the coast and Amazon, cooler in the Andes, dry in Galápagos
Known For: Galápagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, volcanoes, colonial towns, biodiversity

Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for most travelers including U.S., EU, UK, Canada, Australia
Extensions available for up to 180 days (one-time)
Passport must be valid for 6 months from entry date
Galápagos Entry: Requires separate tourist control card (TCT) and entry fee
Official info: Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Required: Yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic countries
Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (for remote areas), Malaria prophylaxis (Amazon), COVID-19
Mosquito-borne risks: Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya in coastal/Amazon regions
Modern hospitals in Quito and Guayaquil; limited care in rural zones
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Safe for most travel, especially Galápagos, Andes, and guided Amazon trips
Petty theft is common in cities and bus terminals — stay alert in Quito and Guayaquil
Avoid border areas with Colombia unless essential
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Carnival: February/March – water fights and parades nationwide
Independence Day: August 10
All Souls’ Day & Cuenca Independence: November 2–3
Christmas: December 25
New Year’s Eve: December 31 with effigy-burning traditions
Holiday periods often include extended weekends.

Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD) — no need to exchange
Cards: Accepted in cities and tourist zones; cash preferred in rural areas
ATMs: Available widely; avoid using them late at night
Tipping: 10% typically added to bills; small extra tip appreciated
Duty-Free: Up to 3L alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and gifts under $500

UIO – Mariscal Sucre Intl (Quito): Main international gateway, ~45 min from city
GYE – José Joaquín de Olmedo (Guayaquil): Key for coastal access
GPS – Seymour Airport (Galápagos): Requires national flight + entry fees
Domestic routes available via LATAM, Avianca, Equair

Long-Distance Buses: Inexpensive and common but vary in safety and speed
Domestic Flights: Popular for Galápagos and Amazon connections
Taxis & Apps: Uber in Quito and Guayaquil; registered taxis advised
Car Rentals: Available but driving is aggressive — best avoided in cities
City Transit: Trolebús and Metro (Quito), Ecovía, and public buses available

SIM Cards: Claro, Movistar, CNT — available at airport and shops
Coverage: Good in cities; patchy in Amazon and remote Andes
Wi-Fi: Found in hotels, cafés, and public spaces
Digital Nomads: Increasing coworking spaces in Quito, Cuenca, and coastal towns

Drinking Age: 18
Cannabis: Decriminalized for personal use under 10g — not legal for sale
Dress Code: Casual in cities; modest in highland villages and churches
LGBTQ+ Status: Legal and increasingly accepted, especially in urban centers
Cultural Respect: Greet with a handshake; be polite when photographing locals, especially in indigenous areas

Emergency Numbers:
General: 911
Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo): Active in Quito, Cuenca, Galápagos
Hospitals: Hospital Metropolitano (Quito), Kennedy (Guayaquil), Clínica Santa Inés (Cuenca)
Carry ID or copy of passport while in transit; police may request documentation

Andes (Quito, Cuenca): Spring-like year-round — 10–20°C (50–68°F)
Coast (Guayaquil): Hot and humid — 25–33°C (77–91°F)
Amazon: Wet and tropical year-round — 26–32°C (79–90°F)
Galápagos: Dry (Jun–Nov) and warm seasons (Dec–May) — 22–30°C (72–86°F)
Best time to visit: June–September (dry season); Dec–May for marine wildlife in Galápagos
Weather Forecast

Ecuador by Region – Where to Go

Ecuador is divided into four distinct regions: the Sierra, the Coast, the Amazon, and the Galápagos. Each offers a radically different experience.

The Andean Highlands (Sierra)

Mountain towns, Indigenous markets, volcano treks, and cultural heritage.

Quito: Colonial capital with UNESCO-listed Old Town and Andean views.
Otavalo: Known for its massive Indigenous craft market.
Cuenca: A historic city with cobblestone streets and nearby Incan ruins.
Baños: Adventure capital for ziplining, canyoning, and hot springs.
Cotopaxi National Park: Home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

The Amazon Rainforest (El Oriente)

One of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

Tena: Gateway town for rafting and rainforest lodges.
Cuyabeno Reserve: Wildlife-packed wetlands and jungle tours.
Yasuni National Park: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Indigenous territory.

The Pacific Coast

Surf beaches, seafood, and Afro-Ecuadorian culture.

Montañita: A lively beach town famous for surfing and nightlife.
Puerto López: Base for whale watching and visiting Isla de la Plata.
Esmeraldas: Known for marimba music, coastal food, and Afro-Ecuadorian heritage.
Guayaquil: Ecuador’s largest city and main coastal gateway.

The Galápagos Islands

A natural wonder of endemic wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Santa Cruz: Main island with port town Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Isabela Island: Known for giant tortoises, lava tunnels, and volcano hikes.
San Cristóbal: Laid-back and great for snorkeling with sea lions.
Floreana: The least developed — quiet and raw nature.

Top Places to Visit in Ecuador

Here are the most iconic and rewarding places to visit in Ecuador, grouped by theme.

Cultural & Historic Cities

Quito: Blend of colonial architecture and Andean life.
Cuenca: Artistic, walkable, and surrounded by mountains.
Otavalo: A cultural stronghold of Indigenous Kichwa heritage.

Natural Wonders & Adventure Hubs

Baños: Base for volcano views, canyon swings, and thermal baths.
Cotopaxi: Hike the páramo and visit glacier-fed lagoons.
Cuyabeno Reserve: Jungle excursions with caimans, monkeys, and pink dolphins.

Island Escapes & Marine Life

Galápagos Islands: Swim with marine iguanas and sea lions, or kayak alongside penguins.
Isla de la Plata: Cheaper, easier “Little Galápagos” alternative from Puerto López.

Coastal Towns

Montañita: Surf, street food, and laid-back beach vibes.
Canoa: Quieter beach with local character and paragliding.

How to Choose Where to Go in Ecuador

Ecuador’s compact size makes it easy to mix regions — here’s how to choose based on your travel goals.

For Culture & Cities: Explore Quito, Cuenca, and Otavalo.
For Nature & Hiking: Head to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa Loop, and Baños.
For Rainforest: Stay in a jungle lodge in Cuyabeno or Yasuni.
For Islands & Marine Life: Prioritize the Galápagos or Isla de la Plata.
Efficient Pairings: Quito + Cotopaxi + Baños or Guayaquil + Montañita + Galápagos

How to Get Around Ecuador

Getting around Ecuador is easier than many expect — just prepare for altitude changes and winding roads.

Buses: Inexpensive and extensive, especially between cities.
Domestic Flights: Needed for Galápagos; optional for Amazon or Cuenca.
Taxis & Ride Apps: Uber works in Quito and Guayaquil.
Rental Cars: Good for exploring Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, or coastal routes.
Ferries: Inter-island transport in the Galápagos is mostly by small speedboats.

Travel Budget & Costs in Ecuador

The travel cost in Ecuador remains low for what you get — especially outside the Galápagos.

Budget: $30–60/day — hostel, bus, street food, self-guided trips
Mid-Range: $80–150/day — boutique stays, guided tours, internal flights
Luxury: $200+/day — Galápagos cruises, private drivers, premium hotels

Sample Costs:

Quito–Cuenca bus: ~$12
Full-day jungle tour from Tena: ~$50
Galápagos ferry ride: $30–35
Cotopaxi entry + guide: ~$25–40
Dinner for two in Cuenca: ~$25

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a year-round destination — weather varies more by altitude than by month.

Andes: Dry season is June–September; wet season is October–May
Coast: Best weather is December–April (dry and sunny)
Amazon: Rainy year-round; driest months are August and December
Galápagos: December–May for calmer seas and lush landscapes; June–Nov for active wildlife

The best time to visit Ecuador depends on your region and travel priorities — wildlife, hiking, or festivals.

Must-See Experiences in Ecuador

These are the most unforgettable things to do in Ecuador — iconic, immersive, and uniquely local.

Stand at the Equator at Mitad del Mundo
Trek to the Quilotoa Crater Lake
Canoe through the Amazon at dawn
Take the Devil’s Nose train ride (when available)
See blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos
Ride the swing at the end of the world in Baños
Shop at Otavalo’s Indigenous craft market
Soak in volcanic hot springs in Papallacta

Book immersive Ecuador tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Ecuador — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in Ecuador

These sample routes show how to experience Ecuador’s highlights in a week or two.

Classic 10-Day Ecuador

Quito → Cotopaxi → Baños → Cuenca

Culture, hiking, thermal baths, and historic cities

7-Day Jungle & Volcano Loop

Quito → Tena (Amazon) → Baños → Quilotoa

Jungle adventure and highland hiking

2-Week Mainland + Islands

Quito → Cotopaxi → Guayaquil → Galápagos Islands

Andes + coast + island wildlife

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Ecuadorian food is comforting, diverse, and deeply regional.

What to Try

Ceviche: Shrimp, lime, and popcorn — served cold and tangy
Locro de Papa: Creamy potato and cheese soup
Hornado: Slow-roasted pork with corn and plantain
Seco de Chivo: Goat stew often served with rice
Guatita: Peanut-based tripe stew (for adventurous eaters)
Empanadas de Viento: Fried cheese turnovers with sugar

Culinary Highlights

Visit food markets in Otavalo and Cuenca
Try chocolate tasting in Mindo or Quito
Eat fresh seafood on the coast or in the Galápagos
Book a cooking class in Quito or Cuenca

Taste your way through Ecuador with family-run restaurants, street carts, and coastal cevicherías.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Ecuador

Ecuador is generally safe, but awareness and respect go a long way.

Safety Tips: Watch belongings on buses; avoid isolated areas at night
Altitude Awareness: Quito and Andes towns are 2,500m+ — hydrate and acclimate slowly
Dress Modestly: Especially in highland towns and churches
Greetings: A handshake or cheek kiss is common
Language: Spanish is spoken everywhere; learn a few basics for rural regions

Where to Go Next – Pair Ecuador with These Destinations

Ecuador pairs beautifully with other South American countries.

Peru: Combine with Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley — flights connect via Lima
Colombia: Easy hop north from Quito or Guayaquil for coastal and coffee region contrast
Chile: For high-altitude deserts and a long coast
Panama: Great stopover with rainforest, city, and canal exploration

Explore more: