Ecuador

Q: Is Ecuador safe for solo travelers?

Most travelers visit Ecuador without incident, but you should exercise increased caution in urban areas like Quito and Guayaquil. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common in crowded places like bus terminals and markets. Always use registered transport or app-based services at night and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry in public.

Q: How expensive is a trip to Ecuador?

Ecuador is quite affordable, with an average daily budget of ~$77 covering modest accommodation, local meals, and transport. A filling street food meal or market lunch costs between $3.53–$5.89, while a mid-range dinner for two might be $24–$41. Domestic flights and Galapagos tours are significantly more expensive and require a much larger budget to enjoy fully.

Q: When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

The peak travel seasons are during the drier months of June, July, and August, as well as December and January. However, because the country is on the equator, the weather varies more by altitude and region than by season. The coast is best from January–May for sunny beach days, while the Andes are clearest and driest from June–September.

Q: Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

Most tourists do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. You must have a passport valid for at least six months after your arrival date; you may be asked for proof of onward or return travel. Always check the latest requirements before your trip, as regulations for specific nationalities can occasionally change without much notice.

Q: Is English widely spoken in Ecuador?

English proficiency is moderate and mainly concentrated in the tourism industry, high-end hotels, and major cities like Quito. While you will find English-speaking guides and staff in popular areas, a basic knowledge of Spanish is highly beneficial for navigating local transport, markets, and rural regions. Carrying a translation app is recommended for more complex interactions.

Q: What should I eat in Ecuador?

You must try traditional highland dishes like Locro de papa, a rich potato soup, or the iconic Encebollado fish stew found on the coast. For a more adventurous meal, Cuy asado (roasted guinea pig) is a staple of Andean cuisine. Vegetarians can enjoy Llapingachos (potato patties) and Bolón de verde (plantain dumplings), which are widely available and very affordable.

Q: How do I get around Ecuador?

Ecuador has an extensive and inexpensive bus network that connects almost every town. In the capital, the modern Quito Metro and rapid transit lanes make city travel efficient and fast. For long distances, domestic flights between Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca save significant time, while reaching the Galapagos Islands requires a flight from the mainland as there are no passenger ferries.

Q: Can I drink the tap water in Ecuador?

Tap water in Ecuador is generally unsafe for drinking, so you should stick to bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Most hotels and hostels provide large dispensers of purified water for guests to refill their bottles. Be cautious with ice in drinks and raw salads at cheaper local eateries, as these may have been prepared using untreated tap water.

Q: What is the best way to handle altitude in Quito?

Quito sits at approximately 2,850 meters, and altitude sickness can affect many visitors. To minimize symptoms, stay well-hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol for the first 24 hours, and allow yourself a day of rest before attempting strenuous hikes like the Pichincha volcano. Local remedies like coca tea or mallow tea are often suggested by residents to help with the transition.

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos are significantly more expensive than the mainland, with most travelers spending at least $1,767–$2,945 for a week-long trip. Costs include round-trip flights from the mainland (approx. $412–$589), the National Park entry fee (approx. $118–$236), and the transit control card ($24). Cruising is the most thorough way to see the islands, but land-based island-hopping is a popular budget alternative.

Ecuador is a compact marvel where you can experience four distinct worlds in a single journey: the lush Amazon, the volcanic Andes, the sun-drenched Pacific coast, and the legendary Galapagos Islands. As the home of the Middle of the World, this nation invites you to stand in both hemispheres while surrounded by some of the most concentrated biodiversity on the planet. Its colonial cities, particularly the historic center of Quito, offer a window into the past with gold-leafed cathedrals and cobblestone plazas. Whether you are trekking near snow-capped peaks or sampling fresh coastal seafood, you will find a land of deep indigenous roots and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. It is a destination that proves you do not need to travel far to see the entire world in one place.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1 city

3 guides

$77 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital

Quito

Languages

Spanish, Kichwa, Shuar

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Plug Type

Type A/B (120V, 60Hz)

Driving Side

Right

Dial Code

+593

Entry Requirements

Check requirements →

Time Zone

Mainland: ECT (UTC-5); Galápagos: GALT (UTC-6)

Emergency

911 (Police/Fire/Ambulance via ECU911)

Why Visit Ecuador

Unrivaled Volcanic Landscapes

The Avenue of the Volcanoes features dramatic peaks like Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes at 5,897 meters. You can hike through alpine paramos, gaze at turquoise crater lakes like Quilotoa, and witness the raw power of the Andean cordillera.

The Galapagos Archipelago

Often called a living laboratory of evolution, these islands allow you to walk alongside giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The lack of natural predators makes for intimate wildlife encounters found nowhere else on Earth.

Colonial Heritage and Architecture

Quito and Cuenca boast some of the best-preserved Spanish colonial centers in the Americas, earning them UNESCO World Heritage status. You can explore ornate baroque churches, hidden courtyards, and vibrant plazas that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Immersion in the Amazon Rainforest

Known locally as El Oriente, the Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Deep-jungle lodges provide access to winding rivers where you can spot pink dolphins, macaws, and diverse indigenous communities.

Vibrant Indigenous Markets

Markets like the world-famous Otavalo offer a sensory explosion of hand-woven textiles, traditional music, and local crafts. These gathering spots are essential for experiencing the living traditions and artistry of the Kichwa people.

Exceptional Culinary Diversity

From hearty highland soups made with dozens of potato varieties to zesty ceviches on the coast, the food scene is both affordable and flavorful. You can enjoy a full three-course lunch, known as an almuerzo, for as little as $3.53–$5.89 in local markets.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Ecuador

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Cities & Destinations

Ecuador

Quito

Moderate

From $77 /day

Cost Guide Where to Stay

Regions

The Andes (La Sierra)

This central highland region is defined by dramatic peaks, fertile valleys, and high-altitude cities like Quito. It is the heart of the country's history and culture, offering world-class hiking, indigenous markets, and historic haciendas.

The Amazon (El Oriente)

Covering the eastern half of the country, this region is a vast expanse of tropical rainforest and winding tributaries. Travelers visit for wildlife spotting in Yasuni National Park and cultural exchanges with indigenous groups like the Shuar and Achuar.

The Pacific Coast (La Costa)

Known for its tropical climate and bustling ports like Guayaquil, the coast is a paradise for beach lovers and surfers. Places like Montañita and Puerto López are famous for their relaxed nightlife and humpback whale watching between June and September.

The Galapagos Islands

Located 1,000km off the mainland, this volcanic archipelago is a world unto itself. It is the premier destination for eco-tourism, offering crystal-clear snorkeling, unique volcanic geography, and iconic wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin.

Best Time to Visit

Ecuador is a year-round destination due to its equatorial location, but weather varies significantly by region. The best time for the highlands is the dry season, while the coast and Galápagos are best during the warmer, wetter months.

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan

The peak season coincides with the dry season in the Andes (June–August) and the holiday periods. Expect clear blue skies in Quito, perfect for mountain trekking, and increased wildlife activity in the Galápagos during the year-end holidays.

Shoulder Season

Sep, Oct, Nov

Shoulder season offers a balance of manageable weather and fewer crowds. In the Amazon, this is an ideal time to visit as it is relatively drier, making hiking trails more accessible and wildlife easier to spot.

Off-Peak

Feb, Mar, Apr, May

This is the rainy season in the highlands, characterized by sunny mornings and heavy afternoon downpours. However, this is the best time for the Pacific coast and Galápagos, as the water is warmer and visibility for diving is at its peak.

Getting Around

Ecuador has an extensive bus network and a modern metro system in the capital. While long-distance travel is dominated by buses and domestic flights, inner-city travel in Quito is efficient via rapid transit lanes.

Metro

Quito's Metro Line 1 spans 22km from north to south, connecting 15 stations including the historic center and the Quitumbe terminal. Tickets cost ~$0.53 per trip and provide a fast alternative to the city's heavy street traffic.

Bus

Public buses and BRT systems like the Trolebús and Ecovía are the cheapest transport, with fares around ~$0.41. For intercity travel, executive buses run from major terminals like Quitumbe and Carcelén, costing ~$1.18–$2.36 per hour of travel.

Car

Driving is on the right side of the road. While car rentals are available, navigating mountain roads can be challenging due to steep grades and unpredictable weather. Registered taxi apps like Uber and Cabify are highly recommended for safety and transparent pricing.

Flight

Domestic flights are common for reaching the Galápagos Islands or quickly crossing from Quito to coastal cities like Guayaquil or Manta. LATAM and Avianca are the primary carriers for these routes.

Food & Drink

Ecuadorian cuisine is a reflection of its diverse geography, relying heavily on staples like potatoes, corn, and fresh seafood. Every region has its own specialties, ranging from hearty meat stews in the cold highlands to coconut-infused fish dishes in the tropical coastal areas.

Must Try

Locro de papa

A creamy, thick potato soup served with chunks of fresh cheese and slices of avocado. It is the ultimate comfort food for the cool evenings in the Andean highlands.

Cuy asado

Roasted guinea pig, an ancestral delicacy usually reserved for special occasions or served at traditional markets. It is typically seasoned with garlic and cumin and served with potatoes and corn.

Encebollado

A flavorful fish stew made with albacore tuna, yuca, and plenty of pickled onions. It is considered the national dish and is famously eaten as a breakfast cure for hangovers.

Llapingachos

Pan-seared potato patties stuffed with cheese and served with a peanut sauce. They are often accompanied by chorizo, fried eggs, and salad, making for a very filling meal.

Bolón de verde

Golf-ball-sized dumplings made from mashed green plantains mixed with cheese or crispy pork rinds. They are fried until golden and are a staple breakfast item on the coast.

Ceviche de camarón

Unlike the dry Peruvian version, Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche is served in a citrusy broth with tomato and onion. It is always accompanied by popcorn, chifles (plantain chips), or toasted corn.

Humitas

Steamed corn cakes made from ground fresh corn, eggs, and cheese, wrapped in a corn husk. They are slightly sweet and perfect when paired with a hot cup of coffee.

Canelazo

A hot, spiced alcoholic drink made from cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and aguardiente. It is the traditional way to stay warm during festivals or cold nights in the mountains.

Money & Costs

With an average daily budget of ~$77, Ecuador offers excellent value. Costs for meals and local transport are very low, though prices for imported goods and tours in the Galápagos are significantly higher.

Tipping

In mid-to-high-range restaurants, a 10% service charge is often added to the bill; an additional small tip is appreciated for exceptional service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is standard.

Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants in Quito and Cuenca. However, the economy is heavily cash-reliant, and small shops or local markets rarely accept cards.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in cities via the BanRed network. It is crucial to carry small denominations (~$1.18, ~$5.89, ~$12), as vendors frequently lack change for anything larger than a ~$24 bill.

Culture & Etiquette

Ecuadorian society is generally formal yet warm, with a deep emphasis on family and social respect. Politeness and a slow-paced approach to life, often referred to as 'Ecuadorian time,' are key characteristics of the local culture.

✓

Greet people with a formal 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' when entering shops, elevators, or small restaurants. It is considered basic courtesy and will be warmly returned.

✓

Use the formal 'usted' when speaking to elders or people in positions of authority to show proper respect.

Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet; always use the small bin provided next to the stall to avoid clogging old plumbing systems.

✓

Say 'Buen provecho' to other diners in a restaurant when you arrive or leave their vicinity as a polite gesture.

Don't expect punctuality for social gatherings; arriving 30–60 minutes after the stated time is standard for parties and dinners.

✓

Ask for permission before taking photos of indigenous people, especially in rural markets or villages, as some may find it intrusive.

Do not point at people with a single finger; it is more polite to gesture with your whole hand or a slight nod of the head.

✓

Round up your taxi fare as a simple tip, or leave about 10% in mid-range restaurants if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill.

Safety & Health

Most travelers visit without incident, but exercise increased caution in urban areas and avoid border regions. Petty crime is common in crowded places, and it is advised to use only registered transport at night.

Tap Water

Not safe to drink

Vaccinations

Yellow fever: vaccination is recommended for travel to lowland areas east of the Andes (<2,300m). Ecuador removed the yellow fever certificate entry requirement (effective Aug 28, 2025). Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended for all travelers.

Common Scams

⚠ The 'mustard' or distraction scam where an accomplice stains your clothes and offers to help clean it while pickpocketing you.
⚠ Unregulated taxis that may overcharge or lead to express kidnappings; always use radio-dispatched taxis or apps.
⚠ Fake tour operators offering deep discounts on Galápagos cruises that do not exist.
⚠ Thieves posing as helpful locals in bus terminals who offer to watch your bags while you buy a ticket.

Medical care in Quito and Guayaquil is of high quality in private clinics, but rural areas have limited facilities. High altitude in Quito (2,850m) can cause altitude sickness; travelers should stay hydrated and rest upon arrival.

Language

Spanish is the dominant language used in daily life. English is commonly spoken by staff in the tourism industry and high-end hotels, but a basic knowledge of Spanish is essential for navigating markets and local transport.

English Spoken: Moderately spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning	Local	Pronunciation
Hello / Good morning	Buenos días	bway-nohs dee-ahs
How much does it cost?	¿Cuánto cuesta?	kwan-toh kways-tah
Thank you very much	Muchas gracias	moo-chahs grah-see-ahs
Where is the bathroom?	¿Dónde está el baño?	dohn-day es-tah el bah-nyo
I don't understand	No entiendo	noh en-tyen-doh
Please	Por favor	pohr fah-bohr
Check, please	La cuenta, por favor	lah kwen-tah pohr fah-bohr

Visa & Entry

Ecuador maintains an open-door policy for most nationalities. Most tourists can enter visa-free for short stays; you may be asked for proof of onward/return travel. Health insurance is not required for mainland entry, but foreign tourists visiting the Galápagos should have travel health insurance.

Max Stay

90 days in a 12-month period

Passport Validity

6 months after arrival

Visa-free for

USA, Canada, UK, European Union citizens, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan

Check requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ecuador safe for solo travelers?

Most travelers visit Ecuador without incident, but you should exercise increased caution in urban areas like Quito and Guayaquil. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common in crowded places like bus terminals and markets. Always use registered transport or app-based services at night and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry in public.

How expensive is a trip to Ecuador?

Ecuador is quite affordable, with an average daily budget of ~$77 covering modest accommodation, local meals, and transport. A filling street food meal or market lunch costs between $3.53–$5.89, while a mid-range dinner for two might be $24–$41. Domestic flights and Galapagos tours are significantly more expensive and require a much larger budget to enjoy fully.

When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

The peak travel seasons are during the drier months of June, July, and August, as well as December and January. However, because the country is on the equator, the weather varies more by altitude and region than by season. The coast is best from January–May for sunny beach days, while the Andes are clearest and driest from June–September.

Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

Most tourists do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. You must have a passport valid for at least six months after your arrival date; you may be asked for proof of onward or return travel. Always check the latest requirements before your trip, as regulations for specific nationalities can occasionally change without much notice.

Is English widely spoken in Ecuador?

English proficiency is moderate and mainly concentrated in the tourism industry, high-end hotels, and major cities like Quito. While you will find English-speaking guides and staff in popular areas, a basic knowledge of Spanish is highly beneficial for navigating local transport, markets, and rural regions. Carrying a translation app is recommended for more complex interactions.

What should I eat in Ecuador?

You must try traditional highland dishes like Locro de papa, a rich potato soup, or the iconic Encebollado fish stew found on the coast. For a more adventurous meal, Cuy asado (roasted guinea pig) is a staple of Andean cuisine. Vegetarians can enjoy Llapingachos (potato patties) and Bolón de verde (plantain dumplings), which are widely available and very affordable.

How do I get around Ecuador?

Ecuador has an extensive and inexpensive bus network that connects almost every town. In the capital, the modern Quito Metro and rapid transit lanes make city travel efficient and fast. For long distances, domestic flights between Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca save significant time, while reaching the Galapagos Islands requires a flight from the mainland as there are no passenger ferries.

Can I drink the tap water in Ecuador?

Tap water in Ecuador is generally unsafe for drinking, so you should stick to bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Most hotels and hostels provide large dispensers of purified water for guests to refill their bottles. Be cautious with ice in drinks and raw salads at cheaper local eateries, as these may have been prepared using untreated tap water.

What is the best way to handle altitude in Quito?

Quito sits at approximately 2,850 meters, and altitude sickness can affect many visitors. To minimize symptoms, stay well-hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol for the first 24 hours, and allow yourself a day of rest before attempting strenuous hikes like the Pichincha volcano. Local remedies like coca tea or mallow tea are often suggested by residents to help with the transition.

How much does it cost to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos are significantly more expensive than the mainland, with most travelers spending at least $1,767–$2,945 for a week-long trip. Costs include round-trip flights from the mainland (approx. $412–$589), the National Park entry fee (approx. $118–$236), and the transit control card ($24). Cruising is the most thorough way to see the islands, but land-based island-hopping is a popular budget alternative.

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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