Ecuador Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Is a vacation in Ecuador worth it?

Absolutely! Especially if you don’t have a lot of time for your South America trip. Ecuador is a small country, but it packs in the full diversity of South America and makes a fantastic off-the-beaten-path destination.

Beaches along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, beautiful cities like Cuenca and Quito, and impressive volcanoes in the highlands. Part of the country is also Amazon territory. And let’s not forget the stunningly beautiful Galápagos Islands!

Aside from a few well-known highlights in Ecuador, it’s also a pretty affordable destination — so you can easily explore Ecuador on a tight budget.

Getting to Ecuador

There are currently no direct flights to Ecuador from most of Europe. You’ll need to plan for at least one layover. Most flights connect through Madrid, Bogotá, Cancún, or Miami. Here you’ll find all our tips on connecting through the USA.

Alternatively, you can fly directly to Ecuador from Amsterdam. Another option is to combine your Ecuador trip with a visit to Peru and fly into Lima first.

The largest international airport in Ecuador is the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre in Quito (UIO). From Quito, you can easily reach anywhere in the country.

We always search for flights on Skyscanner — that’s where we find the best connections and prices.

Search flights on Skyscanner

Entry into Ecuador

Entering Ecuador is straightforward. All you need is a passport valid for at least six more months. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

When we arrived, we were asked how long we planned to stay and where we’d be sleeping. Other than that, the process was quick. We didn’t have to show proof of onward travel — though your experience may vary.

Always check the latest entry requirements from your country’s foreign affairs office before you travel, as regulations can change.

Payments and Currency in Ecuador

The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar (USD). One euro is worth about 1.10 USD, though the exchange rate fluctuates regularly.

Cash is king at most accommodations, restaurants, and small shops — we almost never paid by card. Make sure you always have enough cash on hand.

The bank with the lowest ATM fees in Ecuador is Banco Guayaquil, which charges 1.50 USD per transaction.

Tipping in Ecuador

Tipping is not customary among locals in Ecuador, but at some tourist-oriented restaurants a service charge is already included in the bill — in that case, you don’t need to leave anything extra.

We’d still recommend leaving a small tip when it’s not included. Prices are generally so low that it won’t make a dent in your budget, and people genuinely appreciate it. Around 10 percent is a fair amount.

Costs in Ecuador

Ecuador is overall a very affordable destination. That said, costs can add up quickly if you head to the Galápagos Islands — flights there run around 250 USD, and the national park entrance fee is 100 USD.

Accommodation and food on the mainland, though, are seriously cheap. A hostel bed usually costs less than 10 USD, and you can get a double room in a basic hotel for just under 30 USD. More comfort will naturally cost more.

A lunch at a typical local restaurant costs about 5 USD. A freshly squeezed juice runs around 1 USD.

Since Ecuador is compact, you can skip domestic flights for most routes and get around by bus instead. From Quito to Cuenca by bus takes about seven hours and costs around 15 USD.

Accommodations in Ecuador

As mentioned above, places to stay in Ecuador are affordable — and that’s even true on the Galápagos Islands, which tend to be pricier overall. If you want peace of mind, book your hotels online in advance. But it’s usually no problem to find somewhere on the spot either.

Basic hotels in Ecuador are called hostals. They’re nothing fancy, but perfectly fine when you’re out exploring all day. For more comfort, you’re better off booking a proper hotel.

Here are our hotel picks for the three most popular destinations in Ecuador:
Quito: Friends Hotel & Rooftop

Cuenca: Hostal Suite Le Fabrique

Galápagos: Hotel Galapagos Suites B&B

Safety in Ecuador

Ecuador is currently a destination that requires extra caution. The political situation is tense, and the security situation has deteriorated in recent years.

Some areas are very dangerous, while others are pretty relaxed.

The Galápagos Islands remain very safe, for example. Crime is also quite low in the mountain regions around towns like Baños or Riobamba.

Things are more serious in major cities and along the coast — Guayaquil in particular, and the Esmeraldas region, are dangerous. We’d currently advise against traveling to these areas.

Travel overland only during daylight hours, and at night we’d recommend staying in as much as possible. That goes for Quito too.

Never leave your bag unattended. Theft is common in Ecuador, often when you least expect it.

Nothing happened to us during our time in Ecuador and we always felt safe — but we were careful to avoid dangerous areas and follow all safety advisories.

Read our full guide to safety in South America

Getting Around in Ecuador

The infrastructure in Ecuador is decent. You can get just about anywhere by bus, though the roads are often bumpy and journeys take longer than you’d expect.

Since Ecuador is a small country, you can largely skip domestic flights. The only real exception is the Galápagos Islands, which you reach by plane from Quito or Guayaquil.

For most travelers, the bus is the go-to way to get around. Here’s a quick overview of popular routes and prices:

• Cuenca – Quito: 7 hours (15 USD)
• Quito – Guayaquil: 7 hours (12 USD)
• Quito – Cuaybeno: 8 hours (25 USD)
• Quito – Baños: 3 hours (4 USD)
• Huayaquilla – Cuenca: 5 hours (9 USD)
• Quito – Montanita: 9 hours (20 USD)

Language and Communication in Ecuador

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish.

Most Ecuadorians don’t speak English. At tourist hotspots you’ll usually find someone who knows a little, but we’d strongly recommend picking up some basic Spanish before your trip to Ecuador. Even a few phrases go a long way.

Ecuador also has several indigenous languages, with Quechua being the most widely spoken.

SIM Cards, Internet & Power Outlets

We recommend grabbing a local SIM card for your time in Ecuador. You’ll have Wi-Fi at your accommodation, but it’s not always reliable.

Cell coverage is good in most parts of the country, though it varies by provider. For the best data speeds, go with Claro. Other solid options are CNT and Movistar. Buy SIM cards directly at the provider’s stores for the smoothest experience — though you can also pick them up at the airport, kiosks, or small electronics shops. With Claro, a package with 15 GB costs around 15 USD per month.

An eSIM is also a great alternative — you can set it up before you even leave home.

You’ll also need a travel adapter for Ecuador. The country uses plug types A and B, which are the same as in the US and Canada, so North American travelers won’t need an adapter.

Best Time to Visit and Time Zones in Ecuador

The good news: you can visit Ecuador any time of year. Temperatures stay fairly consistent thanks to the country’s position on the equator. In the highlands, daytime temps hover around 59–68°F (15–20°C), in the Amazon around 86°F (30°C), and along the coast about 77°F (25°C).

Overall, September through November is our favorite window for planning a trip to Ecuador. During this period, you’ll get good weather across almost all regions.

The best time for the highlands (Quito, Cuenca) is June through October — the driest months and ideal for climbing a volcano like Chimborazo.

The Amazon region is worth visiting year-round — hot and humid always. The heaviest rains fall from December through February.

For the coast, we actually recommend the rainy season from November through April. Surf conditions are better, it’s warmer, and showers are usually brief. During the dry season, the sky tends to be overcast.

The best time for the Galápagos Islands is December through May, when it’s warmest. That said, the incredible wildlife can be spotted year-round.

Time Zone in Ecuador

Ecuador operates on Ecuador Time (ECT), which is UTC−5 — the same as US Eastern Standard Time. Ecuador does not observe daylight saving time.

Food and Drink in Ecuador

We really enjoyed the food in Ecuador. It’s not quite on the level of Peru, but noticeably more varied than in, say, Colombia.

Typical Dishes in Ecuador

• Ceviche: The most popular is Ceviche de Camarón (shrimp ceviche)
• Llapingachos: Fried potato patties
• Cuy asado: Grilled guinea pig
• Mote pillo: Corn with egg, garlic, and onions
• Encebollado: Fish soup
• Fritada: Pork cooked in water and orange juice
• Chaulafán: Fried rice (similar to Asian-style fried rice)
• Guatita: Meat in peanut and potato sauce
• Hornado: Slow-roasted pork
• Locro de papa: Potato soup
• Bolones de verde: A type of dumpling — a traditional breakfast staple

Typical Drinks in Ecuador

• Colada morada: Corn drink with fruit
• Canelazo: Hot alcoholic drink with a cinnamon flavor
• Morocho con leche: Drink made from corn and milk

Tap Water in Ecuador

Tap water in Ecuador is not safe to drink. Many accommodations have large drinking water jugs you can refill from, which helps cut down on plastic waste.

Vaccinations and Illnesses

There are no mandatory vaccinations for Ecuador. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, dengue fever, Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever.

The Amazon region is also a malaria zone. If you’re planning to travel there, talk to your doctor before your trip about what precautions make sense for you.

Protecting yourself from mosquitoes is important throughout Ecuador, as they can transmit a range of diseases. Always pack mosquito repellent, and in some areas it’s best to sleep under a mosquito net.

Food poisoning can unfortunately happen. Stick to bottled or filtered water, be cautious with street food, and always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly.

The public healthcare system in Ecuador is mediocre — public hospitals are not particularly well-equipped. Private clinics are significantly better, so if you need treatment, go private if you can.

Before your trip, make sure you have solid travel health insurance. Medical bills in Ecuador typically need to be paid on the spot, and insurance lets you get reimbursed afterward. Don’t skip this.