Ecuador

Enchanting landscapes – Rich history and culture – Stunning biodiversity – Culturally rich – Breath taking Nature – Vibrant

Enchanting landscapes, Rich history and culture, Stunning biodiversity, Culturally rich, Breath taking Nature & Vibrant

Like the beach? Ecuador has some of the best in South America. Whether you want to chill out in the quiet villages of Ayampe and Mompiche or get your party hat on and learn to surf in Montañita, there is literally something for everyone.

More of an adventure junkie? Well, strap on your safety hat and summit Cotopaxi! Not quite up to that? Just make it to 5000m and you can cycle down it! Then head to Baños for a few days rappelling down waterfalls, white water rafting or just go get a picture on that swing!

But if you’re looking for Ecuador’s best colonial city, you’ll love Cuenca and its pretty streets; you may even snaffle yourself a real Panama hat.

But our number one tip? Make sure you bring your hiking shoes and tackle the Quilotoa Loop – you can thank us later.

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The Land of the Incas and Natural Wonders

Ecuador is famous for being home to the Galápagos Islands, but there’s much more to the fourth-smallest nation in South America. From its historic links to the ancient Inca to unusual modern-day exports.

Furthermore, the country is gifted with a coastline full of cozy beaches, a mesmerising mountain range (the Andes pass through Ecuador from North to south, splitting the country in half), the Rainforest with is part of the Amazonian wildlife, and finally the dreamy Galapagos, which are a quick flight away.

When to visit?

The Best Time To Visit: July-August
High Season: June – September
Low Season: December – May
April – June (Fall), July – August (Winter), September – October (Spring), November – March (Summer)
June to September is the peak season to visit Ecuador and at this time the crowds can be quite dense, particularly in major touristic cities and on the Galapagos Islands. The shoulder season between October and November is a great time to visit when the weather is generally quite pleasant (aside from some showers) and the temperature is more mild (a little cool in the highlands).

DEC – MARCH • Summer • 29 °C
JUNE – SEPT • Winter • 27 °C

What to see?

Local attractions: These are our favourite places and hidden gems throughout Ecuador.

The Galápagos Islands
Named for the giant tortoises on the islands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences. Consequently, a visit to this unspoiled region offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see a variety of rare creatures both on land and in the surrounding seas.
Quito: Ecuador’s Historic Andean Capital
Set high in the Andes, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is filled with well-preserved examples of colonial architecture and is the largest historic centre in South America. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many old churches, beautiful public squares, and world-class museums.
Exploring the Amazon’s Upper Reaches in Tena
Tena is Ecuador's cinnamon capital. Its highlights include jungle excursions into the Amazon, river journeys, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking down the Tena, Misahualli, and Napo Rivers. There is also a superb pedestrian bridge and tower high above the Tena River which offer great views of the city.
Cotopaxi and Cajas National Parks
Two of Ecuador's most popular national parks, Cotopaxi and Cajas, are within easy driving distances from the cities of Cuenca and Quito and make wonderful day trips. Of the two, Cotopaxi National Park (Parque Nacional Cotopaxi), just 50 kilometers south of Quito, is perhaps the best known.
The Hot Springs of Baños
Located at the western edge of the Amazon basin, Baños is nestled among dense jungle-like forests and offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking and mountain biking. Not only that, it also offers mineral-rich hot springs and many waterfalls. Some of these beautiful waterfalls are easily accessible from the town.
Otavalo Market
In a pleasant valley surrounded by mountains lies the picturesque town of Otavalo. The town's big attraction is its excellent market, one of the largest in South America, where locals and tourists alike come to buy colourful locally made rugs and blankets, sweaters, bags, and other wool products made by the Indigenous Otavaleños people.
The Galápagos Islands
Named for the giant tortoises on the islands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences. Consequently, a visit to this unspoiled region offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see a variety of rare creatures both on land and in the surrounding seas.
Quito: Ecuador’s Historic Andean Capital
Set high in the Andes, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is filled with well-preserved examples of colonial architecture and is the largest historic centre in South America. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many old churches, beautiful public squares, and world-class museums.
Exploring the Amazon’s Upper Reaches in Tena
Tena is Ecuador's cinnamon capital. Its highlights include jungle excursions into the Amazon, river journeys, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking down the Tena, Misahualli, and Napo Rivers. There is also a superb pedestrian bridge and tower high above the Tena River which offer great views of the city.
Cotopaxi and Cajas National Parks
Two of Ecuador's most popular national parks, Cotopaxi and Cajas, are within easy driving distances from the cities of Cuenca and Quito and make wonderful day trips. Of the two, Cotopaxi National Park (Parque Nacional Cotopaxi), just 50 kilometers south of Quito, is perhaps the best known.
The Hot Springs of Baños
Located at the western edge of the Amazon basin, Baños is nestled among dense jungle-like forests and offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking and mountain biking. Not only that, it also offers mineral-rich hot springs and many waterfalls. Some of these beautiful waterfalls are easily accessible from the town.
Otavalo Market
In a pleasant valley surrounded by mountains lies the picturesque town of Otavalo. The town's big attraction is its excellent market, one of the largest in South America, where locals and tourists alike come to buy colourful locally made rugs and blankets, sweaters, bags, and other wool products made by the Indigenous Otavaleños people.

How about the accommodation?

Ecuador offers a variety of accommodation options, from hostels to five-star hotels, to traditional, modern, or eclectic lodges or haciendas. Choose whatever suits your style, needs, or budget. Special places like haciendas and lodges of the Amazon Rainforest offer exceptional adventure and exploration opportunities, as well as spa resorts with ethnic treatments and hot spring pools. Visitors can use the “Find Accommodation By” option to ease the selection process. Ecuador has a TAX REFUND policy for tourists on accommodation expenses.

ways to get around

Ecuador’s inexpensive and generally reliable buses are the country’s preferred form of public transport, and trundle along just about anywhere there’s a road. By contrast, the train network covers only a small fraction of the country.

Plane

Traveling by air is a good option in Ecuador — it’s often the safest and most affordable way to travel.

Boat

This is a considerably more expensive option than flying, but it’s also much more scenic and allows you to see more wildlife on your way to the islands.

Bus

Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador. You can find bus routes between every major city.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Quito. You should only take registered taxis. If you take an unregistered taxi, you have a much higher risk of being robbed or cheated.

ways to get around

Ecuador’s inexpensive and generally reliable buses are the country’s preferred form of public transport, and trundle along just about anywhere there’s a road. By contrast, the train network covers only a small fraction of the country.

Plane

Traveling by air is a good option in Ecuador — it’s often the safest and most affordable way to travel.

Boat

This is a considerably more expensive option than flying, but it’s also much more scenic and allows you to see more wildlife on your way to the islands.

Bus

Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador. You can find bus routes between every major city.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Quito. You should only take registered taxis. If you take an unregistered taxi, you have a much higher risk of being robbed or cheated.

travel tips

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do in Ecuador:

  • Download an earthquake app – these are usually free and will tell you when one is kicking off near you. Good to know.
  • Don’t go around flashing your bling – you’ll just make yourself a magnet for people who want your cash.
  • Keep a copy of your passport and entry stamp on you – it’s the law, actually.
  • Don’t trek in the rainforest by yourself.
  • Take care of high altitudes – even the capital is 2,850m above sea level! As a rule of thumb, anything above 3,000m requires extra acclimatization.
  • Get vaccinations – Yellow Fever is rife in Oriente Region. You’ll want some malaria medication, too. Check to see what else you’ll need.
  • Speak Spanish – even just the very basic stuff. Helps you get around, order food, ask for directions, be friendly to locals, etc.
  • Download an earthquake app – these are usually free and will tell you when one is kicking off near you. Good to know.
  • Don’t go around flashing your bling – you’ll just make yourself a magnet for people who want your cash.
  • Keep a copy of your passport and entry stamp on you – it’s the law, actually.
  • Don’t trek in the rainforest by yourself.
  • Take care of high altitudes – even the capital is 2,850m above sea level! As a rule of thumb, anything above 3,000m requires extra acclimatization.
  • Get vaccinations – Yellow Fever is rife in Oriente Region. You’ll want some malaria medication, too. Check to see what else you’ll need.
  • Speak Spanish – even just the very basic stuff. Helps you get around, order food, ask for directions, be friendly to locals, etc.
man looking out into body of water

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