The Ultimate Guide to Ecuador Travel

Ecuador is one of the most underrated countries in South America, even though it packs an incredible amount into a relatively small space. You can go from the Amazon rainforest to the Andean peaks to the Pacific coast in just a few hours, and of course, there’s the legendary Galápagos Islands. I found Ecuador to be one of the easiest countries in South America to travel to, with a balance of affordability, natural beauty, and adventure that rivals anywhere else in the world.

When to Visit Ecuador

Because of its location on the equator, Ecuador doesn’t have the traditional four seasons. Instead, you’ll find wet and dry periods that vary by region. In the highlands, the dry season from June to September is best for hiking. On the coast, December to April is sunny and warm, while May to November brings cooler weather and rougher seas. The Galápagos are great year-round, but marine life changes with the currents. December to May has warmer seas, while June to November is better for diving.

Understanding Ecuadorian Culture

Ecuador has a mix of indigenous, mestizo, and Afro-Ecuadorian communities, each with their own traditions and festivals. Markets are a huge part of daily life, especially in towns like Otavalo. Spanish is the main language, but in rural areas you’ll hear indigenous languages like Quechua. Family and community values are strong, and life runs at a slower pace than many travelers might be used to. People are more open than they are in Peru or Bolivia, but not as much as Colombians. It’s almost as if the country were right in the middle.

Brief History

Ecuador’s history stretches back to pre-Columbian civilizations before becoming part of the Inca Empire. Spanish colonization in the 16th century brought major cultural and demographic shifts. Ecuador gained independence in 1822 and later became its own republic in 1830. The country has seen political ups and downs over the years but today is stable, democratic, and welcoming to travelers.

Getting to Ecuador

Most travelers arrive in Quito or Guayaquil by air, with direct flights from major hubs in the Americas. Overland travel is possible from Colombia or Peru, though border crossings can sometimes be slow. It’s also far from some of the hotspot tourist places in each of those countries. If you’re heading to the Galápagos, you’ll need a flight from either Quito or Guayaquil.

Ecuador for First-Timers: Visa, SIM, ATMs, and More

Visa: Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free on arrival. Extensions are possible, but check before overstaying.

Internet: If you want to stay connected across countries or be connected as soon as you enter, I recommend Saily eSIM. But if you’re old school, getting a SIM card is cheap and easy. Claro and Movistar are the main providers.

Money & ATMs: Ecuador uses the US dollar, which makes things simple. The only difference is that they use a lot of coins, which are the same size and value as the American ones, but they are Ecuadorian. ATMs are widely available, though some charge fees. Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacífico are common. Carry small bills for markets and transport. It’s a great place to stock up on some USD before continuing through to other countries in Latin America.

Safety in Ecuador

Ecuador is generally safe for travelers, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in Quito and even more so in Guayaquil. The smaller towns are much safer. The main things that separate Ecuador from other Latin American countries are protests and buses. Protests are common and occasionally disrupt travel, but they’re usually announced ahead of time.

Buses in Ecuador are unlike anywhere I’ve ever experienced. No matter where you go, they are the hotspots for petty theft. I’m not saying people come up and point a gun at you, but they are extremely sneaky at climbing under seats and stealing from your bags. Generally, it’s safe to store your big bag at the bottom of the bus.

But your carry-on with important documents and electronics is where you have to be careful. I’d say to never put it above your head in any country (even if they tell you to!) But in Ecuador, I would tell you not to put it at your feet either. It has to always go on your lap, with your arms over it, no matter what. During my two months in Ecuador, I am not exaggerating when I heard of at least 15 travelers tell me stories of important things getting stolen from their bags (above them, at their feet, you name it).

Overall, if you travel smart and stay alert in urban areas and on buses, Ecuador is a safe and rewarding country to explore.

Ecuador by Region: What to Expect

Ecuador has the most well-defined regions out of any country I’ve written a guide for. Their government even advertises the country as having these 4 distinct regions.

The Andes

The highlands are the heart of Ecuador, stretching from north to south with dramatic mountains and volcanoes. Quito, the capital, is packed with colonial charm and surrounded by mountains, Mindo, and close to Otavalo’s famous market. Further south, Baños is an adventure hub with waterfalls and hot springs, and Cuenca offers cobblestone streets and Inca ruins. This region is also home to epic treks, from the Quilotoa Loop to climbs up Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.

The Amazon

The Amazon basin begins just a few hours east of Quito, making it the easiest country to visit the Amazon. Towns like Tena and Lago Agrio are gateways to multi-day jungle lodges where you can spot monkeys, caimans, and pink river dolphins. Visiting indigenous communities and traveling by dugout canoe are unforgettable experiences. The Amazon is humid, lush, and packed with biodiversity.

The Coast

Ecuador’s Pacific coast offers a totally different vibe. Montañita is famous for surfing and nightlife, while Puerto López is known for whale watching and the nearby Machalilla National Park. Further north, you’ll find fishing villages and quieter beaches, while Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, is a hub for flights and business. The coast is laid-back, hot, and a great place to eat ceviche by the beach.

The Islands (Galápagos)

The Galápagos are Ecuador’s crown jewel, a living museum of evolution that feels completely separate from the mainland. Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela islands are the main bases for independent travelers, each with unique wildlife encounters like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions. Cruises offer access to more remote spots, but even land-based trips give you world-class snorkeling, diving, and hikes. It’s a bucket-list destination, and for good reason.

Getting Around Ecuador

Flights: Useful for long distances, especially to the Galápagos. It’s the only commercial way to get there besides massive cruise ships. Domestic flights also connect Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.

Buses: The backbone of travel in Ecuador. They’re cheap, frequent, and cover almost every destination. Quito and Guayaquil have huge bus terminals with services all over the country. I took several overnight buses to get around, but be extra careful here.

Local Transport: In cities, taxis and Uber is cheap. In smaller towns, expect colectivos (shared taxis) and pickup trucks as local transport.

Major Cultural Events and Festivals

Ecuador has vibrant celebrations throughout the year. Carnival (February/March) is celebrated with water fights and parties. Inti Raymi in June, honors the Inca sun god and is especially big in Otavalo. Quito’s Fiestas de Quito in December fill the capital with parades and music.

Ecuadorian Food You Have to Try

Ecuadorian food varies by region, but here are some highlights:

• Ceviche: Coastal classic made with shrimp or fish in lime juice.
• Encebollado: A hearty fish soup popular on the coast.
• Llapingachos: Fried potato patties stuffed with cheese.
• Chocolate: Ecuador grows some of the best cacao in the world—make sure to sample it.
• Cuy (guinea pig): A traditional Andean delicacy.
• Hornado: Slow-roasted pork, usually served in markets.

Conclusion

Ecuador is small but incredibly diverse, making it one of the best introductions to South America. In just a few weeks, you can explore snowcapped volcanoes, lush Amazon jungle, relaxed beaches, and the legendary Galápagos Islands without spending days on long bus rides. It’s affordable, culturally rich, and easy to navigate, with enough adventure to keep backpackers happy and enough comfort for first-time travelers. Whether you’re climbing Cotopaxi, spotting sea lions in the Galápagos, or wandering through colonial cities, Ecuador packs a punch well beyond its size, and it might just leave you planning your next South American adventure before you’ve even left.