Ecuador doesn’t get enough credit. It has a sibling rivalry going with Peru: similar cultures, history and appearance. But Peru gets all the attention. What’s up with that?! Just because Peru has Machu Picchu (ok, ok, it is pretty impressive). But I think it’s about time Ecuador got the spotlight too.
The country suffered a devastating earthquake in April 2016, and with the Covid-19 pandemic, it could use tourism more than ever. Plus Ecuador is beautiful, safe and packed with awesome things to do.
Mainland Ecuador is divided into 3 different (but equally awesome) geographical regions. Its west coast is a haven for beach bummers and surfers alike, with towns like Montañita and Guayaquil. In its centre, the Andean highlands run from the north to south. This is quintessential Ecuador.
The highlands have volcanoes (30 to be exact), rolling hills, cloud forests and colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca. Just an overall chill vibe there. The third section is Ecuador’s slice of the Amazon (you know, the world’s most famous rainforest). And how could I forget it’s most unique geographical wonder?! The Galapagos Islands.
On mainland Ecuador, there’re tons of grazing alpacas and llamas. I personally think alpacas are cuter than llamas, but that’s just me. You may also be lucky enough to spot the national bird: the Andean condor. They’re like majestic-looking vultures. Ecuador’s cloud forests have ample birdwatching opportunities from hummingbirds to toucans. And then there’s the Amazon: monkeys, jaguars, birds, bats, bugs, and tons of other creatures hang out there.
Ecuador, you’re the coolest. View my travel and backpacking tips and plan a trip today.
Ecuador Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Ecuador Tours
• Search small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Best Things to Do in Ecuador
These are some unmissable destinations and experiences.
Quito is a cultural and vibrant city to explore and somewhere you are likely to visit on any Ecuador itinerary. From the shops, museums and tourist attractions there are more than enough things to keep you busy in the capital of Ecuador.
Ayampe is located on the beautiful Manabí Coast and is a great destination to go surfing, do yoga and enjoy relaxation. If you like nature and beaches, definitely add Ayampe to your itinerary.
Guayaquil is a popular stop off any any Ecuador overland itinerary due to the location being the perfect connecting point to the stunning Pacific beaches and the Galapagos Islands.
Are you keen to travel off the beaten track to somewhere really spectacular and home to some of the most exotic and rare animals species on the planet? Plan a trip to the stunning Galapagos!
Cuenca
Cuenca is the 3rd biggest city in Ecuador after Quito & Guayaquil – it has a very european feel to it with spacious green plazas & beautiful churches. If you travel to Cuenca, you will get your fair share of natural beauty.
Not only is this beautiful colonial town the country’s cultural capital, but it is also just a stone’s throw away from Cajas national park, Baños natural springs and lively towns such as Gualaceo and Chordeleg, famous for their lively markets and beautiful silver jewellery.
Cuenca is close to the southern province of Loja and the small but unforgettable Vilcabamba. The seven hour bus journey is definitely worth it to experience a sun-drenched horse trek down this captivating valley.
A further bus ride south is the riverside town of Loja – a convenient place to stop on your way to gorgeous Vilcabamba but offering little to see.
Villcabamba
Close to the border with Peru is the backpacker haven of Villcabamba – a fantastic place to relax for a few days (or weeks!) before you take on Peru. There are some great places to stay such as the Rumi Wilko eco lodge on the banks of the river. Swimming in the river, walking the mountain paths, horse riding and bargain massages all make this place an Ecuador highlight.
Adrenaline-pumping Activities in Baños
I couldn’t rave about Ecuador without giving a proper shout-out to Baños. No, I’m not talking the Spanish word for ‘bathroom’ (although those come in handy too). Baños is a town in Ecuador chock-full of unreal adrenaline activities. Bungee jumping? Check. White water rafting? Check.
Not to mention biking, canyoning, ziplining, kayaking, paragliding, and ATVing. You’ll feel like a total badass after day one. And if you’re not a fan of adrenaline activities, no fear (literally). You can trade the wild for mild with a visit to the thermal spas, a Pailon del Diablo waterfall hike, or La Casa del Arbol swing.
Work/Volunteer
So many local and international offer rewarding volunteering opportunities in places like Quito, the surrounding area and the Galapagos. What you join depends on your interests, but you could help people, educational efforts and wildlife conservation. Teaching jobs are also popular with foreigners seeking to stay long term in Ecuador.
Ecuador Travel Tips
How Do I Get To Ecuador?
Many airline companies fly directly to Quito from all over the world. Check with a travel agent or use a comparison website for the best prices.
Do I Need a Visa?
Normally TOURISTS from Canada, the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and countries of the European Union do not need to obtain a visa before visiting Ecuador. Upon arrival at the Quito airport, you will get a free 3 month tourist visa. Other nationalities should check visa requirements at the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate.
Weather and the Best Time to Visit
Weather and climate vary with the regions. The coast has its summer from December to April. In the winter temperatures drop but it’s still rainless. In the Andes May to December is the dry season, 20-25°C in the day and cold at night. The rest of the year some rain and a slight temperature drop. The jungle has its dry season from April to October with temperatures up to 35°C. During the rainy season there is heavy rainfall and high humidity
Getting Around
Buses and taxis are the most used transport used in getting around Quito and buses to elsewhere in Ecuador. All local transport is easy and affordable for backpackers on a budget. If you don’t speak Spanish or just want a hassle free trip you might to book a small group tour, several local and international companies offer trips in Ecuador/South America.
What Should I Pack?
Dress codes in Ecuador are very casual. Jeans, khakis and t-shirts are sufficient. I recommend comfortable clothing. One formal outfit might be necessary. Nights in Quito are rather cold; bringing a jacket and sweatshirts is recommended. Shorts are not usually worn in the city of Quito. However, if you plan to be traveling to the coast, bring your beachwear and shorts. Good walking boots and wet-weather gear are essential if you are thinking of doing any serious walking.
Other Important Things to Remember
You must remember to bring your passport to the airport. Other recommended items include a Spanish dictionary, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, guidebook, money belt, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, back-up medicine, and eyeglasses (at least a spare one is highly recommendable) and contact lenses, if applicable.
Do I Need To Speak Spanish?
Knowing at least basic Spanish will really help make travelling in Ecuador easier and more fun. You can get by without it, but its polite to learn at least the basics.
Money and Budget
The national currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar. I recommend bringing one of the following credit cards only: Master Card, Visa and American Express Card. Others are not recognized. If possible, do not bring travellers checks, as they are hard to cash and the commission is very high.
Ecuador is a cheap country in which to visit. A normal personal daily expense, excluding room, laundry and board, ranges between US $5 and US $10. Museums, movies, theaters and discos entrance fees fall within this range. Football game tickets range from $20 to $80. Urban public transport is US$0.25 one-way regardless of distance. A modest hostel costs $6-7 per night in a dormitory room, a regular meal $5, drinks at bars from $1.50 to $5 each.
There are many interesting places to visit in Quito and the country, especially the volcanoes and the jungle. Such excursions cost $30-50 per day. You will spend close to US$1,000 if you visit the Galapagos Islands for a week. There are bus services between the many cities within Ecuador (US$2.50-$12 one way) and airlines that fly between the major cities, to the Amazons and to the Pacific coast for ($60-110 round trip, including taxes).
Is Ecuador Safe?
Tourists are sometimes the target of money scams or theft. However, if you use common sense, you should have no problems. Quito is no more dangerous than many other major cities throughout the world, like New York, London and Rio de Janeiro.
Remember that Ecuador is indeed a peaceful country; foreigners are most welcome at any place. However, you should understand that we, VE, will not be responsible for your personal security or for any legal problem and health situations you may face while volunteering as tourist.
Phonecards and Calling Home
There are many options available for you to maintain contact with your friends and family. There are inexpensive Internet cafes in the cities for sending E-mail (usually $0.80 cents per hour). Long distance calls to the USA costs US $0.20 per minute.
You can purchase phone cards, use an international operator or dial through the Internet to call internationally. Local calls to cellular phones and international calls from your host family home are not permitted, as they are quite expensive. If you have a smart phone with access to wifi you can download free messaging/calling apps such as Whatsapp.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Yes! It is important. Buy with an insurance company before you leave and I highly recommend you taking out at least a basic insurance covering yourself for accidents, health and your property.
Do I Need Any Vaccinations?
Vaccinations to prevent tropical diseases are highly recommended. Malaria tablets are very cheap in Ecuador, about $0.05 each. Do not buy them in your home country, where they may cost $50 or more for 15 tablets.
Shopping
Ecuador is great for shopping. It has tons of markets to buy rugs, trinkets, wood carvings, instruments, clothes… pretty much whatever you could hope for. For real. The market in Otavalo is the main shopping hub and on Saturdays it’s in full effect.
A little overwhelming, but you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. It’s HUGE. Look out for cool textiles, Panama hats that Ecuadorians often wear, bags, and sweaters with Andean-inspired prints. There’re even socks with little llamas on them (a.k.a. the best socks ever).
Food & Drink
In South America, Peru always gets the attention when it comes to food. Like c’mon, guys! Ecuador has most of the same tasty Andean eats, but with a slew of unique dishes too.
For most Ecuadorians, the basic foods are rice, potatoes, and cassava – a starchy tuber – with fish or meat and a wide variety of fruit. Some fruits are familiar, such as bananas, pineapples, oranges, and avocados and others are less well known, such as sweet custard apples and passion fruit. Fish is popular in coastal areas and in the eastern lowlands.
Favorite fish dishes are ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lemons or limes and served with onions and chili peppers, and corvine, similar to cod, which is fried or grilled. Other popular seafood dishes include squid, shrimp, mackerel, and snapper. Large catfish found in rivers in the Amazon are occasionally used to make soups.
Soups are some of the most popular and nutritious dishes in the highlands and include many vegetables combined with pieces of pork, chicken, or beef. Many soups are more like stews. Sancocho, for example, is made with green plantains and corn, while mazamorra is a thick soup of ground corn, with cabbage, potatoes, onions, and spices. Corn is another popular food, often eaten on the cob. Potatoes, which tend to come with everything, are also cooked as potato cakes with cheese.
You need to try the delicious seafood ceviches, but with popcorn on top. Because Ecuadorians thought, ‘why the heck not’? They just do their thing. Fritada, a popular and tasty fried pork dish, is another must to try. Also expect to eat lots of plantains. LOTS. And prepare your stomach for other delicious dishes like yucca, seafood, empanadas, and humitas/tamales. Please excuse my salivating.
Religion in Ecuador
Ecuador is a predominantly Catholic country. People of the Catholic faith support most of the non-governmental organizations’ work.
Health
The most important sickness the tourists get on the coastal line is stomach ache. The main reason could be not well boiled food. You also have to be careful with the water you drink. Its recommend drinking only bottled or boiled water.
In the Andes, the main sickness is the soroche (altitude sickness), which is the reason why its recommend drinking a lot of water and acclimatizing some days before start driving trough the Andes.
In the jungle you’ll need a vaccine of yellow fever, recommendable is 10 days before arriving at the jungle. You may also ask your doctor about the possibilities of taking a vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid, polio or hepatitis.
How Can I Learn More About Ecuador?
I recommend buying a guidebook for your trip, such as Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador by Rob Rachowiecki and Mark Thurber, or Lonely Planet’s Ecuador and the Galapagos. The most comprehensive one, sold everywhere in the USA and Europe, is Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands by Rob Rachowiecki.