Ecuador
Travel guide & places to visit in South America
- Capital
- Quito
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Language
- Spanish (official), Quechua, Shuar
- Best time
- June, July, August
About Ecuador
Upper-middle-income economy. Oil, bananas, shrimp, cacao, flowers. Uses US Dollar. Galapagos tourism.
Geography
Area: 283,561 sq km
- • Tropical coast, temperate highlands, jungle east
- • Galapagos: arid tropical
Government
Type: presidential republic
Capital: Quito
Economy
GDP: $115.5 billion
Per Capita: $6,300
Demographics
Population: 18,190,484
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua, Shuar
Religions: Catholic 74%, Evangelical 10%
Explore Ecuador's Regions
Discover 24 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in Ecuador
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
cableway
Quito cable car
Ecuador
lake
Mojanda lake
Ecuador
church
New Cathedral of Cuenca
Ecuador
nationalpark
Cotopaxi
Ecuador
Basilica of the National Vow
Ecuador
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
Ecuador
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +593
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
universal: 911
Practical Info
Electricity: 120V / 60Hz / Type A, B
Driving: Right
Water: Bottled only
Tipping
- • 10% in restaurants
- • $2-5 for guides per day
- • Not expected in taxis
When to Visit Ecuador
Best Months
June, July, August, September, December, January
Peak Season
Jun-Sep (highlands dry), Dec-Jan (Galapagos warm)
Off Season
Mar-May (rainy season mainland)
- Feb
Carnival (nationwide water fights)
- Jun
Inti Raymi (Sun Festival in highlands)
- Nov
Day of the Dead celebrations
- Dec
Quito Fiestas
Top Destinations in Ecuador
- 1Galapagos Islands
- 2Quito (historic center, UNESCO)
- 3Cuenca (colonial charm)
- 4Amazon rainforest
- 5Banos (adventure capital)
- 6Otavalo market
- 7Cotopaxi volcano
- 8Montanita (surf town)
- 9Mindo cloud forest
- 10Avenue of the Volcanoes
- 11Quilotoa crater lake
Cultural Tips
- Ecuador is incredibly diverse — coast, highlands, Amazon, and Galapagos in one small country
- Panama hats are actually Ecuadorian — from Montecristi
- Ecuadorians are warm and will call everyone mi amor or amigo
- Guinea pig (cuy) is a traditional highland delicacy
- Altitude in Quito (2,850m) can affect you — take it easy first day
- US Dollar is official currency — no need to exchange money
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the Galapagos cost?
Expensive: $200-500/day on a cruise, $100-200/day island-hopping independently. Park entrance: $100. Flight from mainland: $300-500 RT. Budget at least $1,500 for a week.
How many days for Ecuador?
Minimum 2 weeks: Quito (2-3 days), highlands (3-4 days), Amazon (3-4 days), Galapagos (5-7 days). Without Galapagos: 10 days is enough.
Is Ecuador safe?
Tourist areas are generally safe. Exercise caution in Guayaquil and Quito south. Galapagos is very safe. Ecuador has had security issues recently — check travel advisories.
What to Buy in Ecuador
Countries Bordering Ecuador - Cross-Border Travel Guide
Plan seamless cross-border travel to countries bordering Ecuador. Discover visa requirements, border crossings, and multi-destination trip opportunities.
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