Ecuador Travel Guide

What is Ecuador known for?

Ecuador is known for its remarkable geographic and cultural diversity. Indigenous communities, Spanish colonial cities, Andean mountains, cloud forests, Amazon rainforest and Pacific beaches can all be experienced within a relatively compact country.

Ecuador is especially famous for the Galapagos Islands, colorful craft markets, dramatic volcano landscapes and historic cities such as Quito and Cuenca.

What are the best places to visit in Ecuador?

Visitors often combine Quito and Guayaquil with the Galapagos Islands, while inland destinations provide access to volcanoes, indigenous markets, cloud forests and the Amazon basin.

• Galapagos Islands for wildlife and volcanic landscapes
• Quito for colonial architecture, museums and Andean scenery
• Guayaquil for waterfront culture and access to the Pacific coast
• Cotopaxi National Park for volcano scenery and outdoor activities
• Cuenca for colonial architecture and Incan heritage
• Banos and Coca for adventure travel and Amazon access

How many days should I spend in Ecuador?

We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on the regions included in your itinerary. Travelers combining mainland Ecuador with the Galapagos Islands should allow enough time for flights and island transfers.

Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.

What is the best way to get around Ecuador?

Air travel and private transfers are especially useful in Ecuador because mountainous terrain can make overland travel slower than expected. Flights connect Quito and Guayaquil with several domestic destinations and the Galapagos Islands.

What currency is used in Ecuador?

Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency. The country also circulates locally minted centavo coins alongside U.S. coins, so travelers arriving with U.S. dollars do not need to exchange currency.

Do people speak English in Ecuador?

Spanish is Ecuador’s official language. English is more commonly encountered in Quito, Guayaquil, the Galapagos Islands and major tourism areas, but basic Spanish phrases can be useful when traveling elsewhere in the country.

When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

Ecuador can be visited throughout the year, although weather varies significantly between the Andes, Pacific coast, Amazon basin and Galapagos Islands. Elevation often affects temperature more than the calendar.

December through April generally corresponds with Ecuador’s wetter period, but these months often bring milder temperatures and periods of blue sky between showers.

Is tipping customary in Ecuador?

Tipping practices vary according to the type of service. Restaurants, hotels, tour guides and transportation providers may all follow different customs, so travelers should check whether a service amount has already been included.

What currency should I use?

Ecuador officially uses the U.S. dollar, so travelers arriving from the United States do not need to exchange currency for normal purchases or gratuities.

Gratuities should reflect the service received and whether service has already been included in the price.