Ecuador Travel Guide
7 reasons to travel to Ecuador
During a trip to Ecuador you will discover all of Latin America rolled up into a single country. Jungle, Andean mountains, sea, endemic fauna, amazing landscapes: Ecuador is a little-known wonder.
- 1Bring home souvenirs from the most beautiful markets.
- 2Go whale watching
- 3Meet with the Amazon tribes
- 4Concentrate the wonders of a whole continent into a single trip.
- 5Discover the wildlife of the Galapagos
- 6Go to latitude 0°
- 7Discover Quito and its colonial beauties
1. Bring home souvenirs from the most beautiful markets.
Take advantage of your trip to Ecuador to visit Otavalo. Every week it is the scene of the most fabulous, the most beautiful, the most typical and the most genuine market of the whole continent. The poncho market is superb. As for the cattle market, it is an absolutely unique living spectacle. All things considered, maybe it is simply the most beautiful market in the world? The question deserves to be asked.
2. Go whale watching
Embark on a boat at Puerto Lopez and go to watch the whales that come here to mate and give birth to their calves. These giants of the sea create a fascinating spectacle that it is impossible to get tired of.
3. Meet with the Amazon tribes
Go to meet the tribes of the Amazon rainforest. Discover their way of life, traditions and beliefs. Culture shock and unforgettable moments are guaranteed.
4. Concentrate the wonders of a whole continent into a single trip.
The Amazon jungle, Andean mountains, the beach near Guayaquil, colonial cities, landscapes of breathtaking beauty - even though it is the smallest country of Latin America, Ecuador brings together all the wonders of a whole continent.
5. Discover the wildlife of the Galapagos
The blue-footed booby, the red-footed booby and the endemic species: the animals of the Galapagos are unique on Earth. A trip to the Galapagos Islands is a voyage to one of the most mythical places imaginable in the life of a traveller.
6. Go to latitude 0°
Mitad del Mundo, the middle of the world, is where the Earth divides into two hemispheres. Walk on the mythical line with one foot in each hemisphere. Hop from the northern to the southern hemisphere. It's very touristy but still a must-see.
7. Discover Quito and its colonial beauties
The second highest capital of the world, Quito shows off the beauties of its colonial legacy. You will be in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities of the continent.
Discover the destination
Why travel to Ecuador?
If you're after an authentic, typically South American holiday, then a trip to Ecuador should be top of your list. If that's not the case and comfort calls, then give it a miss. Even more so if you don't want to learn or speak Spanish.
You should go if...
- You want to walk along the Equator in Ecuador
- You want to wander around some of the best markets on the continent
- You want to discover Amazonian communities
- You want your holiday to be varied
- You love mountains and sea alike
- The Galapagos Islands have always fascinated you
- You want to enjoy the company of an incredibly welcoming people and practise your Spanish along the way!
Customize your perfect trip to Ecuador
Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Ecuador.
All our tours in Ecuador
When to go in Ecuador?
jan
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There is no perfect time of year to to to Ecuador. The weather is so changeable over the course of the year that you can go at any time; it's just a question of luck! The country has two main seasons, a wet season and dry season, which vary according to region. The ocean currents around the Pacific coast and the Galapagos islands mean that they have similar climates: hot and humid from April to June, more agreeable from June to December. The Amazon is very humid all year round, whereas one can tour the Andes whenever one likes, the climate there being more bearable and the heat a little less tropical.
What to see in Ecuador?
Top places to discover.
See all places
Prepare your trip in Ecuador
Here is a little information about Ecuador, which is not the most well known country of South America, but is nonetheless absolutely enchanting.
What documents are needed for traveling to Ecuador?
British nationals only need a passport that is valid for 6 months from the date of entry for a trip to Ecuador lasting less than 3 months. If you are planning to stay longer, a visa is necessary.
Health advise
There is no obligatory vaccination. However, because of the local situation, yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended. Provide for a treatment against malaria for any stay in the Amazon and against mountain sickness for the Andes.
Language
Spanish is the official language and spoken by all the inhabitants. Some Indians speak a sort of Quechua and English is often considered to be the language of the gringos.
Time difference
-6 hr in summer and -5 hr in winter. When it is 12 p.m. in London, it is 6 or 7 a.m. in Quito depending on the season.
Phone and internet connection
Country Code +593
Internet is accessible anywhere in Ecuador from the many internet cafes or hotels.
Electricity
Electrical sockets are 110 volts. You will need an adapter.
Ecuador Embassy in London
Flat 3b, 3 Hans Crescent
London SW1X 0LS
Tel: 0207 584 1367
eecugranbretania@mmrree.gob.ec
British Consul in Ecuador
Citiplaza Building, Naciones Unidas Avenue and Republica de El Salvador, 14 th Floor
Quito
Switchboard: (593) (2)2970 800 / 801
