Ecuador travel guide
Ecuador packs the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific coast and the Galapagos into a country smaller than many of its neighbours. In a single trip you can walk the cobbled lanes of colonial Cuenca, haggle at the Otavalo market, soak in the hot springs of Baños and snorkel with sea lions among the Galapagos Islands. Few places pack so much variety into such short distances. Choosing between regions is part of the pleasure. The highlands offer volcanoes, craft towns and cloud forest at Mindo, the coast brings the port city of Guayaquil and the surf of Montañita, and the Amazon basin lies to the east. The Galapagos, reached from Puerto Ayora or other island bases, are a trip in themselves. The highlands are generally driest from June to September, while the Galapagos are warm and wet from December to May. Ecuador suits wildlife lovers, hikers and curious independent travellers, and you can plan the itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Quito.
Before you go to Ecuador
- Currency
- USD $
- Emergency number
- 911
- Plug type
- Type A, B
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express (limited), Diners Club (limited)
- ATM fees
- USD 1-5 per withdrawal plus your home-bank foreign fee
Cities in Ecuador
- Puerto Ayora The main town of the Galapagos Islands on Santa Cruz, base for visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, the…
- Quito Ecuador's Andean capital at 2,850 m, home to one of Latin America's best-preserved colonial Old Towns (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and…
- Cuenca A UNESCO-listed colonial city in the southern Andes at 2,560 m, famed for its blue-domed New Cathedral, cobbled streets, riverside walks…
- Guayaquil Ecuador's largest city and main Pacific port, known for the riverside Malecón 2000, the colourful Las Peñas hill and Santa Ana lighthouse,…
- Montañita A bohemian Pacific surf town on the Santa Elena coast, known for consistent point-break waves, a lively backpacker nightlife, beach bars…
- Baños de Agua Santa Ecuador's adventure-sports capital, a small town wedged in a green gorge below the Tungurahua volcano. Famous for waterfalls along the Ruta…
- Otavalo An indigenous market town in the northern Andes, home to South America's largest artisan craft market (Plaza de Ponchos), surrounded by…
- Mindo A cloud-forest village in the Andean foothills northwest of Quito, one of the world's top birdwatching spots (hummingbirds,…
Frequently asked questions about Ecuador
- What currency is used in Ecuador?
- The currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar ($). $1 is about ₹95.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Ecuador?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (limited), Diners Club (limited). Typical ATM fees: USD 1-5 per withdrawal plus your home-bank foreign fee. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Ecuador?
- Tipping in Ecuador: optional. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Ecuador?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Ecuador use?
- Ecuador uses Type A, B plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Ecuador?
- Emergency: 911. Police: 911. Ambulance: 911. Tourist helpline: 1800-887-674.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Ecuador?
- SIM and eSIM available in Ecuador.
- What is the capital of Ecuador?
- The capital of Ecuador is Quito. Time there: IST - 10 h 30 min.