✅ Must Do: Wildlife-watch in the Galápagos Islands
✅ Must Eat: Ceviche de camarón (shrimp ceviche)
✅ Bring Home: Panama hat (made in Montecristi, not Panama)
🧠 Trivia: Mt. Chimborazo’s summit is the point on Earth closest to the sun because of the Earth’s equatorial bulge.
Yodl's Expert Travel Advisors Know How to Experience Ecuador
Our Expert Insights for Your Ecuador Vacation
From snorkeling with sea lions to capturing award-winning photos, this is how to do the Galápagos the “National Geographic” way.
Whether you’re looking to snorkel with playful sea lions in the Galápagos or stand atop the equator during a vibrant Andean solstice, find the perfect window for your Ecuadorian journey.
The Galápagos is a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. Do you prefer warm tropical waters for snorkeling, or cooler currents teeming with marine life?
From the jagged peaks of the Chilean Andes and the steamy Amazon basin to the rhythmic streets of Rio, find the perfect window for your South American vacation.
With Expertise In Ecuador Travel
Not Everything You Need to Know, But a Good Place to Start
Ecuador’s climate varies significantly by region. For the Andes and the Galápagos Islands, the dry season from June to September is generally considered the best time to visit. For the Amazon rainforest and the coastal areas, the drier months of July to December are ideal. The wet season from October to April can bring heavy rainfall.
Read our season-by-season guide on choosing the right time to visit Ecuador.
To enter Ecuador, you need a valid passport. Citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Upon arrival in the Galápagos Islands, all non-resident visitors must pay a $100 USD national park entrance fee in cash.
Ecuador’s official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). This makes it easy for American travelers. You will primarily use U.S. dollars for all transactions, but it’s a good idea to have small bills and change on hand for smaller purchases and markets.
Ecuador has a comprehensive and affordable bus network for long-distance travel. For a more comfortable and direct journey, private shuttles are a popular option. In major cities like Quito and Guayaquil, taxis and rideshare apps are widely available. To reach the Galápagos Islands, you must take a domestic flight from either Quito or Guayaquil.
Ecuador is a very affordable destination, with the exception of the Galápagos Islands, which can be expensive. On the mainland, a mid-range daily budget for a couple can range from $80 to $200. The cost of a Galápagos cruise can be significantly higher, depending on the ship and length of the tour.
Ecuador is an excellent destination for cruising, especially if you are interested in a Galápagos Islands cruise. A cruise is often considered the best way to see the islands, as it allows you to visit more remote islands and provides an immersive experience with guided excursions and on-board naturalists.
The main ports for Galápagos cruises are located in the islands themselves: Baltra Island, San Cristóbal Island, and Santa Cruz Island. To reach these ports, you will fly from the mainland cities of Quito or Guayaquil to one of the islands’ airports.
While many people in tourist areas speak some English, knowing some Spanish is very helpful.
In restaurants, a service charge of 10% is often included in the bill. If it is, no additional tip is necessary. For tour guides and drivers, it is customary to offer a tip for good service.
Yes, many of Ecuador’s most popular destinations, including Quito, are at high altitudes. Altitude sickness can affect anyone. It’s crucial to take it easy on your first few days, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol to help your body acclimate.
The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago renowned for their unique and fearless wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. The islands and their diverse species inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Visitors can get up close with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.
The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a stunning 200-mile stretch of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. This corridor is lined with more than a dozen snow-capped volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The landscape is dotted with picturesque farmlands and indigenous villages.
The Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument marks the location of the equatorial line. While GPS technology has since found the true equator to be slightly different, the monument is a popular tourist attraction where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern.
The Devil’s Nose (Nariz del Diablo) is one of the most remarkable feats of railway engineering. Located in the Andes, the train descends an incredibly steep, mountainous terrain by using a series of switchbacks, moving forward and then backward to navigate the sheer rock face. It offers a thrilling ride and a look into the country’s railway history.
The Otavalo Market is one of the largest and most famous indigenous markets in South America. Held every Saturday, the market is a vibrant display of indigenous culture, with locals selling hand-woven textiles, beautiful art, and handcrafted jewelry. It is a central part of the local economy and a testament to the enduring traditions of the Otavalo people.
The Quilotoa Loop is a popular multi-day trek that takes you through a unique landscape of rural villages and stunning scenery. The highlight is the turquoise, volcanic Quilotoa Crater Lake, located inside an inactive volcano. The trek offers an immersive experience into the local indigenous culture and the chance to see a more authentic side of the Ecuadorian highlands.
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