Ecuador

Though smaller than its Andean neighbours, Peru and Colombia, Ecuador is an Eden of enchanting landscapes where nature lovers will encounter palm-fringed beaches, steamy rainforests, breath-taking highlands and ice-covered volcanos. An incredible variety of wildlife and vegetation also lies scattered from Andes to Amazon, making this one of the most bio-diverse destinations in the world.

Travellers can immerse themselves in fascinating history, bustling highland markets and gorgeous colonial architecture as well, with a diverse blend of locals being among Ecuador's best features. The country's people can trace their roots to Europe, Africa and indigenous tribes, and Ecuadorians as a whole have a reputation for friendliness.

Best time to visit Ecuador

The best time to visit Ecuador is in late spring (April and May) and early autumn (late August through September), when the humidity isn't quite so high. Ecuador's wet season runs from October to May, and the dry summer season from June to September.

The waters around the Galapagos get cool and choppy from around September, though temperatures stay mild into early autumn. Ecuador's climate varies according to region but is fairly mild throughout the year. Travellers should note that prices are noticeably higher and accommodation fills up quickly during the high season (December to January and June to August).

Top things to see in Ecuador

-Hike Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, located in a national park surrounded by beautiful forests.

-Walk around the quaint colonial town of Cuenca, founded in 1557.

-View Quito from the Pichincha Volcano by taking a ride on the Telerifico cable car.

-Explore El Mitad Del Mundo, a complex of shops and museums straddling the equator.

Top things to do in Ecuador

-Have a drink and people-watch on one of the many plazas in Quito, such as Plaza San Francisco.

-Enjoy the warm, clear waters by going to one of the many surf or dive camps along the coast.

-Take a cruise to the Galapagos Islands and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station near Puerto Ayora.

-Visit the therapeutic hot springs of Banos.

Getting to Ecuador

There are few direct flights to Ecuador from the UK, but many indirect flights are available to airports in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, San Cristobal, and the Galapagos Islands. There are direct flights from the US to Ecuador. Most flights to Ecuador land at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. Indirect flights may stop over in Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia or Panama.

Read

Bruna and Her Sisters in the Sleeping City by Alicia Yanez Cossio, and The Queen of Water by Laura Resau

Watch

Proof of Life (2000)

Drink

Canelazo, a warm, sweet and spicy alcoholic drink made with water, cinnamon sticks (canela), brown sugar, acid fruit juice such as naranjilla or lemon, and aguardiente (fire water).

Eat

Hornado (baked pork), encebollado (savory fish stew), Ecuadorian ceviche (a soup-like preparation of raw seafood marinated with lemon, lime or orange juice) and some of the best chocolate in the world.

Listen

Pasillo, an extremely popular form of Latin music and the country's national genre. The Amorfino, a type of ballad, is also a very popular genre.

What to buy

Colourful woven cloths, shawls, carpets and hats.

What to pack

Swimsuits, surfing, snorkelling or diving gear, plenty of mosquito repellent and hiking boots to climb Cotopaxi.

Did you know?

Ecuador used to be the northernmost part of the Inca kingdom.

A final word

The fascinating local culture and delicious food combined with pretty colonial buildings, warm seas and beautiful beaches make Ecuador an idyllic South American holiday destination.

Things to do in Ecuador

Ecuador is most famous for its ecological wealth, with the country's most notable tourist attraction being the pristine Galapagos island chain. Once the scientific playground of Charles Darwin, this small, ruggedly beautiful archipelago of volcanic islands and striking animals such as the giant tortoise and marine iguana is a must for nature lovers from around the world. Tourism on the archipelago is strictly controlled, however, to preserve the famous eco-system.

Other breathtaking natural wonders in Ecuador include the many volcanoes, particularly Cotopaxi, which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world. The Amazon rainforest attracts many adventurous travellers, with the town of Tena the most common launching point for jungle treks. Nature lovers will also appreciate the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, which lies in the Andean foothills.

Those wanting to experience the scenic Ecuadorian coastline should to head to the southern coast, where numerous picturesque beach resorts can be found. The most popular of these is the pretty town of Montanita.

The capital, Quito, is the transport hub of the country and attracts tourists in its own right, thanks to its colonial architecture, colourful markets and Cotopaxi looming in the background. Cuenca is another very attractive town and a hotspot on Ecuador's tourist circuit.

Ecuador travel info

Electricity

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin, flat prong plugs are standard.

Language

Spanish is the official language, but many speak an Amerindian language called Quichua.

Money

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. It's recommended that travellers bring US dollar notes, as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main centres, most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses (casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels. Visitors can also use Apple and Google pay.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is usually added to bills at good-quality hotels and restaurants, but patrons often add another five to 10 percent as a tip. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped but tour guides usually do.

Health

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if travellers are arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, or have transited through an airport in one of these countries. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There's a high risk of malaria in areas below 5,000 feet (1,500m), and there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever, primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is for visitors to cover up and use mosquito repellent liberally throughout the day. High altitude can affect some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500 feet/2,800m), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Medical facilities are often inadequate, especially outside of Quito, and comprehensive medical insurance is highly recommended.

Safety

Travellers should be vigilant when visiting Ecuador as there's the risk of petty and violent crime. Among other basic precautionary measures, they should pay close attention to their belongings and avoid showing signs of affluence. It's best to be careful in downtown areas, on hiking trails, at beaches, in public parks and outside banks, and to avoid walking at night. Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence.

Demonstrations occur frequently and there's the potential for even peaceful demonstrations to turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Travellers should avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.

Credit card and ATM fraud may occur, so it's important to be cautious when using debit or credit cards. Travellers should cover the keypad with one hand when entering their PIN, and pay careful attention when someone else is handling their card. They should also avoid using card readers that have irregular or unusual features, and they should only use ATMs that are in well-lit pubic areas or inside a bank or business. Travellers should check for any unauthorised transactions on their account statements.

Riptides are common in coastal waters and most beaches don't have lifeguards or warning flags. Travellers should consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas. They should consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company certified by the Ministry of Tourism if they're visiting for adventure tourism.

Local customs

Travellers should always ask permission to take photos of the local people, who will often request a tip for taking a photo. It's a legal requirement to carry identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest in the highlands compared to the coast. Politeness and good manners are essential and a light handshake is the practiced form of greeting.

Doing business

An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a link with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is recommended to have some business cards, company brochures and presentations translated into Spanish. Business disputes that would be dealt with by civil litigation in countries such as the United States are often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing during lunch.

Duty free

Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 500g tobacco, three litres of alcoholic beverages, and perfume for personal use.

Communications

The international access code for Ecuador is +593. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.

Passport & Visa

All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the country. Extensions are possible for travellers who do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Those who are travelling to the Galapagos Islands need to register with the government prior to arrival. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

British citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period, irrespective of the endorsement with regard to national status contained in the visitor's passport.

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

South African citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

Useful contacts

Official Tourism, Quito: +593 2993300 or www.visitquito.ec

Quito and Ibarra: call 911. Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja: call 112. All other areas: call 101.

Climate in Ecuador

Ecuador's geography has endowed the country with a variety of microclimates. The coast is hot all year, with a humid rainy season between December and May. In the mountains, climate depends on altitude, becoming cooler the higher travellers go. The Amazon region is hot, humid and wet, while the Galapagos Islands are dry with a steady year-round average temperature of 77ºF (25ºC).