Ecuador travel guide
Ecuador Tourism | Ecuador Guide
You're Going to Love Ecuador
Whether it's experiencing the country's rainforest, tanning on one of the white sandy beaches, or exploring a one-of-a-kind village, visitors will never run out of exciting things to do in Ecuador.
A unique mixture of historical Spanish architecture and a vibrant modern culture, this country is filled with delicious seafood, charming markets, and a variety of sports and activities.
What to do in Ecuador
1. Go on a Hike
To enjoy some hiking and take in the region's natural scenery, go to Quilotoa, a large caldera that has many trails, camping spots, and a lagoon.
2. See the Wildlife
If you are hoping to do some snorkeling during your time in Ecuador, you can go to Floreana Island, a small isle that is known for having a large selection of wildlife for visitors to see.
3. Look at Architecture
For those that enjoy architecture, you do not want to miss a trip to the Basílica del Voto Nacional, a large church that is placed in the center of the city Quito and has several towers that provide beautiful views of the nearby region.
4. Explore the Boardwalk
Known for being a popular destination among visitors, the Malecón 2000 boardwalk is the perfect place to spend the day shopping and eating an authentic meal.
5. Have a Picnic
To enjoy a peaceful walk and have a picnic, you can go to the Parque Seminario, a large green space that has an extensive iguana population.
When to visit Ecuador
To lay on the beach, the best time for you to visit Ecuador is between the months of December and April, as this is when the temperature is highest. To hike instead, it is best to go between May and June, as this is the dry season.
How to Get to Ecuador
Entry Requirements
Citizens of almost all countries are able to travel to Ecuador for a maximum of 90 days without needing to have a special tourist visa, with some exceptions being Cuba, Bangladesh, and Kenya.
Plane
The most common way for tourists to go to Ecuador is by plane, with Quito, Guayaquil, and the Galapagos Islands being three of the most popular ports of entry.
Car
Ecuador allows guests to cross its borders via car, but all drivers are required to have a special form of insurance, which is referred to as SOAT.
Bus
If you would like to take a bus to the country, you can do so from either Colombia or Peru.
Popular airlines serving Ecuador
Where to stay in Ecuador
To make your trip as affordable as possible, consider staying in one of the many hostels that are spread throughout the country's large cities. For a particularly unique experience, you can opt for an Eco Lodge, which has become increasingly more popular in Ecuador.
Where to stay in popular areas of Ecuador
Most booked hotels in Ecuador
How to Get Around Ecuador
Public Transportation
In large cities, the most common form of public transportation is the bus, which will cost you around $0.25-0.50 per ticket. In Quito, there is a metro system that you can use that travels to 15 different stops within the city.
Bus
There are several companies that offer intercity bus services throughout the country, and it is recommended that you book your tickets ahead of time.
Car
Ecuador is known for having particularly high-quality highways that connect much of the country, making it easy for visitors to travel from city to city by car. Additionally, you will find most major international rental companies at the airports.
Plane
You can purchase domestic flights between most major cities in Ecuador, with a one-way ticket generally costing between $50-100. If you do decide to fly, you can book your tickets with several local airlines, including Avianca and Tame.
The Cost of Living in Ecuador
Ecuador has only one official currency, which is the United States Dollar, and debit and credit cards are accepted at most shops and restaurants. If you purchase a traditional local meal at a restaurant, you can expect to pay between $2-5. In a grocery store, you can purchase 12 eggs for about $2,2 lb of potatoes for approximately $1 and 1 lb of boneless chicken breast for about $3. On average, a monthly ticket for the public transportation system will cost you around $20.