Ecuador

1. What are the best places to visit in Ecuador?
The Galápagos Islands are a must for wildlife lovers, with unique species like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Quito’s Old Town, a UNESCO site, features colonial churches and the equator line at Mitad del Mundo. The Amazon Rainforest, accessible from Puerto Misahuallí, offers jungle tours to spot monkeys and piranhas. Baños is known for its hot springs and the Swing at the End of the World. Cuenca’s historic center has cobblestone streets and the Cajas National Park nearby. The Quilotoa Loop features a stunning crater lake hike. Montañita is a surf town with a lively nightlife. Visit Otavalo for its famous indigenous market, the largest in South America.

2. Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?
As of March 2025, Ecuador is generally safe for tourists, but caution is needed due to recent increases in crime. Petty theft is common in Quito and Guayaquil—avoid flashing valuables in crowded areas like markets or buses. Violent crime has risen in some areas, particularly near the Colombian border, so stick to tourist-friendly regions. Tap water isn’t safe; use bottled water. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are a risk in the Amazon—use repellent. Medical facilities are decent in cities but limited in rural areas, so travel insurance is advised. Protests can disrupt travel, especially in Quito—monitor local news. Natural risks like earthquakes and volcanic activity (e.g., Imbabura Volcano) are possible, so check advisories.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador?
Citizens of the U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, and most countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for 6 months. A yellow fever certificate is required if visiting the Amazon or if coming from an affected country. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested. Extensions up to 90 days are possible at migration offices in Quito or Guayaquil ($50). For the Galápagos, a $100 entry fee (Transit Control Card included) is required on arrival. Other nationalities may need a visa, obtainable through an Ecuadorian embassy ($30–$100). Confirm requirements before travel, as health-related entry rules can change.

4. What is the best time to visit Ecuador?
Ecuador’s equatorial climate varies by region. The dry season (June–September) is best for the Andes, including Quito and Cuenca, with temperatures of 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F) and clear skies for hiking. The Amazon is also drier then, though still humid at 25°C–35°C (77°F–95°F). The Galápagos has a warm, wet season (December–May) with calmer seas for snorkeling (25°C–30°C/77°F–86°F), and a cooler, dry season (June–November) with more wildlife activity. The coast, like Montañita, is sunny year-round but wetter from January to April (28°C–32°C/82°F–90°F). Festivals like Inti Raymi (June) in the Andes or Mama Negra (November) in Latacunga are cultural highlights. Avoid the Amazon during peak rains (March–May) due to flooding.

5. How do I get to Ecuador?
Fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. Direct flights from the U.S. (Miami, Houston) take 4–6 hours ($400–$900 round trip) with American Airlines or LATAM. From Europe (Madrid, Amsterdam), flights take 12–14 hours ($700–$1,500) with KLM or Iberia. Domestic flights with LATAM or Avianca connect Quito to the Galápagos or Cuenca ($50–$150 one-way, 1–2 hours). Long-distance buses like Cooperativa Baños travel between Quito and Baños (3 hours, $5–$10). Taxis in Quito cost $3–$7 per ride, or use Uber. For the Galápagos, flights from Quito or Guayaquil take 2 hours ($200–$400 round trip). Roads can be winding in the Andes—plan extra time.

6. What are traditional Ecuadorian foods to try?
Try ceviche, a coastal dish of marinated seafood with lime, often served with popcorn. Llapingachos, potato patties stuffed with cheese, are a highland favorite, paired with peanut sauce. Fanesca, a rich soup with grains and fish, is a Holy Week specialty in Quito. In the Amazon, taste maito, fish wrapped in banana leaves. Hornado, roasted pork with potatoes, is popular at markets like Otavalo. For a snack, grab empanadas de verde, made with green plantain dough. Sip canelazo, a warm cinnamon drink with aguardiente, in the Andes. On the coast, try encocado, fish in coconut sauce. For dessert, enjoy helados de paila, ice cream made in a copper pan.

7. What are the best cultural experiences in Ecuador?
Visit the Otavalo Market on Saturdays for indigenous crafts like textiles and panama hats ($1–$20). Join the Inti Raymi festival (June) in the Andes for music and dance celebrating the sun. In Quito, explore the Basilica del Voto Nacional and attend a mass ($2 entry). Take a cooking class in Cuenca to learn how to make llapingachos ($30–$50). In the Amazon, stay with an indigenous community like the Kichwa for a shaman-led ceremony ($50–$100). Attend the Mama Negra festival in Latacunga (November) for colorful parades. In the Galápagos, learn about conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station ($10 entry). Visit Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins, near Cuenca ($6 entry).

8. What are the best outdoor activities in Ecuador?
Snorkel in the Galápagos to swim with sea lions and penguins ($100–$200/day tour). Hike the Quilotoa Loop for views of the turquoise crater lake ($5 entry, $20 for guides). Swing at the End of the World in Baños for a thrilling photo op ($2 entry). Raft on the Jatunyacu River in the Amazon ($60/tour). Trek to Imbabura Volcano near Otavalo for panoramic views ($30–$50 with a guide). Surf in Montañita, a top spot for beginners ($20 board rental). Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños to see waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo ($10 bike rental). Explore Cajas National Park near Cuenca for high-altitude lakes and hiking ($5 entry).

9. What should I know about Ecuadorian culture before visiting?
Ecuadorians are polite and family-oriented—greet with a handshake and “Buenos días.” Spanish is the main language; some indigenous communities speak Kichwa. English is limited outside tourist areas. Dress is casual, but layers are key for the Andes’ cool climate (15°C–20°C/59°F–68°F). Meals are hearty—lunch is the main meal, often with soup. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants (sometimes included). Soccer is a passion—expect discussions about LDU Quito or Barcelona SC. Public displays of affection are modest. Respect indigenous traditions, especially in markets or rural areas. Be prepared for altitude sickness in Quito (2,850m/9,350ft)—take it slow. Avoid discussing politics or inequality, as they’re sensitive topics.

10. What are the accommodation options in Ecuador?
In Quito, stay at Casa Gangotena ($300–$500/night) for luxury or Hostal La Rábida ($20–$40/night) for budget travelers. In the Galápagos, the Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel ($400–$700/night) offers island views, while Hostal El Paraíso ($50–$100/night) is affordable. Baños has the Luna Volcán Hotel ($100–$200/night) or Hostal Chimenea ($15–$30/night). In Cuenca, the Hotel Boutique Santa Lucía ($80–$150/night) provides colonial charm, or try Posada del Rio ($30–$60/night). The Amazon’s Sacha Lodge ($500–$800/night, all-inclusive) is ideal for jungle stays, or book Cabañas San Isidro ($40–$80/night). Montañita offers Selina Montañita ($50–$100/night) or Hostal Kundalini ($20–$40/night). Book early for the Galápagos, as availability is limited.