Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Digital Nomad Visa Expansion
Ecuador has expanded its digital nomad visa program for remote workers, allowing stays up to two years with a simple online application (€450 fee). This is ideal for long-term travelers; apply at least 30 days before arrival to ensure approval and avoid entry issues.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Ecuador, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and any required visas.
Always verify with your airline and Ecuadorian consulate, as some nationalities face stricter rules for re-entry to their home country.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to prevent delays at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, Canada, Australia, UK, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) at the airport or border; keep it safe as it's required for exit.
Overstaying can result in fines up to $200, so plan extensions if needed for longer explorations like the Galapagos.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa (e.g., some Asian and African countries), apply at an Ecuadorian consulate with documents including a passport photo, proof of funds ($50/day), and a round-trip ticket; fees range from $50-120.
Processing times vary from 5-15 business days; online options are available for certain visa types like student or work permits.
Business visas allow up to 180 days and require an invitation letter from an Ecuadorian company.
Border Crossings
Airports like Quito and Guayaquil have efficient immigration with biometric checks, but land borders with Colombia and Peru may involve longer waits and vehicle inspections.
For Galapagos entry, all visitors need a Transit Control Card ($20) and national park fee ($100-200 based on nationality), payable upon arrival in Ecuador.
Expect random health screenings at borders due to ongoing tropical disease monitoring.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential for remote areas like the Amazon), trip delays, and adventure activities such as hiking in the Andes.
Policies should include coverage for yellow fever if visiting eastern provinces; costs start at $2-5/day from international providers.
Carry proof of insurance at all times, as some tour operators require it for participation in excursions.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 90 additional days by applying at the Ecuadorian Migration Office (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) with proof of onward travel and fees around $50.
Extensions must be requested before your initial stay expires; digital nomad visas offer easier renewals for up to two years total.
Overstays beyond extensions incur daily fines of $2-5, so monitor your dates closely during multi-region trips.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Quito or Guayaquil by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for peak seasons like the Galapagos dry period.
Consider flying into smaller airports like Cuenca for cheaper domestic connections.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at mercado stalls for affordable meals like ceviche or llapingachos under $5, skipping touristy spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Local markets offer fresh fruits, juices, and ready-made dishes at bargain prices, providing authentic flavors without restaurant markups.
Opt for set lunch menus (almuerzos) which include soup, main, and drink for $3-4 daily.
Public Transport Passes
Use intercity buses for long distances at $10-20 per trip, or get a Quito metro card for unlimited urban rides at $0.35 each way.
Weekly passes for cities like Guayaquil include free transfers, cutting daily commuting costs in half.
Avoid taxis in favor of shared minibuses (colectivos) for rural areas to save even more.
Free Attractions
Visit public squares like Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, free hiking in Cajas National Park, and indigenous markets, which are cost-free and offer authentic experiences.
Many museums, such as the Central Bank Museum in Guayaquil, have free entry days or are permanently gratis.
Beach access along the Pacific coast is public and free, perfect for budget relaxation.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry USD cash for markets, small vendors, and remote areas where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates; avoid airport exchanges which charge high fees.
Notify your bank of travel to Ecuador to prevent card blocks during transactions.
Combo Tickets & Passes
Purchase the Galapagos National Park pass bundled with island-hopping tours for $100-150, covering multiple sites and saving 20-30%.
City combo cards in Quito include transport and entry to 5-7 attractions for $20, ideal for cultural immersion.
National park multi-entry permits allow access to multiple reserves like Yasuni for a flat $10 fee.
Smart Packing for Ecuador
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry layers for Ecuador's diverse climates, including breathable shirts and pants for humid coasts and warmer sweaters for high-altitude Andes cities like Quito.
Include long sleeves for sun protection during equatorial days and modest clothing for visiting indigenous communities or churches.
Swimwear and rash guards are musts for Pacific beaches and Amazon river activities.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/B), portable charger for off-grid Amazon trips, waterproof phone case, and a GoPro for capturing wildlife in the Galapagos.
Download offline maps via apps like Maps.me and Spanish phrasebooks, as Wi-Fi can be spotty in rural areas.
A solar-powered lantern is useful for eco-lodges without reliable electricity.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds for the Andes, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen (UV is intense year-round).
Include DEET insect repellent, anti-diarrheal for potential water issues, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate for Amazon entry.
Hand sanitizer and water purification tablets are essential for street food and hiking safety.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for volcano hikes, reusable water bottle with filter for safe hydration, microfiber towel for humid conditions, and small USD bills for tips and markets.
Bring passport copies, a RFID-blocking wallet, and a dry bag for rain-prone areas like the cloud forests.
Compression packing cubes help organize gear for multi-climate itineraries spanning coast to highlands.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof hiking boots for Andean trails like Quilotoa Lagoon and supportive sandals for coastal beaches and urban exploration in Guayaquil.
Lightweight sneakers work for city sightseeing, but pack extra socks for wet conditions in the Amazon rainforest.
Aqua shoes protect against rocky shores and coral during Galapagos snorkeling adventures.
Personal Care
Include eco-friendly toiletries to respect sensitive environments, high-altitude lip balm, and a compact poncho for sudden tropical downpours.
Travel-sized items like biodegradable soap and wet wipes are ideal for remote camping or eco-lodges with limited facilities.
Don't forget earplugs for noisy buses and a hat for intense sun exposure at the equator.
When to Visit Ecuador
Dry Season (June-November)
Best for the Galapagos with clearer skies and calmer seas for snorkeling, temperatures 20-28°C on the coast and cooler 10-18°C in the highlands.
Fewer crowds in the Amazon for wildlife spotting, though lighter rains make hiking easier in the Andes.
Ideal for birdwatching as migratory species arrive, but pack layers for variable highland evenings.
Warm Season (December-May)
Peak time for coastal beaches in Montañita with sunny weather around 25-30°C and vibrant festivals like Carnival in February.
Expect higher humidity and short showers, but it's prime for surfing and whale watching off the Pacific.
Andes destinations like Otavalo market see lively indigenous fairs, though book Galapagos cruises early due to demand.
Rainy Season Transition (September-October)
Shoulder season for budget travel with lush greenery in the Amazon at 25-30°C, perfect for river cruises and fewer tourists.
Milder rains allow for chocolate tours in the Oriente and volcano climbs with dramatic cloud views.
Coastal areas offer off-peak deals on eco-resorts, balancing warmth with occasional afternoon showers.
Cooler Highlands (December-February)
Great for cultural festivals in Quito with temperatures 8-20°C, including New Year's celebrations and Inti Raymi in June crossover.
Budget-friendly for high-altitude adventures like Cotopaxi climbing, with clearer skies post-rainy season.
Avoid if prone to altitude sickness, but it's ideal for indoor experiences like hot springs soaking in Baños.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Notes and coins from the US are used directly. Cards accepted in cities, but cash needed for rural areas.
- Language: Spanish is official; indigenous languages like Quichua in the Andes. English spoken in tourist hubs and Galapagos.
- Time Zone: Mainly Ecuador Time (ECT), UTC-5; Galapagos is UTC-6
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (US two/three-pin flat blades)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance nationwide
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, $1-2 for guides and porters
- Water: Tap water not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (farmacias); look for red cross signs. Basic meds available over-the-counter