Ecuador Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat
Whether you’re dreaming of diving while exploring the Galapagos Islands or soaking up culture while strolling through Quito, we’ve gathered up our best expert tips for your Ecuador tour.
Ecuador may be South America’s fourth-smallest country, but it packs a giant punch when it comes to stunning natural scenery, wildlife, history, and culture. The country sits on the equator and is home to four distinct regions: the Galapagos Islands, El Oriente (the Amazon), La Sierra (the Andes highlands), and La Costa (the coastal lowlands). That means there are things to do in Ecuador for every type of traveler. Feeling inspired to set off on our Ecuador tours? Check out our expert tips before your trip!
Ecuador travel basics
Currency: Ecuador’s official currency is the U.S. dollar, and it’s recommended that you bring smaller bills along for your trip—vendors can’t always give change for larger bills. The country also issues its own coins called centavos, which are equal in value to U.S. coins.
Languages: Spanish, Ecuador’s official language, is spoken throughout the country, and various indigenous languages and dialects can be heard in the highlands and the Amazon.
Best way to get around: When you’re not traveling by private coach on tour, you can explore urban areas during free time by hopping on city buses, which are a relatively affordable and convenient way to get around. (As a rule of thumb, ride only during the daytime—and with companions—whenever you can, since pickpocketing may increase in certain areas at night. Ask your expert Tour Director for tips about where to go to have the best experience during free time!)
Taxis are also handy for exploring Ecuador’s major cities, but be sure to ride only in registered cabs. In major urban areas like Quito, meters are common. In smaller, more remote cities and towns, you might need to agree with your driver on a fare first. (Ask your hotel’s staff what’s reasonable.) Taxi drivers don’t typically expect a tip, but rounding up to the nearest dollar is appreciated.
Phrases to know: English is common among Ecuadorians who work in travel, but less so among those who work outside the travel industry. If you want to converse with locals, knowing a few Spanish words and phrases will come in handy:
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
This means, “How much does this cost?” and is helpful to know any time you need to pay for something, be it a bus ticket, lunch, or souvenir. - ¿Dónde está...? (DON-day ess-TAH)
Need to locate an ATM, the bathroom, or a museum? Complete this phrase (it means “Where is...”) with “el cajero automatico,” “el baño,” or “el museo,” respectively, to find your way. - ¿Podrías tomar una foto? (Poh-DREE-ahs toh-MAR OOH-nah FOH-toh)
This means, “Could you take a photo?” So, if you want a snap of you and your tourmates together, pose this question to a friendly passerby. Be sure to add a polite “please” (“por favor”) and “thank you” (“gracias”). - Me gustaria... (MEH GOO-sta REE-ah)
Use this phrase, which means “I would like...” and you’ll sound like a pro when placing your order. Finish it off with “una taza de café” to score a cup of coffee.
When is the best time to visit Ecuador?
Peak travel seasons in Ecuador are largely determined by the holidays that are happening around the country. Vibrant fiestas celebrate everything from agriculture and religion to Indigenous culture and geopolitical anniversaries. Attending one of these celebrations is among the best things to do in Ecuador to get a true taste of local life.
Looking to travel during a specific time of year? Keep in mind that Ecuador only experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season from October to May, and the dry season from June to September. Here are some of the best times to take an Ecuador tour depending on what you want to experience.
Visit Ecuador in early December to celebrate Quito’s founding
Quito was founded on December 6, and the week leading up to the anniversary is feted across the capital city with parades, dances, sports, live music, extended museum hours, and more. The lively atmosphere of this annual event makes visiting Quito on tour even more memorable.
Visit Ecuador in early March for Carnival & Holy Week festivities
Want to experience one of Ecuador’s most boisterous fiestas? Set off on an Ecuador tour in early March, just before Lent, to experience Carnival, which is marked by feasts, parades, and water and foam fights. Then, soak up cultural moments during Holy Week, which typically falls in March or April. Many locals head to the beach and merchants close up shop during this time of year, but the religious parades that take place across the country are more than worth seeing.
Visit Ecuador in July to commemorate Simón Bolívar
If your sights are set on the Sierra, this is a good time to visit Ecuador, as June through September are the region’s warmest, driest months. On July 24, Ecuadorians across the country celebrate the birthday of revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar, who was known as “El Libertador,” or The Liberator.
Visit Ecuador in November for the Day of the Deceased
In Ecuador, November 2 marks Dia de los Difuntos, or Day of the Deceased. Locals mark this occasion by making their way to the gravesides of their loved ones and bringing food to symbolically share with those who have passed. One food item that’s always part of the ritual in Ecuador is the guagua de pan, a sweet bread shaped into a baby and decorated with colored icing or dough. You may even see baskets of it for sale at the entrance to cemeteries.
Discover Ecuador in every season
What to see in Ecuador
Ecuador’s diverse landscape, ecosystems, and cultural heritage give visitors a number of options to choose from when it comes to exploring. Here are a few of the top things to see on tour in Ecuador.
Bird’s-eye views from El Panecillo in Quito
A great way to get the lay of the land in a new-to-you place? Finding a panoramic view. One of Quito’s best lookouts is the top of El Panecillo, a 656-foot hill that’s home to a towering aluminum statue of the winged Virgin of Quito.
Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands
No trip to Ecuador would be complete without a visit to this volcanic island chain in the Pacific Ocean. Best known as the site that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the archipelago—located roughly 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast—are among the best places in the world for wildlife viewing. Check out nine unique animals to look for while visiting the Galapagos on tour, including Galapagos land iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
The shopping stalls at Otavalo Market
The town of Otavalo, located in the Andes, is beloved by travelers for its eponymous market. Hop between stalls to shop for indigenous crafts and watch a local weaving demonstration alongside your group on our Ecuador tours.
The Quitsato Sundial on the equator
Visiting the Quitsato Sundial is one of our favorite Ecuador travel tips. It’s located about 30 miles north of Quito at La Mitad Del Mundo (translation: The Middle of the World) and sits smack-dab on the equator. This is a fun stop if you want to see demonstrations of equatorial effects.
Quito’s ornate architecture
Ecuador’s capital city is home to several eye-popping architectural sites. Highlights include the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the National Vow, the 16th-century Monastery of San Francisco, and the Baroque La Compania church, which has a dazzling gold leaf interior.
What to eat and drink in Ecuador
Ecuador’s long coastline provides an abundance of fresh seafood, which features prominently in many of the country’s signature dishes. Root veggies and other types of locally grown produce flourish here, too. If all the mouthwatering eats make you thirsty, grab a glass: Tropical fruits, indigenous plants, and other natural ingredients play a starring role in some of Ecuador’s most delicious—and unique—drinks. Ready to savor some of the country’s best beverages and cuisine? Here are a few flavors to try on tour in Ecuador.
Ceviche
This refreshing, zingy dish is made by marinating, or “cooking,” raw fish and seafood in citrus juice—typically lime—and mixing in fresh chopped herbs, fruits, and veggies like cilantro, mango, red onion, and tomatoes. It’s served cold and often topped with crunchy accoutrements like fried plantains or corn kernels.
Chocolate
Many chocolate enthusiasts agree that Ecuador produces some of the highest-quality stuff on the planet—and many chocolate makers use cacao beans grown in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Pop into grocery stores and artisanal shops to find chocolate bars that are pure and plain or packed with bits of sea salt, lemongrass, Andean blueberries, and other ingredients.
Encebollado
This Ecuadorian soup is said to cure a hangover and is often served in the morning or for brunch. It typically contains tuna, yuca, onions, and cilantro and is finished with a squeeze of lime juice, ketchup, or mustard. Take a cue from locals and stir in some crushed chifles, or plantain chips, to give it a comforting, stew-like texture.
Fried plantains
This starchy, banana-like fruit is abundant in Ecuador and is served fried as both a street food snack and a restaurant side dish. Ripe yellow ones (maduros) are soft and sweet, while fried green plantains (patacones or tostones) stay crisp and are sprinkled with salt or dipped in ketchup or mayo.
Viche de pescado
This comforting coastal dish is also sometimes called biche, and is a hearty fish soup made with a peanut broth, yuca, plantains, cilantro, onions, garlic, veggies, and sometimes beans.
Freshly squeezed fruit juice
Lots of flavorful fruits grow in Ecuador, and many of them are used to make fresh juice, or jugo (pronounced HOO-go). Maracuya (passion fruit), tomate de arbol (tree tomato, or tamarillo), and naranjilla (a sweet and tart fruit that’s native to Ecuador) are a few to look for on menus.
Aguardiente
The name of this strong spirit, which is made from fermented sugarcane, translates to “fire water.” It’s popular throughout South America and is ubiquitous in Ecuador’s bars, where it’s typically taken as a shot or mixed into cocktails. At higher elevations, it’s mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and hot water to form a warming drink called a canelazo.
Guayusa
Throughout Ecuador, the leaves of this Amazonian holly tree are picked, dried, steeped in water, and served like tea. The naturally caffeinated drink is said to be rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other healthful properties, so drink up!
Chicha
Ingredients for this beer tend to vary slightly based on where it’s made, but fermented corn and yuca (aka cassava or manioc) are common. (Some traditional recipes require the chicha’s preparer to chew up the ingredients and spit them back into the brew. Opt for non-chewed version to keep things safe.)
Fun things to do in Ecuador
There are countless thrilling places to visit on tour in Ecuador, and our experts will show you the best of the best! Have some free time? Here are some Ecuador tourist attractions you won’t want to miss.
Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon
A few hours’ drive (or a short flight) and a boat ride from Quito will take travelers to the Amazon rainforest, which blankets more than 42,000 square miles of Ecuador. It’s also largely undeveloped, which makes it an ideal place to spot plants, flowers, animals, and insects in their natural habitat.
View Cotopaxi Mountain, an active volcano
Located in the Andes in central Ecuador, Cotopaxi Mountain is the country’s second-highest peak (it rises to 19,347 feet) and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Visit Cotopaxi Mountain National Park for close-up views of its snowcapped summit, among other natural wonders.
Visit Cuenca
Ecuador’s third-largest city, Cuenca, is situated in the Andes in the south of the country. Highlights of a visit to the home city of numerous writers, poets, and other intellectuals include strolling along the Tomebamba riverfront, shopping for handicrafts, and visiting beautiful cathedrals and museums.
Have an adventure in Banos
This small Andean town on the slopes of Ecuador’s most active volcano, Tungurahua, packs a big punch when it comes to adventures. Options include biking, white water rafting, volcano trekking, and bungee jumping, to name a few. Visitors can zip around on ATVs and marvel at beautiful waterfalls, too.
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Souvenirs to buy in Ecuador
Agriculture, art, and handicrafts abound in Ecuador—and lend themselves to some pretty special souvenirs. Here are a few you’ll want to save space for in your suitcase.
Chocolate
Those same bars you nibbled on while strolling around town? They make great gifts and souvenirs, too. Scoop up a variety (Pacari is a popular brand) and have a taste test with friends and family when you get back home.
Coffee
Coffee beans grow in Ecuador and are a great treat to enjoy back home. Plenty of local tiendas, or stores, sell bags of ground or whole arabica, robusta, and other locally grown beans.
Panama hats
Contrary to what its name might make you believe, the Panama hat originated in Ecuador. Souvenir shops sell budget-friendly hats that are straw-like in texture, and higher-end boutiques sell premium, high-quality ones that feel more like fabric. (Tip: Cuenca is a great place to shop for Panama hats.)
Alpaca blankets
Made in Ecuador from the super-soft wool of alpacas (small relatives of the camel) and available in a variety of colors, alpaca blankets make for splurge-worthy souvenirs. Pro tip: Avoid buying blankets from street vendors if possible; they’re most likely synthetic and not made from actual alpaca wool.
Tigua folk art
This type of artwork originated in the village of Tigua in the 1970s with Julio Toaquiza, who was the first artist in the area to paint on a flat sheepskin surface. Since then, his colorful style of painting, which often depicts Indigenous legends or scenes of village life, has become renowned in the region. Take home a piece of the beauty by picking up canvases, coasters, ceramics, plates, and other decorative items that feature this colorful folk art.
What to pack for a trip to Ecuador
Weather in Ecuador is all but impossible to predict. Seasons are typically characterized by how wet or dry—not how warm or cool—they are. Of course, the weather (and your packing needs) will vary depending on what part of the country you visit, but here are a few items that should make the trip no matter what.
Light, waterproof clothing
Parts of Ecuador (like coastal areas and the Amazon) and certain months (October through May) can be wetter than others. Water-resistant clothing and accessories will keep you cozy, dry, and ready for adventure.
Comfy, sturdy shoes
Whether you’re logging thousands of steps while exploring a city like Quito or navigating rocky surfaces in the Galapagos, lace up a pair of well-cushioned shoes with durable soles to keep your feet in tip-top shape.
An underwater camera
Follow Go Ahead traveler Erica’s lead, especially if you’re heading to the Galapagos. “I brought an underwater camera so I was able to get amazing shots of the aquatic animals,” she said. “It was a wildlife photographer’s heaven. I photographed sea lions, marine iguanas, land iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, swallow-tailed gulls, parrotfish, albatross, brown noddy terns, pelicans, frigatebirds, penguins, huge yellowtail surgeonfish, and various finches.”
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen
Sunlight in Ecuador can be strong. Protect your eyes with a pair of shades (polarized, if possible), your head with a full-coverage hat, and your skin with plenty of SPF.
A backpack
Camera. Money. Sunnies. Jacket. Hat. Sunscreen. Water. Filling a light, easy-to-carry backpack with all of your daytime necessities will ensure you don’t get stuck anywhere without them—and make toting it all a breeze.
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