Ecuador tours & vacations

There are two seasons in Ecuador, wet and dry, and they vary depending on the region. For the most part, Ecuador is a sunny, warm country, and even the wet season will bring its fair share of sunny days.

The best time to visit is largely dependent on your itinerary, although it should be noted that the Christmas period (December to January) is often the busiest, so be prepared for large crowds.

In the Amazon, August and December through March are the driest seasons and April to June are the wettest. In the highlands, the dry season is from June to September as well as December. The Galapagos and coastal regions are mainly influenced by ocean currents.

The hot and rainy season runs from January to April. It doesn't rain much, but you can expect some downpours at times. From May to December, it can be a bit cooler with more overcast days.

The high seasons in the Galapagos (June through August, December and January) are generally determined by holiday trends and not by weather conditions.

Learn more about the best time to visit Ecuador

Human settlement in Ecuador has been dated as far back to 3000 BCE. Since then, Ecuador’s history can roughly be divided into periods by defined by pre-Inca chiefdoms, the Inca period and the Spanish colonization. It wasn’t until the 1800s that Ecuador became an independent republic.

Nowadays, the largest subgroup in Ecuador is those known as Mestizo who are a mix of Indigenous and White and make up approximately 77 per cent of the population. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, and the Roman Catholic religion is the most widely practised.

The Indigenous communities of Ecuador still embody the traditional ways of life with dress, arts, music and events with Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) being celebrated every June solstice.

Other popular events in Ecuador include Carnival, Mama Negra and Cuenca Independence Day.

Tucked away on the continent’s Pacific coastline, Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America. Bordering Colombia in the north and Peru in the south, Ecuador contains its own segments of some of South America’s most famous landmarks, including the Amazon rainforest and the Andes.

Adding to Ecuador’s list of natural wonders are the incredible Galapagos Islands, which lie about 1000 km west of the mainland. These volcanic islands are famed for their association with botanist Charles Darwin, who spent considerable time studying their incredible biodiversity.

Ecuadorian cuisine is largely shaped by its abundant fresh produce. Seafood and plantain dominate the coast, with dietary staples including ceviche, tropical fish (particularly corvina or sea bass) and seafood soups such as encebollado.

Creamy coconut milk is commonly used to create flavourful sauces. Look for the word ‘encocado’ on menus – it means the dish is served in a coconut sauce. 

Foods to try in Ecuador

1. Locro de papa

A classic Ecuadorian potato and corn soup, usually served with cheese, corn and avocado.  

2. Encebollado

Usually made with albacore tuna, encebollado is a pickled onion fish soup. Ecuadorians swear this soup is the ultimate hangover food.

3. Ceviche

There are many variations of this dish, but just about all of them use seafood as its core ingredient, such as fish, shrimp, octopus, squid, crab, clams or lobster. It’s diced and then marinated in various ways for flavour. 

4. Ceviche de chocos

Vegetarians don’t need to feel left out while everyone is feasting on all the ceviche – ceviche de chochos is a vegetarian alternative. An Indigenous bean called chocho is combined with onions, tomatoes, cilantro (coriander), limes, oranges and tomato sauce, then topped with maiz tostado (toasted corn nut), chifles (plantain chips), avocado and hot sauce.

1. Volcanoes

Ecuador is a climbing and mountaineering paradise with some of the grandest (and most active) volcanoes in the world. Just south of Quito lies the ‘Avenue of Volcanos’, which includes the country's highest peak and no less than nine awe-inspiring volcanos.

2. Beaches

Ecuador is a beach lover’s haven with a well-earned reputation for supplying some of the most gorgeous spots on South America’s Pacific coast.

3. The Andes

Hard to ignore, the Andes form Ecuador’s rocky spine and are home to breathtaking tropical valleys, snow-capped peaks and fresh mountain lakes. A welcome escape from Ecuador’s hot summers, the Andes offer an unforgettable array of high-altitude adventures.

4. The Amazon

Rich in colour and natural diversity, Ecuador is blessed with a sizeable portion of the famous Amazon rainforest. Lying to the west of the Andes, this incredible jungle is home to some of the world’s most fascinating and unique species, as well as being an ideal place to enjoy activities such as canoeing, trekking and bird watching.

5. Galapagos Islands

Journey to a lost world and discover a wildlife sanctuary that continues to inspire visitors and scientists alike. Relatively untouched by human life, the Galapagos is an ecological Disneyland, the jewel in Ecuador’s already glistening crown.

The official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD).

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors and family-run restaurants and market stalls. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

ATMs are easily found in large cities and airports, although they are less common in rural and remote areas. When travelling out of the city, be prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren't always available.