Ecuador is the ultimate destination for nature-loving adventurers. Home to the famed Galápagos Islands, the boasts one of the most extraordinary, unspoiled ecosystems on Earth, home to rare and exotic wildlife. The snow-capped Andes peaks rise dramatically above the lush Amazon rainforest that dress its slopes and valleys. Ecuador’s history and traditions come to life in the bustling Otavalo Market, where artisans sell intricate handwoven textiles and crafts, while Quito’s charming, cobbled streets lead to ancient churches and lively plazas.
The Galápagos Islands are among the best-preserved natural environments on Earth. Teeming with animals found nowhere else, this archipelago is one of Nature’s last stands. Here, visitors can walk among giant turtles and dive with sea lions. The bird life is unsurpassed. Trails meander across the islands, taking hikers to pristine beaches and summits from which to view this natural haven. A boat trip to this island is the journey of a lifetime.
Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest is an unforgettable escape. Eco-lodge stays provide the perfect stayover for visitors wanting to explore the lush jungle and spot exotic wildlife, such as colorful parrots, pink dolphins, and squirrel monkeys. Discover Indigenous people who have lived as they have for hundreds of years. Take a cruise on a night canoe to explore the Amazon’s nightlife, when owls, bats, and caimans take center stage. It’s an adventure of a lifetime.
Many trips to Ecuador begin in Quito, and this Spanish colonial beauty is the perfect place to start your Ecuadorian holiday. The historic center is a maze of cobbled streets, charming plazas, bustling markets, and dazzling churches. The city is also a stone’s throw from the Cotopaxi National Park in the shadow of the active Cotopaxi Volcano, the most visited volcano in Ecuador.
A small country wedged between South America’s Pacific coast and the rugged Andes Mountains; Ecuador is a natural paradise. This captivating little country, straddling the equator, offers adventurers a host of marvelous experiences, from hiking to mountain climbing, night canoeing, ziplining, and canopy walks in the cloud forests of the Amazon. Against a natural backdrop of breathtaking beauty, active volcanoes, and gorgeous crater lakes, cozy up with the Amazon forest and the snowcapped Andes peaks. The lush Amazon jungle covers the slopes and valleys as far as the eye can see, providing refuge for an extraordinary array of birds, animals, and plants.
And that’s not all! The country is also home to a scintillating array of cultures and traditions left by indigenous Incan and Pre-Incan populations and, subsequently, the Spanish colonial conquerors.
Ecuador is known for its warm hospitality. The locals are friendly and keen to share their traditions. The food scene is as varied as Ecuador’s landscapes. Enjoy delicious ceviche at the coast, rich chocolate in the Andes, and sip aromatic herbal teas from the Amazon forest. Women artisans sell handwoven textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts at the busy Otavalo Market, close to the shimmering waters of Cuicocha Lake.
Ecuador also boasts thermal hot springs, yoga retreats, and spa treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions for those seeking rejuvenation
Cultural experiences in Ecuador are many and varied. Among the most famous and interesting indigenous weavers use centuries-old techniques. You can buy these with other works like colorful pottery, jewelry, and more at the famous Otavalo market or attend weaving workshops and make your own. Other cultural experiences include:
● Hauntingly beautiful Andean music featuring instruments like the pan flute and charango.
● Indigenous shamans performing healing ceremonies with medicinal plants in the Amazon rainforest.
● Cocao farms where you can discover the wonderful art of chocolate making. Some of the world’s finest chocolate is made right here.
● Marimba music and dance over seafood infused with African and indigenous flavors in the coastal province of Esmeraldas, home to a vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian community.
What you pack depends on where you plan to go and the time of year. Ecuador experiences various climates, from the Amazon rainforests to the Andean highlands, coastal beaches, and the Galapagos Islands. In the Amazon, you’ll need lightweight long-sleeved clothing. The humidity is high, so choose quick-drying fabrics and of course a swimsuit or two. You will also need hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket. Warmer clothing is necessary in the mountains. Pack a warm jacket, scarf, and hat; nighttime in the Andes is quite chilly.
Enjoy beautifully preserved colonial architecture and lively plazas in Quito, a UNESCO- world heritage capital. Stand one foot on either side of the equator at the iconic Mitad del Mundo. Take a boat trip to the beautiful Galápagos Islands, a paradise of unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and world-class snorkeling. In the Andes, explore Otavalo Market and discover exquisite indigenous crafts. Cotopaxi National Park houses one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and a crater lake with gorgeous turquoise waters. Go to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve for an unforgettable Amazonian experience and immerse yourself in Indigenous culture.
Whether you need a visa or not depends on your country of residence. Many travelers, including those from the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and the UK, can enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days in 12 months.
Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar (USD) as its official currency, so travelers from the U.S. won't need to exchange money. However, travelers from other countries may want to bring U.S. dollars or exchange their currency before arrival. There are plenty of ATMs in major cities. Businesses in major cities accept credit cards, but you may need cash in smaller towns and rural areas.
Ecuador does not require travelers to have mandatory vaccinations. However, routine vaccinations should be up to date. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended, and if you travel to rural areas, you should consider typhoid and rabies vaccines.
