Live Your Best Lives
Ecuador offers diverse experiences from exploring the Galápagos Islands with its unique wildlife, to hiking in the Andes, particularly to sites like Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Crater. Don’t miss the cultural heritage of Quito's old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Amazon rainforest for adventure and wildlife encounters. For a laid-back vibe, visit Baños for hot springs and waterfalls, or Cuenca for colonial charm and picturesque landscapes.
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is also known as the Equator Country and the Banana Country. It is a member of the Union of South American Nations and is located in the northwest of South America.
The Equator Monument in Ecuador, considered the "center of the Earth," is a must-see for many tourists. Ecuador's Colon Islands, known for their unique ecosystem as a "living museum of biological evolution," have been declared a "natural treasure of humanity" by UNESCO. Other major tourist attractions include Quito's Old Town, the stone statue of the Goddess of Sugarloaf Mountain, and Independence Square.
Ecuador is divided into four regions: the western coast, the central mountains, the eastern Amazon River basin, and the Galapagos Islands, with diverse climatic conditions;
The best time to travel is from July to November
Equator Monument
Located in Pontianak, Indonesia, about 3 kilometers from the city center, it marks the equator, the dividing line between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The words "Here is the Center of the Earth" are inscribed on the monument. Atop the monument is a striking large stone globe with a white centerline symbolizing the equator. This line connects to the white lines on the steps to the east and west of the monument, dividing the Earth into north and south.
Brasilia Cathedral
Most European churches are adorned with reliefs, while the interiors are eerie and dark, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. Brasilia Cathedral, however, breaks with tradition with its clean lines and bright, spacious interior, reflecting a modern atmosphere. The crown is surrounded by a pool of water. When sunlight shines on the pool, the ripples reflect on the glass windows, creating a flickering effect within the church, creating a mysterious and pleasing feeling.
Recommended 1-day tour
Ecuador has a rich history influenced by ancient cultures like the Incas, Spanish colonization, and its role in the creation of the modern South American states. Quito is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, and the country is pivotal in the fight for independence from Spain. Ecuador is also famous for its biodiversity and plays a significant role in global conservation efforts, particularly regarding the Galápagos Islands.
Ecuador is located in the northwest of South America, bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. The capital city, Quito, is served by Mariscal Sucre International Airport. You can get around by bus, taxi, or ride-sharing apps, with some cities like Guayaquil offering metro systems. For hiking or remote destinations, travel often requires buses or private vehicles.
Most attractions are open year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September), though the weather is pleasant year-round, especially for highland areas. For the Amazon and Galápagos, the weather is also good year-round, though the Galápagos has peak seasons from December to January.
Entrance fees vary by attraction, but for national parks, they typically range from $5 to $20 USD. The Galápagos Islands have a special entry fee of $100 USD for foreign visitors. Tickets can be purchased online for some attractions, or on-site at most cultural or natural sites.
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance for popular sites like the Galápagos Islands and Cuenca's heritage sites. For national parks or smaller attractions, booking a few days ahead is usually sufficient, while Galápagos tours often require booking 1-2 months in advance.
A visit to Ecuador generally takes 10-14 days to fully explore its highlights. Spending 3-4 days in Quito for cultural experiences, 2-3 days for hiking and nature in the Andes or Cotopaxi National Park, and 4-5 days for the Galápagos Islands or the Amazon would provide a great mix of experiences.
Key highlights include Quito's old town, Cotopaxi Volcano, Baños for waterfalls and hot springs, the Galápagos Islands, and the Amazon rainforest. Don’t miss the iconic Quilotoa Crater Lake and the historical city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guided tours are widely available in Ecuador, with options in English, Spanish, and other languages. These are especially useful for understanding the cultural and natural significance of locations such as the Galápagos Islands, Cotopaxi, and Quito’s old town.
For stunning views, visit the Cotopaxi Volcano, the top of the Pichincha Volcano near Quito, the panoramic views of the Quilotoa Crater, and the beaches of the Galápagos. Baños also offers some of the most beautiful waterfall views in the country.
A recommended itinerary is: start in Quito, explore the city, then head to Cotopaxi for hiking, travel to Baños for natural hot springs and waterfalls, and then continue to Cuenca. Finally, spend 4-5 days in the Galápagos or Amazon, depending on your interests.
Night tours are available in some areas, like in Quito’s historic center or the Amazon for night wildlife experiences. Light shows are not common, but special events like the Inti Raymi festival (June) in Quito offer unique cultural experiences.
Colombia can be crowded during holidays like Easter and Christmas. To avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November), and weekdays rather than weekends, especially in popular places like the Galápagos and Quito.
Most popular tourist attractions, parks, and cities offer basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. However, more remote locations, like trekking routes in the Andes or in the Amazon, may have limited facilities, so be prepared with your own supplies.
Urban attractions like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil are generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some natural sites like Cotopaxi or the Galápagos Islands may require more effort or specialized tours to accommodate mobility limitations.
Cash is often required in smaller towns and for street markets. However, credit cards are widely accepted in most cities and larger establishments, especially in Quito, Cuenca, and the Galápagos. Mobile payment options are also growing in popularity in tourist areas.
In Quito and Cuenca, you’ll find a mix of international and Ecuadorian cuisine. Popular dishes include ceviche, empanadas, and locro (a potato soup). In tourist areas like the Galápagos, there are many seafood-focused restaurants, and Baños has cafes with beautiful views of waterfalls.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in major cities and tourist destinations. While less common, some restaurants offer halal food in Quito and Guayaquil, especially in the larger urban areas or in restaurants catering to international tourists.
Accommodation options vary from hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts. Quito and Guayaquil have a wide range of accommodations, while in places like Baños, Cuenca, and the Galápagos, you can find boutique hotels and eco-lodges that offer immersive experiences in nature.
Nearby attractions include the Otavalo Market for cultural shopping, the famous Cotacachi Volcano, and the scenic Mindo Cloud Forest. From Quito, you can also visit the historic towns of Baños, Riobamba, and Chimborazo.
Souvenir shops are widely available in tourist areas. Popular items include handmade jewelry, woolen textiles, Panama hats, and indigenous crafts like wood carvings and woven bags. The Galápagos offers unique souvenirs, such as eco-friendly crafts and local art.
After visiting major cities, buses are a popular and affordable way to get around Ecuador. Domestic flights are available for long distances, particularly to the Galápagos and the Amazon. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available in cities like Quito and Guayaquil.
