Ecuador Holidays

What are the best ways to discover Ecuador?

Two cordilleras (ranges) of the Andes run north to south and form the Avenue of the Volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Within this dramatic landscape Ecuador has many national parks and reserves, notably Machalilla on the coast, Isla del Plata and its pre-Columbian ruins, Sangay with its rare species, and Pasochoa and Podocarpus for flora. The country is also renowned for its colourful markets, and many, such as Otavalo, are within reach of Quito in the Central Valley. At the southern end of the valley you’ll find Cuenca, an Inca site filled with pink marble colonial buildings. From here, don't miss the Incas' Ingapirca.

Elsewhere, Quito was the first UNESCO World Heritage city, built among the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano, which you can really appreciate as you come into land. This long linear city sits at 8,500ft so you definitely feel the altitude, but as a result the sky is often incredibly blue and bright. This is by no means the liveliest city in Latin America (that accolade would probably go to Cartagena) but the colonial city centre is charming and if you happen to be there on a Saturday many locals from the highlands congregate in Plaza San Francisco. Discover the capital with the help of a local guide, who will take to the top of El Panecillo for panoramic views across the metropolis, before heading into the hustle and bustle of Mariscal Artisanal Market. As one of the city’s oldest markets, Mariscal is teeming with traditional souvenirs and authentic artisanal offerings, which you could spend all day perusing.

What can you find in Ecuador that you won’t find elsewhere?

Within striking distance of Quito are the beautiful Highlands, and driving north out of the city involves being treated to great views of the voluminous volcanoes and peaks of the Andes. It also means crossing the equator into the Northern Hemisphere, taking in the Mitad del Mundo (centre of the world) monument and museum. Also worth a visit is Tulipe – home to archaeological ruins from the pre-Incan Yumbos civilisation. The Highlands themselves are a playground for adventurous types keen to climb some serious peaks, or to explore the extraordinary biosphere of the Andean cloud forest.

Speaking of extraordinary biospheres, it's important not to forget that Ecuador is also one of those lucky countries to include a portion of the upper Amazon rainforest, which is just a thirty minute flight from Quito. Stay in fascinating ecolodges or on board a luxury river cruiser to explore the Amazon. Expect to encounter plenty of monkeys, colourful toco toucans and leisurely sloths among the lush leafy treetops of the rainforest. The Amazon’s waterways are home to more than 600 species of fish, as well as over 250 varieties of reptiles and amphibians, including caiman crocodiles, which are endemic to Latin America).

Who are Ecuador holidays best for?

Calling all wildlife lovers, seasoned snorkellers and underwater explorers, Ecuador holidays offer an abundance of adventure-focused holiday experiences, both on land and in the ocean. As one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, it goes without saying that the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit for those in search of wild and whacky creatures. Baños – widely regarded as the ‘gateway to the Amazon’ – is a hub of adventure-based activities (including white-water rafting and ziplining), which makes a great day trip worth adding to any thrill-seekers' travel itinerary. Those in search of authentic experiences and a taste of traditional Ecuadorian culture should include Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil in their trip, while history buffs and archaeological aficionados will appreciate the ancient Incan ruins scattered across the Sierra.

Special Things to Do during Ecuador holidays

Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean, lie the Galapagos Islands, the catalyst for Darwin's theory of evolution. At the risk of slipping into hyperbole, this is one of the most rewarding, most significant destinations in the world. Original Travel consultants have visited the islands on several occasions, and know the best boats for every type of trip from family holidays to dive safaris. Hop between several of the islands – such as Santa Cruz, Isabela, Eden and San Cristobal – or stay on board a luxury vessel, which can act as a floating home during your island-hopping adventure. Each new destination will add to the encyclopaedia of wildlife sightings; Isabela is home to pink flamingos, Santiago’s beaches are filled with fur sea lions and marine iguanas inhabit Fernandina’s beachfront.

The country boasts an impressive 11 national parks and 25 reserves, each outstanding areas of natural beauty and valuable conservation areas. Travel to Cayambe Coca National Park, a patchwork of cloud forest, volcanoes and hot springs, which plays host to Andean condors, armadillos and bears. Spend a day in Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll find the world’s highest active volcano, as well as an abundance of hiking and mountain-biking trails. Sun seekers will want to visit Machalilla National Park, home to some of the nation’s most secluded and idyllic beaches, while other sun-drenched spots include Playa Escondida and Tonsupa, in the Esmeraldas region.

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Named for its position on the equator, Ecuador’s climate and weather varies from region to region, with different parts of the country each possessing their own micro-climate. Altitude tends to have more bearing over temperature here than the season (which are opposite to ours here in the UK), and it generally gets colder at higher altitudes. While there’s no bad time of year to visit, the Ecuadorian rainy season tends to fall between October and May, while the period from June to September is usually drier. Head to our best time to visit Ecuador guide page for more.

FAQs

Culture

What is Ecuador known for?

- A paradise for plants and animals. Ecuador is home to a thriving animal kingdom; you’ll find some of the most magnificent habitats and ecosystems in the world on its shores (and beyond). In fact, Ecuador is part of a group of 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries, which collectively are home to around 70% of the planet’s biodiversity. The country’s world-famous biodiversity hotspots include the Amazon rainforest, the cloud forests, the Andes highlands and of course the Galápagos Islands.

- Volcanoes. Only a handful of countries have a higher number of active volcanoes than Ecuador, which has 13 in total. There are also many more inactive volcanoes – the most famous being Chimborazo. Found in the Andes and exceeding 20,000ft in elevation, its peak is Ecuador's highest point. Due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, Chimborazo is also technically the closest point to outer space, and would be the tallest mountain in the world if measured from the centre of the planet.

- Exports. Ecuador is rich with natural resources, and as such its exports are an important part of the country’s economy. Some of its biggest exports include crude petroleum, crustaceans and, perhaps most famously, bananas. Ecuador is the biggest exporter of bananas in the world, shipping $3.8 billion worth around the world in 2023. This was more than double the second-largest exporter of the fruit, the Philippines.

Planning your trip

What are the best things to do in Ecuador?

- Savour the stunning Galápagos Islands. Whether you’re an animal lover or not, it’s impossible to ignore the allure of the magnificent Galápagos Islands when discovering this corner of the world. Strident regulations protecting the wellbeing of the archipelago make it one of the best-preserved wildlife hotspots on the planet.

As you hike across the island, keep an eye out for the world-famous giant tortoises and blue footed boobies, before taking a dive or snorkel into the surrounding waters in search of sea lions, sharks and schools of exotic fish.

- Admire colonial architecture in Quito. While it’s by no means the largest, Quito is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Best of all, you never need a specific destination when visiting this high-altitude urban paradise. Simply spend a day wandering around the streets admiring the colonial architecture that contributes to the region’s unique character. If you want to learn more about Quito’s story, there are plenty of museums and open buildings to explore, including Museo Nacional and Casa Museo Guayasamín.

Ecotourism has an important role to play in protecting the country’s vast and valuable biodiversity. Lots of initiatives in wildlife hotspots have already been established, and every visitor can contribute to conservation efforts. Read our guide on sustainability in Ecuador to find out more.

Where can I stay in Ecuador?

There are plenty of unique accommodation options in Ecuador for more adventurous travellers. Stay in a forest lodge built using natural materials and fully immerse yourself in the jungle environment as you neighbour with spectacular wildlife. Ecuador equally caters to the more discerning tourist – head to the main cities of Quito and Guayaquil where you will find plenty of boutique and historic hotels.

For more information, read our guide on accommodation in Ecuador.

What is the weather like in Ecuador?

Altitude plays an important role in climatic variations across the mainland. You’ll generally find a humid subtropical climate in the rainforests of the lowlands, compared to the more temperate conditions seen in the mountainous regions.

There are also distinct wet and dry seasons in Ecuador. The exception to this rule is the Amazon region, which experiences steady rainfall throughout the year. The summer months offer the best, driest conditions if you’re visiting the highlands, whereas the shoulder season is generally best if you’re visiting the coastal regions or the Galápagos Islands.

Local information

What is the capital of Ecuador?

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, but it’s not the country’s most populous city – that title belongs to Guayaquil. Quito is the world’s second-highest capital above sea level (behind La Paz in Bolivia) and is the closest to the equator.

What languages are spoken in Ecuador?

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, although you will notice regional differences. The native language of Quechua is the second-most spoken. English isn’t widely spoken, even in the main cities, so it can be helpful to learn some key Spanish phrases before your trip.

What's the time zone in Ecuador?

Ecuador’s mainland only observes one time zone – Ecuador Time (ECT). This is five hours behind GMT. The Galápagos Islands use Galapagos Time (GALT) which is six hours behind GMT.

Travel information

Where is Ecuador?

Ecuador is situated on the northwest coast of the South American continent, and shares a border with two countries: Colombia and Peru. The country straddles the equator, and it’s from this geographical feature that Ecuador got its name (ecuador being the Spanish term for ‘equator’).

What currency does Ecuador use?

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador – the dollar replaced the sucre in 2000. Although credit card transactions are on the rise, cash is still the preferred method of payment in most places. It’s also advisable to use smaller bills where possible, since shops and other businesses might not always have change for larger notes. All notes are the same as in the U.S., but Ecuador mints its own coins – these cannot be used outside of the country, so keep an eye out for the different prints on local coinage.

How long does it take to fly to Ecuador from the UK?

There are no direct flights connecting the UK and Ecuador – Bogota and Miami are common stopovers en route. The flight time from London to either Guayaquil or Quito is around 17 hours.

Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

British nationals can travel to Ecuador without needing a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.