Ecuador Holidays

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.

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.


• Uncover the secrets of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Amazon region covers around 46,500 square miles of the mainland in Ecuador. This area is home to a staggering 8% of the planet’s animal species making it one of the most important regions for ecological diversity. There are so many ways you can discover the hidden gems that lie deep within the rainforests: birdwatch in the cloud forests, head on a canyoning tour in a gorge, or kayak through the Amazonian mangroves.
  
  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.

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.

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.