Insider Travel Tips

How much does a trip to Ecuador typically cost?

A visit to Ecuador is known for being relatively affordable for all types of travellers. When planning a one week vacation, an individual should budget between $2,000 to $3,500, not including international airfare. It is important to note that extending a trip to include a visit to the Galapagos Islands will add at least $1,500 per person.

What food is Ecuador known for?

Ecuador is a nation of delicious and diverse dishes. Consider trying the national dish of Ecuador, Bolon de Verde, a large fried ball of mashed plantains filled with meat and cheese. The tender slow cooked pork dish of Hornado de Chancho can be found in market stalls and festivals throughout the Ecuadorian Andes. Diners will find Ecuadorian aji hot sauce at nearly every meal. It is a flavourful combination of tamarillo tree tomatoes and medium spiced aji pepper.

What documentation is required to visit Ecuador?

Travellers visiting from Canada and the United States arriving in Ecuador will require a passport that is valid for six months. All visitors will be processed upon arrival with a no cost T3 visa stamp, authorizing a 90 day stay.

How do I plan a trip to Ecuador?

A trip to Ecuador should cater to your personal interests, whether its lush jungles or historic Inca ruins. Do you want to stand at the centre of the earth on the equator, or cruise the biodiverse Galapagos islands to photograph blue footed boobies? Craft your tailor-made trip to Ecuador with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

What are some of the best places to visit in Ecuador?

Any nature-lover will find endless options in Ecuador, known for its four regions, the Pacific coast, the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galapagos. Walk the narrow streets in the historical city centre of Quito, renowned for the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of South America. On a visit to the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and Yasuni National Park you might see river turtles, anacondas, and the legendary pink river dolphins. A trip to Ecuador is not complete without visiting one of its 47 volcanoes. The Avenue of Volcanoes is a route that travels through picturesque villages and the most impressive volcano of the group, Chimborazo, is snow covered year round and stands at 20,700 ft (6,310 m) tall.

How do I visit the Galapagos Islands?

A visit to the Galapagos Islands is a once in a lifetime experience, known for its diverse and isolated wildlife. Getting to the archipelago of 19 volcanic islands 560 mi (1,000 km) off the coast of Ecuador requires a two-hour flight. Flights depart daily from both Quito and Guayaquil. The Galapagos are a protected national park and will require a $20 Galapagos Transit Control Card to be purchased via cash only at the airport Galapagos Special Regime booth. There will also be baggage screening to ensure travellers are not carrying any organic matter such as fruits or vegetables.

What to pack for a trip to Ecuador?

Ecuador's relatively small size and namesake location along the equator makes it a comfortable destination year round, with a rainy season from October to May. Packing lightweight clothing for tropical weather, and gear for rain is important. For visits to the Andes region, as you reach higher altitudes, expect things to get cold at night.

What language is spoken in Ecuador?

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. There are also over 20 Indigenous languages recognized, with Quechua being the most common. Travellers will find little English spoken beyond small phrases, though staff in the tourism industry may know some. Learning a handful of Spanish phrases would be helpful, along with downloading a translation app. 

Is Ecuador LGBTQ+ friendly?

LGBTQ+ people are generally comfortable travelling in Ecuador. Ecuador was actually one of the first countries in the word to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, with its traditional religious cultural attitudes, there is still some intolerance for the LGBTQ+ community. Travellers will find public displays of affection continue to be rare. Travellers seeking out the LGBTQ+ scenes in the city of Quito can check out the neighbourhood of La Mariscal, in and around the Plaza Foch.

What currency is used in Ecuador?

Since the year 2000, the official currency of Ecuador has been the US Dollar. This may come as a surprise to some travellers, as it can make travelling with cash easy. Plan to bring small denominations of cash or use ATMs, as credit and debit cards are not as commonly used by small vendors due to high processing fees. For larger payments such as accommodation, credit cards are widely accepted.