An Unforgettable Adventure – Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide for 2024.

Temperature in Quito

Monthly hours of sunshine in Quito

Rainy days in Quito

When it comes to visa policy, Ecuador is deemed to have one of the most lenient ones. With the Ultimate Travel Guide for Ecuador (2024), you’ll discover the best Visa options in Ecuador.

Citizens from a country that has been exempted from fulfilling visa requirements are not required to apply for the visa. They can enter Ecuador and stay up to a maximum of 90 days without a visa.

Only passport holders of Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria have to apply for the Ecuadorian tourist visa.

There are three types of Ecuador visas:

• Ecuador Tourist Visa

This is applied by those who are citizens of countries where visa requirements are imposed (list above).  A special tourist visa enables all tourists to extend their stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days. This can be issued from your own country prior to your travel. However, this is received only once every five years.

• Temporary Residence Visa

For those who want to work, study, retire, etc.

• Ecuador Permanent Resident Visas

Can be applied by those who have already stayed for 21 months in Ecuador under a temporary residence visa.

Source: September 2022

Type A and B plugs

In Ecuador, the frequency of the current is 60Hz and the voltage supply is 120V.

The official currency in Ecuador is US Dollar (USD). It makes it easy for American citizens to travel to Ecuador.

Exchange Rate Converter

When you’re in Ecuador – a must-see destination highlighted in the Ultimate Travel Guide for Ecuador (2024), don’t miss out on the opportunity to use these Fee-free ATM in Ecuador. In Ecuador many ATMs charge fees but compared to other destinations, this fee is nominal and ranges from 50c to $2.00. ATMs that are detached from banks usually charge more.

Visitors are advised to keep a MasterCard because it assists in curtailing their home bank fees and grants them a superior exchange rate on purchases. The majority of the big hotels accept debit and credit cards, but affordable accommodations and packages only accept cash. Most the ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard cards.

Also, I would recommend using online banks like Wise, which allows you to take money from ATM abroad without commission (2 times per month), and has one of the best conversion rates.

*Note, if ATM is asking for a conversion rate, use the local currency, as your bank probably would provide a better conversion rate, than ATM.

The cost of living in Ecuador is much more affordable than in the US or Europe. In Ecuador, people can live an extremely comfortable lifestyle in famous and cosmopolitan cities for less than $18 000 a year.

For those living in the picturesque valley of Cuenca, big city amenities like weekly maid service, living in an opulent three-bedroom apartment, and dining in fancy restaurants will result in just $1700 a month.

Even in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, a pampered and lavish lifestyle would cost around $1800 per month for a couple.

You can access benefits like weekly maid service, regular dine-out meals and shopping, and living in a rented two-bedroom apartment within the budget of just $1500 per month accommodating in a rural area like Vilcabamba.

When traveling to Ecuador, there are a few apps that can ease your stay and assist you in navigating the routes, calling a taxi, translating the perplexing instructions of the guide, or simply ordering food online

Transport:

Easy Taxi

Hiking:

Gaia GPS

Food:

PedidosYa

In Ecuador, Movistar, Claro, and Tuenti are the most popular operators. Claro and Movistar charge $20 per month and the package includes voice, data, text messages, and unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. While Tuenti only offers prepaid options.

Another option is to use eSim like Airalo.

Although Ecuador is equipped with several airports there are only two international airports, located near the cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Two small inland airports operate flights to the famous Galapagos Islands.

Smaller airports are scattered in San Cristobal, Esmeraldas, Salinas, Manta, Santa Rosa, Cuenca, and Tulcan. Domestic flights cost around $50-$90 but flights routed toward Galapagos Islands are considerably expensive.

If you want to travel to the city center after coming out of the airport, you have three modes of transportation available which are:

Quito – Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport

• Yellow Taxi, which is the fastest mode of transportation and costs $25 for a 40min ride for four passengers.
• Airport express buses (Aeroservicios) cost $8 for a 45 min ride for a single ticket.
• The local bus line is economical with a single ticket at $2.

Guayaquil – José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport

• Taxi. Takes around 25min and costs $3-5.
• Bus. Take METROVIA bus station, and will cost around $0.35

Ecuador is considered somewhat a safe country but pickpocketers, scam artists, and thieves do lurk around in places like hot tourist destinations, restaurants, shops, and public transportation. Violent crimes also exist in Ecuador. So, you need to pay extra attention.

Don’t cross Ecuador and Colombian land border by bus. Keep an eye on your belonging on the bus, I have heard many stories of people’s belongings disappearing during bus drives between the cities. Use a taxi when going around the city and check neighborhoods before going there.

In addition to this, Ecuador is located in the seismic activity zone. The country is speckled with volcanoes; therefore, earthquakes and tsunamis are common here. Experienced my first earthquake in Baños.

If you are traveling, I would say insurance is a must. I saw so many times when people get injuries and health problems, and their relatives/friends are organizing fundraising campaigns for the treatments.

The health system here is very expensive. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it.

I personally buy for EUR 42/month (can have a daily option) SafetyWings travel insurance. That gives me peace of mind. It has $250 deductible, with $250 000 max limit. I had 2 claims, and both of them got covered.

*This is an affiliate link. This means I will get a commission if you use it. But as I mentioned before I am using this insurance myself.

Quito

PLAY House Quito (Co-working & Co-living)

Situated in a beautiful and safe neighborhood of Quito, La Floresta, this spacious house offers an enchanting scenic view of 4 volcanoes and overlooks a breathtaking garden. It is within a walking distance of most restaurants, bus stops, and supermarkets.

Features: fast Wi-Fi, movie and game nights, projector, meeting rooms, living area, kitchen, bbq, closet, drawers.

Types of Rooms: 4-bed room, private room with and without the view, double room, terrace room.

Cost per Month: From €235 a month with all bills included.

Cuenca

Selina Cuenca (Co-working & Co-living)

Located in Cuenca, this coliving space boasts of a grand collaborative economy system that allows visitors to live in a well-established place at minimal costs.

Features: fast Wi-Fi, unlimited coworking access, cleaning service once a week, reading room, cinema room, pool table.

Types of rooms: 4-bed mix room, private rooms

Cost per month: From €572 a month with all bills included.

Baños

Selina Baños (Co-working & Co-living)

An attractively renovated building in the center of Baños, this coliving and coworking space in Ecuador is one of the best as it is fitted with great amenities that make the stay unforgettable.

Features: fast Wi-Fi, unlimited coworking access, cleaning service once a week, reading room, cinema room, pool table

Types of rooms: 4-bed mix room, private rooms

Cost per month: From €572 a month with all bills included.

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Quito

With the Ultimate Travel Guide for Ecuador (2024), you’ll learn about the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. Old Town Quito is an extraordinary testimonial to Ecuador’s history and is one of the best-preserved historic centers in Latin America. This UNESCO World Heritage site is within a short distance of Ecuador’s most famous tourist destinations and offers extensive hiking options. Below is the list of neighborhoods that I will recommend for your to stay:

• La Mariscal – many travelers prefer this spot as it is home to a wide choice of hotels, cafes, markets, bars, and exciting nightlife.
• La Floresta – if you are into the art scene, you will enjoy staying in this area.
• La Carolina – this area gives you access to the fun at La Carolina Park where events like fairs, concerts, and performances usually happen.

Guayaquil

This port city is one of the biggest ones in Ecuador and is a business and finance hub. Though there isn’t much to see in Guayaquil, this transportation hub plays a primary part in transferring visitors to the much-celebrated and famed Galapagos Islands and the coast of Ecuador. Below is the list of neighborhoods that I will recommend for your to stay:

• Las Peñas – if you want a place where there are classical feels and eye-pleasing aesthetics, this place with colonial houses and surrounding galleries and museum is perfect for you.
• Malecón 2000 – this is the area where most tourists go. This is perfect for epic nightlife, shopping, and exploring nearby attractions.
• City Center/ Downtown Guayaquil – this has the most tourist attractions, hence this area provides the most convenience.

Banos

Located at the base of a volcano, this small spa town is a haven for all backpackers traveling on a budget. Famous for its hot springs and baths and heated by seismic activity, this town is best known for the array of adventure sports offered to tourists.

Cuenca

Situated towards the country’s south, Cuenca is power packed with rich colonial architecture, promises mouthwatering cuisine options, and is scattered with cultural destinations that keep travelers booked and excited.

Loja

Packed with captivating plazas, churches, and colorful buildings, Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador and a hidden gem bursting with epic natural beauty.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with friends and family, the Ultimate Travel Guide for Ecuador (2024) has something for everyone. Here is the list of things you can do in Ecuador:

For a small country like Ecuador, it surely packs a powerful punch. And you can explore all three of the country’s primary ecosystems-Amazon, Highlands and Galapagos if you follow this 14-day itinerary.

Day 1 to Day 5

Day 1. Arrive in Quito. Walk around through the streets in downtown of Quito which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay here overnight.

Day 2. Quito. Visit the Churches of San Fransisco, La Compañia, view the statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of El Panecillo Hill, go outside Quito and visit the Ethnographical Museum, and behold the Equator Monument.

Day 3. From Quito head to Cotopaxi National Park, make a stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon, and view the El Salitre Inca Ruins. Continue towards Riobamba. Stay overnight

Day 4. Go to Zumbahua Market & Quilotoa Lagoon Hike. From there, catch the bus to Baños (one of my favorite places in Ecuador).

Day 5. Enjoy extreme activities like zip-line, canyoning, and rafting there. After a day of thrills, you can relax by soaking in one of the thermal baths. Stay overnight

Day 6 to Day 14

Day 6. Next day, do a bike tour around the Ruta de las Cascadas. Go to Casa del Arbol swing for the evening. Stay overnight

Day 7. Head to Alausí and ride the Devil’s Nose Train” to Sibambe. Return back to Alausí, continue towards the ruins in Ingapirca, and arrive in Cuenca. Stay here overnight.

Day 8. Take a tour of the historic monuments, and explore the impressive collection at the Museo del Banco Central and Pumapungo. Go to the city’s main plaza, and admire the beautiful 19th-century cathedral called El Sagrario

Day 9. From Cuenca visit the Cajas National Park. Continue to Guayaquil where you stay overnight.

Day 10. Fly toward Galapagos Islands. Arrive at Baltra Airport to travel to Santa Cruz Island. Spend time with giant tortoises. Continue towards Puerto Ayora, visit Charles Darwin Station and stay overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 11. Explore the bay, visit the coves and beaches of Santa Cruz Island, and go snorkeling. Stay overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 12. Take a group tour and visit any one of these islands-Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolome or North Seymour to experience the exquisite natural beauty and rare wildlife. Stay overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 13. Cross the Itabaca Channel via the ferry and transfer to Baltra Airport. Fly to Quito.

Day 14. Transfer to the airport for your next destination.

There is no need to show a negative RT-PCR test result for COVID-19 for vaccinated visitors who provide vaccination certificates.

All travelers above the age of 3 and without vaccination are required to provide authorized proof of vaccination or should provide a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before traveling.

Authorities may ask a selected number of tourists to take a COVID-19 test on their arrival in Ecuador. And a positive test result would make 10-day quarantine mandatory.

Source: https://ec.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-ecu-2/

Updated: October 2022

• Most apartments across the country don’t have a proper heater system. So, take some warm clothes or check when booking.
• Most of the central areas of Ecuador are high altitude. So avoid altitude hikes or climbing up to volcanoes on the first few days of travel.
• Be careful with your belongings. Crimes in Ecuador are common so avoid talking to strangers and walking alone at night.
• Always carry coins and small bills as people do not have change and large bills.
• Most part of Ecuador is located at high altitude so avoid hikes or climbing up to volcanoes on the first few days of your trip.
• If you plan to travel to Galapagos Islands, bring medication along as seasickness is a real issue.
• Always wear full-sleeved shirts and full trousers when trekking in jungles and rainforests and use insect repellants to save yourself from dangerous mosquito bites.

Hola – Hi

Sí – Yes

No – No

Adiós – Goodbye

Buenos dias – Good morning

Buenas tardes – Good afternoon

Buenas noches – Good evening

Por favor – Please

Gracias – Thank you

Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

No entiendo – I don’t understand

Socorro! – Help!