Ecuador Travel Tips – know before you go!
What do we know about Ecuador travel tips? Plenty! After all, 3 months in Ecuador (Mar-May 2019) will teach you a thing or two. Plus, of those 3 months, 2.5 were rent-free! How did we do that? Find out here!
Dreaming of your own Ecuadorian adventure? You’re in the right place as we wrote this just for YOU! Here are all our Ecuador travel tips we learned along the way.
Ecuador Travel Tip #1 – the Name.
First off, the name. Ecuador is named after the equator, which crosses it. However, please take note that the correct spelling is Ecuador, not Equador as you might expect. Although this might seem odd, the name “Ecuador” is simply Spanish for Equator. Surprisingly, this is the only country in the world named after a geographical feature.
Be sure to visit the Equator or “Mitad del Mundo,” (half of the world) if you’re near Quito. The fun photo opp with one foot in each hemisphere is a must do. More on this here!
Ecuador Travel tip #2 – Logistics
Located on South America’s West Coast, Ecuador is home to approximately 17.37 million people. (2019) It is south of Columbia, north of Peru and is one of 12 South American countries. Ecuador is also home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of them, the Galapagos Islands, was included in the 12 sites named to the first list in 1978.
Many people think all of Ecuador is hot, Hot, HOT! After all, the Equator runs right through it so it must be hot and sweaty, but you may want to pack a jacket with all your shorts and tank tops! Did you know that two of Ecuador’s major cities, Quito and Cuenca, are at elevation? Quito is at 9,350′ (2,850m) while Cuenca is at 8,399′ (2,560m) making for rather pleasant spring-like weather almost year-round. This is one of the reasons these two cities are so popular with ex-pats!
Tips for Planning a Visit
Visa Requirements
- US Citizens do NOT need a Visa to enter Ecuador for 90 days.
- A passport valid for at least six months past the departure date is required.
- For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens must apply for a temporary residence visa or extended tourist visa.
- Citizens of most countries do not need a Visa to enter Ecuador. Peruvians can stay a maximum of 180 days per year.
Passports
- Make a copy of your passport to carry with you at all times.
- Leave the original passport in a safe place in your lodging.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You will receive updates about the County in which you are traveling.
- Check with the CDC regarding vaccinations/immunizations for your travel.
- Remember, A passport valid for at least six months past the departure date is required.
Language and Electricity
- The local language is Spanish. Try to learn the basics before going. Purchase a digital or online course to get yourself started.
- Ecuador uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity. This is the same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat types. As a result, US travelers will typically NOT need a converter or adapter.
Safety
Generally speaking, Ecuador is a very safe country. The people are friendly, welcoming and very helpful. On more than one occasion, local people helped up with ordering menu items off an all Spanish menu, or find an address on the street.
However, like any other place, let your common sense prevail. Pickpockets are common especially in the crowded mercados (local food markets).
Always keep handbags and backpacks in sight, especially when on a bus. If you must put your backpack on the floor under your seat, put it under the seat IN FRONT where you can see it. It is common for thieves to remove items from backpacks if you place it under your seat! We’ve even heard where some people pretend to be a bus “conductor” going around telling you must put your belongings under you seat. Do not do it!
If you are in town with your backpack, make sure it has a lock on it. It is very easy for cleaver pickpockets to easily remove items while you are sightseeing.
Money in Ecuador
Cash
Currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar so there’s no need to worry about conversion rates or getting “local” currency upon arrival. Bring some cash in the form of small bills with you, as cash is king in Ecuador, especially if you plan to go to the local “mercados.” And by “cash” we mean small bills. In many local shops, if you pay with a $5 or $10 bill you may find yourself waiting while the local vendor gathers change from neighboring stores.
The Sacagawea Dollar.
I’ll say it again: Cash is king in Ecuador! Here you will find dollar coins with an unknown figure on the coin. Rest assured, it is not Susan B. Anthony’s image on the coin.
Instead, the dollar coins in Ecuador are the Sacagawea dollar. This coin depicts an image of a Native American woman with a baby. Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. I had no idea!
Production of this coin started in the U.S. Mint in 2000 but never caught on in the US. As a result, they were shipped to Ecuador where they are now preferred over dollar bills. (Strange, because they are so heavy.) Since 2002, approximately $149M worth of coins have been shipped. So, don’t be surprised to see this unusual dollar. It IS American currency!
Credit cards
You certainly should bring your AMEX or Visa on your travels, but CASH is king in Ecuador! Because of merchant fees associated with credit cards, they are seldom accepted in Ecuador.
Even large purchases like tours, costing several hundred dollars, often only accept cash, so don’t be caught empty-handed! (Like we were one time. Had to leave a “down payment” then return with the remaining cash as we thought we could charge our $200 tour!)
However, large supermarkets, upscale restaurants, and chain type stores generally accept credit cards. Beware, this is the exception more than the rule. In addition, credit card purchases typically require your passport. Have your copy ready to show the cashier. (You left your original back in your hotel room, remember?)
Most card readers detect that your card is “foreign” and the merchant will ask if you want to pay in local or your home currency. Always pay in the local currency. Why? Because, exchange rates will be inflated by the card terminal, whereas you’ll get a much better rate from your bank. And finally, to avoid extra charges, make sure your credit card is one with no foreign transaction fees!
Debit Card Travel Tips for Ecuador.
The most important card to bring is your DEBIT card to access cash as you need it. Don’t worry, the major towns all have ATMs where you can withdraw funds. However, check the ATM charges before you hit “OK” on the terminal as they vary greatly.
If possible, obtain a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. For example, the Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account is a popular one in the USA.
Ecuador Transportation tips you need to know.
- International Flights are either into Quito or Guayaquil.
- There are no international flights into any other cities.
- LATAM Airlines, TAME and Avianca Ecuador Airlines are the domestic carriers in Ecuador.
- There are usually only 2 or 3 daily flights domestically.
- Flights between Quito and Guayaquil are direct.
- Most other flights go through a connecting airport.
- Many flights into Ecuador arrive late at night. Hotels and Airbnb hosts are accustomed to this.
- Buses are often the means of travel between smaller towns.
- FlightConnections.com has a full list of Ecuador Airport. Please research each airport as few have daily flights.
- Rome2Rio.com will help you get around anywhere.
We first use Google.com/flights to determine the best day/date to fly. This site has a calendar that shows the daily fare which helps get the best price. Of course, early planning is best as it provides time to shop for the least expensive fare. Skyscanner is another good site to shop for pricing. You can also set price alerts on both of these sites! We purchase tickets through CheapOair and always got a good price. (*Due to the uncertainty of flights / lodging / etc, caused by the Covid-19 virus, at this time we recommend booking DIRECTLY with the hotel / motel / airline rather than through a third party website.) Should your flight / room be cancelled, you have a better chance of getting an actual refund, instead of a voucher good for future travel, if you are dealing direct!
***And another important reminder, you have a much better change of getting a refund vrs. a voucher if the airline or hotel cancels YOU due to flight changes or Covid restrictions.
Ecuador Travel Tips for Lodging.
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House / Pet Sitting Travel Tip
Cats, dogs, and houses often dictate our travel. For example, house and pet sitting, along with house swapping have taken us many places. Australia, Spain, the UK, Mexico, Botswana, Ecuador and Portugal are a few of our destinations.
Is this something new to you? TrustedHousesitters.com and Housecarers.com are two platforms we use to travel. Simply pay a small membership fee good for a year and post a profile. This, along with references, gives you a good start.
Most platforms allow you to browse listings without joining. I recommend doing so, to see if this might be a travel avenue for you. If this is of interest, click the links above. We’ll receive a small compensation, at no additional cost to you! It helps us keep this blog going.
While pet/house sitting is an excellent way to achieve free lodging, bear in mind it generally requires ample pre-planning. Also, you will have responsibilities of pets and the house. This means, your time will not always be your own!
Airbnb & Booking.com
Our other lodging option is Airbnb. We love Airbnb because it gives us the opportunity to live in a locally constructed home, which can be an adventure itself! Travel taught us that construction standards, finishes, and amenities can be quite different around the world. Of course, you must choose your Airbnb wisely, adhering to our “5 C’s” of Cleanliness, Comfort, Cooking, Convenience and Cost. Check out our Youtube all about choosing an Airbnb rental here.
Our other “go-to” is Booking.com. We have always found Booking .com to have a plentiful assortment of options and price ranges. Plus, there are MANY beautiful boutique hotels in Ecuador that you can book with directly. Our lodging suggestions are later in this post.
Ecuador Travel Tips for Packing.
We spent three months (the full time allowed on our visitor visa) in Ecuador. During this time, we traveled from Quito to Cuenca up in the highlands. Then, from there we went to hot/humid Guayaquil onward to the Galapagos. Our luggage consists of a backpack and carry-on.
Our best Ecuador travel tip is this: Leave your natural fiber clothing (like cotton) at home. Pack only synthetic materials. Get breathable synthetics for hot climate and a warm puffy jacket for the cold. Synthetics are hand washable and dry quickly. This eliminates the need for multiples. From hot to cold, layering with the right selection of clothing does the trick. Here are some good selections at Eastern Mountain Sports, Columbia and Amazon.
As for purses, for the ladies, a small to medium crossbody bag is perfect. You may be on vacation but the pickpockets are not. There is nothing worse than losing your wallet, phone or passport. With a crossbody bag, it is always within your sight. Plus, your hands are free.
A bag with multiple compartments enables you to locate items without exposing all the contents. In addition, zip compartments are preferable as they allow your bag to go through security with everything intact. Take. a look at some of my favorite crossbody bags from Baggallini! I love their bags, and even use the at home now. The only problem with them is, they NEVER seem to wear out!
Ecuador Travel Tips by Region
Ecuador is rich in biodiversity with three distinct geographical regions – La Costa (coast), La Sierra (central highlands) and El Oriente (eastern.) Extending the length of the country, from north to south, the regions are split down the middle by the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world. Plus, there is a fourth region, the isolated Galapagos Islands, located over 600 miles off the coast. Ecuador has something for everyone, regardless of your interests.
El Oriente – Andes to the Amazon
Rugged mountain peaks. Misty cascading waterfalls. The steamy rainforest of the Amazon! Who doesn’t love the mystery and allure of the Amazon!? This is the area known as El Oriente (the east) which runs from the rugged, steep eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes to the lowland areas of the Amazon basin rainforest. It is bounded on the north by San Miguel and Putumayo rivers and on the east and south by Peru. Here, rivers from the snow-capped Andes flow down the mountains into the Amazon jungles.
This sparsely populated area has been home to the indigenous people for thousands of years. Due to the natural barrier created by the Andes, many of these people live in almost complete isolation. Not surprisingly, language and lifestyle here are quite different than that of the Ecuadorians who live on the opposite side of the mountain. If experiencing indigenous cultures and traditional handicrafts is your desire, you can do it here.
However, the star of this area is the Amazon rainforest which occupies over half the country, yet, Ecuador is home to only 2% of the Amazon Basin! At 2.72 million square miles, (6.9 million square kilometers) the Amazon Basin covers some 40 percent of the South American continent throughout Ecuador and 8 other countries.
El Oriente Before you go.
If you are going to the Amazon, check with the CDC for recommended vaccinations. Make sure to bring along all your medications. Check the weather here! Easy care, moisture-wicking and sun-shielding clothing is the ticket here for this hot, humid, rainy climate! Clothing that also insect repellant is even better. With the right clothing, you can pack light and just wash and rinse your garments and be ready for the next days excitement. Sunscreen is a necessity no matter where you are in Ecuador. And finally, bring plenty of mosquito repellant.
La Costa – Pacific Lowlands to Andes Foothills
Are you a beachy person? Love digging your toes in sand relaxing by the ocean with a margarita? Or is surfing your passion? Maybe exploring quaint fishing villages? You can find it all, and more in the Coastal Region of Ecuador which runs along the Western border fronting the Pacific Ocean, continuing eastward across the plains to the foothills of the Andes.
Temperatures here rang from 76˚F (25º C) to 90˚F (31ºC) throughout the year. Not surprisingly, humidity increases during the December to May rainy season. Fortunately, the dry season is somewhat less humid but still muggy. Sweat much? You will here!
La Costa Before you go
Make sure you check with the CDC for recommendations regarding vaccinations. Humidity is an issue all along the coast. As a result, is it critical that you stay hydrated at all times. Beware, lethargy and feeling low in energy are not uncommon. If you have health issues, it is best to check with your doctor prior to departure. Take it slow, enjoy the adventure and drink plenty of water. Oh, and bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and a hat!
Do your research before you go. The rainy season in Guayaquil is between January and April, with February typically being the wettest month. While humidity is usually above 70%, it can increase to 80% during this time.
In Salinas, the off-season period from late May to November, while dry, is usually unpleasantly overcast and cool. Some of the resort-oriented businesses close. Surprisingly it is the rainy season, from December to May that is the high season and a better time for lying on the beaches!
If you’re looking for the hottest months to visit Manta, that would be February through April. The long dry season runs from May to December, when there is barely any rainfall.
La Sierra – the Mountains
The backbone of the “La Sierra” region is the Andes, which are like a spine running through the country, from north to south. This area includes several peaks over 16,400 feet and many others over 13,100 feet. The volcanic mountains of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi also call this area home. Between the peaks are lush agricultural valleys. Here, potatoes, corn, beans, barley, quinoa as well as flowers are grown. It is an amazing part of the country.
As the most developed region in the country, you will easily find a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers, mercados and an abundance of cultural festivals!
This region is home to the capital city of Quito, a UNESCO world heritage site and Cuenca, also a UNESCO world heritage site, both of which merit your attention. In addition to their UNESCO status, these two cities are routinely touted as excellent ex-pat retirement cities due to their pleasant climate and low cost of living.
Outdoor activities abound in the Andes. Cajas National Park is just 45 minutes from Cuenca while the Cotopaxi National Park lies an hour to the south of Quito. Both of these parks are free to enter.
La Sierra, Before you go.
The Galapagos Islands
Ecuador Travel Tip: The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic chain located approximately 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador. They have a population of slightly over 25,000. Interestingly, Charles Darwin made the Galapagos Islands famous. It was here, in 1835 that he formulated his theory of evolution based on natural selection.
Due to its isolation, the Galapagos are home to many species who exist only on the Island. Species like the Marine Iguana, Giant Tortoise, “Darwin’s Finches,” and the Galapagos Sea Lions are just a few of the endemic species. As a result, these Islands are on everyone’s bucket list, and rightfully so!
Weather varies based on the Island. Generally speaking, summers are warm, short and very humid. Winters, on the other hand, are more comfortable, muggy, and dry.
Tips for flying from into Galapagos.
- The only way to reach the Galapagos is by airplane.
- All fights to the Galapagos originate from either Quito or Guayaquil.
- Flights from Quito have a stopover in Guayaquil.
- Plan your arrival to either Quito or Guayaquil at least 24-48 hours before your scheduled departure to the Galapagos.
- This is in case your international flights and connections are delayed or flight times change.
- The two airports in the Galapagos are Seymour Airport (coded: GPS) on Baltra Island and San Cristobal Airport (coded: SCY) located on San Cristobal.
- Baltra Airport is the world’s first “green” airport.
- You can fly into one airport and depart from the other. (Which is what we did.)
- If you are going on a cruise, book your flights with the cruise as they use specific flights to coincide with departures.
The Galapagos, Before you go.
Since you will probably be either in or on the water while visiting the Galapagos, proper sun protection is a must. Choose reef-friendly, high USP sunscreen. Remember to reapply as directed, usually every 90, minutes. After all, you are (almost) at the Equator.
Proper clothing will ensure a pleasant trip. Leave your cotton at home. Opt for synthetic materials that wick moisture, keep you cool and are easy to wash and wear. If possible, select outerwear with built-in sun protection. Don’t forget your long sleeve rash guard. IF you do any snorkeling, you will be glad you did. A hat to keep the sun off your face and neck is preferable. And last but not least, bring your waterproof camera or Go Pro. Don’t have one? No worries. They can be easily rented by the day for a minimal amount. After all, you need that selfie with a sea lion, don’t you?
Leaving for Ecuador
We hope our Ecuador travel tips were helpful. An exciting and fun, yet comfortable and safe visit to Ecuador is our goal. If there’s something else you want to know or something we missed, please comment below. We’ll find out for you, pronto!
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