Our Guide for Traveling to Ecuador!

 

Ecuador is a country of remarkable diversity with its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and incredible wildlife. Whether you are seeking adventure in the Amazon rainforest, a journey through the stunning Galapagos Islands, or exploring the charming city of Quito and its outskirts, we are here to help. In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to prepare for your trip to Ecuador, including what to pack, when to visit, and how to get around. Let’s start planning your unforgettable Ecuadorian adventure!

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Currency

Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000
1 US Dollar = 100 Cents
Many restaurants and small businesses only accept small bills (max. $20 bills)
ATMs are available in all cities

Population

Ecuador has 18.2 million inhabitants
Spanish is Ecuador's official language but there are also many indigenous languages like Kichwa and Shuar
Quito (2.7 million inhabitants) is Ecuador's capital and largest city
Guayaquil (2.7 million inhabitants) is a major port city on the coast of Ecuador
Ecuador is a pluricultural country. Most Ecuadorians identify as Mestizos which is a mix of Spanish and Indigenous ancestry, but there are also many Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian people.

Visa

No tourist visa is required to visit Ecuador for a maximum of 90 days per year for people of most nationalities*
Passports must have a validity of at least 6 months when entering Ecuador
Citizens of the following 37 countries need a visa to enter Ecuador (as of May 2023): Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Kenya, India, Iraq, Iran, Ivory Coast, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen**
Ecuador offers a Digital Nomad Visa with a residency status of up to two years

* Entry requirements can vary. Contact an Ecuadorian embassy to know the entry requirements for your case

** Entry requirements are subject to change without prior notice. Contact an Ecuadorian embassy to know the entry requirements for your case.

Vaccination

The international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for travelers who have visited Brasil, the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda. Important: The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination
Otherwise, no vaccination is mandatory to enter Ecuador*
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers who plan to visit the Amazon region
Recommended for all travelers: Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, hepatitis A
*Entry requirements can vary. Contact an Ecuadorian embassy to know the entry requirements for your case

National Holidays

May 24 - Battle of Pichincha (1822)
August 10 - Declaration of Independence of Quito (1809)
October 9 - Independence of Guayaquil (1820)
November 3 - Independence of Cuenca (1820)

Holidays are transferred to the closest Monday or Friday, in order to have an extended weekend.

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Time Zone: UTC-5 on the mainland / UTC-6 on the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador currently has 2 time zones all year and the clocks do not change
Dialing Code: +593
Electricity: 110V / 60 Hz
Power outlets are the same as in the USA (type A/B)
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World Travel Awards - World Winners

Leading-Green-Destination
Leading Green Destination 2013-2018, 2021
Ecuador
Pikaia-Lodge
Leading Adventure Hotel 2022
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Hotel
Leading-Beach-Destination-Galapagos-Islands
Leading Beach Destination
Galapagos Islands
Guayaquil-Tourist-Board
Leading City Tourist Board 2022
Guayaquil
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World Travel Awards - South America Winners 2022

Pikaia-Lodge
Leading Adventure Hotel
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos
world-travel-awards-leading-airport-019
Leading Airport Hotel
Wyndham Quito Airport
world-travel-awards-leading-airport-019
Leading Airport Hotel
Wyndham Quito Airport
Leading-Green-Destination-1
Leading Green Destination
Ecuador
world-travel-awards-leading-city-break-guayaquil-020
Leading City Break Destination
Guayaquil
Wyndham-Guayaquil-Leading-City-Hotel-1
Leading City Hotel
Wyndham Guayaquil
world-travel-awards-leading-city-quito-018
Leading City Destination
Quito
world-travel-awards-leading-eco-lodge-mashpi-023
Leading Eco-Lodge
Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest
world-travel-awards-leading-city-tourist-board-024
Leading City Tourist Board
Guayaquil
world-travel-awards-leading-meetings-conference-destination-025
Leading Meetings & Conference Destination
Guayaquil
USP4-RED
47 Volcanoes
birdUSPRED
1650+ Bird Species
shipUSPRED
59+ Galapagos Cruise Boats
USP3-RED
1.471M Foreign Visitors in 2018
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