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)
World Travel Awards - World Winners
World Travel Awards - South America Winners 2022
47 Volcanoes
1650+ Bird Species
59+ Galapagos Cruise Boats
1.471M Foreign Visitors in 2018