Ecuador Travel Guide
Ecuador is one of our favorite countries to visit in South America. We love the beautiful Andes Mountains, fresh produce markets, outdoor adventures, ease of travel, and affordable cost of living.
Despite the popularity of the Galapagos Islands off the coast, the most visited area of Ecuador is actually the Andes.
In Ecuador’s Andes region, also known as the Sierra, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, and National Parks.
This part of Central Ecuador is great for stunning mountain panoramas and approachable cultural experiences. It’s an often under-rated hidden gem for both outdoor adventure and culture travel.
With so many budget-friendly Ecuador travel destinations, read on to learn our top recommendations for where to travel in Ecuador.
Ecuador Travel Tips: Getting Around Ecuador
While trips to the Amazon or Galapagos Islands tend to involve packaged tours, travel through the Andes is more often for independent travelers. For this reason, knowing a bit of Spanish is really helpful in Ecuador.
Most travelers fly into the capitol of Quito as a starting point. From there, you can continue on to other cities by plane, bus, or private transport.
Bus travel is very affordable and common throughout the country. Long distance bus fares average less than $1.50 per hour.
We recommend traveling by bus to see more of the countryside and local life.
Other Things to Know About Ecuador Travel
Be aware that the altitude in Ecuador is high.
Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience extra fatigue, light-headedness, and shortness of breath, so be sure to take it easy in the first few days of your visit.
Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as currency. Most daily purchases are made in cash, so it’s important to keep smaller bills and coins on hand. ATMs are widely available in cities, though transaction fees vary. Some larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets also accept credit cards.
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What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Ecuador?
Find post-pandemic travel updates for Ecuador here:
What you need to know about Ecuador travel right now
Best Places to Visit in Ecuador
Our Ecuador city guides will help you discover the best of what to see, do and eat, as well as where to stay in the Andes Mountain region.
Cuenca
In our opinion, Cuenca is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador, especially if you’re staying long term. Consider this UNESCO World Heritage city, full of colonial architecture and surrounded by nature.
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What and Where to Eat in Cuenca
Banos
Baños is known for outdoor adventure sports, but even if you aren’t interested in mountain biking or zip lines, it’s still a beautiful place to explore.
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Quito
Quito, Ecuador is the capital and impressive city that somehow sprawls across steep mountains. The center of town is a Unesco World Heritage site and the equator is just outside of town.
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Otavalo
Otavalo is known for its markets, made famous by the indigenous artisan communities North of Quito. It can be done as a day trip or overnight stay.
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Quilatoa
Hikers will love the Quilatoa area South of Quito. Do a multi-day trek to Quilatoa crater lake or enjoy day hikes among dramatic mountain farmlands.
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Vilcabamba
The Valley of Longevity in the South of Ecuador is popular with nature-lovers, hikers, and many foreign retirees.
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Mindo
A small town in the cloud forest, two hours northwest of Quito. Known for bird watching, butterflies, and outdoor adventures.
Ecuador Map of Destinations
Ecuador Tours and Activities
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Ecuador, here are just a few ideas to start your bucket list:
- See the equator
- Visit a volcano
- Practice Spanish
- Go bird watching
- Explore local markets
- Zip line over waterfalls
- Visit a cloud forest
- Visit ancient Inca ruins
- Enjoy cheap almuerzos (set lunch)
- Photograph colonial architecture
- Take a day hike
- Go biking
- Eat local foods
- Ride a cable car
- Visit National Parks
- Learn about wildlife
- Hike from village to village
- Relax in natural hot springs
- Go horseback riding
- Ride public transit
- Visit museums
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