Ecuador Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

Ecuador's official tourism site groups the country into four regions: the Galápagos, the Andes, the Pacific Coast and Amazonia. This guide focuses on the Andes and the Galápagos, where most of the places below lie.

The official site lists UNESCO World Heritage sites in these areas, including the historic centres of Quito and Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands.

Places to visit in Ecuador

Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador. According to the official tourism site, its historic centre became the first site in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, in 1978.

Cotopaxi and the Avenue of the Volcanoes

The official guide describes Cotopaxi as the second highest peak in Ecuador, at 5,897 metres above sea level. Cotopaxi National Park lies on its plain and is described as very close to Quito. The guide also mentions a walk on the volcano's slopes towards the José Rivas refuge, and names Laguna Quilotoa and Laguna Cuicocha among the Andes' blue lagoons.

Cuenca

The historic centre of Cuenca was declared a Cultural World Heritage Site in 1999 for its colonial architecture. The official site says the city sits in a valley crossed by four rivers.

Galápagos Islands

UNESCO recognised the Galápagos as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1978. The official site lists scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife watching and visits to turtle breeding centers. Isabela has active volcanoes, and the official guide names snorkeling at Los Túneles there.

Getting to Ecuador

Quito's airport is the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre, located in Tababela, 24 kilometres from the capital, according to its operator Quiport. Guayaquil's airport is the Guayaquil International Airport José Joaquín de Olmedo, run by the company TAGSA, which lists national and international arrivals and departures.

The Galápagos are about 1,000 km from the mainland, according to the official guide. It describes San Cristóbal as a gateway island with an airport.

Getting around

Check bus, train and domestic flight options with the operators before you travel. In the Galápagos, the official guide says access to the islands is limited for conservation and advises choosing licensed tour operators and cruises.

When to go to Ecuador

Andes dry season (June to September)

The official guide says the dry season, from June to September, brings clear skies, which it describes as ideal for volcanoes and trekking. It also lists the Andes as a year-round destination.

Galápagos cooler waters (June to November)

The guide says June to November brings cooler waters and more marine life in the Galápagos.

Galápagos warm waters (December to May)

The guide says December to May brings warm waters, which it calls ideal for snorkeling. The islands can be visited year-round.

What to book ahead

• The Galápagos National Park Directorate lists an entry fee on its website, under the label Tasa de Ingreso Galápagos. Check the current terms before you book.
• The official guide advises choosing licensed tour operators and cruises in the Galápagos, since access is limited for conservation.
• The guide suggests staying at least two days on Isabela. Plan your inter-island legs with that in mind.
• Day trips from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park run on fixed days. Check dates and pick-up points before you fix your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the website of Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana: Visas.

Frequently asked questions

Which airports serve Quito and Guayaquil?

Quito is served by the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Tababela, according to its operator Quiport. Guayaquil is served by the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.

Is Quito a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes. The official tourism site says its historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

When is the dry season in the Andes?

The official guide gives June to September as the dry season, with clear skies for volcanoes and trekking. It also lists the Andes as a year-round destination.

When is the best time for snorkeling in the Galápagos?

The official guide says December to May brings warm waters, which it calls ideal for snorkeling. June to November brings cooler waters and more marine life.

Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility website before you book.