Ecuador Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Ecuadorian embassy website in your country of departure.

Recommended vaccinations for Ecuador include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, and rabies if you’re in rural areas. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

If you’re arriving from Brazil, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and have stayed for more than 12 hours in each country, you’ll need to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

Even though it’s set right on the equator, Ecuador has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, which includes the towering Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and warm coastal regions too. Generally though, the coastal region experiences a tropical climate, with temperatures often reaching 32°C (88°F) and rarely dropping below 21°C (69.8°F). Expect it to be hot and humid — particularly during the wet season (December to March).

The area surrounding the Andes, including Quito and Cuenca, experiences a temperate climate, which is colder at altitude. October to May sees regular afternoon showers, whereas June to September sees clearer skies but cooler temperatures. Expect lows of 9°C (48.2°F) and highs of around 24°C (75.2°F). Finally, as could be expected, the area surrounding the Amazon experiences a tropical rainforest climate all-year-round — expect heavy rainfall and humidity, with temperatures floating around 20.5 to 33.3°C (69 to 92°F).

Remember that in highland areas, temperatures can vary significantly between day and night due to altitude, and localised weather patterns can vary widely — pack for all types of weather!

The best time to visit Ecuador largely depends on the region you're interested in visiting and what you’re wanting to do here. However, in general, June to September is the best time to visit both the coastal regions and the Andes too. This is the dry season in both regions, so you can expect less rain and more pleasant temperatures — perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

The Amazon region is best to visit between the months of August and October, when there isn't as much rainfall as the rest of the year and there are fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities

It’s customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected — though not compulsory — component of your tour programme and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $5-10 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, then tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD $20-25 per person, per week can be used.

Internet access in Ecuador has been improving, but it still isn’t the best in the world. Cities like Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Baños tend to have better internet than rural areas, so you should plan in advance. Expect to be offline at some point throughout your trip, especially when you’re in places like the Amazon.

In a word, yes, there are ATMs throughout Ecuador — particularly in towns and cities and in popular tourist destinations too. Most ATMs accept major international debit and credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, but it's advisable to check with your bank about any fees for international withdrawals.

You should be aware that ATMs tend to have a daily withdrawal limit, and they may not be available in rural areas — plan ahead and bring cash with you in USD.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Ecuador has made significant strides in recent years regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, and same-sex marriage became legal in 2019, making it one of the only countries in Latin America to recognise this. However, rural areas can still be relatively conservative, so it pays to be discreet.

As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

In Ecuador, the official language is Spanish, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. However, there are also several indigenous languages spoken here — including Kichwa, Shuar, and Huaorani, Tsáchila, and Chibchan.

Drinking tap water in Ecuador is not recommended, and if you’ve got a particularly sensitive stomach, you should avoid drinking drinks with ice in it too.

Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

Ecuador is generally safe for travellers, but, like any destination, it has areas and situations where caution is advised. Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching does exist, especially in urban areas and on public transport — use caution and hide your valuables. Some neighbourhoods in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil may be less safe, especially at night — catch a taxi.

You should also be aware that there are occasional earthquakes here, and flooding can also occur. Take heed of local warnings.

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.