Jurisdiction Guide

June to September is dry and cool in the highlands, great for hiking. On the coast, December to May brings warmer beach weather. The Galápagos have different patterns, but most months are suitable.

Carry small bills and coins, especially outside Quito and Guayaquil. Tap water is not safe to drink in most places, buy bottled or use a filter. Public wifi is slow in rural areas; get a local SIM card from Claro or Movistar at the airport. Uber works in major cities. Basic Spanish helps, as English is not widely spoken beyond tourist spots.

Greet with a handshake or kiss on the right cheek (women and friends). Dress modestly for church visits and when in rural towns. Avoid talking politics or making jokes about the country. It is polite to wait for a 'buen provecho' before starting a meal at someone's home. Don't point with your finger; gesture with your whole hand.

Petty theft and bag snatching happen in crowded markets, buses, and terminals, stay alert. Avoid flagging taxis on the street at night. Watch out for strong currents and rip tides on Pacific beaches. Dengue and Zika can be an issue in the Amazon and coastal regions, use repellent and wear long sleeves.

Visit the cloud forests of Mindo for birds and waterfalls, just two hours from Quito. The Quilotoa Loop offers a multi-day highland trek through Indigenous villages and crater lakes. Explore Saraguro, a town with unique Kichwa culture far south of the tourist trail.

Most North American and EU visitors receive 90 days visa-free on arrival. Extensions are possible for a fee. Temporary residence and digital nomad visas allow longer stays for remote workers or retirees who meet income requirements. Overstays can result in fines and trouble on re-entry.

Long-distance buses are cheap and reach most towns, though rides can be slow on mountain roads. Domestic flights cut travel time between the coast, Quito, and the Amazon. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to use in big cities. Drivers face aggressive local traffic and winding, poorly marked roads outside urban areas.

Ecuador's food centers on soups, rice, plantains, and corn. Try ceviche with popcorn on the coast and hornado (roast pork) in the highlands. Canelazo, a warm cinnamon drink with aguardiente, is popular at altitude. Street food is good value but look for busy, clean stalls. Vegetarians will find options with beans or cheese, but menus can be meat-heavy outside big cities.

Budget travelers can spend $25-$35 per day on hostel beds, bus rides, and local meals. Mid-range comfort starts around $60 daily, with private rooms and nicer transport. The Galápagos and big cities are most expensive; smaller towns and the Amazon cost less. A typical local meal (almuerzo) costs $3-$4 in most places.