Ecuador

Key Facts

Flight Time : 14½ - 15 hours

Annual Visitors : 2,108,000

Capital : Quito

Land Area : 283,561sqkm | 109,484sqm

Population : 17.8 million

Languages : Spanish

Currency : United States Dollar

About

Ecuador is bordered by Colombia to the north and Peru to the east and south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. The Andes Mountains run through the center of Ecuador, dividing the country into three main regions:


  • The Costa is the coastal region, which is home to most the country's population.
  • The Sierra is the highland region, which is home to the capital city of Quito.
  • The Oriente is the Amazonian region, which is home to the majority of the country's rainforest.
  • The Galapagos Islands are located off the coast of Ecuador and are home to a unique and diverse ecosystem.

Why Go

  • Visit the Galapagos Islands a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Galapagos Islands are a great place to go for wildlife watching, snorkeling, and diving.
  • Hike to the top of Cotopaxi an active volcano located in the Andes Mountains.
  • Explore the Amazon rainforest home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.
  • Visit the Otavalo market. One of the largest and most colorful markets in South America.
  • See the Cuenca cathedral a beautiful example of colonial architecture. It is in the city of Cuenca, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit the Mitad del Mundo monument located at the equator. It is a great place to learn about the geography of Ecuador and the history of the discovery of the equator. The monument is also a great place to take pictures.
  • Take a dip in the Baños hot springs a town located in the Amazon rainforest.
  • Go white-water rafting on the Pastaza River.
  • Visit the Ingapirca ruins located in the Andes Mountains. They are the ruins of an ancient Inca city.
  • Learn to make chocolate in Quito. There are many chocolate shops in Quito that offer chocolate-making classes.

Travel Guides

QUITO

A UNESCO site located in the Andes Mountains. Home to the Plaza de la Independencia and Cathedral of Quito.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

 A UNESCO site home to a unique and diverse ecosystem. The islands are famous for their giant tortoises, sea lions, and iguanas.

CUENCA

A colonial-era city in the Andes. Home to a number of churches, including the Cathedral of Cuenca and the San Blas Church.

OTAVALO

Otavalo is in the Andes. The town is famous for its market, it is a great place to buy souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts.

BAÑOS 

Located in the Amazon rainforest. The town is known for its hot springs and waterfalls. A great place to enjoy the beautiful rainforest.

Map

Videos

Travel Offers

Flight + Accommodation Offers

Accommodation Offers

If you're interested in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, then the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.


If you're interested in city life, then the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, which are the months of April to May and October to November. The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the city without the crowds.


If you're interested in winter sports, then the best time to visit is during the winter, which runs from December to February. The weather is cold and snowy, and there are many opportunities to go skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

When to go

Share by: