South America
Ecuador
Compact and cheap, with the Andes, Amazon and Galápagos a short hop apart and US dollars as currency. Gang violence now makes much of the coast risky; Quito, Cuenca and Baños feel calmer.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa152 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUSDDollarDetails
- Price level42%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterFilter or boilQuito and Cuenca treat their water, but most visitors drink filtered or bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityStrong legal protections and Pride in Quito and Guayaquil, but attitudes are conservative; public affection draws stares in small towns and trans people face harassment.Details
- Internet219 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 64 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for six months; rental firms may want an IDP. Quito limits cars by plate number.
- Digital nomad visaYesRentista de trabajo remoto (digital nomad) temporary residenceDetails
Where to go in Ecuador
10 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuitoCapital city | 3/5 | $1,400–2,000 | Jun–Sep | 39/100 |
| Galápagos IslandsIslands | 4/5 | $3,500–5,500 | Dec–May | 5/100 |
| CuencaCity | 4/5 | $1,300–1,900 | Jun–Sep | 63/100 |
| BañosMountain town | 4/5 | $1,000–1,500 | Jun–Sep | 76/100 |
| MontañitaTown | 3/5 | $1,000–1,600 | Dec–Apr | 73/100 |
| GuayaquilCity | 2/5 | $1,300–1,900 | Jun–Oct | 32/100 |
| OtavaloTown | 4/5 | $900–1,400 | Jun–Sep | 84/100 |
| MindoTown | 4/5 | $900–1,400 | Jun–Sep | 85/100 |
| VilcabambaTown | — | $1,300–2,000 | Jun–Oct | — |
| Puerto LópezTown | — | $1,000–1,600 | Jun–Sep | — |
When to visit Ecuador
Highlands are driest June–September. Coast and Galápagos are hot and wetter December–May; the 2026–27 El Niño may bring heavy rain, floods and landslides.
Good to know
Entry
- Arriving overland from Colombia or Peru, bring an apostilled criminal record certificate or accept a database check; air arrivals are exempt.
- Galápagos: get the USD 20 Transit Control Card online before the flight and pay the USD 200 park fee in cash on arrival.
- Galápagos visitors must show a hotel booking or host letter, a return flight and travel health insurance.
- Use only official land crossings (Rumichaca, Huaquillas, Macará); buses that skip the stamp cause serious immigration problems.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID: a colour copy of the passport photo page and entry stamp
- Climbing glaciated peaks such as Cotopaxi or Chimborazo without an accredited guide is illegal
- Taking sand, shells, rocks or wildlife out of Galápagos is prohibited
Etiquette
- Say 'buenos días' before asking anything; skipping the greeting seems rude
- 'Ahorita' can mean now or much later; build in slack
- Ask before photographing Indigenous people, especially at Otavalo and other markets
Tipping
Sit-down restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; extra is optional. Tip guides, drivers and Galápagos boat crews.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Ecuador
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility
- Galápagos National Park Directorate
- Speedtest Global Index: Ecuador
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.