With one foot in each hemisphere, Ecuador is a country of fascinating contrasts and many different environments. From the snow-capped peaks of the Andean highlands down to the dense, wildlife-rich Amazon canopy, the famous Galápagos Archipelago and the sun-soaked Pacific coast, Ecuador is bursting with adventure.
Beyond the incredible natural landscapes, find plenty of culture to explore, from the beautifully preserved historic plazas of Quito Old Town to living indigenous traditions, all combined with some of South America’s warmest hospitality. In this Ecuador travel guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting and planning Galápagos travel.
W toe’ve also just created a new 18-day Jewels of Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Cruise itinerary experience this unique destination the right way, with expert local guides to reveal every hidden gem along the way.
Essential Travel Advice for UK Visitors
If you’re planning an Ecuador holiday from the UK, we’ve got good news. For British passport holders, travel to Ecuador is usually fairly straightforward. UK nationals can travel to Ecuador without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with a valid passport.
What is the currency of Ecuador?
Ecuador’s official currency is the US Dollar, so working out exchange rates is relatively simple. However, it’s worth carrying small bills and change with you on your travels, as local markets and rural shops often struggle to break larger dollar notes and sometimes don’t accept card payments.
Is Ecuador safe to travel to?
Most of the major travel areas (including the Galápagos Islands, much of the Amazon region and Quito) are safe for visitors, though it’s always important to take the usual precautions around travelling abroad: keep valuables safe and out of sight, keep an eye out in busy areas, and follow local advice. With Distant Journeys fully escorted tours, your local guide makes Ecuador safe to travel by being available to deal with any queries or questions you may have, so you’re always in safe hands.
What language do they speak in Ecuador?
Spanish is Ecuador’s official language and is spoken by the majority of the population on the mainland and in the Galápagos. Several indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country, including Kichwa, Shuar, and Awa-Cuaiquer.
Any Ecuador travel guide will tell you that mastering a bit of basic language will go a long way and is particularly useful when you’re travelling through more rural areas, bartering at markets, or simply want a really authentic taste of the culture!
Here are some key phrases to learn before you travel:
“Buenos días/tardes/noches”: Good morning/afternoon/evening
“Hola”: Hello
“¿Cómo está?”: How are you?
“Por favor”: please (Ecuadorians are typically very polite, so this one will go a long way!)
“(Muchas) gracias”: Thank you (very much)
“¿Dónde está [place]?”: Where is [place]?
Seasons of the Equator: When to Embark on Your South American Journey
Ecuador is a year-round destination, with its varied regions offering rewarding experiences in every season. Thanks to its location on the equator, temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, although conditions can vary between the Andes, Amazon, Pacific coast and Galápagos Islands.
Warm Waters and Calming Seas: December – May in the Galápagos
December to May usually delivers sun, calm waters, and warm seas (plus the occasional tropical shower). This is often the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands for snorkelling, with temperatures hovering around 28° and plenty of wildlife visible (including green sea turtles nesting along quieter beaches).
The Cool Garúa Current: June – November Wildlife Encounters
The cooler Humboldt Current arrives in the latter half of the year, bringing light mist and nutrient-rich waters that attract plenty of marine life such as the famous penguins, migrating whales, and frolicking sea lion pups.
How to Get to the Galapágos Islands
Most people planning Ecuador holidays also aim to visit the Galápagos too. And it’s no surprise: sitting 600 miles off the Pacific coast lies this archipelago that’s truly unlike anywhere else on earth.
In terms of how to get to the Galápagos Islands from the mainland, almost all trips start with a short flight from Quito or Guayaquil on to Baltra or San Cristóbal (followed by boarding your vessel if you’re embarking on a Galápagos cruise). Flights generally depart in the morning and take around two hours. The best time to travel to Ecuador for a cruise is usually at least a day before departure, just to give yourself enough buffer in case there are any delays.
If you’re arranging your own travel, you’ll need to book your transfers well in advance, as demand is always very high. It’s also a good idea to try to fly on the same dates you embark/disembark from a cruise, to avoid being stranded on an island overnight unnecessarily. That’s one of the benefits of booking a fully escorted tour with Distant Journeys: every leg, transfer and activity is pre-booked and seamlessly arranged.
Traditional Ecuadorian Cuisine & Dining Culture We Recommend Trying
Trying the local cuisine is always the best way to understand a place. Ecuador’s kitchens tell the story of its diverse landscapes and cultures; think hearty fare in the mountainous highlands and bright citrus flavours along the coast.
High up in the Andes, locro de papas is a real treat: a creamy potato soup topped with avocado and crumbled local cheese, guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out on fresh mountain evenings. Don’t miss a side of llapingachos (crispy, cheese-stuffed potato cakes) that are griddled to perfection.
Then, when you’re down on the coast, you’ll experience a completely different set of flavours. Naturally, seafood is a huge part of the cuisine here, and ceviche in Ecuador means fresh fish or prawns cured in citrus and served with toasted cancha corn for extra crunch.
Street Food Treasures and Social Dining Etiquette
Sampling Ecuador’s street food is probably the best way to really understand this place. Some unmissable treats include humitas (spiced corn cakes steamed in their own husks) and empanadas de viento (pastries filled with cheese and fried until crisp).
Dining around Ecuador comes with a few accepted rituals like wishing fellow diners “buen provecho” (enjoy) before a meal and tipping around 10% in formal restaurants. On cooler evenings, warm up with a glass of canelazo, spiced cinnamon tea mixed with sugarcane spirit: the perfect antidote to jet lag, fatigue, cold… just about anything!
Chronicles of the Enchanted Isles
Few countries can pack this much natural richness into a small space. It’s fitting, then, that the national animal of Ecuador is the Andean condor: a bird whose vast wingspan has long symbolised freedom, expression and the wonder of nature.
Despite taking up only around 1% of the planet, Ecuador is home to one of the highest densities of plant and animal species in the world, from cloud forest orchids to regal Amazonian jaguars. This really is the perfect destination for the ultimate wildlife holiday.
Living Evolutionary Secrets of the Galápagos
Of course, the Galápagos is the true king of bucket list nature destinations. Born from isolated volcanic hotspots, the archipelago is a living record of evolution, with a huge percentage of species here that are found nowhere else on Earth. Cut off from the mainland, species like giant tortoises and flightless cormorants evolved and adapted in an extraordinarily unique way.
Famously, this isolation and contained evolution inspired Charles Darwin, whose observations have shaped our understanding of life itself. When you arrive, you’ll soon find that it’s impossible to visit these isles without finding inspiration yourself.
Discover South America’s Magic on a Distant Journeys Escorted Tour
From the wondrous, volcanic shores of the Galápagos Islands to the dizzying heights of towering Andean peaks, Ecuador rewards travellers who adventure beyond the beaten path. There’s no better way to experience this unique destination than with expert guides at your side to show you every hidden gem and cultural icon along the way.
Our new 18-day itinerary, the Jewels of Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Cruise, weaves a journey through living culture, colonial history and unforgettable wildlife, with handpicked accommodation and expert guidance throughout.
One minute you’ll be wandering historic plazas, the next walking amongst free-roaming giant tortoises. This is Latin America at its most magical, ready to go whenever you are.
First published 08/10/2026
