Ecuador Travel

LAST UPDATED: 11/6/25 – Ecuador Travel Resources

From the towering Andes mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, Ecuador’s stunning natural landscapes are a true feast for the senses. With destinations like the Galápagos Islands and the incredible Cotopaxi National Park to explore, the Ecuador travel options are seemingly endless.

Whether you’re trekking through the Amazon or relaxing on the beaches of the Pacific coast, Ecuador presents an incredible tapestry of natural wonders and cultural richness that will captivate any visitor. With its convenient location, year-round moderate climate, and welcoming people, Ecuador stands out as a premier destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable South American experience.

Please use this Ecuador travel page as you plan your next adventure. To help you navigate the information I have included on this page, I have provided a quick navigation menu for you to use below. This will make it quick and easy for you to see which top destinations I recommend, which popular parks and destinations in Ecuador you should consider visiting, and links to all of the travel guides, itineraries, and packing articles I have written to help you plan your adventure.

I have also included some key information you will need when planning your travel to Ecuador. Information such as the languages spoken, the currency used, emergency contact numbers to be aware of, VISA and passport considerations, required vaccinations, and important driving information (if you plan on driving while on your visit).

	Top Things to See
	Popular Cities
	Languages Spoken
	Currency
	Power Adapters Required
	Emergency Contact
	Visa, Passport, and Immunization Info
	Key Phrases
	Driving Info
	Relative Guides, Itineraries, and Articles
	Packing and Planning Tips
	Popular Tours

Top Things to See

Before you start planning your Ecuador travel, make sure you check out my gallery of the top things to see in the country below for some inspiration. There is so much to see and do in the country, so you won’t want to miss out on the top sights!

The Amazon Rainforest

Cuenca

Laguna Quilotoa

Mitad Del Mundo

Cotopaxi National Park

The Galápagos Islands

Baños de Agua Santa

Quito

Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve

If you are looking for additional things to add to your Ecuador travel itinerary, check out my article on the Top 15 Things to See in Ecuador: The Must-Visit Destinations.

READ MORE:

Top 15 Things to See in Ecuador: The Must-Visit Destinations

Popular Cities

As you plan your Ecuador travel, you will want to start familiarizing yourself with the country. This way, you will better understand which cities and other attractions you want to see. To help you with this, I have included maps that outline the key cities in Ecuador for you to review below.

Ecuador Travel - Popular Cities in Ecuador Map

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Languages Spoken

Ecuador is a diverse and linguistically rich country, with a vibrant tapestry of languages spoken across its varied regions. While Spanish serves as the nation’s official and predominant language, the country is also home to a remarkable array of indigenous languages that have been passed down through generations. For your review, I have included a list of some of the most common native languages spoken in Ecuador below.

Kichwa – This is the second most spoken language in Ecuador and one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in South America.
Shuar – This is the second most spoken indigenous language in Ecuador and is used by roughly 41,000 people in the Amazonian provinces of Pastaza and Morona Santiago.
Huaorani – A language spoken by the Huaorani tribe, who reside in a small part of Ecuador’s Amazonia.
Siona – The official language of the Siona people in Ecuador and Colombia.

Currency

Because of hyperinflation with its own currency, Ecuador has since adopted in US Dollar (USD\$) as its official currency. The ATM machines in Ecuador will always dispense US dollars, and money exchanges within the country will also exchange foreign currency for US dollars.

Common denominations of the US currency include the $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Most ATM machines (cash machines) will dispense currency in combinations of $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills.

In addition, you may also receive change in the form of coins when making purchases with US Dollars. The common denominations of US coins include the Penny ($0.01), Nickel ($0.05), Dime ($0.10), and Quarter ($0.25).

Power Adapters Required

One of the most overlooked aspects of international travel is ensuring you have the proper power adapters. You may or may not be aware that both the voltage and the type of outlet available differ widely from one region of the world to the next. If you aren’t prepared, you won’t be able to charge your electronic devices as you travel.

Even worse, you may damage or even destroy your electronic devices if you don’t have the right adapter with a voltage converter. Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.

To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, I have included some critical information on the electrical system in Ecuador for you to review below. This includes what types of international power adapters you should bring with you on your trip.

Electrical Voltage in Ecuador

In Ecuador, the voltage of the electrical supply is 120V. This is the same voltage used in the United States. If you have an appliance that is single-voltage rated, the voltage rating of the device must be 120V for you to use it without a voltage converter. When shopping for a travel power adapter, it is important to confirm that the adapter you choose has a voltage converter included and isn’t just an adapter.

A power adapter will change the type of plug from one type to another so that you can plug into different outlets. However, a simple power adapter will not change the voltage of the supply to the voltage used by the devices you brought from home (220V-230V outside Canada and the United States). To do that, you will need a travel power adapter with a voltage converter.

Electrical Outlets in Ecuador

In Ecuador, the two types of electrical plugs that are used are Type A and Type B. The Type A plug is the type with two parallel flat pins. Meanwhile, the Type B plug has two parallel flat pins and a grounding pin. Please see the illustrations of the Type A and Type B plugs below for a better understanding of what they look like. These are the same plugs that are typically used in the United States.

Emergency Contact

Should you run into an emergency situation while in Ecuador, it will be important to know the emergency numbers. This way, you will know which numbers to dial when you need immediate assistance. To assist you, I have documented the available emergency assistance numbers for Ecuador below for you to review.

Emergency Number for Quito and Ibarra: 911
Emergency Number for Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Loja: 112
Emergency Number for all other areas: 101

Visa, Passport, and Immunization Info

Ecuador Travel - Ecuador Entrance Requirements

Before booking your Ecuador travel, you will want to be sure that you meet all of the necessary passport, VISA, and immunization requirements so that you can ensure you will be allowed into the country. To assist you, I have listed the requirements you will need to consider below for you to review.

READ MORE:

Ecuador Entrance Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Passport Validity

All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months passed the end of their stay in Ecuador.

VISA Requirements

In addition to your passport, one of the most important Ecuador entrance requirements you must consider is the tourist VISA requirement. Depending on which country you are from, you may or may not need to apply for a tourist VISA to visit Ecuador. The following sections outline the Ecuadorian tourist VISA requirements and how to apply.

VISA-EXEMPT COUNTRIES

If you are a passport holder from one of the countries listed below, you are VISA-exempt. This means you won’t need to obtain a tourist VISA before traveling to Ecuador if you plan on staying for less than the VISA exemption period. This VISA exemption period varies depending on which country you are from.

Essentially, any person who can legally travel or reside in the United States, Canada, and the European Union (including Great Britain) does not need a visa to visit Ecuador for tourist purposes and can enter Ecuador with a valid passport for up to 90 days without having to apply for a VISA.

Algeria *	Greece *	Oman *
Andorra *	Grenada *	Palau *
Antigua and Barbuda *	Guatemala *	Panama *
Argentina *	Guyana *	Papua New Guinea *
Armenia *	Honduras *	Paraguay *
Australia *	Hungary *	Peru **
Austria *	Iceland *	Poland *
Azerbaijan *	Indonesia *	Portugal *
Bahamas *	Ireland *	Qatar *
Bahrain *	Israel *	Romania *
Barbados *	Italy *	Russia *
Belarus *	Côte d’Ivoire *	Rwanda *
Belgium *	Jamaica *	Saint Kitts and Nevis *
Belize *	Japan *	Saint Lucia *
Benin *	Jordan *	St Vincent Grenadines *
Bhutan *	Kazakhstan *	Samoa *
Bolivia *	Kiribati *	San Marino *
Bosnia and Herzegovina *	Kuwait *	Saudi Arabia *
Botswana *	Kyrgyzstan *	Serbia *
Brazil *	Laos *	Seychelles *
Brunei *	Latvia *	Sierra Leone *
Bulgaria *	Lebanon *	Singapore *
Burkina Faso *	Lesotho *	Slovakia *
Burundi *	Liberia *	Solomon Islands *
Cambodia *	Liechtenstein *	South Africa *
Canada *	Lithuania *	Spain *
Cape Verde *	Luxembourg *	Sudan *
Central African Republic *	North Macedonia *	Suriname *
Chad *	Madagascar *	Eswatini *
Chile **	Malawi *	Sweden *
China *	Malaysia *	Switzerland *
Colombia *	Maldives *	Tanzania *
Comoros *	Malta *	Thailand *
Costa Rica *	Marshall Islands *	Togo *
Croatia *	Mauritania *	Tonga *
Cyprus *	Mauritius *	Trinidad and Tobago *
Czechia *	Mexico *	Tunisia *
Denmark *	Micronesia *	Turkey *
Djibouti *	Moldova *	Turkmenistan *
Dominica *	Monaco *	Tuvalu *
Dominican Republic *	Mongolia *	Uganda *
Timor-Leste *	Montenegro *	Ukraine *
El Salvador *	Morocco *	United Arab Emirates *
Equatorial Guinea *	Mozambique *	United Kingdom *
Estonia *	Namibia *	United States *
Fiji *	Nauru *	Uruguay *
Finland *	Netherlands *	Vanuatu *
France *	New Zealand *	Zambia *
Gabon *	Nicaragua *	Zimbabwe *
Georgia *	Niger *	Guinea-Bissau *
Germany *	Norway *	South Sudan *

* = 90 Days

** = 180 Days

ALL OTHER TRAVELERS

If you aren’t traveling to Ecuador from one of the VISA-exempt countries listed above, you must apply for a tourist VISA before traveling to Ecuador. You can apply for your electronic Visa on the Ecuador VISA website. To ensure you receive your VISA in time, I recommend starting the application process well in advance of your trip.

Important Note: Make sure you have the following information on hand before starting the application process.

Passport Copy – A clear scanned image of your passport signature and photo page.
Passport Photo – Photograph in JPG, PNG format up to 2MB of 5×5 cm (2×2 inches). The original photo should be of good quality, in color, and have a white background with a neutral facial expression. Your photo should be unedited, uncropped, and unmodified.
Proof of Status – Proof of legal means of living in the secondary regulations issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility.
Criminal Record – If you are over the age of 18, you will need to provide a copy of your criminal record from your country of origin (for the last 5 years).
Itinerary – A copy of the itinerary for your trip and your round-trip ticket to Ecuador.

Immunization Requirements

Important Note: I am not a medical doctor and don’t have medical experience. The information provided in this section is a summary of information that I got from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States for travel to Ecuador. I am providing you with this information to help bring awareness of the necessary vaccinations to you. Still, consultation with my guide should not replace a discussion about your travels with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

ROUTINE VACCINATIONS

The following routine vaccinations are recommended for anyone who will be traveling:

Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR)
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)
Chickenpox
Shingles
Pneumonia
Influenza
Meningitis

RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS FOR ECUADOR

In addition to the routine vaccinations above, the following are additional vaccinations you may want to consider for Ecuador:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Measles – Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide.
Rabies – If you plan on spending time in remote areas or on safari.
Typhoid
Cholera – Cholera transmission is not uncommon in South America, though rare in travelers.
Polio – Poliovirus has been identified in Africa within the last year. There is an adult booster vaccine you can get to be safe.
Malaria
Yellow Fever – If you are traveling from high-risk areas.

Customs and Currency Restrictions

In addition to the other entry requirements for Ecuador, you also need to make sure you understand and comply with the country’s customs and currency restrictions. For your convenience, I have highlighted these restrictions for your review below. More in-depth information on the customs restrictions can be found on the VisaHQ website for Ecuador Travel.

FREE IMPORT

The following items are considered free-import items but with limits (as described below).

• 300 cigarettes.
• 50 cigars.
• 200 grams of tobacco.
• 1 liter of alcohol.
• Reasonable amount of perfume.

Important Note: You need to be at least 18 years of age to bring tobacco products into the country, and you must be 18 years of age or older to drink alcohol in Ecuador.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Before you are allowed into Ecuador, you will also need to clear customs to be sure you aren’t carrying any prohibited items with you. For instance, travelers are strictly prohibited from bringing the following items into Ecuador:

Firearms, Explosions, and Ammunition (requires permission).
Fresh or dry meat products (requires permission).
Plants and vegetables (requires permission).
All pets require a Health Certificate issued by a government veterinarian. An additional Rabies inoculation certificate will be required for dogs or cats entering the country.

CONTROLLED ITEMS

In addition to these prohibited items, the government of Ecuador has placed limits on other items that can be brought into the country. The following items are considered controlled items in Ecuador:

Illegal drugs (make sure prescriptions are in the original bottle).
Pornographic material.
Precious native artifacts.
Wild live animals.
Gold bars.

Key Phrases

As a part of your Ecuador travel preparation, you will need to prepare yourself for how they talk in Ecuador so that you can understand the dialogue as you interact with Ecuadorians. This includes understanding key phrases so that you can ask for things, respond to others, and get around the country much more easily.

Here are some common phrases that you may need to use while visiting Ecuador:

Greetings and Introductions

My name is… – Me llamo…
What is your name? – ¿Cómo te llamas?
Hello – Hola.
How are you? – ¿Cómo estás?
I’m fine, thanks – Estoy bien, ¡gracias!
Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto.
Good morning – Buenos días.
Good afternoon – Buenas tardes.
Good night – Buenas noches.
See you later – Hasta luego.
See you tomorrow – ¡Hasta mañana!

Asking for Directions

I am lost – Estoy perdido/a.
To the right – A la derecha.
To the left – A la izquierda.
Stop (verb) – Pare.
Stop (noun) – Parada.
Where is the bathroom? – ¿Donde esta el baño?
Can you give me directions to… – ¿Puedes darme direcciones para…?
Where is the…? – Dónde está (el/la)…?

Everyday Phrases

Do you speak English? – ¿Habla Inglés?
I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo Español.
Can I take your picture? – ¿Le puedo tomar una foto?
Can you take my picture? – ¿Me puedes tomar una foto?
Please – Por favor.
Excuse me – Disculpe.
Thank you -Gracias.
You’re welcome – De nada.
I am …. years old – Yo tengo … años.
Excuse me – ¡Perdone!
Can you speak more slowly? – ¿Puede hablar más despacio?

Shopping

Do you have any…? – ¿Usted tiene alguna…?
I would like to purchase…. – Me gustaría comprar….
I would like to order… – Me gustaría pedir….
How much does this cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
The bill, please – La cuenta, por favor.

Emergency Assistance

Help me! – ¡Socorro!
I need a doctor – Necesito un doctor.
I have altitude sickness – Tengo soroche.
I need a pharmacy – Necesito una farmacia.
Where is the tourism police – ¿Dónde está la oficina de la Policía de Turismo?.
I have an emergency – Tengo una emergencia.

Driving Info

Driving in Ecuador can be a thrilling and eye-opening experience for adventurous travelers, though it does require a certain level of caution and adaptability. Driving on the crowded streets of Quito and the winding, narrow roads through the Andes mountains can be both a rewarding and challenging travel experience.

By familiarizing yourself with local driving customs, obtaining appropriate insurance, and exercising a healthy dose of caution, visitors can safely and confidently explore this captivating destination by car. Before you depart for your Ecuador travel, please review the helpful tips for driving in Ecuador that I have included below.

Driving License and Permit Required

To drive in Ecuador, you must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 years of age or older.
If you are going to be driving for 30 days or less while in Ecuador, you can use your valid driver’s license from your home country. If you plan to be in the country for longer, you will need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit (which you must keep with you while in Ecuador).
If your driver’s license does not include a photo, you must also carry your passport with you while driving.

Renting a Car in Ecuador

If you are visiting Ecuador as part of a tour, you may not need to worry about renting a car. In those situations, your tour guide will often provide you with transportation to get where you need to go. However, if you plan on visiting Ecuador on your own or plan to spend a lot of time in the country, renting a car is a convenient way to get around. If you do rent a car while in Ecuador, you will want to keep the following tips in mind:

You must be 21 years old or older to rent a car in Ecuador.
While walk-in booking is allowed, it is recommended that you rent online ahead of time to ensure you get the vehicle you want.
To rent a car, you will need your local driver’s license or your IDP, and your passport.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase additional car insurance from the car rental company you rent from.

General Ecuador Driving Tips

If you plan to drive while in Ecuador, it is beneficial to know what to expect before you arrive in the country. Knowing the following Ecuador driving tips will help ensure that you are comfortable and safe while on the roads.

In Ecuador, they drive on the right side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left side of the vehicle.
Traffic signs in Ecuador are primarily written in Spanish.
Ecuador has spent a considerable amount of money upgrading many of its major highways, so the main roads are typically in very good condition.
Driving on rural roads outside of the cities and off the main highways can be dangerous at night.
Downloading offline maps in Google Maps on your phone and using GPS while driving will make navigation easier.
Drivers in Ecuador can be aggressive, so if you aren’t confident driving in traffic, I don’t recommend driving in the big cities.
All fuel used in Ecuador is unleaded. The typical fuel types available are as follows:
- Extra – Octane rating of 85–87.
- Eco Plus – Octane rating of 89.
- Super Premium – Octane rating of 95.
- Diesel

Ecuador Driving Rules and Regulations

The last pieces of driving advice I have for you in this Ecuador travel guide are some highlights of the rules and regulations for driving in the country. Keeping the following driving rules and regulations in mind can save you from incurring any fines and help ensure you remain safe during your visit.

Seat belts are required for all passengers.
When driving, keep to the right and pass to the left.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. A blood-alcohol level greater than 0.03% will result in prosecution and will result in heavy fines or jail time.
The traffic signs in Ecuador fall into the following categories:
- Priority signs – Stop, Yield, Customs Inspection, etc…
- Direction Signs – One-way, two-way, keep right, etc…
- Movement Restriction Signs – Buses only, bike lane, etc…
- Limit Signs – Speed limit, reduce speed, etc…
Speed limits are in kilometers and are typically the following (based on the type of road):
- Urban Areas – 50 km/h (30 mph)
- Rural Roads – 90 km/h (55 mph)
- Highways – 100 km/h (60 mph)

Relative Guides, Itineraries, and Articles

To assist you as you start to put together your travel plans for Ecuador, I have provided a comprehensive list of all of my travel guides, travel itineraries, and travel inspiration articles for Ecuador for you to review below.

Amazon Rainforest Photography Guide: Tips and Techniques

Amazon Rainforest Packing Guide: Essential Items You Need

Ecuador Entrance Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Top 15 Things to See in Ecuador: The Must-Visit Destinations

The Ultimate 14-Day Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands Itinerary

The Definitive Quito, Ecuador Visitor Guide

Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Galápagos Islands

The Ultimate Galápagos Islands Wildlife Guide

Galápagos Islands Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guide

Packing and Planning Tips

Once you start putting together your Ecuador travel plans, you may want to reference some of my handy travel packing and planning guides that I have put together. To make it easy to find and access these guides, I have included them for your reference below.

Through the Lens: Capture Tanzania’s Untamed Beauty on Safari

Pack, Explore, Unwind: The Ultimate 2025 Camping Gear & Checklist

Stay Ahead of the Game: The Top 20 Travel Accessories for 2025

The Ultimate Travel Wardrobe: Recommendations for Your Next Adventure

Top 20 Tips for Solo Travel: Making the Most of Your Solo Journey

The Ultimate Guide to Save Money on Hotels When Traveling

15 Most Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

Proactive Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

Avoid Mosquito-borne Illnesses: 10 Essential Tips for Travelers

Popular Tours

Ecuador is teeming with incredible adventures that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. From the majestic peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest, there’s a tour for everyone! Popular favorites include the enchanting Galápagos Islands, where you can witness unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, and the vibrant city of Quito, rich in history and culture. Join fellow travelers and create unforgettable memories as you experience the best of Ecuador!