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Travel Guide
Visiting Ecuador
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Exercise Caution
UK FCDO: Regional state of emergency declared (internal disturbance and armed violence) A 30-day state of emergency (SOE) was renewed on 28 February 2026 due to internal disturbance and armed violence. You should follow the instructions of police and local authorities. The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas El Oro Manabí Los Ríos Santa Elena Pichincha Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas Esmeraldas Sucumbíos Bolívar (cantones Echeandía and Las Naves) Cotopaxi (cantón La Maná) Due to the c
Updated 2026-03-11
Discover
Top Attractions in Ecuador
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Galapagos Islands
An archipelago of volcanic islands roughly 1,000 kilometres off the Pacific coast, the Galapagos were the first natural site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and provided Charles Darwin with the observations that led to his theory of natural selection. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins live here in extraordinary proximity to visitors, having evolved with no natural fear of humans.
UNESCO World Heritage
Historic Centre of Quito
One of the largest and least modified colonial centres in Latin America, Quito's old town covers 320 hectares of 16th and 17th-century churches, monasteries, plazas, and civic buildings that UNESCO recognised in 1978 as the very first World Heritage Site to be inscribed. The Church of La Compañia de Jesus, with its gold-encrusted baroque interior, and the Convent of San Francisco, the largest colonial complex in the Americas, anchor an area with 32 museums and 24 churches.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Ecuador. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Ecuador.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. You can get emergency assistance and register medical issues using the ECU 911 smartphone application. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police911
Ambulance131
Fire102
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Drive on
right
Language
Spanish, Kichwa
Plug Types
Type A, B
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ecuador
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Ecuador page at Yoogo.
Ecuador uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency, a policy in place since 2001. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities, though smaller towns and markets typically operate on a cash-only basis, so carrying smaller notes is advisable.
Ecuador's major cities experience petty theft, and travellers should remain vigilant in crowded markets, bus terminals, and tourist areas, keeping valuables out of sight. The Galapagos Islands have very low crime rates, and destinations such as Cuenca and Banos are generally considered calm. Consult your government's current travel advisory before departure for the most up-to-date regional guidance.
Intercity buses are the most affordable and widely used form of transport, connecting all major cities from central terminals (terminal terrestre) at low fares. Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate in cities, while Quito and Guayaquil both have rapid transit systems; regular passenger rail services are no longer operational, though a small number of scenic tourist rail experiences run on specific routes.
Ecuador's climate varies considerably by region: the Andes highlands are driest and clearest from June to September, the Pacific coast is warmest and most accessible from December to May, and the Galapagos Islands offer different wildlife highlights year-round, with June to August bringing cooler, calmer seas ideal for snorkelling. Because the country straddles the equator, no single season closes off any destination entirely.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken throughout the country, making it the primary means of communication for travellers. Kichwa, an indigenous Andean language, holds official status alongside Spanish and is spoken by significant communities in the highlands and Amazon regions; English is understood in major tourist areas, hotels, and tour operations, but less so in smaller towns.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to regions below 2,300 metres elevation, including parts of the Amazon and Pacific lowlands, but is not required for visits confined to Quito, Cuenca, the inter-Andean highlands, or the Galapagos Islands. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for travel to lowland provinces; consulting a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure is advisable to tailor recommendations to your specific itinerary.