Ecuador is a country in South America that derives its name from the equator, which it straddles. Ecuador also includes the lovely Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, and is home to the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi. It is also home to several world heritage sites and has a rich history, which can be seen in many of its cities. Ecuador travel is a must for beach-seeking backpacker, avid historian, or anyone who wants to experience the most bio diverse place on the planet.
Best time to take a vacation to Ecuador
Best Time to Go
There are festivals held throughout the year and with a varied climate across destinations, the major consideration for Ecuador travel is the destination. The coast rotates between wet and dry, and the best time for Ecuador vacations is between December and May, when temperatures are slightly cooler despite more rain. The dry season of June to December is the best time of year to visit the Andes region while August to November is the best time to visit the Oriente Region. Galapagos Island sea tortoise and sea lion nesting occurs during the warm rainy season, whereas albatrosses and penguins arrive in the cold and dry months.
Popular Ecuador experiences
Alausí via el Nariz del Diablo
Take a train up the mountains and view the spectacular scenery from Riobamba to Alausí via el Nariz del Diablo (the Devil’s Nose).
Amazon Jungle
Explore the Amazon Jungle, as Ecuador is probably the cheapest place for this experience of getting close to the exotic wildlife.
Banos
Visit Banos, the adventure capital of Ecuador, and climb volcanoes, paraglide, or raft, just to name a few of the many activities available to you during your Ecuador vacation.
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park has several activities and a rich history as well as the volcano Cotopaxi, which people used to worship.
Cuenca
Visit the city of Cuenca, a world heritage site and sample the spectacular and well-preserved colonial architecture.
Equator
Stand on the equator and experience the thrill of your body being in two different hemispheres.
Esmeraldas
Relax on the beaches of Esmeraldas, rated to be the best beaches in Ecuador, and experience the buzzing nightlife there.
Malecon 2000
Visit the Malecón 2000 in Guayaquil, offering food, shopping, boat rides and a beautiful view of the river.
Parque Historico Guayaquil
Parque Historico Guayaquil contains buildings hundreds of years old, and also has a nature reserve and zoo.
Insider tips for Ecuador travel
Café Eucalyptus
Dine at Café Eucalyptus in Cuenca, which features an international menu and live music.
Museo de Arte Moderno
Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno, which was originally a house of temperance for priests who needed to sober up.
Otavalo Market
Shop at Otavalo Market on a Saturday and haggle for souvenirs at South America's biggest market, 3 hours north of Quito.
Santa Ana Valley
Go for a picnic in Santa Ana valley, a beautiful river valley 90 minutes inland from Manta.
Top rated hotels for your Ecuador vacation
Wyndham Quito Airport
5 out of 5
Parroquia Tababela S/N Via Yaruqui, Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, Tababela, Pichincha
Free Cancellation
117.91 mi from city center
The price is $110 per night
$110
per night
Jun 14 - Jun 15
Located in Tababela, Wyndham Quito Airport is in a rural location, within a 15-minute drive of Oyacoto and Gallardo.
Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana
4.5 out of 5
Calle Numa Pompilio Llona S N, Ciudad del Rio - Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil, Guayas, G01000
Free Cancellation
Reserve now, pay when you stay
119.24 mi from city center
The price is $110 per night
$110
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Located in Guayaquil (Tarqui), Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana is within a 15-minute walk of Numa Pompilio Llona Street and Botanical Garden.
Oro Verde Guayaquil
5 out of 5
9 De Octubre Y Garcia Moreno, Guayaquil, Guayas
Free Cancellation
Reserve now, pay when you stay
120.4 mi from city center
The price is $100 per night
$100
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
A stay at Oro Verde Guayaquil places you in the heart of Guayaquil, steps from Sports Federation of Guayas and 6 minutes by foot from Presley Norton Museum.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
^Savings based on all package bookings with Flight + Hotel made on CheapTickets.com from 2019-04-01 - 2020-03-31 as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.
