Ecuador
Ecuador Travel Essentials

Ecuador Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip

Plan your trip to Ecuador
Customize your trip with help from a local travel specialist.

Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador: Seasons, Travel Tips, and More

On the northwestern side of South America, straddling the equator, Ecuador contains a remarkably diverse range of landscapes, altitudes, and climates. Despite their great variations, the country’s highlands, rainforests, beaches and far-flung islands are all rewarding places to visit throughout the year.

Trekking along the Quilotoa Loop is an Ecuador highlight.

Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Stretching from the Amazon to the Andes and straddling the southern and northern hemispheres, Ecuador boasts a remarkable range of landscapes, cultures and ecosystems. From raucous festivals to wildlife encounters, historic cities to Inca ruins, colorful markets to dramatic train journeys, it has something for everyone. This article picks out ten of the country’s most memorable activities.

The mountains surrounding Guaranda, an off-the-beaten-path town in Ecuador well worth visiting.

Going Off-The-Beaten-Path in Ecuador

Even as tourism boom in Ecuador, there are still plenty of enticing destinations that remain under the radar, offering travelers the chance to explore architectural gems, surf off gorgeous beaches, visit wildlife-rich reserves and much more. Here are a few suggestions for escaping the crowds.

One of the Ecuador's dramatic train rides, the Naríz del Diablo

Options for Touring Ecuador

By South American standards, Ecuador is a fairly small country. Most major destinations — with the exception of the Galápagos Islands — are within a day's drive of each other. Follow these suggestions for how to structure your visit and make the most of your time in this geographically diverse nation.

Plan your trip to Ecuador
Customize your trip with help from a local travel specialist

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