Ecuador Holidays

What is Ecuador known for?

• A paradise for plants and animals. Ecuador is home to a thriving animal kingdom; from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes highlands, you’ll find some of the most magnificent habitats and ecosystems in the world. In fact, Ecuador is part of a group of 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries, which collectively are home to around 70% of the planet’s biodiversity. More of the country’s beautiful biodiversity hotspots include the cloud forests and the Galapagos Islands.


• Volcanoes. Only a handful of countries have a higher number of active volcanoes than Ecuador, which has an impressive 13 in total. There are also many more inactive volcanoes – the most famous being Chimborazo. Found in the Andes and reaching over 20,000ft in height, its peak is Ecuador's highest point. Due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, Chimborazo is also technically the closest point to outer space and would be the tallest mountain in the world if measured from the centre of the planet.


• Exports. Ecuador is rich with natural resources, making its exports an important part of the country’s economy. Some of its biggest exports include crude petroleum, crustaceans and, maybe most famously, bananas. Ecuador is the biggest exporter of bananas in the world, shipping $3.8 billion worth around the world in 2023. This was more than double the second-largest exporter of the fruit, the Philippines.

What are the best things to do in Ecuador?

• Visit the gorgeous Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re an animal lover or not, it’s impossible to ignore the allure of the Galapagos Islands’ creatures. Strict regulations protecting the wellbeing of the archipelago make it one of the best-preserved wildlife hotspots on the planet. As you hike across the island, keep an eye out for the world-famous giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, before submerging for a diving or snorkelling adventure into the surrounding waters in search of sea lions, sharks and schools of exotic fish.


• Admire colonial architecture in Quito. While it’s by no means the largest, Quito is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Best of all, you never need a specific destination in mind when visiting this high-altitude hub. Simply spend a day wandering around the streets admiring the colonial architecture that contributes to the region’s quirky character. If you want to learn more about Quito’s story, there are plenty of museums and open buildings to explore, including Museo Nacional and Casa Museo Guayasamin. Alternatively, we recommend taking a guided tour of the city to hear fascinating stories from a local.


• Uncover the secrets of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Amazon region covers around 46,500 square miles of the mainland in Ecuador. This area is home to a staggering 8% of the planet’s animal species making it one of the most important regions for ecological diversity. Some of our favourite experiences here include: birdwatching in the cloud forests, canyoning in a gorge and kayaking through the Amazonian mangroves.


• Contribute to conservation efforts. Ecotourism has an important role to play in protecting the country’s vast and valuable biodiversity. Lots of initiatives in wildlife hotspots have already been established and every visitor can contribute to conservation efforts.

Read our guide on sustainability in Ecuador to find out more.

Where can I stay in Ecuador?

There are plenty of wonderful places to hang your hat in Ecuador. Head to the main cities of Quito and Guayaquil where you’ll find plenty of boutique and historic hotels. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, stay in a forest lodge. These wilderness retreats, built using natural materials, are the perfect places to immerse yourself in the jungle environment.

Check out our guide accommodation in Ecuador for more information and advice.

What's the weather like in Ecuador?

Altitude plays an important role in weather variations across the mainland. You’ll generally find a humid subtropical climate in the rainforests of the lowlands, compared to the more temperate conditions seen in the mountainous regions.

There are also distinct wet and dry seasons in Ecuador. The exception to this rule is the Amazon region, which experiences steady rainfall throughout the year. The summer months, from June to September, offer the driest conditions if you’re visiting the highlands, whereas the shoulder season, from September to December, is generally best if you’re visiting the coastal regions or the Galapagos Islands.

Check out our guide on the best time to visit Ecuador to learn more.

What is the capital of Ecuador?

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, but it’s not the country’s most populous city – that title belongs to Guayaquil. Quito, on the other hand, is the world’s second-highest capital above sea level (behind La Paz in Bolivia) and is the closest capital to the equator.

What languages are spoken in Ecuador?

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, although you’ll notice regional differences. The native language of Quechua is the second-most spoken. English isn’t widely spoken, even in the main cities, so it can be helpful to learn some key Spanish phrases before your trip.

What's the time zone in Ecuador?

Ecuador’s mainland only observes one time zone – Ecuador Time (ECT). This is five hours behind GMT. The Galapagos Islands use Galapagos Time (GALT) which is six hours behind GMT.

Where is Ecuador?

Ecuador is located on the northwest coast of the South American continent, and shares a border with two countries: Colombia and Peru. The country straddles the equator, and it’s from this geographical feature that Ecuador got its name (ecuador being the Spanish term for ‘equator’).

What currency does Ecuador use?

The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador, with the dollar replacing the sucre in 2000. Although credit card transactions are on the rise, cash is still the preferred method of payment in most places. It’s also advisable to use smaller bills where possible, since shops and other businesses might not always have change for larger notes. All notes are the same as in the US, but Ecuador mints its own coins. These cannot be used outside of the country, so keep an eye out for the different prints on local coinage.

How long does it take to fly to Ecuador from the UK?

There are no direct flights connecting the UK and Ecuador – Bogota and Miami are common stopovers en route. The flight time from London to either Guayaquil or Quito is around 17 hours.

Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

British nationals can travel to Ecuador without needing a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.

Check out our guide on Ecuador passport and visa requirements for more information.