Skip to main content

Ecuador travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 2 destinations across Ecuador.

Destinations2 city guides
Things to do29 experiences
Best time to visitJune to December
CurrencyUSD · $
CapitalQuito

About Ecuador

Ecuador is in South America. Its capital is Quito, the main language is Spanish and the currency is the United States dollar (USD). Our guides cover 2 destinations across Ecuador, including Quito and Galapagos Islands. The most comfortable time to visit is generally June to December.

Must-see sights in Ecuador

  1. Church of La Compañía

    Church of La Compañía

    Religious · Quito

    A Jesuit church with an interior almost entirely covered in gold leaf, a masterpiece of Baroque art. Photography is not allowed inside, so take your time to look.

  2. Charles Darwin Research Station

    Charles Darwin Research Station

    Landmark · Galapagos Islands

    The main scientific base on the islands, where you can see giant tortoises from its breeding program up close. It sits at the edge of Puerto Ayora, so walk there in the cooler early morning.

Things to do in Ecuador

29 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Ecuador. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

Best time to visit Ecuador

Based on recent weather records across 2 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Ecuador are June to December. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
Spanish
Capital
Quito
Calling code
+593
Driving
On the right
Time zones
Pacific/Galapagos, America/Guayaquil

Upcoming public holidays in Ecuador

  • All Souls' DayDía de los Difuntos, Día de Muertos
  • Independence of CuencaIndependencia de Cuenca
  • Christmas DayDía de Navidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • CarnivalCarnaval
  • CarnivalCarnaval

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to Ecuador

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Ecuador.

Search flights to Ecuador

Ecuador travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Ecuador?

Popular destinations in Ecuador include Quito and Galapagos Islands. Our Ecuador travel guides cover 2 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

Across our Ecuador destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are June to December. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

Which airports should I fly into for Ecuador?

Main airports for popular Ecuador destinations include Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for Quito and Seymour Airport (GPS) for Galapagos Islands.

What are the top things to do in Ecuador?

Destina Holidays offers 29 tours and activities across Ecuador. The most popular types are day trips & excursions (12), art & culture (5), outdoor activities & adventure (4) and zoo, aquarium & nature (3).

What are the must-see sights in Ecuador?

Highlights include Church of La Compañía in Quito and Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos Islands.

How many hotels can I book in Ecuador?

Destina Holidays lists 146 properties across our Ecuador destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in Ecuador?

Ecuador uses the United States dollar (USD).

What language is spoken in Ecuador?

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish.

What is the capital of Ecuador?

The capital of Ecuador is Quito.

What time zone is Ecuador in?

Our Ecuador destinations span 2 time zones, including Pacific/Galapagos (UTC−6) and America/Guayaquil (UTC−5).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Ecuador?

Traffic in Ecuador drives on the right. The international calling code is +593.

What are the upcoming public holidays in Ecuador?

Upcoming public holidays include All Souls' Day on 2 November 2026, Independence of Cuenca on 3 November 2026 and Christmas Day on 25 December 2026. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador?

Visa rules for Ecuador depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

Browse destinations in other countries