Ecuador
Tours & Packages to Ecuador
Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Ecuador? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Quito |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your return date. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ecuador for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, you are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and meeting all entry requirements. If a visa is required, we recommend using a fee-based visa service, such as our preferred provider VisaHQ. More information about passports & visas. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | There are no official vaccination requirements for entry into Ecuador, however, inoculations against yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis and malaria suppressants (for the Galapagos islands) might be recommended. Consult your physician. |
| Weather | Ecuador's climate is very varied. There is no perfect time to go see it all. Coast: January to April is the rainy season with the warmest water currents, making it the most popular time to visit for surfers or snorkelers. Quito is always moderate and the Amazon is always humid. Layers and a waterproof/ breathable jacket are recommended if you will be hiking in the mountains. |
| Tipping | Tip 10% of the bill unless a service fee is included, additional small amounts are appreciated. Round up fare for taxi drivers. |
| Money | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Shop in Ecuador for genuine Panama hats, pottery, filigree jewelry, wool sweaters, wood carvings, ponchos, and Amerindian weavings and handcrafts. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 120/127 volts. Plugs A & B. No converters or adapters needed. view more information about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
Videos
Articles
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Rave Reviews
I returned last night from my first trip with Friendly Planet. What a glorious adventure this was. Our guide, Dennis, is a remarkable, knowledgeable, and patient man with a great sense of humor. (He humored me when—after our first stop—I saw the need to feed stray dogs along the way.) Food and hotels were all magnificent. I learned so much. Ecuador and the beautiful people will be forever in my heart. Thank you very much, Friendly Planet.
Liesel Appel, Asheville, NC
Exotic Ecuador
The trip last May to Peru and Ecuador was one of the best vacation experiences I have ever had. The food was excellent and the other 7 couples on the tour were super. Machu Picchu, Lima, Quito, Lake Titicaca, and the Galapagos Islands were all fun to visit. I will be touring with Friendly Planet again this May to Japan.
Arthur Low, Sunnyvale, CA
Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos 2013–14