Planning Your Trip

When to Go

Ecuador [1]’s climate is as diverse as its landscape. On the coast, the tropical seasons are most easily defined: invierno (winter) is hot and wet with fierce sunshine broken by torrential rain. Verano (summer) is cooler, cloudier, and mostly dry.

The Galápagos [2]’s climate mirrors that of the coast but with less rain and humidity.

In the highlands, it’s wettest February–April, but seasons are less defined, with showers most of the year. It tends to be warmest and driest June–September and coldest around Christmas.

The Oriente is hot and wet year-round with the driest period around December and the wettest June–September.

High season is particularly busy on the beach and runs from Christmas through Carnival (usually February) and Easter with another brief high season in July–August. The best time for traveling around Ecuador is probably just outside the high seasons in May and November, but if hustle and bustle is your thing, go in high season but expect to pay more.

Before You Go

Passports, Tourist Cards, and Visas: Travelers to Ecuador will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. A tourist card (also called a T-3) is issued on entry and must be returned on leaving Ecuador. Stays of up to 90 days are permitted without a visa and can sometimes be extended a further 90 days. Travelers must also be able to show “proof of economic means” (a credit card is usually good enough) and a return or onward travel ticket out of Ecuador.

Vaccinations: All visitors should make sure their routine immunizations are up to date. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that travelers be vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and in cases of close contact with locals, hepatitis B. Rabies vaccinations are also recommended for those venturing into rural areas. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is necessary when entering Ecuador from Peru or Colombia, but it is a good idea no matter where you arrive from.

Transportation: Ecuador has two international airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport, which is moving east of Quito [3] to El Quinche, and José Joaquin Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil [4]. You can get just about anywhere within Ecuador from either city in under an hour by plane (from $60 one-way) or in a day by bus or car.

Ecuador [1]’s public transportation network is comprehensive, and roads have improved in recent years, but it’s not always the quickest way to get around. If your time is limited, consider flying between larger cities instead of taking all-day (or all-night) buses, or renting a car. Renting a taxi and driver for the day is more expensive than buses but quicker and more direct.