Ecuador Tours

Ecuador sits on the equator so temperatures change more with altitude than with the season. The best month depends on where you are going and what you want to do.

Christmas and New Year’s, Easter and the July–August holidays are busy and Galápagos departures can fill early. Book as early as you can, since availability varies by itinerary.

We want you to go in with your eyes open. The U.S. State Department rates Ecuador Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping, in an advisory issued August 18, 2026. The advisory also lists areas at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” and Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” mostly on the coast and near the borders. Level 4 areas include parts of Guayaquil (south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue), Durán, Esmeraldas and several towns in El Oro and Los Ríos. Quito, Cuenca and the Galápagos are outside the Level 3 and Level 4 areas, but Level 2 caution applies throughout the country. Last checked: October 29, 2026.

• Avoid walking in remote streets or using ATMs at night.
• Keep valuables and bags close, since pickpocketing is common in busy areas.
• Use transport arranged by your hotel or a ride-hailing app instead of street taxis.
• If someone tries to rob you, don’t resist.
• Check for new alerts before you travel, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Ecuador may be small but they can not combine very different landscapes in a day; here is how the country divides. 

Quito. Most trips start in the capital, marked by one of the oldest colonial towns in the world, enlisted as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital is also situated about 2,850 m (9,350 ft) above sea-level, thus consider this as an easy-going first day and drink lots of water. The cable car rises close to 4,000 m (13,000 ft) above the city, thus offering wide views over the volcanoes around.

The Northern Sierra. North of Quito, Andean communities continue with their long-held traditions that boast a fond stop, the artisan market town of Otavalo. This region also hosts historic haciendas, many of which have now been turned into hotels.

The Central Sierra. This is the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Cotopaxi rises to 5,897 m (19,347 ft), and Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain, reaches 6,263 m (20,548 ft). Near Alausí, the Devil’s Nose train zigzags down a steep mountainside. It runs on a limited schedule and can be suspended for repairs or weather, so ask whether it fits your dates.

The Southern Sierra. Cuenca’s old town has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999 and Ingapirca is the most famous Inca site in Ecuador. The temperate highlands can be expected with temperatures averaging between 19 and 21°C (66 and 70°F) throughout the seasons.

The Oriente region (Amazon). Ecuadorian Amazon is warm and has a very humid climate all year round, with Tena having temperature averages of about 21-22°C (70-72 °F). The tours Discovering Yasuní and Cultural Immersion in the Ecuadorian Amazon can be experienced.

The Galapagos Islands. About 600 miles (1,000 km) off the mainland, the islands are home to sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies that show little fear of people. The islands are a national park, so you visit protected areas with a licensed naturalist guide and keep at least 2 m (6 ft) from wildlife. Wildlife encounters can’t be guaranteed. Flights leave from Quito or Guayaquil and land at Baltra or San Cristóbal. Foreign adults pay a national park entrance fee of $200 (children under 12 pay $100), plus a $20 Transit Control Card. The government sets these fees, so they can change.

• Mainland only (7 days). Quito and the Andes, with cloud forests, butterflies and birdwatching, as in the7 Day Best of Ecuador.
• Mainland plus the Galápagos (10–15 days). Quito, the Andes and the islands, as in the 10-dayClassic Ecuador Highlights or the 15-dayClassic 15 Day Ecuador and Galápagos. Flights to the islands take roughly two to three hours from the mainland, so build in buffer time.
• The Galápagos and the Amazon (12 days). Two of Ecuador’s richest wildlife regions, as in the12 Day Galápagos and Amazon.
• An active Andes trip. Choose between our7 Day Ecuador – Cycling and Haciendas and the 4 Day Condor Trek.
• Your own route. Tell us your dreams and we’ll build a route around your pace. [Plan My Ecuador Trip]

Not sure where to start? Match your travel style to a tour below or browse the full list above.

Activity levels: Low means relaxed sightseeing with little walking. Moderate means longer days on foot, with some stairs, uneven ground or altitude. High means sustained physical activity such as camping and long hikes in hot, humid conditions.

Entry. Travelers should fully plan their expeditions through Ecuador. B. Entry. U.S citizens are allowed to enter Ecuador without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days maximum. Travelers should also remember that their passports must be valid for at least six months after the planned dates of travel and be prepared to show proof of onward travel. 

Health.See a doctor or travel clinic four to six weeks before you go. The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travel to the provinces east of the Andes below 2,300 m, including Napo, Orellana and Pastaza, but not for travel limited to Quito, Guayaquil, areas above 2,300 m or the Galápagos. Ecuador requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, so check this if your trip includes other South American countries. Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Get any vaccine at least 10 days before you travel. Your clinician will tailor advice to your route and health history.

Money. The currency used in Ecuador is the United States Dollar. Although there are ATMs found in cities, be mindful of the limits while withdrawing money. Therefore, it is essential to carry some cash in small denominations. Most restaurants charge a 10% service fee included in the check, and one needs to look at the bill closely to determine whether a tip should be given. Tipping for the driver or the guide is not included in the charges.

Flights and inclusions. The ticket for international flights needs to be reserved separately. The inner flights including flying to Galapagos islands have different prices based on the requirements of the client who is traveling, and therefore, it is necessary to check the details of the service beforehand.

Altitude and fitness. Quito is located 9350 feet above sea level and many mountain climbing activities are practiced in the Andes. One should provide information about the physical condition to estimate the exertion involved.

• Itineraries for every style: mainland highlights, Galápagos escapes, Amazon extensions and active Andes trips
• Tailor-made planning: every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace and interests
• Practical guidance: clear information on island flights, Galápagos park fees and altitude before you book
• Flexible planning where every itinerary is flexible according to your pace and preferences.

Tailor Your Ecuador Tour

Tell us your dates, travel companions and interests. We’ll help design a private Ecuador journey around you, whether you want the Andes only or the Andes, the Amazon and the Galápagos together.