FAQs ABOUT ECUADOR

Visitors to Ecuador have many questions when planning their trip or deciding if this country is right for them. Where to go, whether it is safe, how to get around, what currency to use, and whether to tip are just a few of the most commonly asked inquiries. We’ve combined a list of Ecuador´s frequently asked questions, which might help you out in thinking about your Ecuador vacation. We hope our FAQs will help, but if you have any further questions, please do contact us and we will do our best to answer your question.

 

Ecuadorian Tree Frog

 

What language is spoken in Ecuador?

 
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. 

 

Is English spoken in Ecuador?

English is not widely spoken throughout Ecuador. You will find some residents in major tourist areas that are able to converse in the language. 

 

What is the transportation within Ecuador?

Getting around in Ecuador mainly consists of local buses and taxis. Our Ecuador tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, flights, canoes, etc. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Each tour itinerary page has a description of the transportation included on that tour. If you have additional questions, just ask!

 

Amazon Canoe

What currency is used in Ecuador?

The currency used throughout the country is the United States Dollar. Mastercard and Visa are accepted In most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. ATMs are common in all cities. 

 

When is the best time to travel to Ecuador?

There are no extremes of temperature and there is no real summer and winter in Ecuador, therefore the country’s cultural attractions can be enjoyed at any time. In the Galapagos Islands, the best time is December to June. Travelers can visit Ecuador any time of year. Because Ecuador is located on the Equator, there is little seasonal variability. Ecuadorians will often tell you that you can expect four seasons in one day. Although there is a slightly wetter and slightly drier season, these variations are unpredictable and the months vary depending on where in Ecuador you are.

 

Rainy Season in The Andes

 

Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?

 
A visa is not required when traveling as a tourist from Canada or The United States for up to 90 days. 

 

Are your Ecuador trips suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Ecuador is a wonderful place for families to visit with a mix of wildlife encounters, multi-sport adventures, and warm hospitality. We realize that you know your kids best so we will be happy to answer all of your questions and try to give you the most accurate impression of what to expect. However, please remember that these are adventure tours and flexibility is essential!

 

Photographing Iguana

 

Do I need a converter/ adapter for the electricity?

Ecuador uses 110-volt, 60-cycle electricity, the same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.

 

What time zone is Ecuador?

Ecuador is five hours behind GMT (same as EST). They do not observe daylight-saving time so during these months (April-October), Ecuador is on CST. The Galapagos Islands are one hour behind the mainland.

 

Is the water safe to drink?

 

Tap water is generally not safe to drink in Ecuador. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice ("sin hielo") or ask your tour leader if the ice is safe in a particular restaurant. Most Galapagos yachts will include bottled water in your room. Ice used on board these yachts is generally made with purified water as well.

 

Keep Hydrated

 

Is travel insurance recommended?

Absolutely!!! We work with a travel insurance company that provides reasonably priced insurance for trip cancellations, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, etc. Check out more details at  www.adventure-life.com/insurance.

 
What are the best Ecuador regions to visit?

Ecuador has four main regions and all of them are worthy of a visit, depending on your personal interests and preferences. The highlands spread from the north to the south of the country, and here there is plenty of culture and history, as well as outdoorsy activities to take part in. The jungle region is to the east of the country, and plenty of visitors travel here to get a taste of the Amazon. The Pacific Coast region is to the west of the country, and here you can chill out in the sun, or maybe take surf lessons. Finally, a big draw to this small Andean nation is the region of the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.

 

Giant Galapagos Tortoise

 

How many days should I spend in Ecuador?

The number of days in Ecuador will depend on your preferences and what you want to see and do. If you want to visit just the Andean region then a week might be sufficient, but you would be missing out on a lot! If you want to see the jungle as well then it is best to allow at least another four days, and an additional four days for the coast as well – at a minimum. Trips to the Galapagos Islands generally run from between four to 16 days, 

 

Should I tip in Ecuador?

Tipping is common in Ecuador, and it is best to tip approximately 10% of a meal or a tour. You might also give a dollar to someone who carries your bags for you, or who does something kind and helpful. 

 

Should I take the anti-malarial medication in Ecuador?

This depends on where you are visiting. If you are just visiting places that are at high altitudes, then there is no need to take anti-malarial medication as there is no malaria at high altitudes. If you are heading to the jungle or the coast, you may want to consider it. You should seek medical advice about whether or not to take anti-malarial medications, whatever your plans are and wherever you plan to go in Ecuador, as things can change over time, and it is best to get the most up-to-date advice from local experts like our team of Ecuador and Galapagos experts, tour guides and travel advisers.

 

Mosquito Nets in The Amazon