Ecuador FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Ecuador?

Ecuador is a diverse destination where landscapes range from the Amazon rainforest and the Andean highlands to the Pacific coastline and the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Historic cities, indigenous communities and colonial heritage sit alongside contemporary culture, and traditional crafts, regional cuisines and strong connections to the natural environment reflect a rich cultural and geographic diversity.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Ecuador or returning to explore further, our FAQs answer the most common questions about travelling to Ecuador from the UK.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador from the UK?

A: To enter Ecuador, UK citizens do not require a visa.

If you are visiting the Galapagos Islands, you must have valid health insurance for your visit, and immigration officials can request to see proof of valid insurance upon entry to the islands.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Ecuador?

A: There are no specific vaccination mandates in place for UK travellers entering Ecuador. UK travellers are always recommended to keep up to date with their routine vaccination courses, and your GP or a travel health professional may recommend specific vaccinations based on your individual situation.

If you are transiting through Brazil for more than 12 hours on your way to Ecuador, you will require proof of yellow fever vaccination.

TravelHealthPro is a great resource to find guidance on health and vaccination recommendations when travelling overseas. Find their full guidance on Ecuador here.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Ecuador?

A: In Quito, daytime temperatures tend to be around 20°C and night time temperatures around 10°C. The weather in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Riobamba and Cuenca is similar to Quito. Temperatures in the jungle and Guayaquil tend to be hot and humid year round, although cold snaps are also possible.

Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cooler weather, is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproofs are also recommended. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for the jungle, the Bellavista cloud forest and the Galapagos Islands.

We have prepared a full packing list for trips to the Galapagos Islands here.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Ecuador, and which part will I be visiting?

A: Ecuador is on the west coast of South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Our core ‘A Taste of Ecuador’ tour, which can be combined with a number of different extensions, visits several destinations across Ecuador.

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits high in the northern Andes at an altitude of 2,850 metres. Renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city combines historic churches and plazas with a vibrant contemporary culture, all framed by dramatic mountain scenery.

Otavalo, 2 hours north of Quito, is an old town with a colourful market. There is a bird sanctuary nearby, home to condors and various species of birds of prey. You can opt to visit there on a full-day excursion during your time in Quito on a Llama Travel holiday.

The Bellavista Cloud Forest is around a 2-hour drive northwest of Quito, though its lush surroundings feel a world away. On an optional full-day excursion or an overnight stay, you can explore trails, take in the surrounding nature and spot wildlife.

If you combine our ‘Taste of Ecuador’ tour with a Galapagos island stay or cruise between several islands, you may visit several different islands throughout the archipelago. Find more details here in our Galapagos Islands FAQs.

Our ‘Cuenca & Avenue of the Volcanoes’ tour includes stays in Riobamba and Cuenca.

Riobamba is in the centre of Ecuador, in the Chambo River Valley. It serves as a convenient stopping point for an overnight stay between Quito and Cuenca.

Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city, is in the south of the country, 500 kilometres south of Quito. It is a pretty and welcoming city, with a few small galleries and craft shops.

Q: What is the population of Ecuador?

A: The population of Ecuador is around 18 million people.

Q: What is the capital city of Ecuador?

A: Quito is the capital of Ecuador.

Q: What is the time difference?

A: During British Summer Time (from late March to late October), Ecuador is 7 hours behind the UK.

During Greenwich Mean Time from late October to late March, Ecuador is 6 hours behind the UK.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Ecuador?

A: There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador, so the journey time will depend on how long and where your layover is.

On most Llama Travel tours of Ecuador, you will fly to Quito on an indirect flight, which tends to take between 13 and 15 hours.

Q: What language is spoken in Ecuador?

A: The primary language spoken by locals in Ecuador is Spanish. Tour guides, hotel staff, boat crews and many working in hospitality throughout the destination are proficient (or in the case of boat guides, fluent) in English.

Q: What is the currency in Ecuador?

A: The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. Travellers should take US dollars as other currencies are not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (both Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can be used to withdraw money from cash machines.

When travelling to some of the more remote areas (e.g, the jungle), it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money

Q: What’s the weather like in Ecuador?

A: In Quito, daytime temperatures tend to be around 20°C and nighttime temperatures around 10°C. The weather in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Riobamba and Cuenca is similar to Quito. Temperatures in the jungle and Guayaquil tend to be hot and humid year-round, although cold snaps are also possible. Rain is possible throughout the year.

Q: Do people speak English in Ecuador?

A: Spanish remains the dominant language throughout Ecuador, and most locals do not speak English. Tour guides, hotel staff, and restaurant staff in tourist areas will likely be proficient in English.

Q: What is the tipping culture in Ecuador?

A: If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. If you want to tip guides on the mainland, US$2 - $3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. As tipping is not necessarily normal in restaurants, please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Q: What should I know about jungle experiences in Ecuador?

A: The Amazon rainforest takes up much of Ecuador’s eastern half, and a visit to the jungle offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the rivers and flooded forest of the world’s largest rainforest. Home to 50% of Ecuador’s mammals and a paradise for bird watchers, the rainforest is a wonderful experience for those fond of wildlife.

Although there are many problems in the Ecuadorian Amazon, such as the legacy left by oil companies as well as the rights of the indigenous tribes of the region, the jungle lodges near Coca have provided a strong incentive to protect the forest, as tourism has become an increasingly important part of the local economy.

In the jungle, you may experience at close range toucans calling, spider monkeys searching for fruit, colourful tanagers passing through the canopy and macaws flying close by.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Ecuador safe to travel to?

A: Overall, and especially in tourist areas like Quito, Cuenca, and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is very safe to visit. As with anywhere in the world, it is sensible to exercise caution in busy areas. To minimise the risk to yourself, use common sense. Do not walk around with obvious signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive-looking jewellery or with cameras around your neck. Keep passports and valuables in your hotel safe. When in restaurants, always keep bags (especially if they contain valuables) close to your person and out of sight. Do not walk down empty streets, especially after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a completely trouble-free holiday.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Ecuador?

A: If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary. Illnesses caused by altitude can be serious. If you do experience any problems, please seek appropriate medical attention.

Private hospitals across Ecuador, especially in Quito and Cuenca, offer a high-quality standard of care, but this will come at a cost: as part of our booking conditions, we require that our guests have adequate travel insurance coverage.

Q: Is it safe to explore Quito?

A: The historic centre and tourist areas throughout Quito are heavily policed, but petty crime is not an impossibility, so be cautious to avoid displaying obvious signs of wealth and keep valuable belongings in a safe place. We recommend sticking to official taxis to get around, especially at night.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?

A: Yes. Without travel insurance, travellers are expected to foot the potential costs associated with illness, accidents or emergency repatriation to the UK in extreme cases. This will likely come at great expense if you are not insured with an adequate level of travel insurance. Our booking conditions require guests on Llama Travel holidays to have adequate insurance.

Llama Travel holidays are ATOL-protected, meaning that if your airline or tour operator (Llama Travel) goes bust, you are covered financially.

Connectivity & Communication

Q: What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards in Ecuador?

A: A physical SIM card is a good option if you are looking for a straightforward pay-as-you-go text, call and data roaming plan after arriving in Ecuador. You should be able to find prepaid SIM cards from the main operators, like Claro, Movistar and CNT, at most supermarkets in tourist areas.

If your phone is eSIM compatible, an eSIM is a more convenient option that does not require a physical SIM and will allow you to be connected as soon as you arrive in Ecuador. Holafly and Maya Mobile are two providers who offer Ecuador-specific eSIM options, which can cover data roaming, calls and texts. Not all phones are eSIM compatible so it is worth checking this before purchasing an eSIM.

Q: How do I call Ecuador from the UK?

A: To phone Ecuador from the UK, dial the international dialling code for Ecuador (+593) and then the Ecuadorian telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Q: How do I call the UK from Ecuador?

A: To phone the UK from Ecuador, dial the international dialling code (+44 for the UK) and then the UK telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Quito?

A: Taxis in Ecuador are generally inexpensive, but some taxis are unofficial. It is safer to stick to official taxis. In many cities, these are usually painted yellow. If you require a taxi, ask for one to be called from your hotel. When taking a taxi, agree the price before starting the journey (taxis in Quito have meters, but this is not usually the case in the rest of Ecuador). Our reps or hotel staff can advise you of the approximate cost of any taxi journey.

On Llama Travel’s small group tours of Mexico, transport between cities and to/from excursions is pre-arranged at no additional expense. Most transport will be on air-conditioned minibuses, with some sightseeing excursions and guided tours a combination of walking and public transport in major cities like Mexico City.

On Llama Travel’s small group tours to Ecuador, transfers to/from the airport, excursions, and between cities is included in the price of the tour. Transport is generally on air-conditioned minibuses with other travellers on the same Llama Travel holiday. Some sightseeing tours may be conducted on foot and by public transport.

Food & Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Ecuador?

A: Ecuadorian cuisine is a blend of traditional Andean recipes and coastal/tropical influences. Fresh seafood, comforting soups and stews, tropical fruits and hearty vegetables are all commonplace in Ecuadorian dishes.

Quito has many good restaurants with a wide range of national and international cuisine. Many of the best restaurants are located in the new town. Ingredients from the jungle, the Andes and the coast allow for an interesting mix of dishes. Sometimes, traditional restaurants are only open from noon to 3pm.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Ecuador?

A: No. Tap water in Ecuador is not safe to drink. Bottled water is a much safer option for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Q: Is alcohol available in Ecuador?

A: Yes, alcohol is widely available throughout Ecuador. You can purchase it in supermarkets, convenience stores, bars, and restaurants. The country has a legal drinking and purchase age of 18.

Q: What drinks are available in Ecuador?

A: Ecuadorian beers like Pilsener and Club are likely to be available and affordable in most venues.

Wines imported from Chile and Argentina and international labels and spirits are available in most major tourist areas.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Ecuador?

A: Quito is a key focus of our tours. The modern capital of Ecuador, Quito is an elegant city in an Andean valley, surrounded by volcanoes and mountains. Although the city is the capital, it is not the largest in the country (that is Guayaquil on the Pacific coast). The city is divided into the colonial old town and the modern new town.

The Avenue of the Volcanoes, a central valley is flanked by several high volcanoes, is another highlight. The road between Quito and Riobamba runs along the valley and offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and passes through traditional towns. The impressive volcanoes passed on the route include the perfect snow-capped cone of Cotopaxi; the twin peaks of the Illinizas; and 6,310 metre high Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain. The summit of Chimborazo is actually the furthest point from the centre of the Earth.

The Galapagos Islands are, of course, a big draw for tourists to Ecuador. Our full FAQs on the Galapagos Islands provide a lot of insight into the archipelago’s experiences and Llama Travel’s options there.

Still have questions about travelling to Ecuador?

Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Ecuador holidays to start planning your trip.