Ecuador Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Ecuador?
December
High
season
January
Semi-high
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Ecuador is 106.9 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 75 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Quito (EC) and Washington D.C. (US) is 2703 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Quito click here
Country Comparison
Compare Ecuador to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Ecuador
| Miles | Quito | Guayaquil | Cuenca | Riobamba | Sangay National Park | Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve | Manta | Tena |
| Quito | - | 166 | 189 | 101 | 112 | 48 | 162 | 72 |
| Guayaquil | 166 | - | 78 | 92 | 110 | 206 | 104 | 165 |
| Cuenca | 189 | 78 | - | 88 | 87 | 214 | 180 | 155 |
| Riobamba | 101 | 92 | 88 | - | 25 | 127 | 152 | 74 |
| Sangay National Park | 112 | 110 | 87 | 25 | - | 129 | 177 | 68 |
| Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve | 48 | 206 | 214 | 127 | 129 | - | 210 | 67 |
| Manta | 162 | 104 | 180 | 152 | 177 | 210 | - | 201 |
| Tena | 72 | 165 | 155 | 74 | 68 | 67 | 201 | - |
A Brief History of Ecuador
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
3500 B.C. – 500 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementThe first permanent settlements are built in the area.
1400s A.D.
Incas invasionIncas from Peru invade what is now Ecuador and conquer the natives.
1526 – 1534
Under Spanish controlThe Spanish conquistadores land in northern Ecuador and overthrow the Incan empire. The area comes under Spanish control.
1822
Independence from SpainEcuador achieves independence from Spain and joins Venezuela, Panama and Colombia as part of the Gran Colombia republic. In 1830, Ecuador becomes an independent country.
1835
Darwin's Galapagos expeditionCharles Darwin visits the Galapagos Islands, where he studies animals and plants and develops his theories of evolution.
1925 - 1948
Political problemsThe country has many political, social, and economic problems. There are 22 presidents, and not one serves a complete term.
1941
The Ecuadorian–Peruvian WarPeru takes control of Ecuador's Amazon region, and the two countries go to war. The disagreement continues through much of the 20th century.
1970s
Oil exporterEcuador begins producing oil and becomes one of the largest oil exporters in the world.
1979
New constitutionDemocracy returns to Ecuador. A new constitution is adopted, and elections are held.
1996
First Olympic medalEcuador wins its first Olympic medal when Cuenca-native Jefferson Perez takes the Gold in race-walking.
1998
Peace treatyEcuador and Peru sign a peace treaty, ending their border dispute.
2000
Dollarization in EcuadorIn an effort to aid the economy, the U.S. dollar is adopted as Ecuador's official currency.
2001
An oil spillA state of emergency is declared after an oil spill off the coast of the Galapagos Islands threatens the rare species there.
2003
President Lucio GutierrezLucio Gutierrez becomes Ecuador's president and continues efforts to reform the country's political structure.
2006
President Rafael CorreaRafael Correa wins the presidential election. He is reelected in 2009.
2008
Changes to the constitutionA change to the constitution increases the President's powers.
2010
A new lawA new law gives the state ownership of the country's oil industry.
Best Ways to Experience Ecuador
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreUS Dollar (USD)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Ecuador.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Ecuador
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Ecuador for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- Extendable for another 90 days, per year
Electricity
120V (60 Hz)
In Ecuador the standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type BFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 67 / 231 Ranking | 17 643 054 mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 71.9%, Montubio 7.4%, Afroecuadorian 7.2%, Amerindian 7%, white 6.1% |
Area | 75 / 230 Ranking | 106.9 thous. mi² It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 69 / 196 Ranking | 77.8 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.8women 80.9 |
Median age | 62 / 157 Ranking | 28.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 28women 29.6 |
Population growth | 77 / 172 Ranking | 1.16% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 50 / 131 Ranking | 93.6% Ability to read, write and count.men 94.8%women 92.5% |
GDP | 114 / 194 Ranking | 10 892 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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