Ecuador lies on the equator, so temperatures are fairly constant year-round. With highs in the mid-70s and lows in the 40s, Ecuador can be enjoyed any time of year.

Most first-time visitors to Ecuador are planning to visit the Galapagos, so the time of their travel is determined by the timing of their Galapagos itinerary. Galapagos is great throughout the year, although September is less desirable.

In mainland Ecuador, January to April tends to be rainier months. In the Amazon region, rain is more likely from February to November.

Want to know which options are right for your Ecuador vacation? Since 2006, we’ve been helping travelers of all sorts (e.g. adventurous singles, honeymoon and empty-nest couples, families with young children, and multi-generational families) explore Ecuador in style. Speak with one of the Uruguay travel experts at LANDED today. 801.582.2100.

Tiny Ecuador (about the size of the US state of Colorado) is five distinct destinations magically melded together: the Pacific Coast, the high Andes, the Sierra, the Amazon Basin, and the Galapagos Islands.

What to pack for your trip to Ecuador depends on which destinations you’ll visit, how long you’ll be away, what you’ll be doing in Ecuador, and the time of year.

Still, here are some essentials to help you get started:

LANDED has prepared this packing list for our clients visiting the Galapagos.

• Lock the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy (say, a photo of the passport’s photo page) with you at all times. The Galapagos Islands airports have a fun passport stamp (non-essential) depicting a tortoise and a hammerhead shark.
• US cash in small denominations (clean, un-torn bills). The US Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador.

• Airline flight information
• Sun protection (sunblock, sunhat, & sunglasses). The sun can be very intense in the Andes, Amazon, and Galapagos.
• Credit and ATM cards. ATM’s are available in Quito. The main town on Santa Cruz Island also has an ATM. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the USA.
• Proof of public or private health insurance for the duration of your stay in Ecuador. As of September 4, 2017, the National Assembly of Ecuador requires this from all travelers and may deny entrance to the country without it.
• Sun protection (SPF 30 or greater sunblock, hat, lip balm, and sunglasses with a strap)
• Camera, data cards or film, batteries (spare batteries are recommended), data storage devices, and battery charger. Remember any cables or card readers you might need to transfer files.
• An underwater camera. A GoPro video camera is perfect for underwater and on-land photos and video.
• Binoculars
• Electrical adapters, power converters, and a small multi-socket surge protector / power strip.
• Prescription medications
• Insect repellant
• Lightweight waterproof windbreaker
• Synthetic fleece pullover
• Swimwear
• Walking shoes or light hiking boots
• Rubber-soled shoes or boat shoes
• Sandals with straps (Teva, Keen, Chaco, etc.)

Most of our clients leave the travel logistics to us. Doesn’t that sound better? Speak with one of our Ecuador travel planning experts today, at 801.582.2100.

 

Ecuador is generally quite safe; however, common-sense precautions are still important. Bag snatchers and pickpockets target public transportation hubs and tourist areas. Your guide and hotel concierge can assist with additional safety advice.

Want to know which options are right for your Ecuador vacation? Speak with one of our Ecuador experts today, at 801.582.2100.