Ecuador

ECU

SMILE. YOU’VE LANDED IN ECUADOR.

 

 

Although Ecuador is one of South America’s smallest nations—roughly the size of Colorado—its beauty is totally out of proportion to its size. The country is an experiment in compact loveliness; no space has been wasted. Each turn brings an unforgettable encounter, a stunning vista or the adventure of a lifetime.

—— IMAGE GALLERY
Ecuador map
CAPITAL  QUITO

LANGUAGE  SPANISH

CURRENCY  UNITED STATES DOLLAR

READ  HUASIPUNGO BY JORGE ICAZA

TASTE  LLAPINGACHOS

SIP  CANELAZO

EXPERIENCE  HIKING THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES

Ecuador is really four different destinations magically melded together. The Andes divide the mainland north-south into three regions: The Pacific Coast, Andean Sierra, and Amazon Basin.
Galapagos tortoise
The country’s fourth region, the Galapagos Islands, is 600 miles offshore.
Quilotoa
Each region has its own spirit and attractions. Each will make you wish you had more vacation time.
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard
Ingapirca
LANDED plans itineraries and arranges travel throughout Ecuador and throughout South America. We organize luxury accommodations, private transportation, and tours with expert guides. Speak with a travel planner today at 801.582.2100. We’ll take care of the details.
—— FEATURED POST
Galapagos Kicker Rock

GALAPAGOS YACHT CHARTERS

Galapagos luxury charters of motor yachts, catamarans, tri-marans, and masted sailing ships can all be arranged for private multi-day cruises in the Galapagos Islands.

—— DESTINATIONS
AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
BAÑOS
COASTAL ECUADOR
CUENCA
ECUADOR’S AMAZON
HACIENDA ZULETA
MASHPI LODGE
MINDO, PAPALLACTA & BEYOND
NORTH OF QUITO
QUITO
RAILWAY JOURNEYS IN ECUADOR
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

FAQs

When should I travel to Ecuador?
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.

What should I pack for Ecuador?
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.

 

How safe is Ecuador?
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.

TRAVEL
GUIDES

MACHU PICCHU

First light at Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. At dawn, the site is often concealed by low clouds. As the sun rises, the mists slowly dissipate to reveal walls and plazas — first in glimpses, then in majesty.