Need quick answers? Call us

Travel to Ecuador

And Journey to the Middle of the World

All of the wonders of Ecuador await!

Step into a spectacular assortment of jaw-dropping landscapesrich cultureand mesmerizing history. With its regions that span the Pacific CoastAndes Mountainsand Amazon BasinEcuador is celebrated as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. What makes ¡t a special treat for travelers is the fact thatdue to its relatively small territoryone can visit many different regions with relative ease. Traveling to Ecuador also entails the opportunity to experience its magnificent crown jewelswhich include the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Quito (the capital) and the Galapagos Islands. Next-door neighbors Colombia and Peru can be added as complementary destinations beforeor afteryour journey through Ecuador!

How do I get to Ecuador?

Getting to Ecuador is remarkably easy thanks to its two well-connected international airports: Quito‘s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).

Each of these airports offers several daily flights to and from destinations in EuropeNorth and South America. Additionallythese same airports serve as a gateway to the Galapagos Islands and as a connecting hub to other regional destinations.

Did you know? Quito’s award-winning Mariscal Sucre International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Latin America?

What are Ecuador’s most important regions?

Insular: Located 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Oceanthe Enchanted Isles were declared a Natural World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1978. The Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve is home to a vast population of endemic flora and fauna.
Coast: Extending from rainforests of the Ecuadorian Andes down to the shores along the Pacific Oceanthis region harbors the native coastal communities of Ecuador. Beachside activities and protected natural areas are found in equal measure.
Highlands: Ecuador’s slice of the Andes Mountains boasts the tallest active volcano in the worldCotopaxi (19,347 ft | 5,897 meters)and the furthest point from the Earth’s centerChimborazo’s summit (20,561 ft | 6,267 meters). Delve into the intricate and colorful artisanal crafts of indigenous communities or explore colonial architecture in the nation’s capital (Quito).
Amazon: Descending east from the Andesyou’ll encounter diverse rainforest ecosystems in the most intriguing region of the countrywhere ten protected areas safeguard endangered wildlife. One of the biggest biodiversity hotspots in the world is also very spiritualas the indigenous communities here continue to preserve their ways of life and the environment.

What are Ecuador’s most important cities?

• Quito: One of the first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites houses the most well-preserved historic quarter in South America. Andean traditions and modern urban life overlap in a city cradled by mountainsfilled with culture and biodiversity. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant city lifeor experience nature like never before in any of the surrounding areas.

• Guayaquil: The Pearl of the Pacific offers adventuregastronomyand relaxation. As Ecuador’s main port cityGuayaquil and the surrounding areas thrive on coastal tourism. Visitors can enjoy all types of sporting and beach activitiesexplore the region’s tropical biodiversityor enjoy a rich culture of music and dance.

• Cuenca: A charming town in the Southern Highlandsthe third largest city in Ecuador appeals to nationals and foreigners alike with a cultural atmosphere brimming with artistic expression. The city’s ideal location grants easy access to visitor favoritessuch asEl Cajas National Park and the Inca ruins of Ingapirca.

When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

Visitors will be delighted to find that Ecuador’s weather patterns are surprisingly temperate and consistentwhich makes the entire country a year-round destination. This means there is no best time to visit Ecuador because the answer simply is: always! “Extreme” weather variations do not exist hereand the only two seasons—if one can call them that—are the slightly drier and mildly wetter parts of the year.

Due to the dynamic terrain and varied altitudes on mainland Ecuadorthere is a noticeable difference in weather patterns between regions that is worth noting.

MAX

COAST

86°F / 30°C

MIN

66°F / 19°C

JAN TO APR

Warmerrainy season

MAY TO DEC

Drierovercast season

MAX

HIGHLANDS

70°F / 21°C

MIN

46°F / 8°C

JUN TO SEP

Drier season

OCT TO MAY

Wetter season

MAX

AMAZON

90°F / 32°C

MIN

60°F / 16°C

JAN TO MAR

Best time to avoid the rain

APR TO SEP

Rainy season

MAX

GALAPAGOS

84°F / 29°C

MIN

73°F / 23°C

DEC THROUGHT MAY

Hot season

JUN THROUGHT NOV

Dry season

Ecuador's top regions

Inside Ecuadoryou can take a journey through any of its four regions: Highlands (Sierra)CoastAmazonand Galapagos.

All of these regions exhibit their own unique share of landscapesculturegastronomyfloraand fauna. They all make for the perfect amalgamation of what establishes Ecuador as one of the most desirable destinations for travelers worldwidefrom its beaches to its mountains and lowland jungles.

galapagos

As one of the crown jewels of Ecuadorthe Galapagos Islands never fail to stun with their plethora of extraordinary wildlife and otherworldly landscapes. Annually claiming the spot as one of the best places to travel to in the worldthis once-in-a-lifetime destination offers a variety of exciting ways to engage with so much of what it has to offer—be it via an Expedition VesselDay TourLand Excursion, and/or any combination of these.

Highlands

A region full of breathtaking landscapescultural discoveriesethnic encountersand culinary delights. Travelers will find a wealth of exploration options in the form of cloud forestshandicraft marketshaciendasflower farmshot springsand snow-capped peaks. Hereyou will be able to acquire local artisans’ work in woodleatherand textiles. Particular areas of this region are home to Inca ruins and mark the descent into the Amazon Basin.

coast

It has a rich collection of museumsbaronial mansionsflagship urban regeneration projectsand good dining and nightlife. Be sure to soak up some sun at the neighboringbeautiful beaches that line Ecuador’s gorgeous coast while enjoying the surfdelicious foodand relaxation time.

amazon

Home to more living creatures than any other ecosystem on Earththe Amazon’s staggering richness impresses the sensesinviting you to admire its exuberance whether by boat or on foot. It is also home to numerous ethnic groups and communitiessome of which are open to visitors. Unique jungle lodges in remote parts of the Amazon allow travelers to comfortably enjoy the wildlife and scenery of this magical place.

Highlands

A region full of breathtaking landscapescultural discoveriesethnic encountersand culinary delights.

Coast

Indulge in Ecuador’s museumsmansionsflagship projectsdiningand beaches for an unforgettable vacation.

Amazon

Discover the Amazon’s richness on foot or by boat. Meet ethnic groups and visit jungle lodges to admire its wildlife and scenery.

Galapagos

Visit Galapagos for extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Choose from expedition vesselday tourland excursionor a combination.

What to see in Ecuador

Quito & surroundings

As one of the first cities in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978Ecuador’s capital has a setting that few cities can match. It is an urban jewel of 16th- and 17th-century churchesmonasteriesplazasand mansions; not to mentionQuito’s cultural side offers a wide array of museumsboutiquesand stylish restaurants. For nature loversthe city also has fantastic options over by the cloud forests of the Mashpi Reserve.

In the northernmost part of the Metropolitan District of Quitothere lies the Middle of the World sitewhere the famed Monument to the Equator attracts those who want to step on both hemispheres at the same time. Complete with the Ethnographic Museum Middle of the Earth and the Intiñan Solar Museumthe Middle of the World City is an unmissable visitor site for travelers staying in Quito.

Cuenca & southern highlands

Famed for its crafts—including ceramicsjewelryand embroidery—and home of the famous yet misnamed “Panama” hatCuenca astounds with its magnificent array of landscapes and architecture. Beyond the citycharming towns will entice those who appreciate filigree silverworkcolorful marketsand orchids; while El Cajas National Park attracts those that seek a closer connection with nature and birds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite destination for expats from all over the world.

Otavalo

The Imbabura province is home to a most favorite destination among Ecuadorians and visitors alike: Otavalo. This city holds the most popular market in Ecuador. Each Saturdaythousands of locals and tourists converge at the plaza in the center of Otavalo to shop for some of the most beautiful textileshandicraftsleather goodsand jewelry around! This market is known for the experience it offers. In between trying their hand at hagglingvisitors can enjoy the lively music and dance performances of local Otavaleños.

What to do in Ecuador?

The list of things to do in Ecuador is as varied and eclectic as the regions it is home to. As a resultyou will be able to enjoy several options when it comes to partaking in funexcitingand insightful activities.

GALAPAGOS

Traverse the red-sand beach at Bartolome Islandone of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

ANDEAN CHOCO

Explore the Andean Chocoa biodiversity hotspot.

QUITO'S HISTORIC CENTER

Stroll around Quito—home to South America’s best-preserved Historic Center.

OTAVALO

Shop for incredible handicrafts and textiles at the artisanal market in Otavalo.

AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES

Marvel at the gorgeous landscapes found along this spectacular avenue.

Must-see Places in Ecuador

Some of the best visitor sites in Ecuador are tucked into exceptional parts of the region or province they are found in. This grants visitors access to beautiful and easily accessible landscapes while also offering a proper taste of the local culture and its traditions. Here is a look at some of Ecuador’s top places to visit.

Quito and its Surroundings

Nestled amid the Andes Highlandsthe capital of Quito’s historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is home to the ornate Church of the Society of Jesus; delightful cafésshopsplazasand museums; and the award-winning Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel. The Teleferico gondola offers visitors incredible views from atop the mighty Pichincha while the Guayasamín Museum celebrates Ecuador’s most famous artist. Nearbythe Sangolquí Market offers a culinary experience like no other.

Explore Quito

Avenue of the Volcanoes

The Andes Mountains run through Ecuador and include numerous snow-capped peaks. Several of these mountains are active or inactive volcanoes with elevations over 11,500 feet (3,505 meters) above sea level. This paradise for highland afficionados is also referred to as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Notable among these are: Chimborazo (whose summit is the furthest point from the Earth’s center)Cotopaxi (the world’s highest active volcano)CayambeAntisanaand Quilotoa (a giantoft-photographed crater lagoon).

Find Out More

The Sierra Region

The Sierra Region of the Ecuadorian Andes includes the Avenue of the Volcanoes and its surrounding valleyslakesand highlands. Interspersed among these are popular destinations like Otavalo (known for its artisanal market)the picturesque San Pablo Lake below Imbabura Volcanoand CuencaEcuador’s third largest city and home to many foreign ex-pats. The hot springs and waterfalls of Baños de Agua Santa and the rainforests of the Andean Choco also feature.

Find Out More

The Pacific Coast of Ecuador

Much of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast extends along one side of Manabí Province. Hereyou’ll find the modern city of Manta (a popular vacation destination)plenty of surfside towns like Puerto Cayoand the majestic Machalilla National Parkhome to the country’s best beachLos Frailes. Manabi- cuisine is popular throughout the country (just try the ceviche!)and neighboring Guayas Province is an important agricultural center and home to Guayaquil—the most important port in Ecuador.

Find Out More

The Ecuadorian Amazon

East of the Andesthe Ecuadorean Amazon extends over several provinces including NapoOrellanaand Pastaza. Several tributaries of the Amazon flow through this region and provide visitors with eco- and community-based-tourism opportunities. Members of local indigenous tribes lead tours and highlight the importance of protecting delicate ecosystems and wildlife. Yasuni National Park is a popular destinationwhile Tena and Misahualli (on the banks of the Napo River) are a gateway to the region.

Find Out More

What are Ecuador's most important festivities?

Ecuador is steeped in history and tradition that embellishes an already beautiful picture filled with majestic landscapes and biodiversity. Throughout certain times of the yearyou will find Ecuadorians proudly commemorating and enjoying aspects of their culture that echo a past and place that remains as timeless as ever. Here is a look at some of Ecuador’s biggest events that are held throughout the year.

Looking to take the stress out of your Ecuador vacation and travel planning?

Our Destination Experts are here to arrange every little detail and give you the smoothest arrival and departure process available!

Melissa Altamirano

“Melissa has been fantastic! She answers all my questionsgets back to me quicklyand has mapped out a wonderful trip for us. I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received.” —Mary Kabat

Are you a Travel Agent?*

Check-in*

Check-out*

I'm an Ecuadorian Resident

(*) I've read and accept Metropolitan Touring's privacy policies (i)

At Metropolitan Touring we process the information you provide us with in order to respond to the request made by you in relation to the services we provide and the products we supply. You can exercise the rights of accessrectification and updating of inaccurate data orwhere appropriaterequest the deletion or eliminationlimitation or suspension of the processing of your data or oppose the processing of your data. Contact us at [email protected]

Lead Method

Lead Source

Request a call

Hi there! We'll return your call within the next five minutes!

<><><><><><>