Ecuador Useful Information

Important Things to Know Before and During Traveling

Entry Requirements

• You must have proof of onward travel when entering Ecuador by plane. We booked a bus ticket from Ecuador to Peru, which caused some hesitation at immigration but was eventually accepted. Make sure your name and passport number are on the ticket to avoid issues.
• No yellow fever vaccination is required, but it’s recommended if you’re traveling to multiple South American countries.

Safety in Ecuador

• Despite warnings online, we felt safe the majority of the time, I actually feel less safe in the capital of my country Belgium.
• Keep valuables close on buses (never in luggage in the hold). Things have been stolen from holds, although we didn't experience it).
• Use Uber or authorised taxis only. Taxis are very cheap and reliable in Ecuador, and Ubers are not available in every city (we were only able to take them in Quito and Guayaquil).
• Be street-smart when using a camera or phone in public.
• People are generally very friendly and willing to help. We never got scammed asking for directions, help or prices.

Transportation

• Roads in Ecuador are very well-maintained.
• Ecuador has a great bus system: cheap, direct, and comfortable.
• Bus stations are well-organised, and locals are happy to help you find the right one.
• Renting a automatic car is not easy. We tried in several cities to get around more easily, but they were often out. You might want to try directly in Quito instead.

When to go

You can go to Ecuador all year round. Mid-June to September and December to January are often described as the busiest seasons. Wet season is from October to May, however, don't let that scare you off. We went in February/March and even though we experienced some rain here and there, the weather was still enjoyable. Only for Chimborazo it is not the best time to go, except when you enjoy plowing through the snow. 

We experienced very low numbers of tourists during this time, which made our experience even more enjoyable. Most of the time, we were only surrounded by locals and it felt much more authentic.

However, for fully clear skies and better views of the mountains, February and March may not be the best time to go.

Costs and Budgeting

Spending a month in Ecuador can be surprisingly affordable, with a mix of budget-friendly stays, cheap local food, and reasonable transportation costs. Below is a structured breakdown of our expenses for one month (26 days), excluding the Galápagos.

Average Daily Spending: $21 per person

Budget Insights:

• Accommodation: We stayed in a mix of hostels and budget hotels (private rooms for 2 pax, as they were often very affordable). Prices were reasonable, and we could have saved more by opting for dorms.
• Food: Eating out was cheap, with local “almuerzos” (set lunches) costing around €2-3 per meal (soup, main, desert, and juice). Cooking at home helped cut costs even more.
• Water: we bought two waterfilter before we left to conserve on plastic and it also saved us money in the long term. Boiling water is another option.
• Activities: Includes entrance fees to national parks and guided tours.
• Groceries: We tried to buy as much food as possible from grocery stores for cooking ourselves.
• Transportation: Buses in Ecuador are incredibly cheap, often costing around $1 per hour of travel.