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Vacation in Ecuador: The Land of Volcanoes and Lagoons
Ecuador may be the smallest of the Andean countries, but it is not inferior to its neighbors! This impressive country inspires with its wild landscape, majestic volcanoes, ice-covered peaks, and deep blue crater lakes. But you can also admire colorful markets, historic colonial cities, impressive flora and fauna, and a variety of sights such as monuments from the Inca era. Have you been dreaming of spectacular Ecuador for a long time? Then let's go! Click through the information and current deals for your vacation in Ecuador.
Information About Ecuador
The name "Ecuador" is no coincidence, as the country is named after the equator line that runs through the national territory. However, most of Ecuador is located in the southern hemisphere. Ecuador is divided into 19 provinces, topographically divided into three regions: Costa (coast), Sierra (highlands), and Oriente (east), where you can discover the impressive rainforests of Ecuador. Between 576 miles and 790 miles west of the Pacific coast lies the archipelago with its 130 islands, where you can find the Galapagos Islands belonging to Ecuador.
Ecuador: Entry Requirements and Visa Requirements
If you don't plan to stay in the country longer than 90 days, you don't need a visa for your time in Ecuador. All you need to enter the country is a passport that is still valid for at least six months.
The Climate in Ecuador
A tropical, humid climate prevails in Ecuador, and the temperatures of the different regions are very different. Therefore, relatively low temperatures can sometimes occur in the mountains. The capital Quito, which is located high in the Andes, is also relatively cool and humid with constant temperatures between 68 and 73 degrees. In the rainforest in the east of the country and in the tropical flatlands on the coast, however, it is constantly hot all year round with temperatures around 86 degrees and high humidity.
IMPORTANT: The rainy season is from December to May and since Ecuador is in the main area affected by El Niño (= Pacific weather phenomenon that occurs every few years around Christmas time), there are heavy rains during this time, which often lead to flooding.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Ecuador?
Thanks to its location on the equator, Ecuador is an attractive travel destination all year round, but it is climatically very diverse so no general best travel time for Ecuador trips can be determined. It, therefore, depends very much on where exactly you want to travel:
For exploring the eastern rainforest, we recommend the period from September to December, as this is the driest period there. In the tropical lowlands, on the other hand, it rains all year round.
We advise against traveling to the Amazon region between June and August, as rainfall is very high during this period. During this time you can go to the mountains without any problems. If you are more into a beach holiday and want to explore the coast of Ecuador, we recommend the months from May to December. But especially in July or August, because you can watch whales here at this time.
However, one of the most popular travel destinations in Ecuador is probably the Galapagos Islands. Due to the warm water temperatures, we recommend visiting them during the first half of the year from January to June, but you can also be enchanted by the unique biodiversity there in the other months. However, if you want to see everything in one trip, the best time to travel to Ecuador is probably early summer, as all areas can be visited relatively well during this time.
The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are an absolute must for all nature lovers, as you can find unique flora and fauna here. Here you can marvel at iguanas, penguins, rays, seahorses, lizards... and with a bit of luck, the giant Galapagos tortoises that roam the waters. They are also the namesake of this distinctive archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
When entering the country, it is a bit more complex, but not complicated. You should be aware that you are traveling to one of the last truly genuine natural paradises in the world. Preserving this unique flora and fauna costs the government a lot of money. You can only enter via Quito and Guayaquil, here you have to fill out a so-called INGALA entry card, which costs you $10.
Arrived on the Galapagos Islands in Baltra you have to pay the "National Park fee" of $100. At first glance, the number sounds very un pirate, of course, but it is completely justified when you consider that the government can protect this unique nature reserve in this way. You should definitely visit our three favorite islands:
Isla Santa Cruz - the most populated island
Isla Isabela - the largest of the Galapagos Islands
Isla Floreana - the most history-rich islands