From Europe
Direct & connecting routes
Flights depart from London, Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt. You can also reach Ecuador via Panama City, Bogotá, or Mexico City, all well-connected hubs with frequent onward service.
Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before you go
Essential information for travelers to Ecuador, entry points, documents, climate, and the small details that make a journey effortless.
Arrival
Getting Here
Ecuador is more accessible than many travelers expect. Quito, Guayaquil, and Manta all receive international flights, giving you flexible entry points depending on your itinerary.
From the United States
Familiar gateways
Routes typically connect through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Atlanta, or New York, with frequent daily service into Quito and Guayaquil.
Within Ecuador
Quick domestic hops
Domestic travel is refreshingly quick. LATAM and Avianca cover internal routes, and most domestic flights are just 35 minutes. Checked baggage is generally limited to one or two pieces of 23kg, plus an 8kg carry-on.
Before you fly
Travel Documents
Passport
Valid six months ahead
All foreign travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their return date.
Visa
Visa-free for most
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. We recommend confirming current requirements with your embassy or consulate before travel.
Health Insurance
Proof on entry
Ecuador requires all visitors to show proof of health insurance, public or private, upon entry. Please ensure your policy is valid for the duration of your trip.
Practical matters
On the Ground
Currency
Ecuador uses the US Dollar. Banks open Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm. Keep small denominations handy; exchange $100 bills at banks, as they are not widely accepted elsewhere.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most restaurants and shops. American Express has limited acceptance.
Language
Spanish is the official language. Our team and guides are fluent in both Spanish and English.
Time Zone
Ecuador’s mainland runs on GMT−5, the same as US Eastern Standard Time. The Galápagos Islands are one hour behind at GMT−6.
Power
120V/60Hz electricity with Type A and B outlets, the same standard as the United States. European travelers will need a plug adapter.
Our Team
Fluent, on the ground, and continuously monitoring conditions, available to advise you before, during, and after your journey.
Easy to forget
Worth Packing
For the heights
Altitude medication
Altitude sickness medication if you plan to visit Quito or hike in the Andes.
For the water
Motion sickness tablets
Motion sickness tablets for Galápagos boat excursions.
For the remote
Power bank
A power bank or extra batteries for remote destinations like the Amazon.
Peace of mind
Is Ecuador Safe?
Ecuador is a well-established and widely celebrated travel destination that welcomes visitors from all countries every year. All of the destinations we feature, including the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon, the Andean highlands, Quito, and Cuenca, are located in areas with well-developed tourism infrastructure and an increased security presence. These are not areas affected by the security concerns that occasionally make headlines in other regions of the country.
As with any international travel, we recommend staying informed, following local guidance, and traveling with a reputable operator who knows the destination well. At My Tour EC, the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of our clients are our priority. Our team monitors conditions on the ground continuously and is available to advise you every step of the way, before, during, and after your journey. You are never alone when you travel with us.
Climate & seasons
Weather & When to Visit
One of Ecuador’s great advantages is that there is never a bad time to visit. With four distinct regions, each shaped by its own climate and geography, the country offers something extraordinary at every time of year. Understanding the rhythm of each region is the key to making the most of your journey.
Dry / peak season
Green / rainy season
Islands
The Galápagos
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Warm, calm seas Dec–May, ideal for swimming and snorkeling; cool and wildlife-rich Jun–Nov.
Highlands
The Andes & Quito
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Eternal spring. Dry and sunny Jun–Sep; green with afternoon showers Oct–May.
Rainforest
The Amazon
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Warm and alive year-round. Drier Oct–Mar; higher rivers Apr–Sep open new canoe routes.
Gratuities
Tipping
Tipping in Ecuador is appreciated but not obligatory. All tips are best given in cash and in US dollars. As a general guide:
Restaurants
5–10% extra
A 10% service charge is often included in the bill. If not, or if the service was exceptional, leaving an additional 5–10% is a generous gesture.
Tour Guides
$5–20 per day
For private guides, USD $10–20 per day per person is customary. For group tours, USD $5–10 per person per day is typical.
Drivers & Hotel Staff
$1–5
For private transfer drivers, USD $2–5 per trip is appropriate. Housekeeping is welcomed with USD $1–2 per day, and porters typically receive USD $1–2 per bag.
Galápagos Naturalists
$15–25 per day
Given the expertise and dedication these specialists bring to every expedition, USD $15–25 per person per day is a widely recognized standard.
Frequently asked questions
Good to Know
Do I need cash?
It is always useful to carry some. Small bills are recommended for markets, tips, and smaller establishments. Avoid $100 bills outside of banks, as they are rarely accepted. Card payments are increasingly common across hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are the most broadly accepted. American Express is accepted at some establishments, but less so in the provinces. It is always worth having a backup payment option.
Any other health considerations?
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure, particularly if your itinerary includes the Amazon, where vaccinations such as yellow fever and hepatitis A may be advisable. Altitude awareness is important for visitors to Quito and the Andes; take it easy on your first day and stay well hydrated.
Still have questions?
Our team at My Tour EC is always happy to help you prepare for your journey. Get in touch and we will make sure you arrive ready to enjoy every moment.
Start planning
Arrive ready to enjoy every moment
Tell us where you dream of going. Our team will handle the details, the documents, the climate, the small things that make a journey effortless.
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