Travel Guide – My Tour EC

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.

01 — 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.

02 — 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.

03 — 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

01 — Passport

Valid six months ahead

All foreign travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their return date.

02 — 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.

03 — 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 more 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

01 — For the heights

Altitude medication

Altitude sickness medication if you plan to visit Quito or hike in the Andes.

02 — For the water

Motion sickness tablets

Motion sickness tablets for Galápagos boat excursions.

03 — 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 warmly welcoming travel destination that receives millions of visitors every year.

All of the destinations we feature — including the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon, the Andean highlands, Quito, Cuenca, and our international programs — 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 parts 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 always 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.

Climate & seasons

Weather & When to Visit

Ecuador is a year-round destination, but with four remarkably distinct regions — each with its own climate personality — packing smart makes all the difference. The country broadly divides into two seasons, dry and wet, though what that means varies significantly depending on where you are.

01 — Islands

The Galápagos

Two seasons, both wonderful. The warm season (Dec–May) brings higher humidity, calmer seas, and water of 23–26°C (73–79°F), ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The cool season (Jun–Nov) ushers in the Humboldt Current and the misty garúa — choppier seas, but extraordinary concentrations of marine life.

Pack: lightweight breathable clothing, convertible pants, a waterproof jacket, walking and water shoes, swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.

02 — Highlands

The Andes & Quito

An “eternal spring” with mild, temperate conditions year-round — layers are essential. The dry season (Jun–Sep) brings sunny, windier days of 16–22°C (61–72°F), dropping to 7–10°C at night. The wet season (Oct–May) sees frequent afternoon showers, with daytime highs of 15–20°C (59–68°F).

Pack: layers, a waterproof jacket, high-SPF sunscreen (altitude amplifies UV), sunglasses, DEET bug spray, binoculars, and a small daypack.

03 — Rainforest

The Amazon

Warm, lush, and gloriously alive year-round, with high humidity and rainfall as constants. The drier period (Oct–Mar) sees daytime temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F). The wetter period (Apr–Sep) brings heavier rains, with rising rivers opening new areas of the forest for canoe exploration.

Pack: long-sleeved shirts and trousers, high-quality DEET bug spray, a waterproof rain jacket, dry sacks for electronics, rubber boots (often provided by lodges), a wide-brimmed hat, and binoculars.

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:

01 — 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.

02 — 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.

03 — 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.

04 — 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.

Everything you need to know before you go