Four worlds in one compact country — the Amazon jungle, Andean volcanoes, Pacific beaches, and the Galapagos Islands where evolution played out in slow motion and still does.
- Capital
- Quito
- Population
- 18,103,660
- Area
- 283,560 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- US Dollars (US$)
- GDP
- $125,677M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Encebollado, Fritada,Guatitas
Annual visitors
2,108,000 (2019)
Safety
Elevated (45.72/100k)
Avg temp
21.4°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 101 · Ambulance 131
Travel guide
Ecuador is a country on the Equator in northwestern South America. Several places in the country have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Galapagos Islands and the cities of Quito and Cuenca, which lie in the Andes that run from north to south through the country. The Ecuadorian Andes are also home to some of the highest active volcanoes such as the Cotopaxi.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Ecuador
Best time to visit
Galapagos is year-round but best December–May (calm seas) or June–November (cooler, more active marine life). Quito: May–September dry season. Amazon: September–February. Baños and Cuenca year-round. Cotopaxi climbing best September–November.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 90 days visa-free in Ecuador.
Highlights
Galapagos Islands, this volcanic archipelago is famous for its diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and unique bird species. It offers opportunities for wildlife encounters and snorkeling/diving experiences.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (6)
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Major cities
Quito
One of South America's best-preserved colonial capitals, at 2,850m altitude, with a UNESCO-listed old city and Cotopaxi day trips.
Galapagos Islands
The living laboratory of evolution — blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and sea lions without fear of humans.
Cuenca
Ecuador's most beautiful city, a UNESCO heritage site of elegant colonial churches, panama hat workshops, and flower markets.
Banos
An adventure sports hub beside an active volcano, with swing at the end of the world, white-water rafting, and jungle access.