Ecuador Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Quito
- Currency
- United States Dollar (USD $)
- Best time to visit
- June to September is the dry highland season; the Galápagos are good year-round, with warmer seas December to May.
Visa requirements
Most travelers, including US, EU, and Canadian citizens, enter visa-free for up to 90 days per year.
Getting around
Affordable long-distance buses are the backbone of travel, with domestic flights to the Galápagos and Amazon, plus taxis and ride apps in cities.
Safety
Tourist areas remain popular, but Ecuador has seen rising crime and security concerns, especially in coastal cities like Guayaquil and Esmeraldas. Stick to safer zones, avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis, and monitor current advisories.
Tipping customs
A 10% service charge is usually added at restaurants; tipping guides and naturalists in the Galápagos is customary.
Travel tips
Ecuador uses the US dollar, so no currency exchange is needed for US travelers. Carry small bills as change can be scarce. Altitude in Quito (2,850m) calls for gentle acclimatization, and a Galápagos park fee is payable on arrival.