Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. English is used in popular tourist destinations but is rarely spoken or understood in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas.
Direct flight: No direct flights from Quebec
Connecting flight: 10 to 25 hours (depending on connection times)
Ecuador time zone: UTC-5
No time difference with Quebec (EST)
1 hour behind Quebec (EDT)
US dollar (USD)
Bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major tourist establishments. However, it is a good idea to carry some cash for small shops, markets, taxis, and certain excursions.
Tipping is not mandatory in Ecuador, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, so check before leaving anything extra. Tips for guides and drivers generally depend on the quality of service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common.
Travellers should exercise caution when visiting Ecuador. Extra vigilance is recommended in major cities and crowded areas, where pickpocketing and snatch theft can occur. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. It is also best not to travel alone at night and to use official taxis or reputable transportation services. For excursions and outdoor activities, choose reputable operators and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Ecuador Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
El Ángel Ecological Reserve unveils a spectacular wilderness landscape in the heart of the Andes. Vast fields of frailejones, turquoise lagoons, and Polylepis forests give the reserve its distinctive character. Follow misty hiking trails, observe the wildlife, and look to the skies for the majestic Andean condor.
Nestled on the slopes of the Andes, Zaruma is a small town full of character. Stroll through the steep streets of its historic centre, lined with wooden houses and colourful balconies. Visit the El Sexmo mine and the Virgen del Carmen sanctuary, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Known as the “Little Galapagos,” Isla de la Plata is a dream destination for lovers of wildlife and unspoiled nature. Blue-footed boobies and other seabirds can be spotted along the island’s trails, and boat excursions and snorkelling offer opportunities to discover the turquoise waters and marine life of the Pacific.
Ingapirca, one of Ecuador’s most important archaeological sites, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s pre-Columbian past. Discover the impressive Temple of the Sun with its precisely cut stone walls; then explore the museum and surrounding trails amid the majestic landscapes of the Andes.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offers a fascinating immersion into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Explore the rainforest, lagoons, and rivers on foot or by canoe, and look for remarkable wildlife such as hoatzins, caimans, and pink river dolphins. At sunset, allow yourself to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
El Ángel Ecological Reserve unveils a spectacular wilderness landscape in the heart of the Andes. Vast fields of frailejones, turquoise lagoons, and Polylepis forests give the reserve its distinctive character. Follow misty hiking trails, observe the wildlife, and look to the skies for the majestic Andean condor.
Nestled on the slopes of the Andes, Zaruma is a small town full of character. Stroll through the steep streets of its historic centre, lined with wooden houses and colourful balconies. Visit the El Sexmo mine and the Virgen del Carmen sanctuary, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Known as the “Little Galapagos,” Isla de la Plata is a dream destination for lovers of wildlife and unspoiled nature. Blue-footed boobies and other seabirds can be spotted along the island’s trails, and boat excursions and snorkelling offer opportunities to discover the turquoise waters and marine life of the Pacific.
Ingapirca, one of Ecuador’s most important archaeological sites, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s pre-Columbian past. Discover the impressive Temple of the Sun with its precisely cut stone walls; then explore the museum and surrounding trails amid the majestic landscapes of the Andes.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offers a fascinating immersion into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Explore the rainforest, lagoons, and rivers on foot or by canoe, and look for remarkable wildlife such as hoatzins, caimans, and pink river dolphins. At sunset, allow yourself to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Exceptional biodiversity, including endemic wildlife, tropical forests, volcanoes, and ecosystems found nowhere else in the world.
Vibrant Indigenous cultures expressed through markets, crafts, traditions, and festivals.
A rich cultural heritage and remarkable historic cities such as Quito and Cuenca.
Gateway to the Galápagos Islands.
Getting around can take time. Ecuador’s mountainous terrain can turn relatively short distances into journeys of several hours.
In Quito and the Andes, the altitude can take some getting used to, and some travellers may experience mountain sickness.
A visit to the Galápagos Islands can quickly increase the cost of a trip to Ecuador, with flights, accommodations, entrance fees, access charges, and excursions adding up.
Hornado is a classic Ecuadorian dish featuring pork that is slowly roasted until tender with a lightly crisp exterior. Served hot with corn, potatoes, avocado, and an onion-and-tomato salad, it is most often enjoyed at lunchtime in markets and restaurants. It is a generous dish that perfectly showcases traditional Ecuadorian flavours.
Llapingachos are small potato and cheese patties, pan-fried until golden. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they are typically served with avocado, egg, fresh salad, and peanut sauce. They are commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
Locro de papa is a classic Ecuadorian soup with a smooth, creamy texture and gentle, comforting flavours. Its golden colour comes from a hearty blend of potatoes, cheese, milk, onion, and garlic. Served hot, it is typically topped with avocado and sometimes a spoonful of ají.
Espumillas are a popular Ecuadorian sweet with a light, fluffy texture, made from egg whites, sugar, and fruit pulp, most often guava. Similar to a fruit-flavoured meringue, they are served in cones and commonly enjoyed as a street food snack at local markets.
Colada morada is a traditional Ecuadorian drink known for its deep purple colour and thick texture. It is prepared mostly with berries, pineapple, naranjilla, cane sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and ishpingo Purple corn flour gives it its distinctive consistency. In Ecuador, it is traditionally enjoyed as part of Day of the Dead celebrations.
Hornado is a classic Ecuadorian dish featuring pork that is slowly roasted until tender with a lightly crisp exterior. Served hot with corn, potatoes, avocado, and an onion-and-tomato salad, it is most often enjoyed at lunchtime in markets and restaurants. It is a generous dish that perfectly showcases traditional Ecuadorian flavours.
Llapingachos are small potato and cheese patties, pan-fried until golden. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they are typically served with avocado, egg, fresh salad, and peanut sauce. They are commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
Locro de papa is a classic Ecuadorian soup with a smooth, creamy texture and gentle, comforting flavours. Its golden colour comes from a hearty blend of potatoes, cheese, milk, onion, and garlic. Served hot, it is typically topped with avocado and sometimes a spoonful of ají.
Espumillas are a popular Ecuadorian sweet with a light, fluffy texture, made from egg whites, sugar, and fruit pulp, most often guava. Similar to a fruit-flavoured meringue, they are served in cones and commonly enjoyed as a street food snack at local markets.
Colada morada is a traditional Ecuadorian drink known for its deep purple colour and thick texture. It is prepared mostly with berries, pineapple, naranjilla, cane sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and ishpingo Purple corn flour gives it its distinctive consistency. In Ecuador, it is traditionally enjoyed as part of Day of the Dead celebrations.
Ecuador is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends largely on the regions you plan to explore. From June to September, conditions are generally drier in the Andes, making this a great time to visit Quito, Cuenca, and the country’s volcanoes. Along the Pacific coast, the warmer months from November to April are ideal for swimming. The Amazon remains hot and humid throughout the year. In the Galápagos Islands, the sea is typically warmer and calmer from December to May while June to November is especially favourable for observing marine life. Overall, May to November is a good period for travelling across several regions of Ecuador.
The bus network is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to travel across much of Ecuador. For longer distances, flying can be a good option, particularly between Quito and Guayaquil, and flying is essential for reaching the Galápagos Islands. In cities, travellers can easily use taxis, public transit, or ride-hailing services. When taking a taxi, ask the driver to use the meter or agree on the fare before setting off.
10 to 16 days
Ten days allow you to discover many of mainland Ecuador’s main highlights, including Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, and Cuenca. With the remaining days, you can add a stay in the Galapagos Islands.
Fast, compliant and guaranteed service.
Useful for driving abroad.
Online application service.
Double-check the rules before you travel.
Create your personalized travel itinerary.
Road guides and road maps.
The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Ecuador, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.
