With its incredibly preserved 16th century towns and towering colonial churches, Ecuador is a living museum.
Named for its position on the globe’s equator, Ecuador offers travellers an experience of glorious Catholic architecture and stunning natural landscapes. Ecuador is considered to be home to some of the most beautiful churches in Latin America, from the mesmerizing golden interior of The Church of the Society of Jesus to the imposing beauty of La Merced. Outside of the cities, Ecuador abounds with treasures like steaming active volcanoes, sky-blue lagoons and crumbling Incan relics.
Ecuador travel highlights

Soak in volcanic hot springs at Banos
It may be a small and unassuming town, but Banos is home to luxurious hot springs and spectacular waterfalls.

Spiral towards Ingapirca
The Incan ruins near this town have revealed few of their mysteries, but the elliptical temple is quite a sight to behold.

Admire the picturesque Cuenca
Cuenca’s faded 16th century buildings perch high up on the cliffs. The city gives a majestic glimpse of colonial Ecuador.
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Ecuador tour reviews
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Local culture of Ecuador
Geography & environment
Shopping guide to Ecuador
Ecuador festival calendar
Food & drink in Ecuador
Further reading
Ecuador travel FAQs
- Australia: Not required
- Belgium: Not required
- Canada: Not required
- Germany: Not required
- Ireland: Not required
- Netherlands: Not required
- New Zealand: Not required
- South Africa: Not required
- Switzerland: Not required
- United Kingdom: Not required
- United States: Not required
Tipping isn’t commonly practiced in Ecuador, unless the service is exceptionally good. At high-end restaurants, there’s a 10% surcharge on the bill, and there’s no need to add extra. There’s no need to tip taxis but you may like to tip hotel porters.
Internet is readily available in bit cities and urban centres but it is less available in rural and remote areas.
There is good mobile coverage in major cities, but services are unreliable in rural and remote areas. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
Ecuador has both Western-style toilets and squat toilets. You may like to carry some soap and toilet paper with because it may not be provided.
Short bus ride = US$0.20
Juice = US$1
Street food snack = US$1.50
Simple lunch = US$3-5
Sit down dinner at a cafe or restaurant = US$10
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Ecuador. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
Credit cards are accepted in big cities at places like hotels, major shops and restaurants. However you’ll need cash when making purchases from small businesses, markets etc.
ATMs are common in major cities but can be rare in rural and remote places. When travelling out to these areas prepare by carrying cash with you.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/ecuador/public-holidays