5 Ecuador Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting

Ecuador is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes that include the Andes mountains and the Galápagos Islands. I spent 8 days in Ecuador and had an absolutely incredible time. My grandfather was originally from Ecuador before coming to the US, so getting to visit was a particularly special experience for me. While I wholly enjoyed my trip, there were some things I wish I knew on my that would’ve made my trip go a little smoother. Here are 5 Ecuador travel tips you can use to make sure your trip to Ecuador is smooth and enjoyable.

1. Make sure you bring cash & in small bills

This is perhaps the one of the most important Ecuador travel tips on this list, as you never want to be caught with out the ability to pay for something.

Ecuador is by no means a third world country. There are plenty of places that accept credit cards in the country. However, that varies greatly depending on where in the country you are and even what part of the city you are in. In large cities like Quito and Guayaquil, you will find that more upscale and modern places take card. In the older parts of the cities, or in smaller communities, you will have a hard time paying with card.

Ecuador’s official currency is the US dollar, so if you are coming from the states you don’t need to exchange your money. What you do need to do though, is make sure your cash is in mainly small bills. Small stores, markets, and street food vendors may have a hard time breaking a $20 bill. This is especially true in rural areas. You are going to want to bring a mix of $1, $5, and $10 bills, maybe a few $20s.

If you do run out of cash during your trip, there are ATMs to withdraw money. The banks I used and recommend are Banco del Pacifico, Banco Pinchinca, and Banco Guayaquil. At some ATMs I was even able to select the denomination of the bills being dispensed. ATM fees vary so I suggest having debit card that refunds ATM fees. As a precaution, also withdraw cash before heading to more rural areas. The nearest ATM maybe a few towns away, and sometimes they run out of money.

2. The altitude in Quito is no joke.

The capitol city of Quito is over 9000 feet in elevation. In fact, it’s the highest elevation capitol in the world (depending on which city you consider Bolivia’s capitol). I knew about this before hand, but had never experienced altitude sickness anywhere else, so I wasn’t worried.

Let me tell you, the minute is stepped out of the airport I could feel it. The air was noticeably thinner than I was used to. It felt like every third breath I took needed to be extra deep.

Don’t worry though, this feeling is temporary and you will acclimate in a few days. Considering this, it may be best to not have any intense activities planned at the beginning of your trip.

If your timeline can’t afford waiting, you can always pack altitude pills in your travel medicine kit. You can also do as the locals, and try some coca tea! Coca tea has been used to to combat altitude sickness for centuries. Just make sure check your home countries laws before you bring some back. In some countries in considered a controlled substance.

3. Be prepared for Ecuador’s diverse climates.

Ecuador’s geography includes the coast, Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Galápagos Islands, each with its own climate. Depending on the time of year of your trip, you could hike a snow capped mountain and be on a beach all with in the same week

Packing layers is key, especially if you’re visiting Quito or Cuenca where temperatures can drop significantly at night. The best strategy is to pack a variety of long/short sleeve shirts a, light jacket, and some comfortable pants. If you’re going to the coast don’t forget to bring a swimsuit! If you are going hiking, opt for some outdoor wear. You should only need cold weather gear if you plan on visiting a high altitude area like Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.

4. Pack for the Sun, even in cool areas.

Due to its position on the equator, the sun in Ecuador is quite intense. The UV index is regularly above 10, which the EPA rates as extreme. If you are from a part of the world with less intense sun, such as Europe, this is something you need to be aware of. If you are not careful, you will get sunburnt and much quicker than you are used to.

You’ll notice that many locals wear long sleeves and pants despite the heat. While they are used to the climate, this is also to protect them from the sun. You may also see locals using umbrellas or parasols to shield against the sun.

Even in areas where it is cooler year round, the sun is still deceptively strong. Cooler areas in the Andes, like Quito and Cuenca, still require sun protection. If anything the UV exposure there is worse due to the elevation. Don’t let their moderate temperatures lull you into a false sense of security from sunburn.

To protect yourself, you should always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and if possible some form of hat. If it’s not too uncomfortable, we suggest wearing a long sleeve shirt. This is especially true if you plan on hiking or being outdoors for extended periods. Luckily, sunscreen is readily available for purchase most places in Ecuador. You can also pack some in your checked bag, you can get the one we use here.

5. You may have to pay to use the restroom in Ecuador

The last of our Ecuador travel tips is mainly more for Americans, as the restroom situation is similar in some European countries. The cost is usually just $0.25 – $0.50, so make sure to keep some quarters or $1s on you. Generally, there is an attendant sitting outside you pay before going in. What may surprise even the Europeans though, is the the range of restroom standards.

In large cities, such as Quito and Guayaquil, you will find that restaurants, hotels, and touristy areas will generally have modern clean restrooms. However, in the less touristy parts and more rural areas, you may not find the public restrooms up to the western standards you are used to.

The bathrooms may be very basic, and might not even have toilet paper or soap stocked in them. (This is especially true in Old Town Quito). We suggest carrying a travel size hand sanitizer (like this one) and a small pack of travel tissues (like this) in your bag or purse when walking around.

Also, depending on the plumbing situation you may not be able to flush toilet paper. If this is the case there will be a waste basket for you to put the toilet paper in. This is common in many places in the world, but still maybe a surprise to Western visitors.

Conclusion: Embrace Ecuador’s Unique Culture and Diversity

Ecuador is a country rich in cultural diversity, with each region offering its own traditions, landscapes, and ways of life. From the indigenous cultures in the Andes to the laid-back coastal towns, Ecuador invites travelers to step out of their comfort zones and experience something truly unique. By understanding local customs, respecting the country’s natural beauty, and embracing its differences, you’ll gain a deeper connection to this remarkable destination.

We hope these Ecuador travel tips help make your journey smoother and more memorable. Ecuador is a place I cannot recommend enough—it remains the best trip I’ve ever taken, and I can’t wait to return. Even without a personal connection, Ecuador has something for everyone

Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, trying traditional Ecuadorian dishes, or simply engaging with the warm and welcoming locals, Ecuador offers a cultural experience like no other.