Ecuador 4-Week Itinerary

Important Things to Know Before and During Traveling

Entry Requirements

  • You must have proof of onward travel when entering Ecuador by plane. We booked a bus ticket from Ecuador to Peru, which caused some hesitation at immigration but was eventually accepted. Make sure your name and passport number are on the ticket to avoid issues.
  • No yellow fever vaccination is required, but it’s recommended if you’re traveling to multiple South American countries.

Safety in Ecuador

  • Despite warnings online, we felt safe the majority of the time, I actually feel less safe in the capital of my country Belgium.
  • Keep valuables close on buses (never in checked luggage).
  • Use Uber or authorised taxis only. Taxis are very cheap and reliable in Ecuador, and Ubers are not available in every city (we only took them in Quito and Guayaquil).
  • Be street-smart when using a camera or phone in public.
  • People are generally very friendly and willing to help. We never got scammed asking for directions or help.

Transportation

  • Roads in Ecuador are very well-maintained.
  • Ecuador has a great bus system: cheap, direct, and comfortable.
  • Bus stations are well-organised, and locals are happy to help you find the right one.
  • Renting a automatic car is not easy. We tried in several cities to get around more easily, but they were often out. You might want to try directly in Quito instead.

When to go

You can go to Ecuador all year round. Mid-June to September and December to January are often described as the busiest seasons. Wet season is from October to May, however, don't let that scare you off. We went in February/March and even though we experienced some rain here and there, the weather was still enjoyable. Only for Chimborazo it is not the best time to go, except when you enjoy plowing through the snow. 

We experienced very low numbers of tourists during this time, which made our experience even more enjoyable. Most of the time, the buses we took had only locals and it felt much more authentic.

 

However, for fully clear skies and better views of the mountains, February and March may not be the best time to go.

Food

Costs and Budgeting

Week 1: Quito & Mindo

Week 2: Quilotoa Loop

Week 3: Baños, Riobamba & Cuenca