FAQ

Citizens from many countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries, do not need a visa to visit Ecuador for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. However, it’s always important to check with your local Ecuadorian embassy or consulate to confirm the latest visa requirements for your nationality.

The local currency in Ecuador is the United States Dollar (USD). Since 2000, Ecuador has adopted the USD as its official currency, replacing the former sucre in an effort to stabilize the economy and curb hyperinflation.

When traveling to Ecuador, it’s recommended to carry smaller denominations of USD bills, such as $1, $5, $10, and $20, as larger bills ($50 or $100) are often not accepted.

Additionally, be mindful of the condition of your USD bills. Torn, worn, or defaced bills may not be accepted, and you might face lower exchange rates. It’s best to bring crisp, clean bills to ensure smooth transactions.

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, it’s still wise to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller businesses or remote locations where card payment options may be limited.

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. However, many people in tourist areas also speak some English. Additionally, there are several indigenous languages spoken in specific regions, such as Kichwa and Shuar.

Ecuador has diverse weather patterns depending on the region and altitude. 

• The highlands (Andes) have mild and temperate weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). 
• The Amazon rainforest is tropical and humid, with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) and frequent rainfall, especially from April to November. 
• The Galápagos Islands have a mild equatorial climate with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 30°C (66°F to 86°F), and two distinct seasons: a warm season (December to May) and a cool season (June to November). 
• The coastal region is tropical and hot, with temperatures from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F), experiencing a dry season (June to September) and a rainy season (October to May).

Overall, Ecuador offers pleasant weather year-round, making it a great destination for travel at any time.

Ecuador’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes, offering a variety of dishes that reflect regional flavors and cultural traditions. Here are some must-try dishes from different regions:

Coastal Region:

• Ceviche: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, onions, and cilantro.
• Encebollado: A hearty fish soup made with tuna, yuca, and pickled onions.
• Plantain Empanadas: Fried empanadas filled with mashed plantains and cheese, chicken or beef.

Andean Highlands:

• Locro de Papa: A creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado.
• Llapingachos: Grilled potato patties stuffed with cheese and served with peanut sauce.
• Fritada: Fried pork with mote, llapingachos, and spicy salsa.

Amazon Rainforest:

• Maito de Pescado: Fish cooked in banana leaves with achiote paste and served with yuca.
• Chontacuro: Edible worms from the chonta palm tree, grilled or fried for a smoky, protein-rich treat.

Galápagos Islands:

• Langosta: Lobster cooked with onions, peppers, and spices, served with rice and patacones (fried plantains).
• Octopus Ceviche: Fresh octopus marinated in lime juice with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

Exploring Ecuador’s culinary delights is a journey in itself, offering a chance to experience the country’s diverse and flavorful traditions. Be sure to ask your travel advisor for recommendations on the best places to try these iconic dishes.

While travel insurance is not required, it is highly recommended for your safety and peace of mind. Travel insurance can cover unexpected situations like medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, or trip interruptions.

The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands depends on what you want to experience:

Warm Season (December to May):
This is the best time for warm weather and calm seas, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). The waters are warmer, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. This is also the time when the islands are lush and green, and many animals are nesting or giving birth, offering great wildlife viewing.

Cool Season (June to November):
The cooler season brings lower water temperatures (around 21°C/70°F), which is better for those interested in wildlife watching. The cooler waters attract different species, and this time is perfect for diving enthusiasts, as it offers the chance to see more marine life, including larger creatures like hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. The weather can be more overcast and the seas a bit rougher.

 The Galápagos is a year-round destination, but December to May is ideal for warm weather and water activities, while June to November is great for diving and wildlife experiences.

The main differences between an island-hopping tour and a cruise in the Galápagos Islands lie in the style of travel and the experience you’ll have:

Island-Hopping Tour:

It’s ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace, the chance to stay on land, and a broader experience of the islands’ different environments and local life.

In an island-hopping tour, you stay on land at hotels or lodges on different islands and take day trips by boat to explore the nearby islands.

You’ll have more flexibility and the opportunity to experience the local culture and accommodations on each island.

The itinerary allows you to visit multiple islands during your trip, but you return to your accommodation at the end of each day.

Cruise:

• A cruise involves staying on a boat, with the ship taking you to various islands throughout the Galápagos. You’ll explore the islands during the day and sleep aboard the cruise ship.
• This option offers a more immersive experience, as you’ll be surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Galápagos while moving between islands.
• Cruises can range from luxury yachts to smaller expedition vessels, and often offer more structured itineraries with guided activities.
• It’s perfect for travelers who want a more seamless travel experience without having to worry about accommodation logistics or transfers between islands.

In summary, an island-hopping tour allows for more flexibility with accommodations and gives you a taste of local island life, while a cruise offers a more all-inclusive, on-the-water experience with less hassle in terms of logistics.

TCT (Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito): This is the Transit Control Card, a fee paid to the Ingala institution (a branch of the Ecuadorian government) that manages access to the Galápagos Islands. It is mandatory for all non-resident visitors entering the islands.

GNP (Galápagos National Park Fee): This fee is paid to the Galápagos National Park Authority upon arrival to support the conservation and protection of the islands. It is required for all non-residents.

Isabela Island Entry Fee: When first entering Isabela Island, there is an additional fee per person.

Municipal Fee: When returning from Isabela or San Cristobal to Santa Cruz on a land tour, a small municipal fee per person is also charged.

These fees are essential to help maintain the islands’ unique environment and support local conservation efforts.

The main differences between snorkeling and diving in the Galápagos lie in the experience, depth, and equipment used:

Snorkeling:

1. Depth: Snorkeling is done at the surface of the water, usually within a few meters of depth. It’s a more accessible option for those who want to observe marine life without needing special training.
2. Equipment: You only need a mask, snorkel, and fins. No additional training is required, and it’s a great option for beginners and families.
3. Experience: You’ll get to see colorful fish, sea lions, and even some sea turtles and rays. It’s a more relaxed experience and ideal for exploring shallow waters.

Diving:

10. Depth: Diving allows you to go deeper (up to 30 meters or more), where you can encounter a wider variety of marine life, including large fish, sharks, and even manta rays or whale sharks.
11. Equipment: Diving requires more specialized equipment, including a wetsuit, tank, BCD, regulator, and fins. Certification is required for diving, as it involves more advanced skills and safety procedures.
12. Experience: Diving offers a more immersive and up-close experience with the underwater world, allowing you to explore deeper and see more diverse marine life in its natural habitat.

In summary, snorkeling is an easier and more accessible way to explore the Galápagos waters, while diving provides a deeper, more immersive experience for those looking to explore the rich underwater ecosystems in more detail.

Booking a tour with Ecuador Local Guide is simple. Just follow these steps:

1.Choose Your Tour: Let us know which tour you’d like to book, including the dates and the number of passengers.

2.Provide Passenger Details: For each passenger, we’ll need the following information to finalize your reservation:

1. A copy of the passport (picture page only)
2. Any dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc.)
3. Any medical conditions we should be aware of
4. Emergency contact details
5. Preferred payment method

Once we receive this information, we’ll check availability and confirm your booking. We’re excited to help you create the perfect travel experience.

Ecuador Local Guide offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style, including:

1. Luxury Hotels: High-end properties with premium amenities and exceptional service.
2. First-Class Hotels: Comfortable, well-equipped options offering great value.
3. Tourist Superior Hotels: Mid-range accommodations providing both comfort and convenience.
4. Eco-Lodges: Sustainable, nature-focused lodges perfect for eco-conscious travelers.
5. Local Guesthouses & Hostels: Budget-friendly, authentic stays run by local families.

We work closely with you to find the best accommodations that match your preferences, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience throughout your journey in Ecuador. Each property is carefully selected based on its quality, customer reviews, and ability to enhance your travel experience.

We can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. We work closely with local restaurants and accommodations to ensure your specific dietary needs are met throughout your trip. Just inform us of your preferences ahead of time, and we’ll take care of the rest.