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Holiday destination

Ecuador

Ecuador packs extraordinary variety into a small country. Quito has a beautiful colonial centre, Otavalo is known for its craft market, and the Avenue of the Volcanoes passes Cotopaxi on the way to Baños and Riobamba. Further south are the Inca ruins of Ingapirca and the elegant city of Cuenca.

Region: South America

Trip types on sale: Tours.

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Places

Best time to go

June to September is drier in the Andes, though the highlands are mild all year.

Who it suits

Adventurous travellers, culture lovers and those combining the Andes with the Galapagos.

Getting there

Flights from London to Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE) take about 14 to 16 hours with one connection.

Practical

  • Time: 5 hours behind the UK in winter and 6 hours behind in summer.
  • Currency: US dollar
  • Language: Spanish; Kichwa is also spoken.

Typical daytime highs

  • Quito, all year. Typical daytime highs around 18 to 21°C in Quito all year.
  • Guayaquil, all year. Typical daytime highs around 28 to 32°C in Guayaquil all year.

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

Things to do

  • Explore Quito's colonial old town
  • Stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo
  • Browse Otavalo's market
  • Hike in Cotopaxi National Park
  • See the waterfalls around Baños
  • Visit the Inca site of Ingapirca

Questions

How long is the flight to Ecuador?

About 14 to 16 hours from London with one connection.

Is altitude a concern in Quito?

Quito is about 2,850 metres above sea level, so take it easy for the first day or two.

UK passport holders should check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.