Ecuador

Unrivalled richness: the Andes, the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands – a distillation of nature and culture.

The Essentials

Ecuador in detail

Cliquez sur les régions de la carte pour voir les articles associés.

Capital :

Quito

Area :

283 520 km²

Population :

16 millions

Currency :

USD

Language :

Spanish

Time difference :

GMT-5 / From 6 am to 7 am (Paris)

Best seasons :

Coast: June to November | Amazon: November to February | Galapagos: January to May

Equateur

Practical info

Gastronomy

The cuisine is varied, with good products dominated by pork, chicken, corn, plantains, potatoes, a variety of vegetables, fish and seafood on the coasts and in the Amazon region. Fruit juices are excellent. Lager is also available. Drink purified water.

Embassy

Dans le monde : https://embassies.net/ecuador-embassy

Crafts

Ecuadorian crafts are renowned for their famous toquilla (Panama) straw hats, colourful textiles and tagua (vegetable ivory) jewellery. Markets such as Otavalo are a must-visit for souvenir hunters.

Credit cards

International credit cards are accepted in most establishments in the major cities, but not necessarily in more remote areas. You can withdraw cash from ATMs everywhere, which dispense US dollars. As elsewhere, you need to be vigilant when making transactions.

Route selection

Climate

Temperate and humid climate in the Andean region, with wide temperature variations. It can be very cool, even cold, especially in the evening. Remember to bring warm clothing. The Pacific coast enjoys a tropical climate. The Amazon region is hot and humid.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 120 volts and sockets are of the American type (flat-bladed plugs). Please bring an adapter for your European appliances.

Public holidays

Opening hours

Ecuador is in the GMT-5 time zone and does not observe daylight saving time. The Galápagos Islands are in GMT-6, one hour behind the mainland.

Internet

Internet coverage is reasonable in major cities and tourist areas, with Wi-Fi often available free of charge in hotels, cafés and restaurants. In rural areas and the Galápagos, connectivity may be limited.

Language

The official language is Spanish, in addition to the languages spoken by the indigenous communities.

Money & Change

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar (USD). Cash machines are available in urban areas, but it is advisable to carry small change for minor transactions, particularly in markets or rural areas. Tipping is essential. You should leave a tip of around 10 per cent of the bill.

Clothes

Sportswear for visits with good shoes. Bring warm clothes to cover up in the mountains. There is practically no heating in hotels. Bring a light raincoat. Recommendations: hat, sunglasses, sun cream and mosquito repellent.

Taxis

In major cities, opt for official taxis or book via apps such as Uber or Cabify. Always agree on a fare before getting in if the taxi does not have a meter.

Health

Tap water is not safe to drink in Ecuador. You should drink bottled water and use it to brush your teeth. Make sure you have mosquito repellent and consider getting vaccinated against malaria, especially if you are travelling to the Amazon. It is recommended that you ensure your vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DT Polio), as well as hepatitis A and B, are up to date. Some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness. You should consult your doctor before departure. It is advisable to drink mineral water and protect yourself against mosquito bites. Travel insurance is essential.

Security

Ecuador is relatively safe for tourists, but do remain vigilant in urban areas and avoid travelling alone at night. Keep a close eye on your personal belongings in busy places such as markets or on public transport.

Learn more