When is the best time to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos?
Ecuador is a year-round travel destination due to its diversity of landscapes. Different geographical regions have their own weather patterns and ideal visiting seasons. The high seasons of tourism generally coincide with American and European school vacation periods: December-January and June-August.
What is the weather like?
In general Ecuador only has two seasons, a rainy and a dry season. Each geographical area has its own specific weather patterns with each season offering its own advantages.
- *Quito and the Andes region experience cool dry weather from June-September with an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). December-March brings slightly higher temperatures but occasional downpours.
- *The Orient (jungle) gets rain year-round but is the driest December-March.
- *The Galapagos Islands have wildlife year-round. During the dry season (June-December) the seas tend to be rougher and temperatures are cooler. During the rainy season, conditions tend to be warm and sunny with a light rain shower on most days.
- *The Pacific Coast experiences their wet season in December through May, however this is the best time to go to the beach as temperatures are warmer with an afternoon downpour on most days. The dry season (June-September) experiences cooler air temperatures, which attract whales and dolphins closer to the shore.
What is the currency in Ecuador? US Dollars.
What should I bring with me?
Your packing list will vary depending on the nature of your trip and which areas of Ecuador you plan on visiting. Below are suggestions of what to bring. Please refer to your specific tour information for extras items that may not be considered in this list.
- Lightweight, long sleeved, cotton shirts and pants
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Broad-brimmed hat
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Camera with extra battery
- Small Daypack
- Rain suit or Poncho
- Prescription medications and a copy of the prescriptions
- A photocopy of your passport
- Small denomination US dollar bills (large denominations bills are sometimes not accepted for smaller purchases)
What Vaccinations do I need? Please refer to our article Health Information for Travel to Ecuador.
Should I tip my guide? Tipping is not mandatory and is always at the discretion of the traveler. A suggested tip for guides is anywhere from $10-$15 per person in your group per day.
What is an appropriate tip at restaurants? Sometimes restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill, which technically counts as your tip. If you feel your server has done a particularly good job, you can add another 5%. Remember, tipping is not mandatory and is always at your discretion.