Ecuador… the equator (it’s the Spanish word for the equator). This already tells you a little about this small but stunning country. It’s literally in the middle of the world, but, strangely enough, it’s a lot more diverse than the tropical weather typical of this region.
With its microclimates of the Costa, the Sierra, the Oriente and then the Galapagos Islands, no matter the time of the year, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather somewhere in Ecuador! What more do you want from a trip abroad? All that’s left is an Ecuador tour guide. But Ecuador is more than its climate, so let’s delve into some tourism in Ecuador statistics and more!
Ecuador Tourism Overview: Key Trends and Insights
So, let’s begin with how many tourists visit Ecuador a year. Here’s an outlook pre- and post-pandemic:
These tourists are expected to generate US$922.80m for Ecuador’s economy in 2025, growing 2.93% each year until 2029, when numbers will reach US$1,036.00m. The country, however, hasn’t yet capitalized on the economic potential of tourism, as, in terms of what percent of Ecuador’s economy is tourism, it’s only 2.9% of the nation’s GDP and 4.8% of employment.
But who visits Ecuador the most? We can split 2023’s tourist arrival figure to determine Ecuador’s tourism statistics by country. The top five international arrivals by nation are:
- United States: 29.8%
- Colombia: 16.8%
- Spain: 8.2%
- Peru: 7.6%
- Canada: 2.2%
- Germany: 2.1%
- Brazil: 2%
But why are all these tourists heading to Ecuador, and is Ecuador known for tourism? Despite the country not yet being a tourist hotspot worldwide, tourism is still the main purpose for travel to Ecuador, followed by:
- Tourism: 59.7%
- Residence: 21%
- Events: 7.5%
- Business: 2.5%
- Study: 0.1%
- Other: 9.2%
Travel Q&A: Is Ecuador cheap for tourists? Pre-pandemic, tourists spent almost $1,500 per person on a visit to Ecuador, so this figure gives you a little to go by when budgeting.
To finish, here are some quickfire tourism in Ecuador facts:
- Ecuador is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites!
- Ecuador is home to more than 1600 species of birds.
- Ecuador is the first country in the world to recognize the rights of nature in its constitution!
Want to know more about these heritage and natural sites? Let’s go over where to go in Ecuador!
Popular Travel Destinations in Ecuador: Where Tourists Love to Go
Ecuador, though small, offers diverse experiences including jungles, Incan ruins, the Amazon, mountains, volcanoes, bustling cities, indigenous markets, cloud forests, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife and colonial architecture. It’s a paradise for families, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and those seeking relaxation, with many remote lodges providing a peaceful escape.
So, what is a common tourist attraction in Ecuador? Well, if you’re in the middle of building your itinerary, here are some of the top destinations in Ecuador:
- Galápagos Islands: Famous for unique volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife. A must-see for nature enthusiasts!
- Quilotoa Loop Trek: A scenic hike through the Andes with stunning views of Quilotoa Lagoon, a high-altitude crater lake. Popular for its photogenic landscapes!
- Cuenca: A charming colonial city with UNESCO-listed architecture, including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It’s a great city for exploring historical sites and local markets.
- Mindo: Known for its cloud forest and bird-watching opportunities. Enjoy activities like zip-lining, rafting and chocolate tasting.
- Otavalo: Renowned for its traditional markets and indigenous culture. Nearby attractions include Cuicocha Lake and Peguche Waterfall.
- Quito: Ecuador's capital and most visited city with a well-preserved Old Town, historic churches and the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument. Offers panoramic views from the TeleferiQo cable car.
- Baños de Agua Santa: Famous for hot springs, waterfalls and adventure activities like biking and zip-lining. A popular destination for backpackers!
- Chimborazo National Park: Home to Ecuador's highest peak, Chimborazo. Ideal for hiking and enjoying stunning high-altitude scenery.
- Cotopaxi National Park: Features one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Enjoy hiking around Laguna Limpiopungo and spotting wildlife.
- Tena: Gateway to the Amazon Jungle, offering jungle walks, waterfall excursions and visits to the amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre.
Cultural Experiences in Ecuador: Immersing in Local Traditions
Ecuador's festivals are a vibrant, colorful way to experience its rich culture. From traditional indigenous celebrations to Catholic rituals, these events invite everyone to join in the fun!
Here are some to schedule your trip around:
- La Diablada de Píllaro (January): In early January, Píllaro comes alive with people dressed as devils, guarichas and capariches dancing in the streets. This festival dates back to colonial times, symbolizing rebellion against Spanish rule. It's a wild, rebellious celebration filled with history!
- Carnival (February or March): Carnival is Ecuador’s version of Mardi Gras. Towns like Guaranda and Ambato celebrate with parades, water fights, flowers and flour! It’s a festive way to enjoy abundance before Lent, blending Catholic and indigenous traditions.
- Inti Raymi (June/July): The Sun Festival is a tribute to the sun god Inti, marking the longest day of the year and the start of the Andean summer. Communities celebrate with traditional dances and Chicha de Jora, a corn-based drink, celebrating the harvest season and new beginnings.
- Mama Negra (September/November): Held in Latacunga, this festival dates back to 1742 when locals celebrated being spared from a volcanic eruption. The parade features colorful characters, blessings and drinks. It’s a fascinating mix of Spanish, African and indigenous customs.
- Burning of Año Viejo (December 31st): On New Year’s Eve, effigies representing the past year are burned in the streets. These puppets, often mocking political figures, symbolize letting go of the old and welcoming new opportunities.
Authentic Ecuadorian Cuisine: Dishes You Must Try
Ecuador’s cuisine is a flavorful mix influenced by its four regions: the coast, highlands, Amazon, and Galapagos. Here are some must-try traditional dishes for visitors:
- Bolon de Verde: A fried ball made from mashed green plantains, filled with pork or cheese, served hot and often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch!
- Locro de Papa: A creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado, perfect for vegetarians.
- Hornado: Slow-roasted pork, commonly served with potato cakes and corn.
- Cuy: Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy, usually served with potatoes and corn.
- Churrasco: Grilled steak served with rice, fries, avocado and a fried egg — a hearty meal.
- Seco de Chivo: A flavorful goat stew with beer, herbs and naranjilla, served with rice and plantains.
- Fritada de Chancho: Pork cooked in a spicy sauce and served with fava beans, corn or potatoes.
- Ceviche de Camarón: A shrimp ceviche, marinated in citrus, often paired with plantain chips.
- Encocado de Pescado: Fish cooked in coconut sauce, typical on the coast, served with rice and fried plantains.
- Encebollado: A hearty tuna soup with yuca, onions, and a dash of lime, often enjoyed for breakfast.
- Llapingachos: Cheese-filled potato patties, crispy on the outside and served with peanut sauce.
- Empanada de Viento: Fried cheese-filled pastries, commonly sprinkled with sugar.
- Bizcochos de Cayambe: Buttery biscuits paired with cheese and caramel sauce.
- Humitas: Corn-based tamales, steamed in banana leaves, often filled with onions and cheese.
Don’t forget to try Chirimoya fruit for a sweet treat, Canelazo, a spiced hot drink, and Club beer for a refreshing sip on a hot day!
Seasonal Tourism in Ecuador: When Do Most Tourists Visit?
Ecuador’s climate is diverse due to its geography, which includes the Amazon rainforest, the Pacific coast and the Andes mountains.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what to expect when there:
Amazon & Northern Coast
The eastern Amazon region and the northernmost coast are hot and humid all year round. The Amazon, including areas like Nuevo Rocafuerte, experiences temperatures around 30–32°C (86–90°F) year-round, with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, averaging 2,800–3,000mm (110–118in) annually. The wettest part of the country is along the eastern slopes of the Andes, where towns like Puyo receive 4,300mm (170in) of rain annually, with daily showers. Even in the drier months (August to November), rain is frequent.
The Pacific Coast
The western coastal plain has a tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season. The northern coast (e.g., Esmeraldas) is warm year-round, with highs around 28–30°C (82–86°F). Rain occurs mainly from January to June, though brief showers can happen any time. The central and southern coasts, including cities like Manta and Salinas, are influenced by the cool Humboldt current, creating a drier, cooler period from July to November. For example, Salinas can drop to 24–25°C (75–77°F) during this period. Rainfall varies from 250mm (10in) in Manta to 150mm (6in) annually in the southern desert areas.
The Andes
The Andes region, which includes cities like Quito and Cuenca, has mild weather year-round. Quito, at 2,850 meters (9,350ft), has daytime highs of 19–20°C (66–68°F) and cool nights around 9–10°C (48–50°F). Rainfall is heaviest from October to May, while June to mid-September is the driest period. Higher altitudes, like in the towns near Chimborazo or Cotopaxi volcanoes, are colder, with daily averages around 7–8°C (45–46°F). Some high-altitude cities, like Cuenca, are drier, with only 710mm (28in) of rain annually.
El Niño & La Niña
Ecuador is affected by the El Niño and La Niña weather patterns. During El Niño years, coastal areas experience warmer temperatures and heavy rainfall, sometimes leading to floods. The Andean region also sees more rain. In contrast, La Niña years bring cooler sea temperatures and drier conditions.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Ecuador is during July and August, which are the least rainy months and offer the most sunshine, particularly in the highlands and on the coast. Keep in mind, though, that even during these months, the Amazon remains rainy, and the coastal areas may be cloudy due to the influence of the Humboldt current.
How to Travel Around Ecuador: Transportation Tips for Tourists
Getting around Ecuador can be challenging due to poor road conditions and unreliable public transport. Walking is easy in historic Quito and downtown Cuenca, but avoid doing so at night.
Always carry your passport, as checkpoints may require it. Keep a copy of your passport in case it gets lost.
- By Air: Domestic flights are affordable, with TAME, Avianca, and LATAM offering service to major cities. Flights to the Galapagos or Amazon may cost more for tourists, so book early.
- By Bus: Buses are the most popular and cheapest way to travel. They connect major towns, with fares around $1 per hour of travel. Buses are modern, but theft can occur, so keep valuables secure. Local buses in cities like Quito can be crowded and slow, but affordable. Quito also has the faster ‘trolebus’ system.
- By Car: Driving can be risky due to poor road conditions and aggressive drivers. Car rentals are available, but it's best to follow traffic signs carefully. You’ll need a passport and driver’s license to rent.
- Taxis & Vans: Taxis are common in cities — ensure they’re marked, and always agree on the price beforehand. Vans are also available, especially for airport transfers or group travel.
- By Boat: Cruises to the Galapagos are scenic but expensive. You can also hire boats to explore the islands or travel through the Amazon, where boats are the only way to reach some areas.
Ecuador Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go
It’s always best to do your research and know what to expect before you visit a country, especially some guidelines and tips to make your trip as comfortable and seamless as possible. We’ve gathered a couple here, but feel free to do more research!
Dos:
- Learn Basic Spanish: Knowing simple phrases enhances your experience. Greet people with Señor, Señora or Señorita.
- Be Mindful of Altitude Sickness: Take it easy in high-altitude cities like Quito and Cuenca.
- Stay Informed About Safety: Due to mafia movement right now, avoid Guayaquil and coastal highways due to safety concerns, but read the latest government guidelines.
- Carry Toilet Paper: Public restrooms often don't have any.
Don'ts:
- Don't Arrive on Time: Parties and events usually start late, so arriving early is considered rude.
- Avoid Flashing Valuables: Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your phone use discreet.
- Don't Drink Tap Water: Drink bottled water, especially outside Quito.
- Don’t Travel Alone at Night: Stick to groups, especially after dark.
Travel Recovery Post-Pandemic: Ecuador’s Path to Tourism Rebound
Tourism is key to Ecuador's economy, especially in the Galapagos Islands. Before the pandemic, tourism made up 80% of the Galapagos economy and was Ecuador's largest service export, however, balancing tourism and environmental conservation is tricky.
Economic Growth and Tourism
Tourism supports many livelihoods in both the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador. A 10% increase in tourism leads to 31% economic growth among the lower-income population. For every US$10 million increase in tourism, Ecuador's overall economy grows by US$23 million. Despite this, most of the benefits go to urban areas, leaving rural areas with fewer gains.
Challenges
Rapid tourism growth has caused problems, including overdevelopment and competition from outside companies, which hurt local businesses. Over 200 hotels were built between 2006 and 2017, leading to lower prices but also lower income for locals.
Environmental Concerns
Tourism also threatens the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos, which is critical to its appeal. Protecting the environment is costly, with US$86 million spent annually on controlling invasive species alone. The government and NGOs are working to protect the islands, but funding is limited.
Conclusion
Now you know a little about what to expect when you step foot into Ecuador. It’s a country full of diversity, with plenty to explore and enjoy.
Need help getting around or building your itinerary? How about hiring a private guide in Ecuador?
