Ecuador Tours, Trips, & Cruises
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| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Selva Lodge | $2,192 | 7 | Spend four nights in the Ecuadorian Amazon at the La Selva rainforest lodge with professional naturalists and indigenous guides. Paddle a canoe on black water lakes, spot monkeys and birds in the rainforest canopy, and relax away the evenings on one of the most luxurious experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. |
| Cotopaxi Multisport | $963 | 4 | Extend your trip in Ecuador with a 3 night stay in a comfortable hacienda near the Cotopaxi Volcano and explore the Andean highlands on foot, horseback, and gliding through the forest by zipline during our multisport trip that is a short drive from Quito. |
| Explore Cuenca | $350 | 4 | Fly south to the delightful city of Cuenca. Considered the most colonial city in all the Americas, red clay rooftops stretch throughout the city and baroque churches seem to stand on every corner. This time in Cuenca is yours to explore however you like. Chose from several short excursions to add to your stay in this charming town. |
| Sacha Lodge | $2,412 | 7 | Flying from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, board a canoe down the Napo River where we'll have four nights exploring the Amazon rainforest at Sacha Lodge. Luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, English-speaking naturalists & indigenous guides revealing monkeys, birds & Amazonian wildlife will make your weeklong trip to Ecuador unforgettable. |
Top Ecuador & Galapagos Tour Ideas
Cruise the Galapagos Islands. Most Galapagos cruises are 4 to 8 days long, and many travelers are left with additional time on their vacation so they can explore the wonders of mainland Ecuador. Here are our picks for the top Galapagos extensions.
Stay in an eco lodge in the Amazon (4-5 days from Quito)
Explore Yasuni National Park at lodges like Sacha and La Selva, which provide first-class access to the prime rainforest.
Explore Colonial Quito and the surrounding Andes
Most tours of Ecuador start and finish in Quito, and it's worthwhile to take an extra day or two exploring the city and nearby Cotopaxi volcano, Papallacta hot springs, the cloudforest of Mindo, and the Otavalo market.
How to Choose a Luxury Galapagos Cruise
The sheer number of boats and cruise options for the Galapagos is overwhelming. Here's how to go about choosing a luxury category yacht or small ship.
In the luxury category, the best small boat options are catamarans, which ride stably in the water, have spacious cabins, and carry up to 16 passengers. Top catamaran choices are the Ocean Spray, Cormorant, and Sea Star Journey. Larger boats and small ships (over 16 passengers) are even more stable in the water. Top choices are the Endeavour, Evolution, and Grace.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travellers can visit Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business within 12 months. You must have a valid passport (ideally with remaining validity beyond your travel dates) and proof of onward travel. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for an extension or a different visa category.
Is tipping customary in Ecuador?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants that cater to travellers include a 10–15% service charge on the bill. If it is not already added, or if the service is exceptional, leaving around 10% is polite. For taxis, small cafés, and local vendors, rounding up or leaving loose change is common.
What is internet access like in Ecuador?
Urban destinations such as Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil generally offer reliable Wi-Fi and mobile data. Hotels, cafés, and coworking spaces typically provide access. In remote regions, including the Andes highlands, the Amazon basin, and many areas in the Galápagos Islands, internet connectivity can be extremely limited or unavailable. Download maps or documents offline before traveling to remote locations.
Can I use my cell phone while in Ecuador?
Yes. If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a local prepaid SIM card from major providers such as Claro, Movistar, or CNT at airports and shops. Coverage is strong in major towns and cities, but may drop completely in isolated natural areas.
Do I need power adapters?
Ecuador uses 120 V / 60 Hz electricity with plug types A and B, the same as the United States and Canada. If your device supports multi-voltage power (100–240V), you will not need a converter. Travellers from countries using 220–240 V may require a voltage converter depending on the device.
What are the toilets like in Ecuador?
Most hotels, restaurants, airports, and tourist facilities have Western-style flushing toilets. In remote communities or national park visitor sites, facilities may be basic or latrine-style. In many places, you’ll be asked not to flush toilet paper and instead place it in the waste bin to prevent plumbing blockages.
Can I drink the water in Ecuador?
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Ecuador. Stick to bottled, filtered, or purified water and avoid ice or raw produce washed in tap water unless you trust the source. Most hotels and tour operators provide drinking water for guests.
Are credit cards accepted in Ecuador? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, and larger restaurants, but cash is important in rural towns, markets, and smaller businesses. ATMs are available throughout cities and larger towns, but may be limited in more remote locations. Carrying some US dollars in small bills is useful, as Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be requested at immigration. It should include medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation or interruption protection, especially if visiting remote destinations such as the Amazon or Galapagos. You can check our My Trips page for exclusive deals and offers.
