Current Local Time
Time Zone
Ecuador Time (ECT)
UTC/GMT -5 hours
Current Weather in Quito
15°C
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 13°C
Wind: 8 km/h NE
Humidity: 65%
Mon
14°C
Tue
16°C
Wed
15°C
Thu
13°C
Country Information
Capital
Quito
Largest City
Guayaquil
Population
17.8 million (2023)
Area
283,561 km² (including Galápagos)
Government
Unitary presidential republic
President
Daniel Noboa
Currency
United States dollar (USD, $)
GDP per capita
$6,390 (2023)
Languages
Spanish (official), Quechua, Shuar
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
Jun-Sep (Andes & Galápagos)
Visa Requirements
No visa required for most tourists (90 day stay)
Electricity
120V/60Hz (Type A/B plugs)
Driving Side
Right
Emergency Number
911
Time Zone
ECT (UTC-5)
Internet TLD
.ec
Calling Code
+593
Ecuador's Four Worlds
Ecuador is uniquely divided into four distinct geographical regions, each with its own ecosystems and cultures.
Galápagos Islands
Volcanic archipelago with unique wildlife that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution.
1,000km west of mainland
Pacific Coast
Tropical beaches, fishing villages, and mangrove forests with rich biodiversity.
Western Ecuador
Andes Mountains
High-altitude landscapes with volcanoes, indigenous markets, and colonial cities.
Central Ecuador
Amazon Rainforest
Biodiverse jungle with indigenous communities, rivers, and exotic wildlife.
Eastern Ecuador
Must-Visit Places
From UNESCO World Heritage sites to natural wonders, Ecuador offers incredible diversity.
Quito
UNESCOWorld's second highest capital with best-preserved historic center in Americas.
2,850m elevation
Galápagos Islands
UNESCOLiving laboratory of evolution with fearless wildlife found nowhere else.
13 major islands
Cuenca
UNESCOColonial jewel with cobblestone streets, cathedrals, and artisan traditions.
2,560m elevation
Baños
Adventure capital with hot springs, waterfalls, and Tungurahua volcano views.
Gateway to Amazon
Otavalo Market
South America's largest indigenous market with colorful textiles and crafts.
Saturday market
Cotopaxi National Park
Iconic snow-capped volcano, one of world's highest active volcanoes.
5,897m elevation
Historical Timeline
Pre-Columbian
Home to advanced civilizations including Valdivia (3500 BCE), Quitus, and Cañari
1463
Incorporated into Inca Empire under Huayna Capac
1534
Spanish conquest by Sebastián de Benalcázar
1739
Part of Viceroyalty of New Granada (with Colombia and Venezuela)
1822
Liberation by Simón Bolívar, becomes part of Gran Colombia
1830
Ecuador becomes independent republic after dissolution of Gran Colombia
1941
Peruvian-Ecuadorian War over disputed territory
1979
Return to democratic government after military rule
2000
Adopts US dollar as official currency
2008
New constitution recognizes rights of nature
Cultural Highlights
Ethnic Composition
Mestizo
71.9%
Montubio
7.4%
Afro-Ecuadorian
7.2%
Indigenous
7.0%
White
6.1%
Other
0.4%
Traditional Cuisine
Encebollado
Cuy (Guinea Pig)
Llapingachos
Quimbolitos
Canelazo
Chicha
Major Festivals
Carnival
Feb/Mar - Water fights, parades, and traditional foods
Inti Raymi
June 21 - Indigenous festival of the sun
Día de los Difuntos
Nov 2 - Day of the Dead with colada morada and guaguas de pan
Fiesta de la Mama Negra
Nov - Colorful Latacunga festival blending indigenous and Catholic traditions
Adventure Activities
Ecuador offers diverse adventures from high-altitude climbing to jungle expeditions.
Volcano Climbing
Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and other Andean peaks
Whitewater Rafting
Jondachi, Toachi, and Pastaza rivers with Class III-IV rapids
Wildlife Watching
Galápagos, Amazon, and cloud forests with unique species
Trekking
Quilotoa Loop, Cajas National Park, and Inca trails
Snorkeling/Diving
Galápagos marine reserve with sharks, rays, and sea lions
Mountain Biking
Downhill from Cotopaxi or Baños to Puyo route
Amazon Cruises
Napo and Aguarico river expeditions in Yasuní National Park
Zip Lining
Canopy tours in Mindo cloud forest and Baños
Ecuador on the Map
Coordinates
1.8312° S, 78.1834° W
Bordering Countries
Colombia (North), Peru (East/South)
Coastline
2,237 km (Pacific Ocean)
Travel Tips & Advice
When to Visit
- Andes (Jun-Sep): Dry season with clear mountain views
- Galápagos (Dec-May): Warm waters, best for snorkeling
- Amazon (Jul-Oct): Less rain, easier jungle access
- Coast (Dec-Apr): Sunny beach weather
Getting Around
- Buses: Extensive network, very affordable between cities
- Domestic Flights: Connect Quito/Guayaquil to Galápagos, Cuenca, Manta
- Taxis: Use registered yellow taxis or Uber in cities
- Rental Cars: Available but driving in cities can be challenging
- Boats: Essential for Amazon and Galápagos travel
Safety Tips
- Exercise normal precautions - generally safe for travelers
- Be vigilant in crowded areas and on public transport
- Avoid displaying valuables and walking alone at night
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors in Quito and Andes
- Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food
Money Matters
- US dollar is official currency (no need to exchange)
- ATMs widely available - notify your bank before travel
- Credit cards accepted in most hotels/restaurants
- Small bills useful for markets and rural areas
- Galápagos is more expensive than mainland
Fun Facts About Ecuador
Middle of the World
Named after equator which passes through country (Mitad del Mundo monument).
Mega-Diverse
One of 17 megadiverse countries with most biodiversity per area.
Highest Point
Chimborazo's summit is farthest point from Earth's center due to equatorial bulge.
First UNESCO Sites
Galápagos Islands and Quito were among first 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Panama Hat Origin
Famous Panama hats actually originate from Ecuador (Montecristi).
Frog Capital
Home to over 600 frog species including poison dart frogs.
Bird Paradise
Over 1,600 bird species (more than Europe and North America combined).
Constitutional Rights
First country to constitutionally recognize rights of nature (2008).