Getting to Ecuador

To enter Ecuador , travelers will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after the date of arrival. Tourists are officially required to provide proof of both onward travel and sufficient funds for travel — border officials, however, do not usually request this. Travelers are also sometimes asked to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination if they’re coming from an area where the disease is endemic.

Because Ecuador is so close to the equator, " the "best time to visit Ecuador " is almost year round. However the most popular time tends to be mid-June to early September (when children tend to be on vacation from school), and late December (the holiday season when people usually tend to have extended breaks).

Where are Ecuador's airports?

Ecuador has two main international airports: Mariscal Sucre International (UIO), in Tababela, east of Quito , and José Joaquín de Olmedo International (GYE) in Guayaquil . Almost every international flight lands at one of them, with nonstop and connecting service from U.S. hubs and regional connections through cities such as Panama City and Lima.

Quito's airport sits in a valley outside the city; our private transfers allow about 50 minutes to hotels in Quito. Guayaquil's airport is close to the city, about 20 minutes by private transfer.

The Galápagos have two airports, on Baltra Island (for Santa Cruz) and on San Cristóbal. Flights leave only from the mainland: about 1 hour 50 minutes from Guayaquil, or around 3½ hours from Quito, usually via Guayaquil. Park rangers collect the US$200 Galápagos entrance fee for foreign visitors on arrival.

Domestic flights also link Quito and Guayaquil with Cuenca (under an hour), Manta, Coca, Latacunga and Esmeraldas. Fares are highest from June to September and from December to mid-January, so book early. Note that the UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to Guayas province, exempting airside transit at Guayaquil airport.

By Land

It's possible to travel to Ecuador overland. The most common way to do this is by bus from Peru. The border crossing is at Tumbes/Huaquillas. At the present moment, it's not advised to drive into Ecuador from Colombia due to the presence of drug cartels and terrorist organizations near the border.

Driving to Ecuador from North America is not possible because of the presence of Panama’s Darién Gap — this is where the Pan-American Highway comes to an abrupt halt before continuing on again in Colombia. It’s technically possible to have a shipping company in Panama City transport your car around the gap by ferry, but the process is pretty complex.

By Sea

Cruises from the U.S. and Europe often make stops in the Galápagos. These cruises are usually a part of longer routes through the Americas or around the world. They also often stop in Panama , Peru , Patagonia, and Brazil.

Upon Arrival

When you arrive in Ecuador, you will have plenty of options for getting around. In fact, one of the perks is being spoiled for choice if you take an Ecuadorian cruise to the Galápagos Islands — which you certainly should! One note, road conditions and signage mean it's probably best to leave the driving to the locals. For more information, consult our " Ecuador Transport Guide: Getting Around Ecuador ."