Ecuador
Ecuador comprises of 4 distinct ecological regions: the rainforest, the mountains, the coast, and the islands. Each of these regions is ecologically distinct, making this country one of the best places to visit for the unique wildlife.
Ecuador's Fast Facts
Language
Spanish
Capital City
Quito
Currency
United States Dollar
Budget Range
$ - $$ - $$$ (Galapagos Islands)
Find out what kind of visa you need here.
Regions of Ecuador
Know Before You Go to Ecuador
hola
OH-la
hello
gracias
GRAH-see-ahs
thank you
por favor
POHR FAH-vohr
please
no entiendo
NOH ehn-tyEN-doh
I don’t understand
¿Hablas inglés?
hah-BLAHS een-GLEHS
do you speak english?
buenos días, buen día (inf.)
BWEN-hos DEE-as, BWEN DEE-a
good morning
buenas tardes, buenas (inf.)
BWEN-ahs TAR-des, BWEN-ahs
good afternoon (until sunset)
¡chau! / hasta luego
CHOW / AH-sta loo-EH-goh
bye! / see you later (also used as “bye”)
buenas noches, buenas (inf.)
BWEN-ahs NOH-ches, BWEN-ahs
good evening or goodnight
¿Dónde está el baño?
DOH-ndeh ehs-TAH EHL BAH-nyoh
where is the bathroom? (IMPORTANT: women’s restrooms are often indicated with an M (mujer=woman)
¿Me da ___, por favor?
MEH DA ___ POHR FAH-vohr
Can i have ___ please? (casual but polite way to order food and drinks)
Quisiera ___, por favor
KEE-see-yehr-ah ___ POHR FAH-vohr
I would like ___ please. (formal and polite way to order food and drinks)
buen provecho
BWEN proh-VE-choh
Enjoy your food or meal. People may use the phrase as they walk by someone eating when in a restaurant. Waiters will say this phrase when they serve you your meal.
The Four Regions of Ecuador
The Islands
This archipelago was developed through volcanic formations in the pacific ocean. It is famous for its wildlife, much of which has been affected very little by human interaction and is completely unique to the islands
The Coast
The coast is known for its beaches, some of which are tropical towards the north and others that are more dry towards the south. (Blueprint Travelers has not had the opportunity to explore this region due to political unrest in 2024)
The Andes Mountains
This region contains the high peaks of the Andes Mountains with volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Cities in this region are known for their high altitudes, colonial architecture, and indigenous culture.
The Amazon
The Eastern-most area of the country is the least populated. It holds the dense Amazon rainforest that continues to be inhabited by indigenous peoples and has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Top Destinations in Ecuador
Urban exploration
snorkeling
Hiking
Culture
amazing nature
Quito
Urban
Walking
Wine
Cuenca
Beach
Beach
Beach
Galapagos Islands
Walking
Hiking
Amazon Rainforest
Culture
Hiking
Itineraries to Help You Plan Your Trip to Ecuador (By Region)
Argentina is a large and culturally rich country. For a 16 day itinerary (2 weeks) consider visiting 3-4 regions to be able to best enjoy and maximize your vacation time and remain cognizant of the amount of time it takes to get between regions.
Canberra
Southern Australia
All Ecuador Travel Guides + Articles
The Best Galapagos Cruise Company to Visit the Islands
Visit the Galapagos Islands from the best Galapagos cruise that operates like a safari to experience the nature and wildlife of the islands.
The Best Amazon Resort to Visit Yasuni National Park
Visit the rainforest from an Amazon resort that integrates nature, ecotourism, hospitality, and comfort in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador.
How to Know If Ecuador Is Safe to Travel to (It Is)
Yes, Ecuador is safe to visit! This article explains the areas within the country that are safe for visitors and how to know where to avoid.
The Top Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador, a Colonial City
This article goes through the various things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, along with the important logistics to enjoy this colonial city.
The Top Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador for Your 3 Day Itinerary
The things to do in Quito, Ecuador as the starting point of other adventures in Ecuador. This includes a 2 or 3 day itinerary.
Where to Stay in Quito? The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Wondering where to stay in Quito, Ecuador when visiting? Read this straightforward guide to help answer that question.
Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge: A Luxury Rainforest Experience in Ecuador
The experience at Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge to explore Ecuadorian rainforest. Read to find out about spending a few days in the Amazon.
How to Visit the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador: Yasuni National Park
The best way to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is by integrating into the environment in Yasuni National Park. Here are your options.
Accommodation Options for Your Galapagos Islands Itinerary: Cruise or Land
This article helps you determine what your Galapagos Islands itinerary could look like depending on if you take a cruise or stay at a hotel.
A Galapagos Islands Yacht Cruise: Quasar Expeditions
What a Galapagos Islands yacht cruise with Quasar Expeditions entails. Why this is the best way to visit the archipelago and what to expect.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Galapagos Islands… And Other Answers to Your Questions
Your questions answered about the best time of year to visit Galapagos Islands and more to best experience this destination.
The Best Galapagos Cruise Company to Visit the Islands
Visit the Galapagos Islands from the best Galapagos cruise that operates like a safari to experience the nature and wildlife of the islands.
The Best Amazon Resort to Visit Yasuni National Park
Visit the rainforest from an Amazon resort that integrates nature, ecotourism, hospitality, and comfort in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador.
How to Know If Ecuador Is Safe to Travel to (It Is)
Yes, Ecuador is safe to visit! This article explains the areas within the country that are safe for visitors and how to know where to avoid.
The Top Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador, a Colonial City
This article goes through the various things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, along with the important logistics to enjoy this colonial city.
The Top Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador for Your 3 Day Itinerary
The things to do in Quito, Ecuador as the starting point of other adventures in Ecuador. This includes a 2 or 3 day itinerary.
Where to Stay in Quito? The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Wondering where to stay in Quito, Ecuador when visiting? Read this straightforward guide to help answer that question.
Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge: A Luxury Rainforest Experience in Ecuador
The experience at Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge to explore Ecuadorian rainforest. Read to find out about spending a few days in the Amazon.
How to Visit the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador: Yasuni National Park
The best way to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is by integrating into the environment in Yasuni National Park. Here are your options.
Accommodation Options for Your Galapagos Islands Itinerary: Cruise or Land
This article helps you determine what your Galapagos Islands itinerary could look like depending on if you take a cruise or stay at a hotel.
A Galapagos Islands Yacht Cruise: Quasar Expeditions
What a Galapagos Islands yacht cruise with Quasar Expeditions entails. Why this is the best way to visit the archipelago and what to expect.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Galapagos Islands… And Other Answers to Your Questions
Your questions answered about the best time of year to visit Galapagos Islands and more to best experience this destination.
