🇪🇨Ecuador
South America· Updated 06/03/2026
Information
Capital
Quito
Population
18,000,062
Currency
United States dollar (USD $)
Languages
espagnol, kichwa
Continent
South America
Calling code
+593
Timezone
America/Guayaquil
Area
256,370 km²
Government
Presidential republic
National day
August 10 - First Cry of Independence
Internet domain
.ec
About
Ecuador is a South American country straddling the equator, renowned for its diverse landscapes including the Andes, Amazon rainforest, and Galápagos Islands. It has used the US dollar as currency since 2000. The capital Quito is situated over 2800 meters above sea level.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(high)
- Avoid carrying valuables
- Do not travel alone at night
- Use official taxis
Terrorism(low)
- Low risk, stay vigilant in public places
Transport
- Use Uber or radio taxis
- Avoid night buses
Natural risks(Frequent earthquakes, active volcanoes, floods)
- Follow seismic alerts
- Prepare an emergency kit
Health(Limited healthcare system outside major cities)
- Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, yellow fever vaccines for the Amazon
- Bottled water only
- Insect repellent
Practical tips
- Register with the travel registry
- Mandatory repatriation insurance
- Copy of passport in a safe place
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD · as of 11/06/2025
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
10-15% in restaurants
Photos
Point de vue panoramique
Ecuador
Danny Lema
Point de vue panoramique
Ecuador
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Point de vue panoramique
Ecuador
Diego F. Parra
Point de vue panoramique
Ecuador
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Point de vue panoramique
Ecuador
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Visas
Plan your trip
Tours and activities
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation.
Travel insurance
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges.
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
Ecuador Tourist Visa 2026: The Guide for African Nationals
Which nationalities need it, the e-VISAS procedure step by step, the apostilled police certificate, full costs and real timelines: the…
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Ecuador?▾
It depends on your nationality: some passports enter visa-free, others need an e-visa or a consular visa. Select your nationality in our checker to get the exact rule for your passport, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality→Is it dangerous to travel to Ecuador?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "High risk due to violent crime and drug traffickers, especially in coastal areas.". See the Safety section on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Ecuador?▾
The official currency is United States dollar (USD $). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Ecuador?▾
The capital of Ecuador is Quito. The main spoken languages are: espagnol, kichwa.