Ecuador

Ecuador may be small on the map, but it feels huge when you start planning: snow-capped Andes, Amazon rainforest, Pacific beaches, and the Galápagos, all packed into one country. Give yourself at least 10–14 days if you want a taste of both highlands and coast, and longer if you’re adding the islands.

A classic first route is: Quito → Otavalo → Cotopaxi/Quilotoa → Baños → Cuenca → Guayaquil or the coast. If you have more time, add Mindo for cloud forests and Tena or Cuyabeno for the Amazon. Use Hello’s trip planning to map your journey by region: Sierra (mountains), Costa (coast), Amazonía, and Galápagos so you don’t zig-zag and lose days on buses.

Altitude hits many travellers in Quito and the central highlands, so plan slower days at the start: walking tours, café hopping, or visiting museums before tackling big hikes. Booking key legs (like Galápagos flights or jungle lodges) early is wise, but keep room for spontaneity—Ecuador is great for last-minute tours.

With an Hello eSIM set up before landing, you can check bus times, grab rideshares where available, and keep offline maps synced, without worrying about roaming charges.

Ecuador uses US dollars (USD) as its official currency, with local centavo coins matching US coin values. ATMs are common in cities and larger towns, but can be scarce in the Amazon, parts of the coast, and small Andean villages. Carry a mix of $1–$10 bills—many small businesses struggle to break $20 notes.

Typical costs:

• Local lunch (almuerzo) set menu: $3–$5
• Simple taxi ride in cities: $1.50–$4 (agree the fare or check the meter)
• Intercity bus (2–4 hours): around $5–$10
• Hostel dorm: $8–$15; budget hotel: $25–$45

Street markets and buses are usually cash-only, but mid-range restaurants and hotels often accept cards. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log expenses in dollars as you go, then export everything at the end of your trip. If you’re travelling with others, the expense splitting feature is handy when you rotate who pays for taxis, tours, and dinners.

Keep your wallet minimal when out: a day’s cash, a bank card, and a photo of your passport rather than the original. In busy markets and buses, keep valuables zipped and in front of you; pickpocketing is usually opportunistic rather than aggressive.

Ecuador’s bus network is extensive and budget-friendly, linking major cities and small towns alike. Long-distance buses usually depart from large terminals like Quitumbe (Quito) or Terminal Terrestre (Guayaquil). Buy tickets at official counters inside the terminal, and keep your backpack with you or in the hold with a tagged receipt. For comfort, look for “ejecutivo” or “clásico” services on popular routes.

Within cities, taxis are plentiful and cheap. Use only registered cabs (look for official markings and license numbers), and in Quito and Guayaquil ask the driver to turn on the meter or agree a fare in advance. In smaller towns, short rides often have a standard price—ask your guesthouse what’s normal so you can avoid overpaying.

For longer jumps, like Quito–Guayaquil or heading to the Galápagos, domestic flights save time, especially if your itinerary is tight. Check-in and boarding can feel informal compared with some countries, so arrive early and keep digital copies of bookings handy on your phone.

With Hello eSIM connectivity active from the moment you land, you can pull up maps, translate addresses for drivers, check bus schedules, and share your live location with friends—all without hunting for local SIM stalls at the airport.

Ecuador’s food scene is diverse and region-specific. In the highlands, try locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), llapingachos (cheese-stuffed potato patties), and cuy (roasted guinea pig) if you’re adventurous. On the coast, you’ll find excellent ceviche, encocado de pescado (fish in coconut sauce), and plantain everything—from patacones to bolón de verde. In Quito or Cuenca, mix market lunches with evenings at modern eateries that play with traditional flavours.

Basic Spanish phrases go a long way. A friendly “buenos días” when entering shops or buses sets the tone, and people often appreciate even simple efforts like “gracias” and “por favor”. Dress is generally modest, especially in small Andean towns and indigenous communities; covering shoulders and avoiding very short shorts is a sign of respect.

Tipping is usually 10% in sit-down restaurants where it’s not already included. In markets, gentle bargaining is expected, but keep it good-natured—rounding up a little supports local vendors. Use Hello’s trip planning notes to save favourite restaurants and street stalls, and log standout dishes so you can remember what to order again later.