Ecuador is a small but diverse country, with destinations offering stunning landscapes, adventure activities and culture. But traveling around this beautiful country can come with challenges if you’re not prepared. In this blog post, I give you essential tips on dealing with Ecuador’s high altitude, unpredictable weather, limited cell service and the language barrier. Whether your doing a roadtrip around the country, taking a day trips from the capital or traveling solo, this guide will prepare you for all the unique experiences Ecuador has to offer.
Plan your trip with my 10-day Ecuador Itineraries
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time, my 10-day Ecuador roadtrip itinerary covers 5 stunning destinations in the Andes region of Ecuador. It includes cultural activities in the capital of Quito, hiking Ecuador’s two most famous mountains, relaxing in the hot springs of Baños, and a trip to an emerald green crater lake.
Alternatively, if you are travelling solo in Ecuador or don’t want to rent a car, you should follow my 10-day Ecuador Solo Travel Itinerary. This itinerary does not require you to have a car and instead relies on hostel transfers and public transit between destinations. It also includes helpful tips for staying safe as a solo traveler in Ecuador and the best activities and tours for solo travelers.
What to know before traveling to Ecuador
The elevation is VERY high
Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes come with some seriously high altitude, and it’s important to prepare for it the best you can. The capital of Quito has an altitude of 2850 meters, and it’s even higher in the mountains, with Cotopaxi National Park ranging from 3,400 to 5,797 meters. I felt most effected by the altitude while visiting Quilotoa Crater (3,810 meters) and Chimborazo (5,300 meters at the highest camp).
I had never really experienced altitude sickness before, despite hiking at high altitudes in Peru and Guatemala. But in certain places in Ecuador, I felt nauseous and had a headache, both clear signs of altitude sickness, and I was out of breath just from walking on flat surfaces. At Chimborazo in particular, we saw a lot of people throwing up from altitude sickness. If you’ve never experienced altitude like that, it can really affect you!
To mitigate the affects of altitude sickness, you should take it slow your first few days. Avoid strenuous hikes, rest and drink lots of water. Coca leaves, which you can find throughout Ecuador, are great for easing symptoms. If you know you’re prone to altitude sickness, consult with your doctor before your trip about bringing medication such as acetazolamide.
When hiking at high altitudes, which you will likely be doing while travelling in Ecuador, remember to take it slow. If you’re not accustomed to the thin air, it will feel like you’re gasping for breath, without being able to completely fill up your lungs. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself past your limit!
The currency is US dollars and cash is king
Ecuador’s currency is the US dollar, which is super convenient for Americans. Make sure to always have cash on you as it’s the preferred form of payment almost everywhere in Ecuador. When visiting remote areas like Cotopaxi or Quilotoa, withdraw sufficient cash in advance since ATMs will be scarce.
Restaurants in larger cities like Quito and Baños will accept card but everywhere else will likely be cash only. And small bills are ideal as many places won’t accept anything over a $20 bill.
There’s very limited cell service outside of cities
When venturing outside of Ecuador’s cities and into the mountains, you’ll find the cell service to be limited or nonexistent. This makes for a great opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in nature, but it can also be stressful when having to navigate a new place. If you’re going on a roadtrip, download offline maps so you can find your way without being connected. Download or take screenshots of important emails, like accommodation confirmations. And be aware that some accommodations, such as The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, do not even have wifi, so you may be disconnected for a few days.
Want to stay connected while abroad?
As a solo traveler, staying connected to the internet is one of my biggest priorities. I always want to be able to find my way around if I get lost or be able to deal with emergencies if necessary. I don’t like to depend on finding wifi, so I always buy eSIMs when traveling internationally. It’s a lot easier than having to buy a physical SIM card, which aren’t compatible with most phones these days.Â
I use the app Airalo, where you can download eSIMs for 200+ countries. My biggest tip – download and activate the eSIM before you board your flight, so you’ll have internet as soon as you arrive.
Pack for all types of weather
If you’re doing a roadtrip around Ecuador, you’ll experience a range of different temperatures and climates, so it’s important to pack for all types of weather. During our 10-day roadtrip through the Andes region of Ecuador, it was warm by day and cold by night in Quito, rainy and cold in Cotopaxi, wet and warm in Baños, and cold but sunny in Chimboarazo.
Pack smart with layers that you can shed as it gets warmer through the middle of the day. A good rain jacket is essential, and if you plan on hiking, invest in a pair of sturdy hiking shoes. These shoes from Altra are my favorite – they’re perfect for both long hikes and city days.
Spanish is essential to communicate
Although you might find some English speakers in cities and popular tourist areas, Spanish is a must for traveling safely and comfortably in Ecuador. There’s no need to be fluent, but knowing key phrases and being able to ask for directions or order food at a restaurant will go a long way. No matter what, always have GoogleTranslate with Spanish downloaded, so you can communicate even without cell service.
Invest in travel insurance
You never know what could happen on a trip- cancellations, delays, or even medical emergencies. With all the adventurous activities you’ll be doing in Ecuador, from hiking to zip-lining to white water rafting, having insurance will give you peace of mind that you’re covered for most emergencies. I always use SafetyWing when traveling because they have a super simple & easy to understand plan.
If Renting a Car, Drive Defensively
If you’ve visited a Latin American country and rode in a car there, you’d know that there are a lot less traffic rules there than in the United States or Europe. When driving in Ecuador, you must be very aware, drive defensively and stay alert. I didn’t personally drive in Ecuador as I was with my boyfriend who is a much better driver than me. He didn’t have any problems on the roads, and was able to use Google Maps and Waze to navigate.
While exploring the mountains, you will encounter some unpaved, bumpy roads, which is why we recommend getting a 4 wheel drive SUV. Our rental car was a Renault Duster and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better car. We had no issues and were able to get back our full deposit when returning the car.
Stay Aware and Travel in a Group
Although Ecuador is generally safe, it’s important to take safety precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re travelling solo, avoid walking alone at night or displaying valuables like jewelry or your phone, especially in cities like Quito. Instead of using cabs, use rideshare apps like Uber which have safety precautions built into the app. We found Uber to be dependable, quick and cheap in Quito.
If you are nervous about navigating Ecuador by yourself, there are lots of great tours that will allow you to explore the country in the safety of a group. One option is to stay at the Secret Garden Cotopaxi, which provides transportation to and from Quito and organizes tours to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and the Amazon Rainforest (read my full review of The Secret Garden here!). Or if you’d prefer to base yourself in Quito and do daily tours from there, here are some great options:
Ready to book your trip to Ecuador?
Check out my other posts about Ecuador here!
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10-day Ecuador Solo Travel Itinerary (No Car Needed!)
My 10-day Ecuador solo travel itinerary takes you to Quito, Cotopaxi, and Baños. Where to stay, what to do and how to stay safe as a solo traveler in Ecuador!
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White Water Rafting in Baños, Ecuador
Everything you need to know about white water rafting in Baños, Ecuador, including what’s included in the tour, what to bring, how much it costs and a full itinerary of the day.
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8 Unforgettable Things to do in Quito, Ecuador!
8 best things to do in Quito, Ecuador, a vibrant colonial city with a great mix of history, culture and natural attractions. Plus safety tips, how to get there and where to stay.
