Ecuador

The best time to visit Ecuador depends on your activities. Really, this is a year-round destination where there will always be something to do.

If you were going to the Amazon rainforest, the drier months of August and December to March are preferable, with less rainfall making jungle treks and wildlife spotting more enjoyable.

The Galapagos Islands, on the other hand, are better from December to May, during the warm and wet season. 

We prefer to visit Ecuador from December to February since this is one of the best times to climb the volcanoes. The weather is usually agreeable and the wind isn’t as constant as during other periods. It’s also a great opportunity to escape the winter of the Northern Hemisphere.

Here is the kind of weather you can expect from the locations we usually visit in Ecuador:

• Quito – the capital of Ecuador experiences mild temperatures year-round due to its high elevation. Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) at night to 20°C (68°F) during the day. The city has two main seasons: the dry season from June to September and the wet season from October to May. 

• Pasochoa & Pichincha – have a similar climate to the capital.  Temperatures in this area can be cooler due to the higher elevation, with daytime highs around 15°C (59°F) and nighttime lows dropping close to freezing.

• Cotopaxi & Chimborazo – the highest peaks in Ecuador have harsh and variable weather. The best climbing conditions are typically found from June to early August and December to February, avoiding the heaviest rains. Temperatures can be extreme, with daytime highs around freezing and nighttime temperatures plunging well below zero, requiring appropriate gear for climbers.

• Baños – enjoys a more temperate climate thanks to its location in the Andean foothills. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). The town experiences two main seasons: the rainy season from October to May and the dry season from June to September. The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the area’s hot springs and waterfalls.

We will be lodging in a variety of accommodations, including 3-star hotels, Hacienda-style guesthouses, and mountain huts during the climb, with a few nights in tents when we attempt Chimborazo.

In Quito, our accommodation will be conveniently located within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Each hotel stay includes a delightful breakfast.

The hotels have been carefully chosen to ensure we get a good night’s sleep at every stop on our journey!

For Cayambe and Cotopaxi, we will stay in basic but comfortable mountain huts beautifully situated along the climbing route, launching our summit attempts directly from these huts.

For Chimborazo, we will stay at one high camp the night before our summit push.

In Ecuador, the primary mobile operators are Claro, Movistar, and CNT.

Claro is the largest operator and offers extensive 4G coverage, particularly in urban areas. Movistar and the state-owned CNT also provide widespread mobile services, including voice and data plans. Tuenti operates as a mobile virtual network operator, providing competitive prepaid and postpaid plans by leveraging existing networks.

You can purchase a local SIM card from these operators at various points such as major airports as well as in numerous retail stores throughout the cities. On average, a charged SIM card will cost around $5.

It’s important to note that cell signal coverage can be limited in mountainous regions. However, your guide will carry a satellite communication device to ensure that you are never completely out of contact in case of emergencies.

While Ecuador has had a reputation for being one of the safer South American nations, it has recently been suffering from political instability. Several politicians have been ousted in what many describe as “coups” and public demonstrations have become quite commonplace. 

That being said, safety concerns related to political situations like these are usually isolated to the larger cities, in particular the capital, and only occur in local districts or around governmental buildings. Tourists are very rarely caught up if they stay away from hotspots or zones of unrest. In these cases, it definitely pays to have a local expert or guide to consult as well. 

Venturing into the wilderness comes with its own set of hazards. Inclement weather can seriously derail any expedition and high altitude can make even the fittest hikers gasping for air. Natural disasters are also an accepted reality in this part of the world: several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active and regularly erupt.

If a location is threatened by extreme weather or natural disaster, Epic will ensure the safety of its guests and not visit that particular spot.

Ecuador offers a diverse and flavorful culinary experience, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and varied geography. 

On the coast, seafood dominates the menu. Ceviche, a popular dish made from fresh fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juices and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, is a must-try. Other coastal delights include encocado, a coconut-based seafood stew, and bolón de verde, a savory green plantain dumpling often filled with cheese or pork.

In the highlands, hearty and comforting dishes are prevalent. Locro de papas, a creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado, is a traditional favorite. Another staple is llapingachos, potato patties stuffed with cheese and typically served with chorizo, fried eggs, and avocado. Meat lovers can indulge in hornado, roasted pork marinated in a variety of spices.

Throughout Ecuador, street food is an integral part of the culinary landscape, with offerings like empanadas, humitas (corn cakes), and grilled meats providing quick, delicious bites. 

Most travelers can enter Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. This visa-free access applies to citizens of numerous countries, including the majority of the Americas, Europe, and many parts of Asia and Oceania. However, some nationalities must obtain a visa prior to entry, particularly citizens from countries with stricter immigration.

For the most current and detailed information, it’s advisable to check with Ecuadorian consulates or official government resources before planning your trip.

Conveniently, the official currency of Ecuador is the USD, which was adopted in the year 2000 to stabilize the economy and facilitate international trade. Thus, American travelers do not need to worry about exchanging currency upon arrival.

Visitors can easily withdraw money from ATMs, which are widely available in larger cities and tourist areas. Outside of these populated urban areas though, opportunities to withdraw money become scarce. You’ll want to have your cash before you leave Quito for the mountanis.

Regarding costs, Ecuador can be quite affordable. For instance:

• Street food like empanadas or humitas typically costs around $1 to $2.
• A local beer can be purchased for about $1 to $3.
• A meal at a mid-range restaurant generally costs between $5 and $10.

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill; if not, leaving a 10% tip is appropriate. 

Money Recommendation for Epic trips: With 300 USD you should have more than enough to get souvenirs, buy beer, pick up snacks, and extra drinks and meals along the way.  

When we return to Quito at the end of the tour, you will have a chance to get out more cash should you need (for shopping, tipping staff, last minute purchases, etc).

If you have extra time in Ecuador, consider seeing the rest of the country! Below are some possible extensions to add on to a climbing trip:

• Explore the Galápagos Islands: The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Activities include snorkeling with sea lions, hiking on volcanic islands, and observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience biodiversity and natural beauty.
• Visit the Amazon Rainforest: A trip to the Amazon provides an immersive experience in one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Visitors can take guided tours to see exotic wildlife, explore river systems, and learn about indigenous cultures. Lodges in the Amazon offer comfortable accommodations and opportunities for night hikes, canoe trips, and wildlife spotting.
• Cuenca: Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore historic churches, museums, and plazas, and enjoy the city’s culinary delights. Cuenca also serves as a base for visiting nearby Inca ruins and natural parks.
• Mindo Cloud Forest: Located a couple of hours from Quito, Mindo is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The cloud forest is home to numerous species of birds, butterflies, and orchids. Activities include bird watching, zip-lining, and visiting butterfly farms and chocolate factories.