Currency
US dollar (USD)
Welcome to the country page
Discover & understand Ecuador
Your comprehensive guide to travel, immigration, cost of living and taxes in Ecuador.
Photo: Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Capital
Quito
Official language
Spanish
Climate
Equatorial · Andes, coast, Amazon, Galápagos
Time zone
UTC−5 · Galápagos UTC−6
Dial code
+593
Population
approx. 18 million
Power plugs
Type A / B · 120 V
Topic areas
Choose a subpage for detailed information
Travel & Discover
Routes, sights, safety, best travel seasons & insider tips
Read moreImmigration & Visa
Visa types, residency, entry rules, bureaucracy guides & residence rights
Read moreLiving & Costs
Rent prices, grocery costs, health insurance, best neighborhoods & daily life
Read moreTaxes & Law
Tax system, company formation, bank accounts & finances
Read moreWeeklyNews & Updates
Fresh weekly posts, reports & current developments in the country
Read moreBackground & lifestyle
Land, people & culture in Ecuador
Galápagos – unique nature
The Pacific island group is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for giant tortoises, marine iguanas and unique ecosystems. Entry requires the Transit Control Card (TCT, often about USD 20) and the park fee (foreign adults currently about USD 200; children under 12 often about USD 100 — check current CGREG/park rates). Cruises and land-based island stays are the classic formats.
Photo: Charlesjsharp · CC BY-SA 3.0
Cotopaxi & Avenue of Volcanoes
Snow-capped volcanoes line the Andes — Cotopaxi is among the best known. National-park rules, closures and weather change; take tours and acclimatization seriously (Quito sits at about 2,850 m). The Avenue of Volcanoes links highland towns with summit views.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0
Otavalo, ceviche & encebollado
Otavalo’s market is famous for textiles and crafts from the Indigenous Kichwa community. On the coast and in cities, ceviche and encebollado (fish soup with onions) are everyday food. To the east, the Amazon (including Yasuní) opens up — lodges and community tours need planning and respect for protected areas.
Photo: Arabsalam · CC BY 4.0