Backpacking Ecuador: COMPLETE Guide For 2023

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Backpacking Ecuador? Yay! Ecuador is one of the most beautiful and untouched countries in South America. The abundance of wildlife, incredible scenery and bucket list activities make it an amazing place to travel (especially for budget and mid-range backpackers, like ourselves).

For us, backpacking Ecuador was an adventure from start to finish. From venturing into the Amazon Rainforest to listening to a frog concert in a cloud forest to dancing to live music on the streets of Quito; there’s something for everyone.

And let’s not forget the wonders of the Galapagos Islands; a must-visit for anyone visiting Ecuador!

In the following post, I outline everything you need to know about backpacking Ecuador. From what to do, where to stay, how to stay safe, what to eat, where to go and of course, detailed routes and itineraries for backpackers in Ecuador

Still got a question about backpacking Ecuador? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

⚠️ For more information about safety and staying safe in Ecuador, please read the following UK Government advice.

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• Banos To Guayaquil (Ecuador) Complete Guide & Routes
• 3 Days In Quito: The PERFECT Itinerary
• Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes
• 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides!
• 10 Days In Ecuador: Route, Itinerary & Tips

Backpacking Ecuador: A Summary

So, how easy is it to backpack Ecuador? Let’s start off with the fact that Ecuador is an amazing country in South America to backpack.

As it is one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet, there are plenty of things to do, see and try; with a whole number of bucket list activities that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

It’s also slightly underrated. Shadowed often by its neighbours Peru and Colombia, this small slice of paradise is often overlooked. But, Ecuador has a lot to offer either first-time or regular backpackers.

On a budget? You’re in luck! You’ll be able to book cheap shuttles and public buses to get around easily, eat affordable and tasty street food, and stay in low-costing social hostels to meet new people and make new travel buddies.

In summary, if you’re contemplating backpacking Ecuador, do it. It’s not as touristic as other countries in Latin America such as Mexico and Colombia, and has so many hidden gems and finds to explore.

And for me, being able to visit the Ecuadorean Amazon Rainforest easily from Quito was all the convincing I needed (if you need to know how to visit the rainforest in Ecuador, you can check out my Amazon post here).

Continent	South America
Countries bordered	Colombia, Peru
Capital City	Quito
Population	17.8 million (2021)
Currency	US Dollars
Language	Spanish
Emergency numbers	911 (all emergencies)
National food	Encebollado
Best locations to visit as a backpacker	Quito, Mindo, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (Amazon Rainforest), Mindo, Cotopaxi, Otavalo, Guayaquil, Banos, Galapagos Islands
Unmissable experience	Visiting the Amazon Rainforest!

📲 Don’t forget to download your eSim for Ecuador! ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

How long do I need to backpack Ecuador?

Knowing how long you need to backpack Ecuador depends on what you want to do, see, experience and what kind of traveller you are. But, if you want to explore all of the major highlights, I recommend at least 3-4 weeks.

This allows enough time to visit the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, the adventure capital of Banos, the Andes Mountains, and historical cities like Quito (plus a few other epic locations).

Related post: Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks | 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes | 10 Days In Ecuador

Is Ecuador safe for backpackers?

Safety, in most cases, is subjective. What might feel safe for me, might not feel safe for you.

But overall, if you stick to the right areas, Ecuador is a safe place for backpackers to visit. During our time in Ecuador, we felt safe; especially during the day. There were certain places in Quito that we did not walk around at night, simply because of safety issues.

It is really important that you do your research before visiting Ecuador, as safety issues can change quickly.

For example, just before we were meant to arrive, violent protests were expected in Quito. This made us a little worried, but after checking the ‘backpacking Ecuador’ Facebook groups, we found out this was no more than a media scare.

People actually in Ecuador usually have a good perspective of what is going on, so it’s always worth researching and running some checks.

But like I said, overall, Ecuador is a safe country for backpackers to visit. There are some areas that tourists should not visit, so it’s worth planning a good Ecuador route and knowing where you’re going throughout.

Plus, Ecuadoreans are, in general, warm, kind and friendly people. Speaking a little Spanish goes a long way, and everyone we met went out of their way to help us.

Ecuador emergency numbers

Hopefully, you will never need to use Ecuador’s emergency numbers, but just in case you do, these are the numbers you will need to dial.

🚑 Medical emergencies: 131 or 911 (if you dial 911, be sure to ask for medical assistance).

🚓 Police: 911

For safety reasons, always let someone know where you are when travelling Ecuador. Check in with a family member or friend often, and let them know where you are staying.

Visa requirements for Ecuador

If you are from either the UK or USA, you are granted a tourist visa that lasts for 90 days on arrival.

⚠️ For more information about safety and staying safe in Ecuador, please read the following UK Government advice.

Popular Ecuador routes

Looking for the best Ecuador routes? Luckily for you, this blog is packed full of itineraries, routes and guides for Ecuador, so you can plan your trip from start to finish!

Either follow one of the popular Ecuador routes below or click the pink links for more detailed information.

🗺️ 4 weeks in Ecuador: Quito > Mindo > Quito > Amaon Rainforest > Otavalo > Cotopaxi > Banos > Guayaquil > The Galapagos.

🗺️ 3 weeks in Ecuador: Quito > Mindo > Quito > Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno) > Cotopaxi > Banos > Guayaquil > Galapagos Islands.

🗺️ 2 weeks in Ecuador: Quito > Mindo > The Amazon Rainforest > Quito > Otavalo > Cotopaxi > Banos.

🗺️ 10 days in Ecuador: Quito > Amazon Rainforest > Cotopaxi > Banos.

Need more information about these backpacking Ecuador routes? Check out the following Ecuador itineraries below:

• Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
• 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides!
• 10 Days In Ecuador: Route, Itinerary & Tips
• One Day In Quito: What To Do, Eat, See & Explore

Where to stay in Ecuador

Knowing where to stay in Ecuador is important. Although the majority of areas in Ecuador are safe, you want to be somewhere where you feel secure and surrounded by like-minded travellers.

In the following list, I have detailed the best hostels and hotels in Ecuador, that are safe and secure for tourists and backpackers.

Where to stay in Quito

Quito is a big city. Whilst we were there, we stayed in two different areas; the main city centre and La Floresta.

Some of the best accommodations in Quito include:

• Viajero Hostel (city centre): a beautiful hostel that includes free breakfast!
• Community Hostel (city centre): the perfect social hostel for the Amazon Rainforest tour!
• Secret Garden: (city centre): around a 15-minute walk to the main square
• Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe (La Floresta): a hotel with offers stunning views of the Guápulo Valley.
• NH Collection Quito Royal (La Floresta): a more luxurious stay with a health club, free WiFi and free breakfast.

Where to stay in Mindo

I’d recommend booking the Saguamby Mindo Lodge if there is availability! But if not, here are some of my other choices:

• Saguamby Mindo Lodge: my top choice for couples or groups in Mindo! It may be a little quiet if you’re a solo traveller, but if you don’t mind having a relaxing few days by yourself, this hotel is perfect.
• Terrabambu Lodge: another tranquil and peaceful lodge in the rainforest.
• Cinnamon House: for solo travellers or couples wanting a hostel in Mindo.

Where to stay in Cotopaxi

Most of the lodges in Cotopaxi are cosy, wood cabins full of colourful Andes traditions. From the thick, woolly blankets to the free-roaming alpacas, traditional flute music and burning fires; staying in Cotopaxi is an experience of a lifetime.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend the following accommodations:

• Secret Garden Cotopaxi (book via Secret Garden Quito): perfect for backpackers, couples, solo travellers and those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime trip in Cotopaxi.
• Tambopaxi Lodge: a remote lodge in the Cotopaxi National Park. Perfect for those who want to escape the real world, hunker down in front of a fire and be surrounded by incredible landscapes.
• Cuscungo Cotopaxi Hostel & Lodge: perfect for all ages, another traditional and beautiful wood cabin in the middle of Cotopaxi.

Where to stay in Banos

Banos is a small, picturesque town surrounded by volcanoes and the Andes mountains. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights as a backpacker looking for adventure. Some of the best accommodations include:

• Mama Tungu Hostel: the perfect hostel in Banos for solo travellers, digital nomads and couples. Well-located, great facilities and comfy rooms!
• Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel: the best social hostel with a rooftop in Banos!
• Papacho’s Hostel: another great hostel in Banos for solo travellers and couples wanting to be in the middle of all of the action.
• La Posada del Arte: A great hotel in Banos for couples or those who don’t want to stay in a hostel.
• Aldea Real Eco-Friendly: An amazing eco-friendly hostel in Banos.

Where to stay in Guayaquil

• Manso Boutique Guesthouse: conveniently located near the Malecón 2000 and the Guayas River.
• Casa Michael: a great hostel for backpackers.
• Wyndham Guayaquil: for a luxury stay in Guayaquil.
• Unipark Hotel: for a budget-friendly hotel stay in Guayaquil.

Getting around Ecuador as a backpacker

You can travel around Ecuador in multiple ways, depending on how much time you have, your budget and where you want to visit. The most common way for backpackers to travel around Ecuador is via shuttle bus or private transfers.

Note: I do not recommend hiring a car in Ecuador for many reasons. The roads are hectic and unless you’re an experienced driver comfortable in situations like this, I’d avoid it at all costs!

🚌 GETTING AROUND ECUADOR BY SHUTTLE BUS

Shuttles in Ecuador are a safe, reliable and easy way to get around. They will also be with other backpackers, so you will get the chance to meet people travelling to the same destinations as you.

Shuttles can be booked online here or via your hostel. I recommend pre-booking your shuttles in advance, as they fill up quickly!

➡ Check shuttles in Ecuador now!

🚎 GETTING AROUND ECUADOR BY PUBLIC BUSES

Public buses are a cheaper alternative to using shuttles or private transfers. They’re easy to navigate and run regularly through the country. For a specific journey, you will need to check the bus route (there are many listed on this website, just search for the journey in Ecuador you need!)

🚖 GETTING AROUND ECUADOR BY A PRIVATE TRANSFERS

Booking private transfers to get around Ecuador is one of the most popular and safest ways to see the country. We did it multiple times to get to and from different locations.

➡ Check prices and bookings for your own private transfers in Ecuador here.

✈️ GETTING AROUND ECUADOR VIA PLANE

Whilst I don’t recommend this for short journeys, you will need to fly to the Galapagos Islands from Quito or Guayaquil. For the cheapest flights to the Galapagos, check out this website.

➡ Check prices for flights in Ecuador now!

Public buses in Ecuador

Public buses in Ecuador are generally safe, but it’s worth noting that thieves do operate regularly on multiple routes. For this reason, keep your valuables safely on your lap and within your eyesight. Some thieves are sneaky enough to steal from your bag from underneath your seat.

It’s also important to stick to buses that take safe and well-known routes in Ecuador.

Best time to go backpacking in Ecuador

Ecuador typically has a warm climate with average temperatures ranging from 22-25°C (70-77°F) year-round. The mountainous regions maintain a temperate climate throughout the year, while the rainforests and jungle areas have a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions.

Tourists visit Ecuador year-round, as there isn’t a specific “best” time to go. You can explore the country at any time of the year and have great weather.

August tends to be the warmest month, while February is typically the coldest. But even during the coldest period, unless you’re at high elevations in the mountains or volcanoes, temperatures rarely dip below 13°C/55°F!

From October to May in Ecuador, the months fall within the “wet season,” with high humidity and frequent heavy rainfall.

Visiting the Amazon rainforest? It’s good to know that the rainy season in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve starts in February and lasts until November.

• 🌎 Best overall time to visit Ecuador: June – September (average 15°C-25°C/59°F-77°F)
• 💸 Cheapest time to visit Ecuador: February to March or November.
• 🌳 Best time to visit the Cuyabeno Reserve (Amazon Rainforest): Any time of year, just expect rain!
• ☀️ Hottest time to visit Ecuador: June – September
• 🥶 Coldest month in Ecuador: February (average 12°C/55°F)
• ☔️ Rainiest months in Ecuador: February (average 100mm)

Budget for backpacking Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries to backpack in South America. However, if you want to do some of the bucket list destinations like the Galapagos and the Amazon, you will need to plan accordingly.

💸 For a budget backpacker: I recommend taking at least £50 ($65 USD) per day. This includes staying in a budget dorm room, cooking most of your own food or buying street food, taking public buses and doing mostly free tours.

🤑 Or if you’re a mid-range traveller (like we are): I recommend a little more than this – take an average of £80 ($100 USD) per day. This includes staying in Airbnb and hotels, booking tours like the Amazon Rainforest and getting private transfers.

	Accommodation (per night)	Food (per day)	Activities (some activities are free!)	Average daily spend
Low-budget backpacker	Shared dorm: £8-15	£10-30	£0-50+	£50
Mid-range backpacker	Private room: £40-60	£30-60	£0-80+	£80

⚠️ NOTE: If you want to visit the Galapagos, your budget will need to be considerably higher. This will need to be planned and budgeted for separately.

Best things to do in Ecuador

There are so many exciting things to do in Ecuador! Some of the best activities that should be planned into your Ecuador itinerary are listed below, split into specific destinations.

🇪🇨 QUITO:

• Visit the Middle of the World equator line
• Do a free walking tour
• Explore the city and its nightlife
• Book a tour to the Amazon Rainforest
• Take a day trip to Otavalo market town
• Hike Cotopaxi (two hours from Quito)

➡ For more Quito ideas, check out my one day in Quito guide!

🇪🇨 MINDO:

• Explore Mindo Valley’s main town
• Hike to the waterfalls
• Attend a ‘frog concert’
• Relax by the River Mindo
• Visit the butterfly sanctuary

🇪🇨 BANOS:

• Mountain biking
• Waterfall hiking
• Ziplining
• 4×4 drives
• Multi-day jungle hikes
• Rock climbing
• Paragliding

🇪🇨 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:

• Visit the different islands of the Galapagos
• Wildlife spotting
• Snorkelling and scuba diving
• Beach hopping
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Bird watching

Bucket list tours and activities Ecuador

Looking to book a tour in Ecuador? Tours are one of the best and safest ways to see the hidden gems of Ecuador. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling around the world, we use this company to book our tours. You can take both day trips and overnight tours around the country; and they’re safe, easy to book and reliable!

Expect skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

• Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tour 🌳 ➡ check prices here!
• Hiking Cotopaxi 🏔️ ➡ check prices here!
• Incredible Isabela Island Tour (Galapagos) 🦭 ➡ check prices here!
• Adrenaline-Pumping Activities in Banos 🧗🏼‍♂️ ➡ check prices here!
• Incredible 2-Day Amazon Rainforest Tour 🌿 ➡ check prices here!

➡View all bucket list activities in Ecuador now!

What to pack for backpacking Ecuador

When preparing for a trip to Ecuador, packing is similar to other Central and South American countries. Just remember to add in some warmer clothes for colder climates in high-altitude areas like Quito.

Need to know more? I’ve written an entire, lengthy blog post about what to pack for Ecuador; from daily clothes to gadgets and tech, the right kind of backpack and things you may have forgotten. You can check out my full Ecuador packing list here!

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest? Don’t forget to check out my complete Amazon packing list too!

Local food and drink in Ecuador

FOOD 🥘

The national food of Ecuador is encebollado, which is a traditional fish stew. If this isn’t your thing, Ecuador is known for its tasty homemade food and street stall. Serving everything from locro de papa (potato stew), cuy asado (roasted guinea pig) and quimbolitos (a dessert).

If you’re not a big fan of traditional food in Ecuador, there should still be something for you to eat. We found Mindo and Quito had lots of Western options (such as pizza, burgers and chips), as well as vegetarian options.

DRINK 🍻

Pinol is the national drink in Ecuador and is made of flour, spices and milk. The hot drink can be found all over the country and is often served with lunch.

If you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage in Ecuador, the most popular option is Canelazo. A well-known drink from the Andes, it’s used in celebrations, parties and fiestas, and is well worth trying when in the country!

Making friends as a backpacker in Ecuador

If you’re looking to make friends in Ecuador as a backpacker, there are a few different ways. For the majority of the time, you will meet people on tours (Galapagos, Amazon, Mindo etc), so it becomes relatively easy to make friends.

However, here are my best tips for making friends whilst backpacking Ecuador, regardless of if you’re travelling in a couple, solo, with friends or you’re a bit of an introvert (like me!)

• Stay in hostels (even if it’s a private room). Not only is this a great way to meet people in Ecuador, but it’s one of the safest ways to backpack the country.
• Use shuttle buses to move from different areas in Ecuador. Many backpackers will use shuttle buses to get around Ecuador. Either pre-book online or book with your hostel.
• Book tours! Day trips to Otavalo or hiking Cotopaxi attract other tourists and backpackers, and you’re likely to meet like-minded people.

Where to go AFTER Ecuador

If you aren’t going home after Ecuador (yay!), and are backpacking Central or South America, here are some of the most popular onward routes:

✈️ Fly out of the country from Quito or Guayaquil airport. Both have international departures.

🇨🇴 Colombia: many backpackers head north to Colombia after Ecuador. We loved both Medellin and Cartagena!

🇵🇪 Peru: we also had some friends who headed south to Peru. Another bordering country, this one is easy to fly to from Quito or Guayaquil.

🌎 Heading to Central America? This blog is packed full of information on Belize, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. Check out my blog posts and start planning here!

Related posts: Backpacking El Salvador | Backpacking Guatemala | Backpacking Belize

Backpacking Ecuador: FAQs

1) Is Ecuador a good place to backpack?

Yes! Ecuador is an amazing country for backpackers. There are plenty of unique destinations to visit (such as the Galapagos and the Amazon Rainforest), diverse

2) How much does it cost to backpack in Ecuador?

For a budget backpacker, I recommend taking at least £50 ($65 USD) per day, and for a mid-range backpacker, £80 ($105 USD) per day.

Ecuador, in general, is budget-friendly. It has similar prices to its neighbouring country Colombia (but maybe a tiny bit more expensive in restaurants and cafes).

3) Where can I backpack in Ecuador?

Quito, Mindo, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (the Amazon Rainforest), Mindo, Cotopaxi, Otavalo, Guayaquil, Banos, and the Galapagos Islands are all popular backpacker locations to visit in Ecuador.

4) Is Ecuador a cheap country to visit?

Ecuador is known for being one of the cheapest countries in South America. It is perfect for those who want to have a great, adventure-filled time on a budget.

5) Do I need an eSim to travel around Ecuador?

Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Ecuador.

We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!

If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Backpacking Ecuador: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about backpacking Ecuador! When you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. 

I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Ecuador content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts

• One Day In Quito: What To Do, Eat, See & Explore
• 3 Days In Quito: The PERFECT Itinerary
• Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
• 10 BEST Day Trips From Cartagena Colombia!