Ecuador
Ecuador may be small, but it seriously punches above its weight. The Amazon, the Andes and the Pacific coast all squeeze into one compact country, with a ridiculous amount of wildlife and adventure along the way. Add the Galápagos into the mix and you've got somewhere that deserves far more attention from backpackers. Come for the landscapes, stay for the food, the culture and the excuse to keep exploring.
Read Our Backpacking GuideOur Must-Read Guides
Quick Facts
Ecuador Accommodation Guides
Editor's PickThe 4 Best Hostels In Ecuador
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Ecuador The 4 Best Hostels In Ecuador As I said, there’s actually a pretty impressive amount…
Editor's PickThe 5 Best Hostels in Galapagos
Quick Answer – Best Hostels in Galapagos The 5 Best Hostels in Galapagos Backpacking Galapagos is awesome; I’m not going to lie.…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Quito (COOLEST Areas!)
Top Accommodation in Quito A Guide to Quito’s Best Neighborhoods If you’re backpacking through Ecuador, there’s pretty much no way around Quito.…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Galapagos (COOLEST Areas!)
The Best Places to Stay in the Galapagos Islands Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for…
Editor's Pick5 AMAZING Hostels in Quito (Insider Guide!)
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Quito The 5 Best Hostels in Quito Backpacking Ecuador is awesome if you can find the…
Editor's Pick10 UNREAL Hostels in Guayaquil
Quick Answer – Best Hostels in Guayaquil Best Hostels in Guayaquil Since the possibility of ending up in Guayaquil during your backpacking…
Know Before You Go
The no-BS planning guides, prep tips, and field-tested picks we use on the road.
Book It
Hostels
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across Ecuador.
Hotels
Treat yourself to your own room once in a while.
eSIM
Data the second you land – no SIM hunt at the airport.
Travel Insurance
The cover we trust on every trip – built for backpackers, actually affordable.
Tours
Even on a budget, some experiences are worth paying for.
Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across Ecuador.
Travel Advice From The Trenches.
Subscribe to our newsletter for practical guides, honest destination breakdowns, and budget travel tips straight from the road. No fluff, no filler.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
Our Latest Stories from Ecuador
New trip stories, guides, and honest lessons, straight from the backpack.
Ecuador
Is Ecuador cheap for backpackers?
Ecuador can be a relatively affordable destination, particularly if you use local buses, stay in hostels and eat at local restaurants. The Galápagos is a different story and can add considerably to your budget, especially once flights, accommodation and activities are factored in.
Do you need to visit the Galápagos Islands?
Buses are the main way to get around mainland Ecuador and are generally inexpensive. The country is relatively compact compared with its South American neighbours, so you can cover a lot without spending days on the road. Domestic flights can be useful for longer journeys.
What is the Quilotoa Loop?
The Quilotoa Loop is a popular hiking route through the Ecuadorian Andes, centred around the spectacular Quilotoa crater lake. You can hike between small mountain villages, stay in local guesthouses and experience a quieter side of Ecuador away from the main tourist route. You don't need to be an experienced trekker to tackle it, although the altitude can make things harder.
Can you visit the Amazon in Ecuador?
Absolutely. Ecuador's Amazon region is relatively accessible compared with some other parts of the Amazon basin, with popular trips heading into the rainforest around Tena and Cuyabeno. Expect jungle hikes, canoe trips, wildlife spotting and plenty of insects. It's the Amazon, after all.