Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands sit 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador, and they are one of the few places on earth where wildlife has never learned to fear people. Sea lions nap on park benches, giant tortoises cross the road, and blue-footed boobies dance a few feet from the trail. The mainland adds Andean volcanoes, colonial Quito and cloud forest, so the country rewards a longer trip.
Why it is on my list
The Galápagos, where the animals don't move out of your way. It is the rare trip where the main attraction is simply being allowed to share space with animals that are completely at ease. I want to see what the world looks like when nothing runs away.
Best time to go
Dec to May: Warm and humid with calm seas and the best snorkeling visibility. Marine iguanas and tortoises nest and hatch in the green season.
Jun to Nov: Cooler, drier and breezier, with a colder current that brings rich marine life. Humpback whales pass from roughly June to September.
Where to stay
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz: The easiest base, with restaurants, the Charles Darwin Research Station and day boats to nearby islands.
Puerto Villamil, Isabela: Sandy streets, flamingo lagoons and a slow pace. Good for volcano hikes.
San Cristóbal: Sea lions on the waterfront and good snorkeling close to town.
Liveaboard cruise: Covers remote islands that land-based trips cannot reach. Small yachts hold 16 or fewer guests.
Getting there and around
Flights: Fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), then on to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). Quito is a short hop from major US hubs, often via Miami or Houston.
Fees: Visitors pay a national park entry fee, currently $200 for most foreigners, plus a transit control card. Check current amounts.
Inter-island: Public fast boats link the main inhabited islands. Most visitor sites require a licensed guide.
What to eat
Ceviche: Ecuadorian style is citrusy and often served with popcorn or plantain chips.
Encebollado: A tuna and cassava soup, the classic cure for a long night.
Fanesca: A rich bean and grain soup made around Easter.
Fresh lobster and wahoo: Galápagos seafood is simple and excellent, though seasonal restrictions apply.
What to drink
Coffee: Galápagos coffee from San Cristóbal and highland mainland beans are both worth seeking out.
Canelazo: A warm cinnamon and sugar cane spirit punch for cold Quito evenings.
Don't miss
Tortuga Bay: A long white beach on Santa Cruz, with marine iguanas on the sand.
Giant tortoises: Wild ones roam the highlands at El Chato and Rancho Primicias.
Kicker Rock: A sheer volcanic spire off San Cristóbal, popular for snorkeling and diving.
Bartolomé: The classic lava landscape with Pinnacle Rock.
Sierra Negra: A hike to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world.
Day trips and side trips
Mindo cloud forest: Hummingbirds, orchids and chocolate tours, about two hours from Quito.
Cotopaxi: One of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
Otavalo: A famous Saturday textile market.
Festivals and events
Carnival: Usually February, with water games across the country and a lively Galápagos celebration.
Inti Raymi: Usually around late June, an Andean solstice festival, strongest in indigenous highland communities.
Fiestas de Quito: Usually early December, with parades and street parties.
Music and dance
Pasillo: Melancholic national ballads.
Andean folk: Pan flutes and charango at peñas in Quito.
Nightlife
Ecuadorians love a long dinner and a lively night, especially in Quito and Guayaquil. The Galápagos are quieter, with sunsets on the waterfront and early bedtimes before dawn boat departures.
When people go out: Fri and Sat in Quito, usually after 10 pm. Island bars fill at sunset.
Photography spots
Bartolomé summit: Sunrise over the twin bays.
Tortuga Bay: Iguanas against white sand.
Drones: Strictly prohibited in the Galápagos National Park without special permits. Mainland rules require registration, so check first.
Cost of living
Overall: $$$ on the mainland compared with New York, $$$$ in the Galápagos.
Local lunch: $4 to $7 for a set menu on the mainland.
Dinner for two: $30 to $50 on the mainland, $60 to $100 in the Galápagos.
Mid-range hotel: $60 to $120 per night.
Daily budget: $70 to $120 on the mainland, $200 and up in the Galápagos.
The mainland is good value, but the islands carry fees and boat costs that add up quickly.
Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: Reliable in Quito and Guayaquil, slower and pricier in the islands.
Time zone: Mainland matches US Eastern in winter and runs an hour behind in summer. The Galápagos are one hour behind the mainland.
Visas: US citizens usually get 90 days. Ecuador offers a digital nomad visa. Check current rules.
Nomad rating: 3/5 on the mainland, 2/5 in the islands.
Good to know
Language: Spanish. English is common on tours and in tourist hotels, less so elsewhere.
Currency: The US dollar.
Entry for US citizens: Passport valid for six months and a return ticket are usually required. Check current rules.
Plugs, tipping, water: Type A and B plugs at 120 V. Tip about 10 percent. Drink bottled water.
Apps: Uber and inDrive work in main cities.
SIM/eSIM: Claro and Movistar are the main carriers. eSIMs work easily.
Useful phrases
Buenos días: Good morning.
Por favor and gracias: Please and thank you.
¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much is it?
La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please.
¿Dónde está el baño?: Where is the bathroom?
Meeting people
Social scene: Friendly and family oriented. Boat trips and hostels are the easiest places to meet travelers.
Stay smart: Keep your distance from wildlife and follow the guide, since the rules protect the animals.
Staying safe
Petty theft: Keep valuables out of sight in Quito and Guayaquil, and avoid walking alone at night.