The Best Times of Year to Visit Ecuador
From the Pacific coast to the Andes to the Amazon jungle, there’s never a bad time to visit Ecuador. Its location right on the equator helps to stabilize the year-round temperatures meaning there is little seasonal variability, other than the dry season (from May to December) and the wet season (from late December through April).
The biggest difference is not the time of year, but rather the destination:
The Andes highland region (including the capital city of Quito) has spring-like conditions all year, with temperatures in the 60s F (15-20ºC) during the day that drop to the low 40s or 50s F (5-10ºC) at night. At the peaks of the higher volcanoes and mountains, like Cotopaxi or Quilotoa, temperatures are much colder during the day and can even drop below freezing at night. Light showers are not uncommon.
The Amazon regions are hot, humid, and wet year-round with a slightly wetter season from April to June and driest months in December and January when some rivers become low and impassable in a motorized canoe. Although the rain can put a temporary pause on your activities, it can also bring a refreshing break from the humidity. It's the rainforest after all, it's supposed to rain.
The coastal region is impacted significantly by the wet and dry seasons –
Dry season: It never (or almost never) rains. Temperatures are cooler and less humid. There are very few bugs during this season on the coast, but cloudless skies require high-SPF sunscreen to protect against its stronger-than-usual effect here around the equator.
Wet season: The daily afternoon and evening rain showers can last for several hours and relieve the high humidity of the coastal region. Mornings are usually humid but free of rain. Bug repellant is imperative to protect against the mosquitos.
El Niño years also tend to bring in heavy rains and flooding into the low-lying plains of the coastal region.
When to visit the Galapagos Islands
Over 600 miles from the mainland, the enchanting Galapagos Islands always have something to offer travelers year-round. Tourism is at its peak during the cool and dry season from June to November. In addition to holidays, this is when traffic is greatest, prices are highest, and booking in advance is imperative. The low season of tourism extends from February to May, during the hot and rainy season, when you can generally find lower prices and deals and book your trip with greater flexibility and options. Temperatures during this time can feel a bit humid or sticky, but the lush greens that the rains bring to the highland regions can make it worth it.
The breeding, nesting, and mating rituals of the unique endemic wildlife found in the Galapagos is another way nature enthusiasts choose when to visit. For example, to see the peculiar mating dance of the blue-footed booby, it’s best to go from July to December, while avid whale watchers have the best chance to see the majestic humpback in July, August, and September. If there is a certain animal you’d like to see, make sure to check out our Galapagos wildlife page.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.