The best time to visit Ecuador depends on what you'd like to do, as Ecuador is a year round destination. There are different regional zones that have their own microclimates and best times to visit, which should be considered when you are planning your trip. Generally speaking, you may also wish to bear in mind the peak tourism season, from mid-December to end of January and again from June to August. The fascinating wildlife of the Amazon can be found in Ecuador along the ‘Oriente’ in the eastern part of the country. As this rainforest feeds into the Amazon Basin, it is a hot and humid area that experiences rain all year round. The drier months tend to be August and December through to March, meaning these are slightly better times to travel.
Home to the capital, Quito, the Andean Highlands in the northern area of Ecuador has a dry season from June to September, which is usually warm and sunny. There is rain outside of these months but not as frequent as other areas of the country. Due to the altitude of the Andean Highlands the evenings tend to milder in temperature throughout the year. The Pacific Lowlands in the south of Ecuador experience two very distinct seasons. There is beach-friendly sunshine throughout January to May, although there are still downpours in the afternoon. The dry season runs from June to December but the temperatures are colder with a prolonged cloud build up.
Although a wet month across a lot of the country, the coast sees plenty of sunshine and is great for beach visits. It is a good time to combine a trip to the Galapagos Islands at the same time, as the weather around the islands is better this time of year.
February is a good time to travel to the Amazon Basin as it is slightly drier during these months, and wildlife may be better to see.
March is a good time to see the Devil’s Nose, although it is accessible all year round, this famous train runs from Tuesdays to Sundays and is a bit quieter this time of year.
April tends to see more rain through Ecuador. Rainfall normally occurs during the afternoon, and the amount varies by region, and the beaches along the coast still see significant amounts of sunshine and surf.
May is a good month for non-coastal activities. Further inland it is a good time to hike in the mountains, and take walks along the Quillota Loop. Photography is also great at this time of year because of the lighting.
June is a good month for exploring small Amazonian tributaries by canoe, such as those in Cuyabeno Reserve. Continuing on from May, trekking in the Andean Highlands is still great at this time of year.
Rainfall across the country is at the lowest during July, making July a high season across the country. It means that areas are busier during this time. Although it is a good time to take advantage of the national park at Cotopaxi as it is quieter around this time.
Drier month to visit the ‘Oriente’ and the Amazon Basin and experience the incredible wildlife that resides in the Amazon. Caiman within the rivers are particularly more prominent around this time, with other wildlife such as monkeys and birds seen a majority of the year.
September is a good month to visit every area of Ecuador, with pleasant, warm weather and less chance of rain.
October is considered a shoulder season in Ecuador, with slightly less travellers throughout. This is a great time to travel for a less crowded, and quieter travel experience, although wildlife spotting may be a bit harder to do along the coast due to the weather.
November is very similar to October as a shoulder season. It may be a good time to experience the famous Otavalo market, known for its incredible textiles, as although it happens every Saturday throughout the year, this may be a quieter time to visit.
December is the start of the busier months in December. During December, the Amazon Basin becomes drier to visit again with better wildlife viewing here.
Although Ecuador is an all-year country, January to May is cooler and wetter than the rest of the year. There is still plenty to do and take advantage of, and many combine it with their travels to the Galapagos islands as the waters around there are particularly warm and calm. The further south, the more sunshine is experienced.
Between June and December, the skies are clearer and the temperature is warmer in most parts of the country. This is usually the best time to travel in the northern part of the country and the Andean highlands. The wildlife throughout Ecuador can typically be seen all year round, but this may be a better time to travel to see birds in the clear, blue skies.
This luxury safari takes you on a journey of natural highlights on land and at sea. Explore Ecuador’s wonderful capital city, Quito as you weave through the streets and plazas on a guided tour to learn about the interesting mix of cultures in the city. Get up close to the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, from land iguanas and flamingo, to blue-footed boobies and tortoise, and you can even snorkel with sea lions and sharks.
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A true Andes, Amazon & Cloud Forest Adventure; visit Cotopaxi's with its peak at a soaring 5,897 metres in height, spend time in the mighty Amazon Rainforest and immerse yourself in the lush nature of Ecuador's cloud forest.
From 10000 per personExplore the Amazon rainforest, which covers a significant portion of eastern Ecuador. Take guided jungle treks, boat tours, and canopy walks to spot diverse wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, parrots, jaguars, and colorful butterflies. xperience the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador's eastern region. Go on jungle treks, boat rides, and birdwatching excursions to see monkeys, toucans, and more. Stay at jungle lodges in the Amazon to immerse yourself in the rainforest and take night walks.
Climb one of the world's highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi, and hike in Cotopaxi National Park, home to Andean wildlife like wild horses, foxes, and deer.
Ecuador is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 1,600 bird species. Explore various ecosystems to spot hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, and Andean condors.
Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, known for its incredible biodiversity, and the Mashpi Reserve to see rare and endemic birds, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock and toucan barbet. You can also enjoy activities like zip-lining, birdwatching, and butterfly and orchid gardens.
