The best tome to go to Ecuador

Straddling the Equator as its name suggests, it is possible to travel to Ecuador at any time of the year, but there are different regional zones listed below 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, which approximately from mid-December to end of January and again from June to August. Coinciding as they do with popular times for us to travel, early planning is highly recommended.

When to go

This is a guide for the country as a whole, indicating good times to plan a holiday, taking into account popular places to visit, wildlife encounters and overall weather. Please remember that where in the country will vary depending on month of travel.

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When to go to Ecuador if you want to see…

Birds

Year round – from the harpy eagle in the Amazon, the waved albatross in Machalilla National Park and the mighty condor in the Andes there are plenty of species to keep birders occupied.

Caiman

July to November – the Amazon crocodile can be seen throughout the year but chances increase during the rainy season when they begin nesting and fish numbers soar.

Monkeys

Year round – howler, squirrel, capuchin, and woolly monkeys as well as tamarins and marmosets can be seen throughout the year in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Sloths

Year round – both two-toed and three-toed sloths can be found in Ecuador and although extremely elusive can be seen throughout the year.

When to go by area

The Amazon or ‘Oriente’

This tract of lowland rainforest that feeds the Amazon basin is a hot and humid area that experiences rain all year round due to its location, but the months of August and December to March tend to be the driest. The fascinating wildlife of the Amazon can be seen all year, so keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys as well as abundant birdlife and reptiles.

Andean Highlands

This area, that includes the capital Quito, has a dry season from June to September, when days are usually warm and sunny. Outside of these months you may experience some rain, but not every day. Due to the altitude the nights can be mild, but average maximum daytime temperature is around 18ºC or 64ºF.

Pacific Lowlands

On the Pacific coast and the lowlands that border it, there are two distinct seasons. The wet season paradoxically experiences more beach-friendly sunshine between January and May, although expect afternoon downpours, whilst a dry season from June to December sees the temperature drop and a greater and prolonged build-up of cloud.