It may be one of South America’s smaller countries, but Ecuador should be on your bucket list in 2025. I really enjoyed my time in Ecuador and I found the landscape to be incredibly diverse. Here, you can enjoy the Andes, The Amazon Rainforest, and even the Galapagos Islands; all in one trip! I mean, there’s just so much to do!

Plus, with a favorable exchange rate and affordable travel options, it’s a perfect destination for budget travelers. Hostels range from $5/night and you can eat out at a local restaurant for as low as $3. Of course, there are luxury options here too and they might be more affordable than you might think. So let’s dive into why Ecuador should be on your bucket list in 2025.

The Landscape
Ecuador is unique and diverse for such a small country. The country’s landscape varies greatly based on where you choose to go. Ecuador is divided into four regions; The Amazon, The Coast, The Galapagos Islands, and The Andes. Each region is vastly different from the other and I feel like that’s one of the reasons why Ecuador should be on your bucket list this year. You could literally see mountains, sunkissed beaches, and thick, lush rainforests all in one country.

Culture
Ecuador has a very interesting culture and I’d say it’s a mix of many rulings throughout its history. Ecuador should be on your bucketlist, especially if you love exploring different cultures. There have been dozens of Indigenous groups in Ecuador but the Quechua and Shuar played a major part in shaping Ecuador’s culture today. You’ll find evidence of this in vibrant indigenous markets such as Otavalo Market where you can purchase handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and more.

Places like Quito and Cuenca are more Spanish-colonial. This is where you can find colonial architecture and Spanish-style cobblestone streets. But in most places, you’ll find that these cultures mash together, forming a uniquely Ecuadorian culture and way of life.

Brief History
Ecuador should be on your bucketlist if you enjoy history just as much as I do. In fact, the country itself has a very rich history. Long before the Spanish set foot here, the region was home to many Indigenous groups like the Quitu and Cañari. In the late 1400s, the mighty Inca Empire took over the area and shaped the Ecuadorian culture significantly.

There are over a dozen Inca and Indigenous landmarks in Ecuador. One of which, The Ingapirca Ruins, is my personal favorite. It’s kind of unknown and isn’t half as popular as some of the Inca ruins in Peru. Personally, I would recommend taking a day trip from Cuenca. It’s the closest major town to the ruins.

Here are a few historical tours to check out:

Otavalo Tour from Quito Visiting Cayambe, Indigenous Market

Discover all Quito; Old town + Mitad del Mundo + Teleférico

Ingapirca Ruins & Inca mountain face tour from Cuenca with Small Group

Places To Visit
As I mentioned earlier, the country is incredibly diverse, hence, Ecuador should be on your bucketlist. So with such a diverse landscape, there are, of course, many cool and interesting places to visit. Without a doubt, Ecuador has many towns worth visiting. My top pick is down below!

Quito
Quito is Ecuador’s capital and it’s a central location, close to many attractions. Quito is within the Andes, at approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. it’s one of the highest capitals in the world and the historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because Quito is so central, there’s lots to do and day tours are very accessible. A few day trips you should check out:

Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities

Mindo tour with hummingbirds, waterfalls, zip-line, chocolate

Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation

The Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for most travelers and rightfully so. This volcanic archipelago is home to some of the world’s most unique species such as the Galapagos tortoise, Marine Iguanas, and the Galapagos Sea Lion. Did I also mention that these islands happen to have the best beaches and surfing conditions known to man?

Tena (Napo Province)
Tena is the capital of Ecuador’s Napo Province and most consider it to be the gateway to the Amazon. This is a great place for wildlife viewing or trekking. I would even recommend going on an indigenous tour where you can spend time with some of the indigenous tribes in the area. It was one of my favorite travel experiences to date and it’s one of the reasons Ecuador should be on your bucketlist in 2025.

Average Budget
Ecuador should be on your bucketlist this year, especially if you’re a budget traveler. The currency in Ecuador is U.S. Dollars and on average, you can expect to spend around $30-$50 per day if you’re sticking to a budget. Hostels or budget hotels typically cost between $10-$20 a night, while mid-range options might run you $30-$50.

Street food, like empanadas or ceviche, is both delicious and affordable, usually costing just $1-$3 and public transportation is widely accessible with rides around the city costing around a dollar. Activities like hiking or visiting markets are often free, but guided tours or entry to national parks can range from $10-$50. So when traveling in Ecuador, your money goes quite far.

Eats to try
Ecuador has a very interesting cuisine and there are quite a few things you just gotta try. I find that each region of Ecuador has its own unique eats. Like for example, ceviche is best in coastal regions such as the Galapagos Islands, Manta, and Guayaquil.

However, ceviche isn’t unique to Ecuador. Click HERE for an authentic PERUVIAN ceviche recipe!

Another thing you have to try is cuy. What is cuy you may ask? Well, it’s a roasted whole guinea pig. It’s a local delicacy originating from the Andes and I’d recommend at least trying it while in Ecuador. It’s available all over the country, so you won’t have trouble finding it no matter where you go!

Other options to try would be:

Crunchy, plantain chips.
llapingachos; golden potato patties filled with cheese, often served with fried eggs, chorizo, and peanut sauce.
Empanadas de viento; cheese-filled pastries.
chicha, a traditional fermented corn drink.

Things To Do:
While there are many places to visit, Ecuador should be on your bucketlist because of the endless things to do! No matter what your interests are, there’s an attraction worth visiting. I’ve listed a few must-see attractions down below!

Visit Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is a must when in Ecuador. In fact, it’s one of the world’s few accessible, active volcanos. It towers at nearly 19,000 ft and is one of the highest, active volcanos in the world. It’s not only an iconic landmark, it’s a must for outdoor enthusiasts (myself included!) I would recommend taking a day tour rather than going yourself. It’s much more convenient.

Day Trip To Mitad Del Mundo
Mitad del Mundo is just outside of Quito and is very accessible from the city. It’s an iconic landmark that marks where the Southern and Northern Hemisphere meet. While you’re here you can actually stand in both hemispheres and explore the interactive museums and shows onsite.

There are also a few restaurants and shops onsite where you can buy unique souvenirs and enjoy local eats.

Explore Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park is without a doubt one of the prettiest, if not the prettiest places in all of Ecuador. it’s home to stunning cloud forests, misty mountains, and a diverse ecosystem. When I visited, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was.

Wildlife was abundant and I saw many unique species of plants and animals. It is a high-altitude terrain but worth it if you can handle the hike.

Trekking In Mindo Valley
Ecuador should be on your bucketlist because of this gorgeous town! Mindo is definitely an interesting place, a few hours from Quito. It has its own micro-climate and it’s by far one of the best places for birding in all of South America. It also has amazing hiking trails with lush waterfalls, perfect for taking a dip. While you’re here, you can also take part in tubing, ziplining, and fishing.

Experience Quilotoa Lake
Quilotoa Lake is a volcanic crater lake that is a must-see and Ecuador should be on your bucketlist because of this park/lake. It’s perfect, especially if you love the outdoors. It’s a great place to take photos, with the backdrop of the Andes and the turquoise water of the lake. It’s truly an unforgettable, panoramic view.

Snorkel In Floreana Island
Ecuador should be on your bucketlist and this is one reason why! Snorkeling in Floreana Island is on the bucket list of many. Floreana is a part of the Galapagos archipelago and it’s famous for its black sand and clear, baby-blue waters. It’s also home to flamingos, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises, so if you’re lucky you might run into a few four-legged locals.

Overall, it’s an excellent place to snorkel and it’s recommended to take a tour here for the best experience.

Why I Loved Ecuador
To be completely honest, Ecuador should be on your bucketlist. I love Ecuador and there are many reasons why. Ecuador is just so different and refreshing. The diversity and endless things to do make it one of a kind and you can’t forget the delicious, local cuisine! Not to mention the people are super friendly and are eager to share their culture with you!

FAQ’s

When is the best time to visit Ecuador?
The best time to visit Ecuador depends on the region. Generally, the dry season from June to September is ideal for the Andes and the Amazon, while the coastal region is best from December to April.

What should I pack for a trip to Ecuador?
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly. Include lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen.

Do I need a visa to enter Ecuador?
Citizens of many countries, including the U.S. and Canada, can enter Ecuador for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa but always check current entry requirements before your trip.

How do I get around in Ecuador?
You can get around using buses, taxis, and domestic flights. Buses are affordable and connect major cities, while taxis are widely available in urban areas. It really depends on the distance and where you’re going!

Is it necessary to speak Spanish in Ecuador?
While many locals in tourist areas speak some English, knowing basic Spanish phrases can help you in emergency situations. It also shows respect for the locals.