Ecuador Beach Holidays
Galapagos Islands, Pacific surf towns, and a coastline from Montanita to Esmeraldas. Plan your Ecuador beach holiday with flights and travel tips.
€1 = $1.14
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Travel warning
Weather in Ecuador
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in Ecuador
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Ecuador
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Ecuador.
You can visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for an extension before the first 90-day period ends to avoid a fine.
All travellers entering Ecuador must register their entry and exit in the national immigration database.
At border control, you may be asked to show proof of a return or onward journey.
Good to know:
If entering via a land or river border from Peru or Colombia, you must present a legalised criminal record certificate unless you are under 18.
To enter the Galapagos Islands, you need a hotel booking, a return flight, a transit control card, and mandatory travel health insurance.
Safety in Ecuador
Ecuador is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Mugging and pickpocketing are common, so stay alert in public places, especially in Quito's old town and at transport hubs.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery in public and carry only the money you need for the day, using a money belt or secure inside pocket for valuables.
Take care when using ATMs, use machines inside banks or shopping centres, and avoid withdrawing money after dark.
Book taxis through your hotel or a known radio-dispatched service, as using unregistered taxis significantly increases your risk of crime.
Be cautious if strangers offer you food, drinks, leaflets, or perfume samples, as criminals may use drugs like scopolamine to facilitate robbery.
Bonus tips:
By law you must carry identification, so always have a printed copy of your passport, including the pages with your photo and entry stamp.
Be aware that even small amounts of methanol in alcoholic drinks can be fatal, and you cannot identify it by taste or smell.
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Driving in Ecuador
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Ecuador drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Ecuador
It is essential to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Ecuador. Ensure your insurance covers all planned activities, such as hiking or adventure sports. While Ecuador does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, travel insurance will ensure you have access to quality medical care should you need it.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria are present in some regions of Ecuador, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food hygiene is important, so choose reputable places to eat.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is still preferred in smaller towns and for smaller transactions.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Ecuador
Tipping is appreciated in Ecuador for good service, but not always mandatory. A service charge is sometimes included in restaurant bills, so check before tipping.
Restaurant
5-10% if service is not included
Bar/Café
A few coins or small bills for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
$1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
$1-2 per night
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Ecuador. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data.
Local SIM
5GB for 10 USD (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Ecuador
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in larger cities. Coverage can be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but the speed and reliability can vary. Consider a local SIM card with a data plan if you need a consistent connection.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Ecuador
Country code
593
To call Ecuador from the UK, dial 00 593 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Ciudad de Quito, Avenida González Suárez N28-130 y Gonzalo Zaldumbide
Phone
+593 (0)2 3970 500
Website
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport
Baltra Airport
Mariscal Lamar International Airport
San Cristobal Airport
Manta Airport
Recent updates
Safety
A 60-day state of emergency began on 16 June in 10 provinces and 3 specific cantons for security reasons.
Provinces under the state of emergency are Guayas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Sucumbíos and Azuay.
Cantons affected are La Maná (Cotopaxi), Las Naves (Bolívar) and La Troncal (Cañar). Travelers should expect more police and military presence.
Regional state of emergency information, including its provinces and a heightened security warning, has been removed.
The Colombia-Ecuador land border closure from 30 May to 1 June 2026 has been removed.
The advice now specifically states that British nationals have reported incidents of drug-assisted robbery in private rented accommodation.
New advice warns to exercise caution when inviting unfamiliar people into your home or rented accommodation.
The warning about lightning now applies to all mountains, not just Pichincha volcano.
New advice is added to turn off electronic devices during thunderstorms to prevent electrical surges and avoid attracting lightning.
The specific warning about lightning killing tourists on Pichincha volcano has been removed.
The curfew in provinces under the state of emergency, previously in effect from 3 May to 18 May, has been removed.
The exemption for travellers with a boarding pass going to/from the airport during curfew hours is no longer in effect.
The Colombia-Ecuador land border will close to foreign nationals from Saturday 30 May at 6pm until Monday 1 June at 6am due to Colombian Presidential elections.
A new curfew will be in effect from 3 May to 18 May, between 11pm and 5am.
The curfew applies in the provinces under the existing state of emergency.
You are exempt from the curfew only if you are travelling to or from the airport during those hours with a valid boarding pass.
Health
Public healthcare is now facing challenges, including appointment delays and limited access to medicines.
Healthcare standards can vary and are described as 'limited outside major cities' instead of merely 'not always available'.
The Santa Cruz Island hospital is 'currently undergoing refurbishment'.
The San Cristóbal hospital note now includes 'it may face the same constraints as mainland facilities'.
Entry Requirements
On the southern border with Peru, Macará, Zapotillo, and Lalamor checkpoints are now open to international travellers alongside Huaquillas.
Only Rumichaca on the northern Colombia border is listed as open, with no mention of a specific closure date.
Contact details for visa guidance are updated: email ssmc@cancilleria.gob.ec and phone (02) 299 3200 ext. 23064.
Email for visa appointment booking is no longer listed.
Beaches in Ecuador
No beaches listed for Ecuador yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.