Post booking travel FAQs for Ecuador

4 weeks before departure, you will receive an email to notify you that your pre-departure letter has been uploaded which will include important information such as emergency contact information. At this point you will also be able to see your airline reference which will be added to your itinerary. 

You will receive all your pick-up times for tours and transfers locally when you arrive in-country, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information

No, we do not provide paper tickets. The only thing you need to check-in and fly is the airline reference which is on your itinerary (look for reference made up of 6 letters and numbers). This reference can be used to check in online or at the airport along with your passport. You may have multiple airline references if you have several flights.  

No, you do not need any vouchers for tours or hotels. Just give your names and passports on check-in and to the guides.  

The My Routes App stores your itinerary, travel documents, flight updates, recommendations, and local weather. Once downloaded, most features work offline. You can also message your Travel Specialist directly through the app.  

If you are in Ecuador and need assistance, please contact our local office in Ecuador on +59 02-240-2181 or +59 02-240-6850 during office hours 9am-5pm local time.  

In an emergency outside of these hours you can call +593 999 19 2012 or +593 2 2402181

No. UK citizens can visit Ecuador without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, and you may be asked to show onward travel on arrival.

Health insurance is required for the duration of time you are in Ecuador and all visitors need to carry documentation as proof, which may be requested by immigration on arrival.

All travellers entering Ecuador must register their entry and exit in the national immigration database. This is a mandatory requirement under Ecuadorean immigration regulations. This is completed at border control, where you may be asked to: 

• Provide your reason for travel 
• Show proof of a return or onward journey.

For your international flight we advise you to check-in online. Airlines open check-in between 24-48 hours before departure. For domestic flights, you can also check-in online or at the airport. To check-in to any flight, you need the airline reference which is added to your itinerary 4 weeks before departure.  

Seat selection policies vary depending on the airline and fare type. In most cases, you can pre-book your seats for a fee via the airline’s website once you have made the booking. Please contact your Travel Specialist for your airline reference if you wish to do this more than 4 weeks prior to departure. You can normally select seats for free at the point of check-in, usually 24-48 hours before departure.  

For international flights, clients travelling in Economy are allowed 1 checked bag up to 23kgs which is included in the cost of your holiday, unless otherwise stated. For Premium and Business class clients, 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 32kgs are included unless otherwise stated. 

For domestic flights, 1 checked bag up to 23kgs is included

Before travelling to Ecuador, make sure you are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and speak to a travel health professional about any additional vaccines based on your route. Mosquito bite prevention is important, particularly if you are visiting lower altitude areas, and it is also worth planning for strong sun and food and water hygiene. If your itinerary includes Quito, the Andes or highland stays, allow time to acclimatise as altitude sickness can be a risk.

In Ecuador, the local currency is the US dollar (USD).

Cash is very useful for everyday spending, especially in markets and smaller towns, so carry small notes. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops in cities, and ATMs are available, but it is still worth having some cash for taxis and local purchases.

In Ecuador, tipping is usually small and optional.

• Restaurants: Check the bill first, as a 10% service charge (propina) is often included. If it is not included, leave around 5 to 10%.
• Cafés and bars: Round up or leave a little change.
• Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up is common.
• Guides and drivers: A small tip at the end is appreciated, especially for private services.

Ecuador is 5 hours behind the UK when the UK is on GMT, and 6 hours behind during British Summer Time.

If travelling to the Galápagos Islands, they are one hour further behind mainland Ecuador.

For Ecuador, pack for varied climates. Bring light layers, a warm fleece or jacket for the Andes, and a light waterproof for showers. Include comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), and insect repellent for lowland areas. Add swimwear, a small day bag, and any personal medication.

For Ecuador, you will need a UK (type G) to type A/B travel adaptor.

Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer good WIFI. Coverage can be limited in remote areas. Check roaming costs with your mobile provider before travel.  

In Ecuador, a few simple customs help you settle in quickly.

• Greetings are important: Say “buenos días” or “buenas tardes” when entering shops, hotels and restaurants.
• Personal space is closer: A handshake is common, and friends may greet with a light cheek kiss.
• Ask before photos: Always request permission before photographing people, especially in markets and rural communities.
• Dress is generally neat: Beachwear is best kept to the coast, while cities and highland towns tend to be a little more smart casual.
• Tipping is low key: If service is good, a small tip is appreciated, but it is rarely a big focus.

In Ecuador, you will not usually pay extra local taxes as most prices already include IVA (VAT), which may be shown on receipts.

If you are flying out internationally, there is a departure tax, but it is normally included in your flight ticket.

If your trip includes the Galápagos, there are separate mandatory fees, including the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and the Transit Control Card, paid locally.

All transfers listed on your itinerary are included in the cost of the holiday. If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend taking official taxis booked by your hotel.  

Changes may be possible, but fees or fare differences could apply. Contact your travel specialist as soon as possible to discuss your options.  

If you are arriving at the airport, please proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a Latin Routes sign displaying your name. If you cannot locate your driver, remain in the arrivals hall and call the emergency contact number provided in your final travel itinerary.  

Drink only bottled or purified water. A reusable bottle is useful for refill stations available in many hotels and restaurants. Be cautious with uncooked foods in more rural areas.  

Yes, high altitude is common in Ecuador if you are visiting the Andes. Quito sits at around 2,850 metres, and places such as Cotopaxi and Cuenca are also high. Most travellers adjust well by taking it easy on arrival, staying hydrated, and planning lighter activities for the first day or two.

Ecuador is a popular destination and many travellers have a smooth trip, especially on well planned itineraries. It is still sensible to take everyday precautions in busy cities and to use trusted guides and pre arranged transfers.

Minimum rental age of 21 years.  A valid driving licence and passport are required. The licence must be issued in the Latin alphabet. If not, an International Driving Permit must be presented alongside the original licence. 

https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit  advises that a 1949 IDP is required
A credit card is also required as a guarantee, the credit card holder must be present to sign documentation.