Ecuador Travel Insurance Plans

Familiarize yourself with Travel Guard’s most important travel tips and safety information to make sure you’re prepared for your vacation to Ecuador.

Ecuador is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife, particularly on the Galapagos Islands, which are known to be one of the best destinations in the world to observe the wildlife. Whether you hope to visit the mainland of Ecuador or explore the islands off its coast, Travel Guard can help you plan.

Ecuador Travel Insurance Plans


Do I need a travel insurance plan to visit Ecuador?

Travel insurance is not a requirement for entry to Ecuador; however, it’s recommended you have medical expense coverage on your trip, which may not be provided internationally by your U.S. health care plan. With a travel insurance plan, you can get medical expense coverage along with a variety of other coverages, such as Trip Interruption and Baggage Delay, to help ease unexpected burdens on your trip.

What is the best travel insurance plan for Ecuador?

Travel Guard’s Deluxe Plan is a great option to help protect your trip to Ecuador as it has the highest benefit limits and most coverages included on the base plan. Coverages include trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage coverage, medical expense coverage, and more. All of our travel insurance plans come with access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour emergency travel assistance so you’re not left to deal with certain travel mishaps alone. Additionally, you can customize your plan with several add-on upgrades to personalize your travel insurance plan. If you plan on scuba diving to certain depths at some of the amazing locations on the Galapagos Islands, you’ll want our Adventure Bundle, which provides coverage for certain losses as a result of covered adventurous activities that are otherwise excluded from your travel insurance plan.

How much is a travel insurance plan for a trip to Ecuador?

Travel insurance plans typically cost between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, such as the product you choose and the number of eligible travelers added to your travel insurance plan. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

Ready to book your travel insurance plan for your trip to Ecuador? Travel Guard’s award-winning travel insurance plans provide excellent coverage options and access to 24-hour emergency travel assistance. Compare our travel insurance plans to find the best option for your travels today.

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Ecuador Travel Tips and Safety Information


To help ensure travelers to Ecuador are safer and more informed, Travel Guard has compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

Are there COVID-19 restrictions for U.S. visitors to Ecuador?

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Ecuador, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Ecuador.

Is Ecuador safe to visit?

Travelers visiting Ecuador should carefully research their destination before booking or departing for their trip, as the security situation in the country is complicated and there are certain locations that should be avoided altogether. Ecuador has seen sharp increases in violence and crime associated with organized criminal groups. Tourists are not specifically targeted in gang-related violence, but travelers could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time or could face travel disruptions and government restrictions. During travel, stay aware of current events, follow all directives from authorities and carry identification – preferably a copy with the original in a secure location – at all times. 

Crime is a serious concern in Ecuador. Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, mugging and assaults are issues, including in popular tourist areas. Criminals may use distraction methods or even drugs to rob victims. In addition to carefully planning ahead, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings at all times, avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, arrange taxis through a hotel instead of hailing a cab on the street and avoid traveling after dark. Travel by bus is also not recommended because of crime and safety concerns. 

Many travelers to Ecuador go to experience the country’s numerous national parks, such as Cotopaxi National Park and the Galapagos Islands, and outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain climbing and scuba diving. In addition to general safety concerns associated with adventure travel, some activities require transit through rough terrain with limited options for supplies and communications services. Natural hazards such as flooding, landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can pose additional risks. Criminals have also targeted tourists on hiking trails and in national parks. Visitors should book activities through experienced local providers in advance of travel to help mitigate safety concerns.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travelers to Ecuador

All U.S. travelers should consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency.

What currency is used in Ecuador?

The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar. While debit and credit cards are typically accepted, you should consider carrying a small amount of cash on your person in case you visit a cash-only vendor. Remember to contact your bank before your travels to make sure you have access to your finances while you’re abroad.

What language is spoken in Ecuador?

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish with the local dialect of Quichua being spoken by many indigenous people in the country. While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, it’s best practice to learn common phrases and sayings before your trip as well as bringing a translation app that works without Wi-Fi.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Ecuador?

Tourists visiting Ecuador do not need a visa for stays shorter than 90 days in a 12-month period. Passports with six-months validity and blank pages for your entry and exit stamps are required for entry to the country.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador?

The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador is located in Quito. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

What is the weather like in Ecuador?

Ecuador’s climate can vary depending on where you visit in the country. In the northern and eastern areas of Ecuador, the climate is hot and humid year-round with rainfall throughout the year while central Ecuador has cool temperatures due to the Andes mountains. Weather on the Galapagos Islands stays warm throughout the year with the warmest months being from December to June.

When is the best time of year to visit Ecuador?

The best time of year to visit Ecuador depends on your preferences. The most popular months are July and August since the temperatures tend to be cooler with almost no rainfall, though prices are likely to be increased during this time of year. September to November is considered shoulder season for Ecuador, meaning prices are lower and there are less tourists; however, temperatures and rainfall increase around this time of year as well.

What is the dial code for phoning to and from Ecuador?

The dial code for Ecuador is +593, when making calls from home, remember to use the U.S. exit code of +11 followed by the area code and seven-digit number of the person you’re trying to reach. When calling the U.S. from Ecuador, use the exit code +00 followed by the U.S. dial code of +1 with the ten-digit number of the person you’re contacting. Remember to let your phone company know of your travels to avoid service interruptions and unwanted fees.

What kind of power adapter do I need for my electronics?

Ecuador uses a different voltage type than the U.S., so you will need to bring a transformer to properly charge and use your devices. The wall sockets are similar to the U.S. so a plug adaptor is not needed, though a universal adaptor can be beneficial on other international trips you may take in the future.

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Other Ecuador FAQs


Is Ecuador safe for solo travel?

Popular tourist destinations and cities, such as the Galapagos Islands and the city of Quito, are known to be safe for solo travelers while some areas of the country, like the city of Guayaquil, tend to be higher risk for tourists. Wherever you travel, be sure to follow typical safety precautions for best practice, particularly traveling only during daylight hours.

What is the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands?

Most tourists visiting the Galapagos choose to fly from the mainland of Ecuador from either Guayaquil or Quito, with Guayaquil providing a direct flight to the islands.

What is the best way to travel around Ecuador?

Though air travel can be ideal depending on where you are hoping to visit, another transportation option is to hire a driver, as it tends to be an affordable option and allows you to take the stress from navigating the roadways. When booking tours or travel reservations in Ecuador, be sure to do your research and book with a reputable company with good reviews.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Ecuador. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!

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Coverage available to U.S. residents of the U.S. states and District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Your travel retailer may not be licensed to sell insurance, and cannot answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service from the Travel Retailer.