Our guides: Ecuador

Explore our guides · Ecuador

Ecuador is the smallest country in South America, but perhaps the one with the greatest concentration of biodiversity. In just a few hours by bus, you can go from the Amazon rainforest to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, and then on to the Pacific beaches. Add to that the legendary Galápagos Islands, and you have a condensed version of the best the continent has to offer, all in a compact and accessible package.

Backpacking in Ecuador is simple and enjoyable. The country is small (barely the size of the United Kingdom), which means bus trips rarely take more than 6–8 hours. The network is extensive, buses run frequently, and fares are among the lowest on the continent. Quito, the capital, is an ideal starting point for exploring the indigenous markets of Otavalo, Laguna de Quilotoa, or the hot springs of Baños.

Here are all of our guides:

Trekking the Quilotoa Loop in 2 or 3 days: itinerary, stages, and practical tips How to gear up for the Quilotoa Loop, a 2- or 3-day trek through the Ecuadorian Andes. Here is our complete guide: the trail from Isinliví to Chugchilán and on to Quilotoa, bus schedules from Latacunga, 7 practical tips, and budget advice to help you prepare for your high-altitude hike. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau Things to do around Baños, Ecuador: Patate, the magic village just 25 minutes away Patate, Ecuador's very first Pueblo Mágico, is a hidden gem tucked away just 25 minutes from Baños. Packed with vibrant murals, cozy family-run restaurants, stunning waterfalls, eco-tourism, and authentic Andean cuisine, here is our complete guide to getting off the beaten path in the Ecuadorian Sierra. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau The best place to stay when traveling in Ecuador Just 30 minutes from Baños, La Casta is the kind of hidden gem you only find through word-of-mouth unless you're a local. Built 23 years ago and still run by the same family, this cozy guesthouse cultivates a rare way of life: an organic garden, solar-heated pools, and even a reception desk built right around a tree! You come here for a bed, but you leave dreaming of their cheese arepas and completely relaxed by this very special place. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau

About Our Travel Guides

As for the budget, Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, which makes calculations easier. Expect to spend between 25 and 40 euros per day for two people, excluding the Galápagos. On the mainland, almuerzos (daily specials) cost 2–3 dollars, and basic accommodations range from 15 to 25 dollars for a double room. The Galápagos are in a league of their own when it comes to budget: it’s possible to visit independently (without a cruise) to keep costs down, but you should still expect to pay a significant premium.

The best time to visit mainland Ecuador is during the dry season, from June to September in the Sierra (Andes), and from December to May on the Pacific coast. For the Galápagos, the warm season (January through May) offers warmer waters and better visibility for snorkeling.

Check out our guides for all our itineraries, practical advice, and budget tips to explore Ecuador on your own and at your own pace.

Learn more about us and our “De Sacs et d'Eau” project

We're Tristan and Mathilde. A French duo who set off for a year of backpacking across South America, with one conviction: the best memories are made along the way. De Sacs et d'Eau is our travel blog, with complete guides, itineraries tested on the ground, and interactive maps to help you plan your trip with everything you need, right in your pocket. To do that, we favour overland travel over flying, buy local, and choose accommodation and businesses run by local people. Travelling far, yes, but with our impact in mind.

About Us