By Phillip Anderson. This guide to traveling solo in Ecuador contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Interested in Ecuador solo travel, but don’t know where to start?
Then you’re in the right place!
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. From the beaches on the coast to volcanos like Chimborazo and parts of the Amazon, this country truly has it all.
I’ve traveled solo throughout Ecuador for many weeks and always felt safe. There are some important things to note, but moving from town to town isn’t as daunting as you might think.
Ecuador might look small on the map, but there’s more to it than people think. In my experience, most locals are friendly and helpful, too.
Below are some of my favorite solo travel destinations in Ecuador and top tips to help you during your stay.
⏳Short on time? Here are some quick tips for traveling alone in Ecuador:
☔ Safety: While Ecuador is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials. One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves.
🎉 Experiences: Viator & GetYourGuide
🏨 Accommodation: This map can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Ecuadorian cities you’re visiting solo. It’s currently set to the La Carolina Park area of Quito, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Ecuador.
🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (robust)
📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM
Is Solo Travel in Ecuador Worth It?
Traveling alone in Ecuador is totally worth it! Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important cities in South America.
There are some fantastic cities only a few hours away from Quito too. Visit the cloud forest in Mindo or the famous markets in Otavalo.
You can also head east of the capital and venture into the Amazon Rainforest or continue south to visit the closest point to the sun, on top of Chimborazo.
Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar as its local currency. This helps with knowing exactly how much you spend when going out to eat or on a tour.
There have been some safety concerns in recent years but if you follow some basic safety travel tips—which I’ll go over below in this Ecuador travel guide—you’ll feel safe throughout your trip!
Is Ecuador Safe For Solo Travel?
Ecuador is safe for solo travel but like every country, there are parts you shouldn’t visit. According to the U.S. government, Ecuador is considered a level 2 travel advisory.
This ranking is very common in many countries, but certain areas are suggested not to visit:
- Parts of Guayaquil due to crime
- Cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas that are on or near the border
- The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo
- Esmeraldas City and all of the area to the north of it
It’s unlikely that your itinerary will include this location unless you plan to take a cruise around the Galapagos, in which your domestic flight to the islands will leave from either Guayaquil or Quito.
Just because you aren’t going near these places doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. It’s always a good idea to keep solo travel safety tips in mind, such as staying aware of your surroundings.
Additionally, consider packing a few travel safety essentials like a personal safety alarm and pickpocket-proof clothing.
Ecuador Solo Travel Logistics:
Before I discuss the amazing activities there are to do in Ecuador when traveling solo, I’ll provide some useful information about the country and how best to travel solo.
Where is Ecuador?
Ecuador is located along the Pacific Ocean in South America, sandwiched between Colombia to the north and Peru to the south.
Getting to Ecuador
Flying to Ecuador will be the most popular option. There are a couple of international airports here that you’ll most likely fly into:
- Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO)
- José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
If you’re coming from Peru or Colombia, crossing the land border and taking a bus is possible. Please look into all the requirements for entering over land as they change often.
Best time to take a solo Ecuador trip
With adventure activities being the highlight of solo travel in Ecuador, going during the dry months between June and September is the best time to visit.
Because Ecuador is located near the equator, the temperature doesn’t vary as much as other countries do throughout the year.
That being said, the weather can vary widely depending on the elevation of where you’re at.
Getting around Ecuador as a solo traveler
Getting around Ecuador is quite easy and affordable, even for solo travelers. Knowing a few Spanish phrases will help tremendously when buying bus tickets or taking a taxi.
In Quito’s capital, a few more public transport options are available. Uber is also in Quito but you likely won’t find it elsewhere. Cabs and Ubers are cheap, and they are my preferred modes of transportation to get around the city.
Taking a bus from city to city in Ecuador is straightforward and cost-effective. When taking a bus in Quito, you must first ask yourself where your destination is located in comparison.
Below are the main bus stations throughout Quito. The one you choose will depend on where you’re going:
- Quitumbe: This is the southern bus station and is the take-off point for places like Cuenca, Baños, parts of the Amazon, and different mountain towns.
- Terminal Terrestre Carcelen: This is the northern bus station that gets you to towns on your way to the Colombian border, like Otavalo.
- Ofelia: If you’re looking to visit Mindo, Ofelia is the bus station that you want. It’s close to the Terrestre Carcelen Terminal.
Best Places For Solo Travel in Ecuador
When traveling solo in Ecuador, I recommend choosing which destinations mean the most to you. When I traveled here, hikes and other adventure activities were at the top of my list. Therefore, the spots I chose to go to were both adventurous and budget-friendly.
Quito (Ecuador’s Capital)
You’ll most likely be flying into Quito. It’s a great place to relax, learn some interesting history, and get used to the altitude, as Quito sits at 2850 meters (9350 feet).
It’s a huge city, and picking where to stay can be tricky. I spent most of my time in Quito around La Carolina Park. It’s a great area and I felt pretty safe during my time here.
One of the most popular Quito solo travel activities is visiting the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). This is where the equator runs through Ecuador. The site can seem gimmicky to some, but reading about the history is interesting.
Mitad del Mundo is located around 45 minutes to the north of Quito. There are a few ways to visit this location. You can take an Uber (like I did), a tour, or a bus.
Other activities in Quito include:
- Going on the TelefériQo (cable car) to enjoy views of the many volcanos surrounding the city. There are also some amazing hikes from the top—like the one to Volcano Pichincha.
- Visit the city’s historical center at San Francisco Square, where one must-see is the impressive Basilica and Convent of San Francisco—one of Quito’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Explore the tourist-friendly Calle de la Ronda, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in Quito. It dates back to Incan times and today is lined with shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries and features a romantic ambiance thanks to the many flower-adorned balconies and glowing lantern lights.
🏨 Quito Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Quito.
🗺️ Quito Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Quito.
Mindo
Located a few hours outside of Quito is the cloud forest town of Mindo. This adventurers’ paradise has many different waterfalls to hike to.
The main attraction is visiting the Tarabita and Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary. This park has seven different waterfalls. The hike wasn’t strenuous and was one of my favorite activities in Ecuador.
How you arrive at the park makes this activity so much fun. The cheapest (and best) way to go is by taking the teleferico or cable car across the forest to the park entrance.
In order to enter the actual waterfall park, you must take another cable car. These offer a unique perspective of the cloud forest and can be an activity all on their own!
Some of the other activities in Mindo include:
- Go on a night walk to see many species of animals, such as snakes, frogs, spiders, and mammals. One of the best tour guides is available on Facebook.
- Do a chocolate tour at El Quetzal de Mindo. This is where one of the best chocolates in Ecuador originates. Learn the entire process of how they make their chocolate, starting from the bean.
- Looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure? Go ziplining through the Mindo cloud forest with Mindo Canopy Adventures!
- You can try one of the best empanadas in the country right here in Mindo. It’s located in a small shop near downtown (click here for the map location).
It’s a small town, and most accommodations are within walking distance of downtown.
This is a popular destination not only amongst foreigners but locals too. That means you should get to the bus station at Ofelia as early as possible to ensure the tickets don’t sell out—especially on the weekends. The bus schedule is as follows:
Monday through Friday:
Saturday and Sunday:
- 8:00
- 9:00
- 11:00
- 13:00
- 16:00
🏨 Mindo Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Mindo.
🗺️ Mindo Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Mindo.
Baños
Baños is considered Ecuador’s adventure capital, and for good reason! From chocolate tours to waterfall hikes, bike rides, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and canyoning, there’s a little something for everyone.
My first time visiting this town was during a 17-day protest in 2022. All streets were blockaded, and travel between cities was impossible. I still felt safe during this time, but it meant I did a lot of exploring on foot and drank a lot of coffee!
One of the most popular attractions, and something I have personally visited multiple times, is the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. This is one of the strongest waterfalls I’ve ever experienced, and it’s something you can’t miss. Two separate entrances offer different experiences than the other.
This waterfall and many others are located along the famous bike route Ruta de las Cascadas. It’s how I visited it my second time around and it’s one of my favorite Baños activities.
When arriving at your hostel or hotel, you can book local tours. This is a good opportunity to meet new people and have an adventure of a lifetime!
Other activities in Baños:
- Visit the famous thermal baths! Baños received its name due to the many hot springs that are located around the town due to the close proximity to Tungurahua Volcano. Termas de la Virgen is one of the more popular ones.
- Take Instagram photos at La Casa del Arbol. This is one of the most popular activities in Baños because of the popularity of Instagram and only costs $1 USD.
- If you’re a thrill seeker, I suggest canyoning down some of the waterfalls around town. Geotours is one of the best companies in Baños that offers this activity.
🏨 Baños Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Baños.
🗺️ Baños Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Baños.
Laguna Quilotoa
One of the most popular and budget-friendly treks in the entire country is the 3-day Quilotoa Loop, which begins in the city of Latacunga and ends at Laguna Quilotoa. The itinerary is:
- Latacunga
- Isinlivi
- Chugchillan
- Laguna Quilotoa
This trek does not require any tents as we stayed at the different hostels from place to place. Most, if not all, of the accommodations we stayed at/looked into offer both dinner and breakfast in the pricing. The 3-day trek costs around $100 USD, which is a steal!
You can take a bus straight from Latacunga to Laguna Quilotoa if a 3-day hike doesn’t sound appealing.
This is a great activity when traveling to Ecuador alone because we met so many people along the way. It felt like we were a part of a community right away.
While trekking, you’ll get to see a different side of Ecuador that not many people have the opportunity to experience.
During this trek, I saw how people go about their daily lives and all of the hard work they put into their land. This adventure took me across some of their many rivers and through what seemed to be abandoned towns.
The hostels I stayed at, each for 2 nights, were also some of the best I’ve stayed at in Ecuador. These included:
- Hostal Taita Cristobal (Isinlivi): The hospitality here was unmatched. There was a common room where you could relax and where we ate dinner/breakfast together. These meals are included in the price.
- Hostal Cloud Forest (Chugchillan): This hostel is huge! Breakfast and dinner are also included in the price. What sets them apart from other hostels is they offer a sauna at an extra cost.
🏨 Laguna Quilotoa Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Laguna Quilotoa.
🗺️ Laguna Quilotoa Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Laguna Quilotoa.
Cuenca
During my time traveling around Ecuador solo, my favorite city was Cuenca thanks to its beauty and European vibe.
The public transportation here is some of the best in the entire country, as there is a tram that goes everywhere.
Cuenca is full of fantastic hostels and shopping opportunities. The square is perfect for people-watching and simply hanging out. It’s one of the top expat locations in all of South America and it’s easy to see why once you visit.
Outside the city is Cajas National Park, a unique natural attraction that feels like walking through the set of a Lord of the Rings movie.
You can camp here, take a tour, and explore any of the many trails. The park is easily accessible by a bus that takes between 30 and 45 minutes to reach.
Beyond Cajas National Park, other fun activities for those traveling solo in Cuenca include:
- Stroll around the Historic Centre of Cuenca! Cuenca is a UNESCO-designated city thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture that reflects the blending of Spanish and indigenous cultures, and its historic center that dates back to the 16th century.
- Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This building is hard to miss due to its white and blue roofs. You can also pay $2 to climb to the top and view the city from above.
- Buy groceries and snacks at one of the many markets in town. Fresh produce and other local foods are brought in from outside the city each day and is a tasty way to explore local culture. I recommend visiting the Mercado 10 de Agosto, which has a food court on the second floor as well as many murals.
- Spend the day hanging out by the Tomebamba River. This river cuts through the center of Cuenca and is a great way to slow down and enjoy a moment of self-reflection—which is a great way to really take in the benefits of solo travel.
🏨 Cuenca Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Cuenca.
🗺️ Cuenca Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Cuenca.
Ecuador Solo Travel Map
To help give you a lay of the land, here is a Google Map with the above-mentioned places pre-plotted:
Click here for the interactive version of the Ecuador travel map.
Tips For Taking a Solo Trip to Ecuador
After going over some of the best spots to visit, let’s go over some tips that are essential for solo travel in Ecuador:
1. Stay aware of your surroundings
When people hear about me visiting Ecuador solo, they often ask, “Is it safe?”. I always say yes but you must take the same safety precautions as you would in any new foreign location.
Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding potentially dangerous situations is something that should be practiced everywhere. Solo female travel in Ecuador is generally safe in most instances when following those stipulations.
Here are some extra helpful tips for staying safe:
- Don’t over-consume alcohol or walk alone at night
- Always keep an eye on your belongings (especially on busses)
- Ask your accommodation where it is not safe to travel to
2. Taste the street food
Being alone in Ecuador can be both challenging and hard on the wallet. Sitting down in restaurants by yourself might not be your vibe, which is why I always suggest trying the local street food.
There are many great restaurants in Ecuador; but, the best food I’ve had has been street food. Not only is it delicious, quick, and cheap, but you don’t have to worry about taking up a table all to yourself.
The empanada I had for $1.50 in Mindo changed my life. I will forever be searching for one that is that good!
3. Opt for busses vs renting a car
One reason I love South America, including Ecuador, is that it’s very easy to take a bus from one destination to the next.
Taking the bus is a very popular mode of transportation, as it is often efficient and cheap. Renting a car can be nice because you can travel alone, but I’ve found taking the bus much safer.
Solo travel in Ecuador can be hard as the only driver, and taking the bus allows you to get some extra needed sleep from all your adventures.
To give you a visual of how cost-effective bus transportation is in Ecuador, here are some examples of how much the bus costs to specific locations:
- Quito to Mindo: $3.60 USD (2.5 hours)
- Quito to Baños: ~$5 USD (4 hours)
- Baños to Cuenca: ~$20 USD (9 hours)
- Quito to Otavalo: $3 USD (2 hours)
4. Learn some common Spanish phrases
Traveling solo successfully means knowing how to communicate your needs. While I don’t think it’s 100% necessary to know Spanish before traveling to Ecuador alone, knowing some common phrases helps tremendously.
Not only will you be able to move around the country more easily, but you will usually have better experiences as a result. Plus, you’ll more easily connect with local people.
Before I traveled solo to South America and eventually Ecuador, I practiced some Spanish with many apps, but my favorite one was Pimsleur.
Below are some common Spanish phrases that are good to know:
- Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Can I pay with a card?
- Solo efectivo? – Cash only?
- Quisiera… – I would like…
Donde esta el baño? – Where is the bathroom? - Hasta luego – See you later
Additionally, installing Google Translate will help you communicate with locals easily. It can also visually translate signs, menus, and more simply by holding your phone up to the text!
5. Stay at hostels or long-term Airbnbs
Accommodation is one of the biggest solo travel expenses after your plane ticket. This is amplified even more when you decide to travel solo in Ecuador.
Staying at hostels is not only extremely affordable, but you’ll also meet a ton of like-minded people! Many hostels offer free breakfast and activities, and the employees are full of helpful tips.
If hostels aren’t your vibe, you can find some great deals on Airbnb. I love to slow travel and with that comes better deals on vacation rentals.
They often give extra discounts for staying longer, especially one month or more. If I stay for three or more weeks, I can sometimes get an even better deal by messaging the host.
Top Ecuador Tours For Solo Travelers
Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to traveling alone. While many people find traveling solo fun, others would prefer to have a guaranteed group of companions to explore with.
If you fit into the latter camp, a few group tours that have itineraries in Portugal and welcome solo travelers include:
Cost Of A Solo Trip to Ecuador
When people think of Ecuador, “cheap travel” often comes to mind. And I think it still can be considered that, but their neighbors to the north and south, Peru and Colombia, are cheaper.
Eating street food, staying at hostels, and using as much public transport as possible are the best ways to make Ecuador a cheap destination.
Places like the Galápagos are extremely expensive but well worth the money! Hiking to the top of Chimborazo also won’t be cheap, but it’ll make memories worth a lifetime.
Ecuador isn’t an expensive country by any stretch, but it’s possible to spend more money here than you might have thought.
Accommodation:
This will be one of your biggest expenses while traveling around Ecuador solo. If you’re traveling to more rural towns, you can find hostels for around $5 USD per night!
When traveling to the more popular cities like Cuenca, Baños, and Quito, the hostels are still cheap but the more popular ones will be between $7 and $10 USD.
There’s also a ton of volunteering options in Ecuador. I volunteered at a hostel in Baños for a month, which meant I had free accommodation. The company I volunteered through in Latin America was World Packers.
Hotels tend to cost more, and for good reason. There are many amenities associated with staying at a hotel.
This accommodation map can help you find budget-friendly accommodation for your solo trip to Ecuador. It’s currently set to the La Carolina Park area of Quito, though you can easily change it to your preferred location:
Food
Food can be a huge expense, but it can also cost $10 to $15 a day. The food in Ecuador is fairly simple and contains a lot of carbohydrates.
Places to eat chicken or cheeseburgers are easy to find. A quick sit-down food option only costs around $3 to $5.
One of the best Ecuador travel tips is to visit some local markets. Here, you’ll be able to find good deals on meat, produce, and local food.
Transport
While in Quito, Uber and taxis are king. I highly suggest taking Uber at night compared to a taxi. It’s more convenient and the rates are fair.
When taking buses to your new location, you can typically expect prices from $3 to $20.
Flying is possible from certain cities to another but I wouldn’t suggest it unless you’re short on time. The buses are highly efficient and you’re good as long as you keep an eye on your belongings.
Activities
When I travel, I prefer to do activities independently instead of with a group, especially when hiking (unless a guide is required). This means my solo travel budget for activities is typically quite low.
If visiting places like the Galapagos and Amazon and climbing Chimborazo is on your bucket list, put some money aside specifically for those activities.
For example, a 5-day cruise to the Galapagos islands is around $3,000 USD, but prices can vary. That is pricey, especially when no other activity in the country costs anywhere close to that.
Climbing Chimborazo with a guide will cost around $1000 to $1500. All of the experiences might be expensive but I’ve never heard anyone say they weren’t worth the money.
Ecuador Travel Insurance
When visiting Ecaudor solo, it’s important to get travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip.
For this, I have two recommendations:
SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).
Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.
World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.
Traveling To Ecuador Alone: FAQ
Now that we’ve gone over where to go during Ecuador solo travel and important tips, I want to answer some frequently asked questions:
Q) Is Ecuador good for solo travel?
With plenty of fellow backpackers to socialize with combined with the cost of travel, Ecuador is a fantastic place for solo travel.
Q) Is Ecuador a cheap place to visit?
Like many countries worldwide, Ecuador can be as cheap or as expensive as you’d like. Overall, it is a cheap place to visit.
Q) How safe is Ecuador for US citizens?
If you stick to the touristy locations throughout the country and follow some basic travel safety tips, US citizens should feel as safe as everyone else.
Q) Is Ecuador safe for solo female travelers?
Ecuador is safe for solo female travelers if you stay aware of your surroundings and don’t visit notoriously dangerous areas. Also, lowering the amount of alcohol that is consumed is highly suggested.
Q) Is Ecuador dangerous for tourists?
Ecuador is a safe country to visit as a tourist. Although there has been some political turmoil in recent years, these situations don’t typically target tourists.
Confidently Travel Solo In Ecuador [Free Course]
To help you work up the course to solo travel in Ecuador, I invite you to grab a seat in my free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course.
The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.
Lessons include:
- Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
- How to choose your perfect solo trip
- How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
- Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
- Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
- How to take amazing solo selfies
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in Ecuador
Ecuador holds a special place in my heart. I’ll remember the experience I had here and all the beautiful people I met along the way.
Solo travel in Ecuador was budget-friendly, exhilarating, and memorable. Few places in the world allow you to visit a rainforest one day and climb a volcano the next.
So, if you want to experience new cultures, push yourself to new heights, and meet great people, then say yes to solo travel to Ecuador.
