Visit Ecuador wonders before 2024 is over

As the year comes to an end, Adventure keeps waiting for you. The latter part of the year is perfect for exploring Ecuador. With the varied landscapes, climates, and conditions, you can only hope for a trip with plenty of options. If you are striving for a unique journey, we have a list of reasons to visit Ecuador and enjoy the best of this beautiful country.

As a matter of fact, once you find out what makes Ecuador special for this season, we would like to tell you what makes Ecuador special in general.

What's special about this season

There are plenty of reasons to visit Ecuador this last part of the year, but we wanted to save you some time by summarizing the most interesting ones.

Tropical weather to escape the cold

The most notorious reason to visit Ecuador this season (especially if you don't love cold) is the weather.

Whereas the colder seasons are starting in many places, the weather in Ecuador tends to be quite temperate. There are two main seasons: dry and rainy. They vary according to other meteorological factors, but it's not rare to have a dry, sunny day in the rainy season or pretty heavy rain in the dry season.

Besides this, the weather in the Galapagos is even more appealing for people who are looking to escape the cold weather. The dry season in the Galapagos is better for enjoying water sports than the rest of the year. For example, due to the currents this season, tons of ocean life approach the Galapagos shores, making scuba diving even more attractive. And that's just one of the many advantages you'll get this season.

Special local celebrations

Ecuador is a plurinational and multiethnic country, meaning we have a wide range of traditions and history to share with visitors. You might find different local traditions around different towns depending on the places you visit. We have selected some of the most popular for you.

Quick summary of celebrations

• Guayaquil’s Independence (Oct. 9^th): The second most important and populated city in Ecuador, Guayaquil, is the site of parades and special events around this date. There are different shows, including water park attractions.
• Day of the Dead (Nov. 2^nd): Also known as Day of All Souls or All Souls Day, this is a special date to remember our loved ones who have passed away. There are some elements that are kind of similar to the Mexican Day of the Dead, but this holiday is completely different
• Cuenca’s Independence (Nov. 3^rd): Famous for its beautiful architecture, Cuenca is one of the coziest destinations in Ecuador. You can enjoy the delightful local dishes and explore the city’s culture and history.

• Foundation of Quito (Dec. 6^th): The Capital, of course, offers some of the biggest celebrations in the country. There are different events, including concerts, light shows, and special tours all around the city.
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24^th & 25^th): Did we mention most Ecuadorians are Christians? This makes Christmas an anticipated holiday with different religious practices. While not as famous as the Mexican posadas, Ecuador prepares “novenas,” which are small religious gatherings (usually with family, though it can also be with friends and neighbors). Usually, these gatherings also involve sharing food or delicacies.
• New Year's Eve (Dec. 1^st): New Year parties are peculiar in Ecuador. You’ll find different dolls (some quite elaborate) on different streets and stores. These are called “viejos,” which translates as “old men.” These dolls represent the ending year and are burned at midnight to represent the death or demise of the year. You can also find “viudas” (widows in Spanish), which are men dressed as women lamenting the death of the Viejo.

You might also like to spend with us

Since we know you might be interested in enjoying some holidays that are common in your homeland. So, if you want to make something special out of your holidays, we have the

• Columbus Day (Oct. 14^th): Even though we don’t celebrate Columbus Day per se, we celebrate diversity on October 12^th. Considering our many cultures here, you might pay them a visit and enjoy the colorful Ecuadorian cultures.
• Halloween (Oct. 31^st): Technically, October 31^st is “Día del Escudo” (to commemorate the Coat of arms), but Halloween is almost as popular as it is worldwide. Some people also have Halloween parties or Halloween-themed events on this date. And it’s also pretty close to the Day of the Dead.
• All Saint's Day (Nov. 1^st): Like in the previous case, the Day of the Dead is pretty close —just a day apart, actually—so you can enjoy this celebration. Ecuador is also deeply religious, so you can find beautiful religious architecture and explore the city accordingly.
• Thanksgiving (Nov. 28^th): Meeting new places is something to be grateful for, and with all we have already said, you might as well bring your loved ones for a unique family experience.

Special Festive Dishes

Along with the holidays in Ecuador, which we have just mentioned, we also prepare some special dishes that are exclusive to these celebrations. For example, on the Day of the Dead, we have a pretty well-loved beverage called Colada Morada. It is sweet, and you usually drink it with bread dolls called “Guaguas de Pan”. It’s one of the most beloved Ecuadorian dishes and is only prepared around the season.

For Quito's Foundation, different establishments prepare typical dishes and sweets from the country's prehispanic and colonial traditions. Around this date, it's common to find "Canelazos" in different restaurants—a prepared alcoholic beverage typical of the season.

We also mentioned above that Cuenca is famous for its food—in fact, it is considered a Culinary Capital, in case you’re interested—so you might as well enjoy the dishes that are typical of the city.

So, if you like to taste the local culture wherever you visit, Ecuador is the perfect destination for you—not only around these dates but all year long.

Reasons to visit Ecuador all throughout the year

As we promised before, now it’s time to go through why you should visit Ecuador in the first place. This beautiful country is a box of surprises all year through. And though you might know about the Galapagos Islands and why they are such an admirable destination, there’s a lot you’re missing.

Mesmerizing Landscapes

Again, you probably think of the Galapagos Islands, and we couldn’t blame you. The thing is, Ecuador has plenty of mesmerizing landscapes to share everywhere. Due to unique geographical factors, Ecuador can offer a plethora of options to explore.

We have snow-capped peaks like the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, as well as imposing waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo. We also offer destinations like the Ingapirca ruins, remains of the Inca empire, beautiful architecture in the most important cities, and pristine sandy beaches. On top of the variety, you’ll find every destination just a short trip away.

Engage with ancient cultures

One of the most culturally diverse places on Earth, Ecuador is home to different nationalities and communities. The Andean indigenous cultures are the most famous, but the country has different traditions and worldviews that offer a new lens to appreciate the world differently.

For example, the Waorani people in the Amazon rainforest find deep spiritual meaning in their territory. They believe their forest is home to different spirits, and this shapes how they relate to their environment.

The Andean indigenous communities are also profoundly related to their land and traditions. They have shaped traditions with time, merging with Christian traditions, making it a picturesque event to watch.

Unique culinary experiences

We already mentioned some special dishes common for some Ecuadorian holidays, but we have other options for you. There are plenty of culinary options for you to enjoy.

To start, Ecuador is famous for its seafood, including shrimp, crab, and lobster. So, if you are a fan of seafood, you’ll enjoy a trip to these lands. In Galapagos, you’ll find some of the most exquisite dishes.

The Andes also offer different dishes. The most iconic one is llapingachos, potato patties usually filled with cheese. We also have a corn-based dish called “mote,” which, along with llapingachos, can be found all along the Andes. We have already mentioned Cuenca, and this city is famous for its many mote preparations, so there’s another reason to visit it.

Nature seen nowhere else

The most biodiverse country on Earth, Ecuador has unique environments that nest unique species. Ecuador boasts a wide range of species. From the Amazon to the Andes to the Galapagos Islands, this small country is home to thousands of species, quite literally. We're home to unique species like the Titi monkey, giant Galapagos tortoises, Spectacled bears, jaguars, etc. Not only does wildlife bloom here, but there are also different plant species. If you visit the Amazon, you'll find beautiful Orchidea species.

Here, you'll get unique opportunities like scuba diving in the pristine Galapagos waters with the colorful sea fauna or spotting jaguars in the Amazon rainforests.

Adventures you must live

If you’d like to try an unforgettable trip here after learning about the Ecuadorian wonders, we’ve got you. We have curated some of the most memorable travel experiences in the country.

Let’s start with Ecuador's most famous destination. If you want to experience something unforgettable, we recommend visiting the Galapagos Islands. The islands are renowned for their unique biodiversity and beautiful locations. We have some of the best experiences prepared for different tastes.

First, we have the most complete experience in the Galapagos: The Best of Galapagos, a complete 7-day experience that’ll take you to the most remarkable spots in the Enchanted Islands, a peaceful and varied adventure. But if you’re looking for an adventure that’s more active, we also have the perfect option: Galapagos Multisport. This active 10-day expedition shows you the many ways you can enjoy the Galapagos and will help you push your limits.

Let’s continue with the best ways to explore the Ecuadorian Andes. Keeping the active adventure in mind, we have two great options. First, we have our 10-day expedition Multisport Ecuador Once in a Lifetime, which —as stated in its name—offers different sports to explore in Ecuador while exploring the beautiful landscapes and magical towns. Then we have the jewel of the crown: Ecuador Trekking the Avenue of Volcanoes, an 8-day expedition to explore the breathtaking Andean landscapes in a trekking adventure.

But if you want something quieter and not as demanding, we also have an expedition that’s friendlier and more focused on the cultural experience. Try our 10-day Ecuador Highlights expedition, which takes you to some of the most beautiful locations in Ecuador so that you can explore the best we’ve got.

Another hidden treasure lies in the Amazon. If you want a getaway adventure, we recommend a 5-day Kayaking expedition. Our signature Amazon Kayak Discover Yasuni takes you on a unique experience into the heart of the Jungle. The Yasuni, the most biodiverse place on Earth, awaits you.

In addition to the trips we have recommended, if you want the best of different experiences, we also have combined experiences that let you explore different destinations and have different adventures in one trip. If you’d like to explore the Galapagos and the Andes, we have the wonderful 12-day expedition, The Best of Ecuador and Galapagos. And if you want to explore the Amazon rainforest and the Enchanted Islands, we recommend the unique 10-day adventure Galapagos and Amazon Quest.

 With all this in mind, we hope you try the trip of a lifetime. Close the year with the best adventures you can imagine.

The secret of life is to dare.