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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Visiting Ecuador in January
Ecuador rings in the new year with cooler temperatures across the mainland. In the central Andes region, the landscape bursts into life at the Devils’ Festival of Píllaro. Occurring between the 1 - 6 January, the origins of this festival are unknown but it is thought to have begun as a protest to Spanish colonisation during the 14th century. Performers from local communities flock to the region, dressed in elaborate costumes and devil masks. Here, they dance and play live music in the streets to try and ‘seize’ the town from rivals. Enjoy delicious local delicacies and dance the Sanjuanitos.
Visiting Ecuador in February
At the end of February, Carnival takes hold of Ecuador. A national celebration of the passing of winter into summer, these festivities mark the arrival of warmer temperature across the country. Several towns along the Andes celebrate Carnival with colourful parades and unique traditional practices. The people of Quito celebrate by throwing flour and eggs at one another to mark another abundant harvest. The most elaborate Carnival celebrations take place in Ambato in the Central Andes region. Beginning in January, they include sports and agricultural expositions, music and food festivals, and an enormous parade of flower floats through the city.
Visiting Ecuador in March
January through to March are the best months to visit Ecuador’s beautiful beaches. As winter gives way to beautiful sunshine and temperatures reach up to 27 degrees Celsius, visitors head to Ecuador’s five coastal regions – Esmereldas, Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena and El Oro. This is also the best time to discover Ecuador’s rich history and local traditions. Visit Manta, a port city on the central coast, and meet with skilled Panama hat weavers. The traditional practices for making these hats date back to the 16th century when Spanish colonists first noticed Ecuadorian people wearing them.
Visiting Ecuador in April
In April, Ecuador celebrates Easter. The most iconic festivities take place in Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Holy week kicks off on Palm Sunday as local churches are adorned with enormous rosary beads made from locally grown roses. As the week progresses, these venues host a programme of musical concerts showcasing talent from across Ecuador. If you’re lucky enough to be here during Easter, make sure to try a bowl of delicious fanesca. Prepared to show gratitude to Mother Earth, this traditional dish of baked cod, vegetables, peanut and cream is only served at this time of year.
Visiting Ecuador in May
In May, the early summer rains dry up in the Andes and Amazon regions making this the perfect time to head to the jungle in search of Ecuador’s fascinating flora and fauna. Visit the Amazon Basin and discover why this verdant region is often referred to as the ‘lung of the earth’. Hike through the lush rainforest, admiring over 400,000 different plants including an enchanting array of orchids – there are at least 20,000 different species in this part of the Amazon alone. Enjoy river cruises during May as water levels rise and more of this complex maze of waterways is navigable.
Visiting Ecuador in June
In June, Harvest season hits the Andes and Ecuador celebrates in style. Explore the North Andes region and join in with the countryside celebrations. Towards the end of the month, the people celebrate Inti Raymi (The Sun Festival). Throughout this period, members from indigenous communities visit local springs, rivers and waterfalls to achieve spiritual purification. It is believed that this helps to strengthen the relationship between the people and Mother Nature. Hacienda Zuleta, hosts a celebration like no other – enjoy traditional music, street parades and maize-based local delicacies including chica, a fermented beverage.
Visiting Ecuador in July
July is characterised by warm days, particularly in the Andes region as the clouds peel back to reveal the beautiful sunshine. This is the perfect time to explore the lush landscapes this stunning country has to offer. Hike through the mountains, visit to a local ranch for some horseback riding or trek to some of the region’s most iconic sites including the Incan ruins at Machu Pichu and Cusco as well as fascinating natural phenomena such as thermal baths and mighty Fitz Roy mountain. Look out for rare local wildlife including white-tipped swift, guanaco and chinchilla.
Visiting Ecuador in August
August is whale-watching season. As temperatures cool off, these majestic mammals make their way to South America. Manabi is the ideal place to search for marine life. Cruise the ocean on a boat-tour, looking out for the hundreds of humpback whale who migrate here to mate. History buffs will enjoy visiting the archaeological sites on this rugged coastline to discover the legacy of Ecuador’s ancient civilisations including the Inca and the Yumba who came before them. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, visit the protected Paroche forest to see the endemic species of howling monkeys.
Visiting Ecuador in September
September is the final month of summer in Ecuador, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions. Clear skies, gentler winds and warm temperatures make this the ideal time to hike up to the summit of incredible Cotopaxi. The highest active volcano in the world and the second highest peak in Ecuador after Chimborazo, this impressive natural wonder has an elevation of nearly 6,000 metres. Stand on the snow-capped summit and savour the most exhilarating views of the local landscape and of Cotopaxi National Park, one of the few places where wild horses still roam.
Visiting Ecuador in October
October marks the beginning of shoulder season where temperatures cool down and the rains return. This is a great time to visit the cocoa and coffee plantations in the cloud forests near Quito. Sample local organic produce and enjoy a guided tour to learn how these key national exports are grown. Visit the Palulahua Crater, an extinct volcano with a micro weather laboratory and a high-altitude forest or discover the coffee farms in the Imbabura province, set within a UNESCO Global Geopark. The cloud forests are also great for birdwatchers. Local residents include jocotoco antipitta, giant hummingbird and great sapphirewing.
Visiting Ecuador in November
In Ecuador, November is a month of remembrance. During this time, special celebrations occur across the country to remember those who have passed. On 2 November, Ecuadorians gather in cemeteries for Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Deceased). This holiday holds similar origins to Day of the Dead festivals held in Mexico and other parts of South America however in Ecuador, the traditions are very different. The streets are full of live music and dancing, and local delicacies are enjoyed such as colourful guaguas de pan (bread babies) and colada morada, a drink made from local fruits and spices.
Visiting Ecuador in December
Christmas in Ecuador is an experience like no other. Here, the celebrations are shaped by Spanish colonial traditions, indigenous cultural practices and modern influences from North America. In Cuenca, the festivities are out of this world. On Christmas Eve, the Paseo del Niño parade (Passing of the Child) features colourful decorations, local performers and a full day of street parades. Floats are traditionally decorated with local produce and other cultural symbols. New Year’s Eve is every bit as vibrant – in Guayaquil, giant dummies are burnt on bonfires, very much like the UK’s Bonfire Night celebrations.
