Solo Female Travel in Ecuador

Solo female travel in Ecuador is more common than you might think. Ecuador is where I met many fellow solo female travelers who were backpacking not just through Ecuador, but through South America. Ecuador makes a great option for solo travelers as it’s a small country that is easy to navigate and it has activities for every type of traveler! There are cities like Quito and Cuenca for those keen on learning about city life. For those seeking an adventure, Mindo and Baños are full of adventure activities. And for wildlife enthusiasts the Amazon is there ready to explore and, of course, so are the Galapagos islands.

Before we dive into the destinations, below are a few things to consider before traveling solo to Ecuador.

Know Before You Go

Location

Located in between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is on the natural overland route when traveling north or south through South America. Living in Quito for two months, I met numerous travelers passing through on their way to Colombia or Peru. Due to its location on the Equator, every day the sun rises around 6:00 am and sets around 6:00 pm. Its equatorial location also means the sun is quite strong, especially on cloudy days. Always wear sunscreen!

Weather & The Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Depending on where you plan to visit in Ecuador you may encounter different weather. I lived in Quito from January to March, the rainy season, and found the weather to be fairly consistent day to day. Sunny in the mornings, clouds rolling in the evenings. My visit to the Galapagos in January, it didn’t rain once and is actually the best time of year to go as the temperatures are warmer. Of course, if you’re heading to the Amazon I’d expect humid conditions throughout the year. Obviously, I’m no weather woman, so for more in-depth information visit this site!

Altitude Concerns

Quito, Ecuador is the second highest capital city in the world which means you should prepare for how to handle the altitude. Upon arrival take your time. Try not to rush all around the city and see it all. I’d also recommend waiting at least three days before attempting any hiking to ensure that you’ve acclimatized. Stay hydrated and eat well. Altitude sickness can begin by feeling like your hungover, and incidentally, drinking alcohol makes the symptoms much worse. So, I’d also recommend waiting a few days before partying at altitude! For more information on altitude sickness, check out this resource!

Budget

Ecuador’s currency is the USD, so depending on your own currency this could make Ecuador a cheap, or not so cheap, place to travel. For instance, I met Canadians who found Ecuador to be more expensive than I found it because of the conversion to the dollar.

Hostels are abundant in Ecuador and offer dorm accommodations for an average night stay of $10/night. Many hostels also offer breakfast and dinner, for an additional fee.

A lunch can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 depending on your taste. I found the $5 lunches to be just fine as it came with soup, a plate of rice with meat, and juice! There are plenty of markets as well to pick up your own ingredients for a hostel cooked meal.

Getting To Ecuador

Most people arrive in Ecuador by air or land. The two main airports people will arrive at are Quito and Guayaquil. Additionally, there are two airports on the Galapagos Islands, one on Santa Cruz and one on San Cristobal.

Buses are the other main entry point.

Getting Around Ecuador

Buses are a very cost-effective way to move about Ecuador. They can get you just about everywhere you’d want to go in Ecuador.

Solo Female Travel Safety in Ecuador

Theft is the main safety concern when traveling throughout Ecuador. When walking through cities be sure to keep your cell phone out of sight and your valuables secured in a zippable, and lockable, backpack. Quito’s old town does have a number of thefts so stay aware of your surroundings. I don’t recommend walking in Quito by yourself at night. When getting money from ATMs, make sure to go to an ATM that is not on the street and has some sort of vestibule. Ensure that you take only marked cabs and that they turn the meter on. Uber is also a great option for transportation and what I used when going somewhere alone.

Men will catcall you here. They will honk and yell things at you on the street. In my opinion, the best reaction is no reaction.

Safety on Buses

It is so simple, and cheap to travel through Ecuador on public buses. However, this is where many tourists have issues with theft. Do not put your backpack on the floor, even if it’s in between your feet, even if it’s locked. Don’t do it. I don’t know how, but thieves know how to get under the seat, slash open your bag, and take your valuables while you sleep. Or are awake. Keep your backpack on your lap, wrapped in your arms, zipped, and locked. Don’t place anything, even a jacket, overhead. I never had an issue on buses in Ecuador and I just followed that recommendation. Keep some cash in your pocket, zipped, because people will get on to sell treats that are so tasty!

Packing for Ecuador

With such biodiversity and a wide range of activities, packing for Ecuador could be a challenge. However, it doesn’t have to be! After spending two months living in Ecuador, I learned exactly what you need to pack to experience all of the wonders that Ecuador has to offer.

What to Pack for Ecuador: Your Perfect Packing List

Last updated on July 29th, 2024 at 04:29 pmI landed in Ecuador, the first destination [...]

2 Comments

Where to Go in Ecuador

Ecuador is known for the Galapagos, but there is so much more that this small country has to offer. I highly recommend expanding your itinerary to explore a bit more of what Ecuador has to offer beyond the Galapagos. That being said, the Galapagos Islands are a magical place and should not be left off of your itinerary!