8 Days in Ecuador & Galapagos

Ecuador's climate is incredibly diverse, with distinct variations by region. In Quito and the Andean highlands, expect a perpetual "spring-like" climate. Daytime temperatures are typically mild, around 60-70°F (15-21°C), with cooler nights dropping to 40-50°F (4-15°C). Afternoon showers are common, so a waterproof layer is essential. The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate. The warm, wet season (December to May) brings abundant sunshine and calm, warm seas. The cooler, drier "garúa" season (June to November) features mistier skies and cooler waters, ideal for marine wildlife viewing. Layering is paramount for your adventure.

Ecuadorian cuisine is a delightful tapestry woven from the distinct flavors of its Andean highlands and Pacific coast. In the mountainous regions, prepare to savor hearty, comforting dishes perfect for the cooler climate, such as locro de papa (a rich potato and cheese soup), tender hornado (succulent slow-roasted pork), and savory llapingachos (pan-fried cheese-filled potato patties). Along the vibrant coast, fresh seafood reigns supreme, with ceviche (marinated seafood, often with toasted corn) and encebollado (a robust tuna and onion soup) being essential culinary experiences. Don't leave without trying ubiquitous street snacks like crispy empanadas or savory bolones de verde (fried plantain balls). The abundance of exotic, fresh tropical fruits is also a highlight, offering delicious and refreshing treats throughout your journey.

Ecuadorians are renowned for their genuine warmth, friendliness, and deep-seated hospitality, making travelers feel incredibly welcome. The cultural fabric is generally open and respectful, especially within the more cosmopolitan urban centers and established tourist destinations. In terms of LGBTQ+ rights, Ecuador has made significant progressive strides, notably legalizing same-sex civil unions in 2015 and same-sex marriage in 2019. While larger cities like Quito boast more visible LGBTQ+ communities and venues, offering a more accepting environment, rural areas tend to be more conservative. Public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation, are generally less common than in some Western countries. However, overall, as LGBTQ+ travelers we've always felt safe and respected, making Ecuador an increasingly welcoming destination.

Thoughtful packing is crucial for navigating Ecuador's incredibly diverse climates. For the Andean highlands, including your time in Quito, pack warm sweaters, fleeces, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and comfortable, and sturdy walking shoes. A hat, gloves, and layers are essential due to varying temperatures. For the Galapagos Islands, prioritize lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing, multiple swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Sturdy sandals or water shoes are ideal for wet landings. A reusable water bottle is a must, as is motion sickness medication for our time on boats. Don't forget insect repellent and a good camera or smartphone to capture the incredible wildlife.

Keep an eye out for our more in-depth packing list that'll be coming to you in our update emails as we approach your trip.

Conveniently, Ecuador's official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD), simplifying transactions for American visitors and eliminating the need for currency exchange on arrival if you're coming from the U.S. For travelers from other countries, it is highly recommended to exchange your local currency into USD before arriving in Ecuador. It is absolutely crucial to carry a sufficient supply of small denominations ($1s, $5s, $10s, and $20s), as larger bills like $50s and especially $100s are notoriously difficult to break, particularly outside of major banks, large hotels, or supermarkets. While credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and established tourist businesses, cash remains king for smaller vendors, local markets, and in more rural areas.

Tipping is an expected and appreciated practice in Ecuador, often forming a significant portion of service workers' wages. In restaurants, it's common to see a 10% service charge already included on your bill; if not, a 5-10% tip is a good standard. For local tour guides on mainland and island excursions, a tip of $5-10 USD per person per day is customary and highly valued.  We'll provide more details tipping guidelines in our pre-trip update emails as well.

Always remember that tipping is a reflection of service quality, so adjust accordingly.

We have pretty high standards when it comes to choosing our accommodations, and trust us, we’ve done plenty of room-sniffing, pillow-patting, bed-jumping and bathroom inspections to make sure we stay at quality spots. To be approved as a Detours accommodations provider, a hotel/guesthouse must be in an amazing location (close to the beach or other hot spots), AND be gay-owned or gay-friendly.

This trip uses accommodation of roughly a 4-star category, examples of which can be found on the accommodations tab.  Clean, comfortable, well-located spots that'll put a smile on your face, you can count on that! 

All Detours trips are led by one of our own Detours trip leaders.  They're with you every step of the way, and their job is to help ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime by taking the hassle out of your trip, and enabling you to experience everything you came to Ecuador & Galapagos for!  Consider them like a friendly concierge that's traveling along with you.  All of our trip leaders are gay and all are well-traveled and experienced in the destination they're leading in, so they'll be a great part of your experience!

Alongside your Detours leader, this particular itinerary also includes a wonderful local naturalist guide who will be there through the trip to enhance your experience.

This Detours adventure will run with a maximum of 14 travelers. Ages of group members vary but most of our travelers are between 40 and 65 years. Whatever the ages on our trips everyone's already got something in common, an exciting adventure in a new country to share! Each group is led by a Detours trip leader who is there to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, allowing you to focus on having the time of your life! We welcome both men and women onto our trips although it’s important to know that most groups are 100% gay men.

While most travelers who join Detours trips do so solo as well, this particular trip, given the unique conditions of our privately-chartered ship, force us to charge a hefty extra for single-occupancy cabins.  Please see just below the pricing to confirm our current private room option pricing.  Another option is to bring a friend and enjoy one of the cabins with two beds through your Galapagos cruise!

When packing your electronic devices for Ecuador, you'll find that the standard electrical outlets are Type A and Type B. These are the same two-prong (Type A) and three-prong (Type B, with a round grounding pin) configurations commonly used throughout North America. The standard voltage across the country is 120V, with a frequency of 60Hz. Therefore, if you are traveling from the United States or Canada, you will generally not require a voltage converter. However, it's always wise to pack a universal adapter, especially if your device plugs are polarized (one prong wider than the other), as not all Ecuadorian outlets accommodate this. Devices rated for 100-240V and 50/60Hz are universally compatible and will work without issues.