Andes
33 Tours
The Costa, divided into seven provinces, stretches between the Pacific Ocean and the western range of the Andes.
Winter, from December to May, is hot and rainy, while summer, from June to November, is dry and cooler.
Average temperatures range between 26°C and 29°C.
The Sierra is formed by two parallel mountain ranges running north to south, with altitudes varying between 1,800 and 3,000 meters.
The western side of the Andes, also known as Chocó, is dominated by lush rainforests.
The irregular landscape and difficult access to the terrain have helped preserve a rich and abundant flora and fauna, making it a place where adventure still awaits.
Temperatures in this area range from 20°C to 26°C.
The Andean highlands, also known as the Sierra, are characterized by two mountain chains that run the length of the country from north to south.
Many of these mountains are snow-capped and exceed 4,500 meters in altitude.
The highest point in Ecuador is the Chimborazo Volcano, reaching 6,310 meters above sea level.
The temperature in this region is quite cold — during the day it rarely exceeds 16°C, and at night it can drop a few degrees below zero.
In the valleys, temperatures fluctuate between 12°C and 20°C.
Two distinct seasons can be observed in the Andes:
Rainy season: from November to May
Dry season: from June to October
The Oriente, divided into six provinces, begins on the eastern slopes of the Andes and extends into the upper Amazon Basin.
Its vegetation is dense and exuberant, with a humid tropical climate throughout most of the year.
The region is very hot, with heavy rainfall especially from May to August.
The Amazon is by far the wettest region in Ecuador.
Temperatures are similar to those on the Costa, but the air is more humid and the rainfall much heavier.
The best time to visit Ecuador is during the dry season, from June to October, although temperatures vary depending on whether you are in the Costa, Sierra, or Oriente.
Although located right on the Equator, the climate of the Galápagos Islands is not as hot and humid as in other equatorial regions.
In fact, the Enchanted Islands experience a unique climate, influenced by the Humboldt Current, which brings cold waters from the Antarctic.
The weather is also regularly affected by the El Niño phenomenon, which brings warmer temperatures and heavy rains during its occurrence.
Two main seasons alternate throughout the year:
Rainy season (January to May): characterized by warm temperatures between 23°C and 27°C and sunny days.
The sea is calm and pleasantly warm.
Rainfall during this period depends on the intensity of the El Niño phenomenon.
Cool or dry season (June to December): caused primarily by the cold Humboldt Current, bringing temperatures down to around 19°C.
The cold waters lower the air temperature and bring irregular winds and a humid mist known as La Garúa, which can cover the highlands for several days.
On the larger islands, the climate changes with altitude — temperatures decrease and rainfall increases due to cloud condensation on the mountain peaks.
The best time to visit the Galápagos is from January to May, when days are warm and sunny, with occasional tropical showers.
Sea temperatures can reach 25°C, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
| Region | Rainy Season | Dry Season | Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Almost all year round | January and February | 🌡️ 25° to 31°C |
| Andes (Highlands) | February to May | June to January | 🌡️ 15° to 20°C |
| Pacific Coast | January to April | May to December | 🌡️ 25° to 31°C |
| Galápagos | January to April | May to December | 🌡️ 18° to 30°C |
