5 data plans · from $14.99 · one-tap install by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
Streaming, sharing, heavy use
$23.99
$2.40/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Claro.
Setup
Set up your eSIM before you travel — it takes about a minute. Scan once, switch it on when you arrive, and you’re online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
7 plans for Ecuador, from 3 to 20 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. None of these run on 5G — Ecuador is LTE only on the networks we resell. We would rather say so here than let you find out on arrival.
5 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Claro.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle covers Ecuador — a single-country plan is the only option here, which is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A travel eSIM for Ecuador is a digital SIM your phone downloads — no plastic card, no airport pickup counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (a QR code is included too), and it installs a second line alongside your existing SIM. It stays dormant until you arrive in Ecuador, then connects automatically to Claro on LTE. Your home number keeps working for calls and texts; the eSIM simply carries your data.
Maps, messaging and rideshare apps are light — roughly 300–500 MB a day. Add photos, social and the occasional video and you’re closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip a 5 GB plan is comfortable; for two weeks, sharing, or heavy use, choose 10 GB or more, or a reloadable plan you can top up on the go. Ecuador plans start at $14.99 across 5 sizes, with the per-GB price shown on every one so the right choice is obvious.
No. A travel eSIM for Ecuador is a local data plan, not international roaming — you pay the price you see up front, with no per-megabyte bill from your home carrier. Set the eSIM as your data line and switch data roaming off on your home SIM, and there are no surprises when you get home. Full refund any time before you install, so there’s no risk in buying ahead.
Encebollado
A thick, hearty fish stew made with albacore tuna, yuca, red onion, and cilantro. Often considered the national dish.
Coastal cities like Guayaquil and local markets.
Ceviche Ecuatoriano
A tomato-based ceviche featuring shrimp or fish, typically served with toasted corn kernels (chulpi) or plantain chips.
Along the coast or in marisquerías in Quito.
Hornado
Slow-roasted whole pork served with crispy skin, mote (hominy), and llapingachos.
Andean highland markets, especially in Sangolquí or Otavalo.
Llapingachos
Pan-seared potato patties stuffed with cheese, covered in peanut sauce, and served with sausage and a fried egg.
Traditional restaurants in Quito and Cuenca.
Cuy Asado
Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy often served whole with potatoes.
Cuenca, Otavalo, and traditional restaurants in the highlands.
Locro de Papa
A creamy potato and cheese soup topped with sliced avocado and sometimes aji (hot sauce).
Quito and highland towns.
Fritada
Chunks of pork braised in water and orange juice, then fried in their own fat.
Roadside stands and picanterías in the Andes.
Encocado de Pescado
A rich fish or seafood stew cooked in fresh coconut milk and spices.
Esmeraldas and Afro-Ecuadorian coastal regions.
Bolón de Verde
A large dumpling made of mashed green plantains stuffed with cheese or chicharrón, then fried.
Guayaquil and breakfast cafes nationwide.
Mote Pillo
Hominy corn scrambled with eggs, milk, cheese, and cilantro.
Cuenca and surrounding Azuay province.
Galapagos Islands (Puerto Ayora / Isabela)Galapagos
See unique, fearless wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
5-8 days · book ahead
Ciudad Mitad del MundoQuito
Stand on the equator line and explore the monument and surrounding museums.
2-3 hours
TelefériQoQuito
Ride one of the highest aerial lifts in the world up the Pichincha Volcano for spectacular city views.
2-4 hours
Cotopaxi National ParkLatacunga
Hike near or summit one of the world's highest active volcanoes, known for its perfect conical shape.
1-2 days · book ahead
Quilotoa Crater LakeLatacunga
Hike down to or around a stunning emerald-green caldera lake high in the Andes.
1 day
Otavalo MarketOtavalo
Browse one of South America's largest indigenous markets for textiles, crafts, and clothing.
Half day
Cajas National ParkCuenca
Explore a striking tundra landscape with over 200 glacial lakes and unique high-altitude flora.
1 day
Pailón del DiabloBaños
Descend carved stairs to feel the spray of a massive, powerful waterfall nestled in a gorge.
2-3 hours
La Casa del ÁrbolBaños
Swing at the 'End of the World' on a treehouse swing overlooking the Tungurahua volcano.
1-2 hours
Malecón 2000Guayaquil
Stroll along a modern, safe riverfront promenade featuring gardens, monuments, and museums.
2-4 hours
Intercity Buses
Buses (cooperativas) run frequently between major cities and towns from central terminals (Terminal Terrestre).
$1-$2 per hour of travel
Domestic Flights
Airlines like LATAM and Avianca offer quick flights between Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and the Galapagos.
$50-$150 one-way (Galapagos is $200+ for foreigners)
Taxis
Yellow cabs are widely available. In Quito, they are metered by law; on the coast, you must negotiate the fare before getting in.
$2-$5 for a short ride
City Public Transit (Trole/Ecovía)
Dedicated bus rapid transit lanes operate in Quito, with designated stations and routes running north-south.
$0.35 per ride
Ride-hailing
Uber, Cabify, InDrive
Widely used in Quito and Guayaquil. It's often considered safer than hailing a random cab on the street, especially at night.
Paying for things
Basics
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Most businesses closed; transport runs on limited schedules. |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Banks and offices closed; potential for parades or marches in main cities. |
| Battle of Pichincha | May 24 | National holiday with military parades; holiday often moved to Friday or Monday to create a long weekend. |
| First Cry of Independence | August 10 | Major public holiday; heavy domestic travel and busy attractions. |
| Guayaquil Independence Day | October 9 | Large celebrations in Guayaquil; banks and offices nationwide may close if moved to form a long weekend. |
| All Souls' Day | November 2 | Families visit cemeteries and consume traditional colada morada and guaguas de pan. Often combined with Cuenca's independence for a major long weekend. |
| Cuenca Independence Day | November 3 | Cuenca is incredibly busy with festivals, markets, and tourists; book accommodation far in advance. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Strictly a family holiday; most shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.