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Ecuador eSIM
5 data plans · from £12.40 · instant QR code by email
Choose your plan
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
5 data plans · from £12.40 · instant QR code 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, tethering and heavy use
£19.80
£1.90/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Claro.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
Ecuador: 7 plans, from 3 to 20 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. None of these run on 5G — the Ecuador networks we resell are LTE only. 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 includes Ecuador cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A Ecuador travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to Claro on LTE. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. Ecuador plans start at £12.40 across 5 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A Ecuador travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
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.