Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - Language & Culture
Ecuadorian Language and Culture
The official language in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is Spanish. Most locals especially those living in the highlands and Sierra are bilingual. Kichwa, also known as Quichua or Quechua, is the second most widely used language there.
Other commonly used languages are Chibcha and various indigenous languages. They include Awapit (by the Awá), A’ingae (by the Cofan), Achuar-Shiwiar (by the Achuar and the Shiwiar), Cha’palaachi (by the Chachi), Tsa’fiki (by the Tsáchila), Paicoca (by the Siona and the Secoya) as well as Wao Tededeo (by the Waorani). In the south, the most widely spoken indigenous language is Shuar with around 100,000 speakers. There are approximately 23 different languages spoken throughout Ecuador.
The locals always appreciate it when you try to speak to them in Spanish no matter how ‘broken’ or fluent your Spanish may be. It is the effort that counts. English can be used and understood, but it can be difficult for older people and in certain regions.
Customs and traditions
Ecuadorians are known to be very hospital, friendly and helpful. However, like every place on earth, there are certain customs and traditions that visitors should take note of. While our site is not able to cover everything in this diverse and vibrant country, here are some tips for you.
Ecuadorians are known for their ‘South American laid-backness’. Hence it is always good to be a little more patient and to include some waiting time in your travel itinerary. Basic courtesy includes bringing small gifts when you are invited to someone’s home and avoid giving negative comments.
Please note that photographing airports, military equipment, and the police is strictly prohibited. If you would like to photograph someone, we strongly suggest that you ask for permission first. To be polite, you should also show them the pictures you just took. When you ask for their permission, you will usually receive a wider smile, a better pose and even get into a conversation to know them better!
Smokers will not have any problem in Ecuador as smoke zones are clearly indicated. Smoking outside these designated areas may result in a hefty penalty. As long as you follow the rules and regulation and treat everyone with respect and politeness, there should not be any problem.
Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Tours

Ecuador on Horseback: Riding in the Andes
Duration: 6 - 9 daysHighlights: Quito - World Heritage Site, Antisanilla Reserve, Spectacled bears, Papallacta, Bird watching, Hacienda La Alegría, Charga culture, Riding through the cloud forest, Machachi Valley, Optional: Galapagos Islands
Grab your poncho and saddle up - the Andean highlands await you!
Price per pax

Ecuador Rental Car Round Trip: 6 National Parks
Duration: 14 - 21 daysHighlights: Hotel car park , Exchangeable stops and activities, Flexible activities
Visit all six amazing national parks in the Andes by car. All stops are interchangeable.
Price per pax
✪ Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Tours ✪

Ecuador on Horseback: Riding in the Andes
Duration: 6 - 9 daysHighlights: Quito - World Heritage Site, Antisanilla Reserve, Spectacled bears, Papallacta, Bird watching, Hacienda La Alegría, Charga culture, Riding through the cloud forest, Machachi Valley, Optional: Galapagos Islands
Grab your poncho and saddle up - the Andean highlands await you!
Price per pax

Ecuador Rental Car Round Trip: 6 National Parks
Duration: 14 - 21 daysHighlights: Hotel car park , Exchangeable stops and activities, Flexible activities
Visit all six amazing national parks in the Andes by car. All stops are interchangeable.
Price per pax

Rental car tour to/from Guayaquil
Duration: 14 - 21 daysHighlights:
Begin your rental car tour from Guayaquil and visit the best highlights in Ecuador along the way.
Price per pax

Ecuador & Galapagos Multi-Sport Tour
Duration: 16 - 21 daysHighlights: Quito - Cultural World Heritage, Amazon Rainforest, Swing at the End of the World, Baños, Camping, Horseback Riding, Llanganates National Park, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, Hiking at the Cuicocha Lake, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, Penguins on Isabela Island
Get ready to get your heart pumping and sweat it out as you kayak, mountain bike, raft and snorkel in
Price per pax

Ecuador Amazon and Galapagos: Kayak Tour
Duration: 12 - 16 daysHighlights: Explore the Amazon with Kayaks, Kayking in the Galapagos, Camping, North Seymour Island, Penguins at Isabela Island
Kayaking is like horse-riding but on water! This tour will bring you on an adventure in Ecuador and the Galapagos.
Price per pax

Adrenaline Rush: Ecuador and Galapagos
Duration: 16 - 21 daysHighlights: Volcanoe, Amazon Rainforest, Swing at the End of the World, Baños, Camping, Horseback Riding, Llanganates National Park, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, Hiking at the Cuicocha Lake, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, Penguins on Isabela Island
Get your heart pumping and keep your mind open - travel Ecuador and Galapagos the adventurous way.
Price per pax

Ecuador Volcano Trekking Adventure Tour
Duration: 16 - 21 daysHighlights: Quito - Cultural World Heritage, Camping, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, Penguins on Isabela Island
Travel Ecuador and Galapagos the adventurous way as you conquer the volcanic terrain.
Price per pax

Adrenaline Rush: Ecuador mountainbiking & Islandhopping
Duration: 12 - 16 daysHighlights: Vocanoe, Amazon Rainforest, Swing at the End of the World, Baños, Camping, Horseback Riding, Llanganates National Park, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, Hiking at the Cuicocha Lake, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, Penguins on Isabela Island
Get your heart pumping and keep your mind open - travel Ecuador and Galapagos the adventurous way.
Price per pax

Ecuador and Galapagos: Compact Tour
Duration: 14 - 18 daysHighlights: Cultural World Heritage, Quito, Otavalo Markets, Avenue of Volcanoes, Shaman Experience, Devil's Nose, Cotopaxi National Park, Ingapirca - Inca ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands , Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour, Isabela
Ecuador's most beautiful places - the majestic Andes, lush Amazon Rainforest and enchanting Galapagos islands
Price per pax

Ecuador Complete: Amazon, Andes and Galapagos Islands
Duration: 16 - 20 daysHighlights: Cultural World Heritage Quito, Ingapirca's Incan Ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Island Hopping
Discover the many faces of the world's most biodiverse country!
Price per pax

Best of Ecuador: Rental Car and Galapagos Island Hopping
Duration: 21 - 28 daysHighlights: Papallacta, El Angel , Devil's Nose, Ingapirca - Inca Ruins, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island
Experience Ecuador with a rental car before island hopping through the Galapagos archipelago
Price per pax

Ecuador Complete: Amazon, Andes and Galapagos
Duration: 16 - 21 daysHighlights: Cultural World Heritage Quito, Otavalo Art and Crafts, Avenue of Volcanoes, Choose Your Amazon Experience, Ingapirca's Incan Ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Island Hopping
Discover the many faces of the world's most biodiverse country!
Price per pax

Ecuador Complete: Amazon, Andes and Galapagos Cruise
Duration: 16 - 21 daysHighlights: Quito - Cultural World Heritage, Otavalo Craft Markets, Avenue of Volcanoes, Cuenca - Colonial History, Guayaquil - Economic Hub, Galapagos Cruise
Discover the diversity of Ecuador: Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands
Price per pax

Cruise Ecuador: Amazon Cruise and Galapagos Cruise
Duration: 12 - 16 daysHighlights: Yasuni National Park, Isabela & Fernandina, Santa Cruz and North Seymour, Includes all transfers and domestic flights
The three wonders of Ecuador in one trip: Andes Mountains, Amazon and Galapagos Islands
Price per pax

Scenery and Society: Ecuador and Galapagos
Duration: 18 - 26 daysHighlights: UNESCO World Heritage Quito, Andes panorama, Charles Darwin Station, 4 days in the Amazon, Avenue of Volcanoes, Devil's Nose, Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre, Snorkelling the Los Tuneles, Cycling through Isabela, VIP tour Charles Darwin Foundation, Bartolomé and Sullivan Bay, Las Grietas Gorge
Experience the diverse landscapes and intriguing culture of Ecuador
Price per pax

Accessible Travel: Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
Duration: 12 - 14 daysHighlights: Specialised Wheelchairs, Quito-World Heritage Site, Train ride to Cotopaxi, Accessible rainforest lodge, Andes highlands via Baños, Galapagos Islands, San Cristóbal Island, Lobería on San Cristóbal island, Lobos Island, Tortoise breeding center
A curated experience of the enchanting land of Ecuador without barriers.
Price per pax

Ecuador and Galapagos: Compact Tour Deluxe
Duration: 17 - 20 daysHighlights: Cultural World Heritage, Quito, Avenue of Volcanoes, Shaman Experience, Devil's Nose, Cotopaxi National Park, Ingapirca - Inca ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands , Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour, Isabela
Ecuador's most beautiful places - the majestic Andes, lush Amazon Rainforest and enchanting Galapagos islands
Price per pax