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Featured Gay Friendly Tours in Ecuador
View All Gay-Friendly Tours in Ecuador
Gay Ecuador
Located on the northwestern corner of South America, Ecuador is one of the continent's smallest yet most diverse countries. Gay travelers must experience the amazing Andes and crush the volcanoes, enjoy the colorful indigenous markets, the equatorial Amazon in a dug-out canoe, the pristine beaches, world-class rafting, and, of course, the enchanted Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador is one of the South American countries with more LGBT rights protections and marriage equality. It is only 4 hours away with a non-stop from Ft. Lauderdale. There are no visas or vaccinations required, just a passport. In addition, there is no need for money exchange; Ecuador's official currency is the US dollar. Your money goes a long way in Ecuador, as much as 3x! No need to worry about a language barrier, most Ecuadorians in the tourism industry speak English. Ecuador's unique combination of its position on the Equator, the cooling sea breezes from the Pacific, the Andes mountain range, and the Amazon basin conspired to create one of the best climates in the world.
Looking to take a tour of Ecuador? Look no further. Ecuador Gay Travel offers tours to The Galapagos, Quito, and The Andes!
Photo Credit: Robinson Recalde
Check out two of our GayTravel Gurus guide to the capital of Ecuador, Quito!
Ecuador, bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, is one of South America's smallest countries, it is distinguished by its extraordinary topography, its diverse climates, and its abundant flora and fauna. Ecuador holds endless attractions, the Galapagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Andean volcanoes, and beach paradises, all within a nation approximately the size of Switzerland.
Entry requirements: a valid passport, and for citizens of some countries, such as France, a visa.
Health: No vaccinations are required for entry. However, we recommend that you check with your physician before departure regarding high-altitude travel, as well as preventive measures for visiting tropical areas. Bottled water is advised and available everywhere.
Local time: Eastern Standard Time or GMT-5 on the mainland; no daylight savings time. In the Galapagos Islands, it is GMT-6.
Money: The monetary unit is the United States Dollar.
Language: Spanish and Quichua. English and French are spoken in major visitor centers.
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Ecuador
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Ecuador
Two of the biggest cities in Ecuador are Quito and Guayaquil. Both of these cities have a small yet established gay scene. You will be able to find some gay bars and nightclubs in the largest cities. The people are friendly and outgoing so you will be able to find your way around the area, or ask one of the locals. They will be happy to show you the way.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador
June through September is considered the best time to visit Ecuador. This is considered the dry season so there will be little rain to obstruct any sightseeing or hiking plans that you may have.
Photo Credit: Simon Berger
Top Things to See and Do in Ecuador
MUST DO Ecuador Attractions & Activities
Ecuador is a perfect place for any nature lover that wants to explore and be one with nature. Aside from having a rich history and a vibrant culture, Ecuador has plenty of natural beauty that you can explore for yourself. You can spend your time immersing yourself in the local culture, visit the Cotopaxi volcano, lose yourself in the rainforest, take a hike in the Andes mountains, and finally, explore the famous Galapagos islands. All of these options are what make Ecuador such a magical place to visit.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi
MUST EAT Ecuador Gay-Friendly Dining
Due to its tropical climate, Ecuador had a variety of local fruit and fresh seafood that is enjoyed throughout the country. Ceviche is a popular dish that can be easily found throughout the country. It's a dish that is made up of raw seafood ingredients, such as shrimp, fish, scallops, and crab, and is cooked in life juice and served raw. There are plenty of variations of this dish served throughout Latin America and the ingredients and presentations always change. However, it's always a refreshing dish to enjoy while lounging on the beach. Also, there are plenty of fresh tropical fruits that grow in Ecuador like guava, naranjilla, and rambutan that are really popular. A lot of these fruits can be found in food stands or in grocery stores throughout the country so you can always have access to them whenever you want something refreshing or sweet to munch on.
MUST VISIT Ecuador Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Ecuador has plenty of options for gay bars and clubs. Many of the bars and clubs are located in major cities. Quito, one of the bigger cities, has its nightlife located in its downtown area called “Plaza Foch”. The area is also locally known as “Le Zona Rosa” or “the Pink Zone” in English. Surprisingly, the area didn't get its name from the gay bars that reside in it but it's the local host spot of many bars, clubs, and lounges. The area got its name from the colorful lights that glow in the area. Guayaquil also has some gay bars and clubs that are located throughout the city. It doesn't have a centralized gay area, but that's ok! The locals are friendly and outgoing and don't mind telling you where the local gay hotspots are. They will guide you in the right direction and even go along with you if the energy is up and the locals are bar hopping. The nightlife here can get very festive.
Travel Safety Tips
Ecuador is considered a very fun and safe place to visit. The views are breathtaking, the people are friendly, and the food is delicious. While visiting, it's always smart to practice common sense travel tips. Plan your trip in advance and pack accordingly. Make sure to carry a map while exploring, and finally, make sure you know how to get back to your hotel. After a long night of exploring you want to be able to make it to bed!
Destinations within Ecuador
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