Ecuador Expedition: from the Andes to the Amazon

This journey begins at Quito. On the first day, we meet at 18:30.

Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
 It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.

This journey ends at Quito. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.

The excursions we will do will be at high altitudes: it will take a few days for the body to adapt and it will be normal to feel more tired than usual.

For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Ecuador, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Ecuador – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Ecuador is primarily in the Ecuador Time Zone, which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). So if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 7am in Ecuador. If it is 12pm on the East Coast of the USA, it will be 12pm in Ecuador too. However, the Galápagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador, follow Galápagos Time and are 6 hours behind UTC (UTC-6). Therefore, when it's 12pm in the UK, it's 6am in the Galápagos, and when it's 12pm on the East Coast of the USA, it's 11am in the Galápagos. Ecuador does not observe daylight saving time, so these time differences remain consistent throughout the year.

Ecuador uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. There is no need to exchange currency if you are bringing US Dollars. If you are carrying British Pounds (GBP) or Euros (EUR), you can exchange them at local banks or currency exchange offices. The exchange rates fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check the current rates before you go.

In Ecuador, you can use cash, credit, and debit cards to pay for purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but in rural areas, cash is often preferred. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets. ATMs are available in most towns and cities. Remember to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Tipping in Ecuador is not mandatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill. If it isn't, we suggest you leave a 10% tip for good service. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest dollar is common. Hotel staff and tour guides also appreciate small tips for their services. Always check your bill to see if a service charge has been added before tipping extra.

In Ecuador, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a great idea for staying connected, especially if you'll be traveling around. You can get SIM cards from providers like Claro, Movistar, or CNT at airports, convenience stores, or shopping malls. Wi-Fi is generally available in urban areas, hotels, cafes, and some public places, but it might be less reliable in rural regions. If you're planning on using your phone a lot, a local SIM will ensure you have a more consistent connection throughout your trip.

In Ecuador, the official language is Spanish. While traveling around, you might find these useful expressions:

• Hello: Hola
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
• Excuse me: Perdón

These will help you get around and interact with locals more easily.

In Ecuador, the standard plugs are Type A and Type B, similar to those used in the USA. The voltage is 120V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If your devices are from the UK, Europe, or other regions with different plug types and voltage settings, we suggest you bring a universal adapter and possibly a voltage converter to ensure your electronics work properly.

The main religion in Ecuador is Roman Catholicism. Many Ecuadorians celebrate religious festivals, with Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Christmas being particularly significant. During these times, you might experience processions and religious celebrations across the country. While the country is predominantly Catholic, there is a growing number of Protestant communities as well. The religious influence is evident in many cultural aspects, from holidays to architecture.

Ecuador offers diverse climates, so here's what to put in your backpack to be prepared for anything from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains:

• Lightweight t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts
• Warm sweater or jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Shorts, lightweight trousers
• Swimwear

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Hiking boots

• Sunglasses, hat
• Universal adapter
• Camera, smartphone
• Portable charger

• Sunscreen, insect repellent
• Travel-sized shampoo, soap
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Basic first aid kit
• Common travel medication like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea pills

Ecuador's weather varies, so be prepared for both warm and cool conditions, especially if you're heading to the mountains.

Ecuador's weather varies greatly depending on the region due to its diverse geography. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Coastal Region: Warm and humid all year, with a rainy season from December to May. Best time to visit is June to November when it’s drier.
• Andean Highlands: Cooler temperatures, with dry and wet seasons. June to September is ideal for visiting due to less rain.
• Amazon Rainforest: Hot and humid year-round, with the wettest months from April to July. Visit from August to December for slightly less rain.
• Galápagos Islands: Warm and dry from June to November, while December to May is warmer and wetter. Both seasons offer unique wildlife experiences.

Each region offers a unique experience, so plan accordingly based on your interests and preferred climate!

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!

If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.

The question of all questions! Here’s some more information: 

• The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator. 
• It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group. 
• It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
• You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
• The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
• It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip. 
• It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
• If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip. 
• The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
• If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled. 

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.

If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option. 

How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here. 

Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15. 
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this. 

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.