Best Travel Time by Region

Quito & Highlands: June–September

The dry season in the highlands brings clear skies and the best views of volcanoes. Mornings are sunny and warm (up to 22°C), while clouds may gather in the afternoon. During the rainy season (October–May), it usually rains heavily for one to two hours in the afternoon, while mornings often remain dry. The highlands are fundamentally travelable year-round — even in the rainy season. For mountain climbing (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo), December–February and June–August are ideal.

Galápagos: Year-round destination with two faces

The warm season (December–May) brings calm seas, warm water (25–28°C), and better snorkeling conditions. The cool season (June–November) is influenced by the Humboldt Current: cooler water (18–23°C), more nutrients, more marine life, and better chances of seeing penguins, marine iguanas, and whales. Galápagos is great year-round — the wildlife is always present.

Amazon: November–February (relatively drier)

In the rainforest, it always rains, but from November to February, it's slightly less. During this time, the rivers are lower and hiking trails more accessible. From March to July, water levels rise — good for canoeing but more challenging for jungle hikes. Fundamentally: You must love the Amazon with rain.

Coast: June–November (dry season)

The dry season on the coast is ideal for beach and surfing. From June to September, it's also whale season — thousands of humpback whales pass by the coast. The rainy season (December–May) brings high humidity and heavy showers, but warm sea and green landscapes.