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Ecuador

Situated on the equator on South America's west coast, Ecuador is a paradise with exceptional biodiversity known for its untouched beauty, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cultures. It is best recognized for two iconic locations. Firstly, the Galapagos Islands, a unique fauna haven thriving with wildlife unseen anywhere else in the world. Secondly, the Amazon Rainforest, bursting with diverse species and an array of adventures. From climbing high altitude peaks across the Andean mountain range, exploring colonial architecture in Quito, relishing fresh seafood at coastal towns, to wandering through indigenous markets in Otavalo, Ecuador beautifully blends nature with culture, making it an inspiring travel destination.

Ecuador is currently ranked #41 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.4 /5

Based on 8 experiences

3.6 /5

Based on our research

3.5 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Moderate

Ecuador presents a medium level of safety for solo female travelers. While many areas are friendly and welcoming, some city and remote areas may feel less secure due to crime rates. It is recommended to stay vigilant about surroundings, refrain from traveling alone at night time and stay in populated, well-lit areas. Also, local transportation can be unreliable; it's advisable for solo female travelers to arrange transportation with trusted companies or taxi applications. As long as standard travel safety practices are followed, Ecuador can be an engaging destination.

Transport:Moderate

While navigating through Ecuador is moderately feasible, several factors contribute to making it a bit challenging. For instance, though urban areas have established public transportation and plenty of taxi services, they may get crowded at peak hours, and language barriers may exist. In remote areas, the transport services are infrequent, and road conditions may not be ideal. However, the locals are generally helpful, and booking through hotels can make journeys smoother.

Things to do:Interesting

Ecuador offers a myriad of captivating activities to fuel an adventurous spirit. From hiking trails and active volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park to trekking the Amazon rainforest, each day unfolds a new adventure. Wildlife enthusiasts will relish in snorkeling in the Galapagos while culture vultures can lose themselves in captivating historical sites and museums in Quito. A food tour is essential too, to taste local dishes like ceviche and locro de papa. Though it may lack a bit in modern entertainment attractions, Ecuador provides an exceptional exploration of natural and historical wonders.

Food:Above average

Ecuadorian cuisine offers a unique blend of indigenous, African, and European influences with a wide array of fruits, vegetables, grains, and seafood. For meat lovers, there are options like cuy (guinea pig) and smoked pork, while vegetarians might try llapingachos (cheese-filled potato cakes) and quinoa soup. The coastal, Andean, and Amazonia regions each contribute unique dishes, making Ecuadorian dining quite diverse. Some dishes might be too adventurous for certain palates, but overall, it's a satisfying experience for most culinary explorers.

Budget:Affordable

Ecuador is relatively budget-friendly, especially for the solo female traveler. Accommodation, food, and transportation tend to be affordable. You can significantly cut costs by visiting less-touristy places, traveling during off-peak season, using local transportation, and eating in local markets. However, costs can increase if you decide to partake in many tours or activities. But overall, Ecuador provides a great value for money experience.

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 8 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Solo travel experience

I was in Ecuador for 2 weeks and always felt safe. I recommend staying away from the coast because that’s where all the crime/violence happens. I stayed mostly around Quito and Cuenca and had a great time.

Posted: March 30, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent 7 days in Ecuador and it was an amazing trip. Ecuadorians are warm, friendly, helpful, and honest. I never felt scared or in danger. Trip details: Quito - half a day upon arrival (1 night in the historical center), Amazon Jungle - 3 days / 3 nights, Banos - 1 night / 1 day, 1 night / 1 day in a mountain lodge on Cotopaxi Volcano, and then return to Quito for the last night.

Posted: December 26, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

The only place that seemed a bit uncertain was Quito. I made sure to go out with people from my hostel (never alone) and I never had any problems. Baños de Agua Santa and Cuenca seemed very safe.

Posted: November 5, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

Ecuador is an underrated gem in the west of South America. It beholds giant waterfalls, thrilling hikes, delicious cuisines and the kindest people. It has unfortunately experienced a lot of civil conflict, hence it being a less popular option, but I would have regretted not spending a month here. I can't wait to go back, so much of my heart lies here.

Posted: September 12, 2023Experienced: January, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 3/5

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Group travel experience

Ecuador is a charming country, and memories of all the people I met there are very precious to me. I was there with a friend, mainly in Quito and Tena. We never felt unsafe there, although we noticed that local men often looked at us if we were outside at night. We also noticed that almost no women were outside alone, especially at night (they were not accompanied by a man).

Posted: July 31, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I went on a trip to Ecuador and every minute was fantastic. I was in Quito, the Amazon, Galapagos and Guayaquil. Each place had many unique and interesting things to experience. Galapagos was the biggest highlight.

Posted: July 24, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Ecuador is definitely worth visiting. I have just been there for 3 weeks and visited Quito, Latacunga, 3-day Quilatoa Loop, stopping at various small villages, Cuyabano Wildlife Reserve, Tena, and a private stay on ancestral Quechua lands near PumaYako, and then Baños. However, Quito is not super safe, but the rest of the places are fine.

Posted: February 25, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I went to Ecuador for 6 weeks and it was wonderful. I highly recommend Galapagos, Quito, Cuenca, and Banos, as I liked these places the most. A great place for taking photos that I found was near Banos, it's called Pailon del Diablo, it's actually a group of waterfalls, which you can get very close to. It was wonderful.

Posted: February 25, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet local women in Ecuador who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Carolina

About Me

Hola soy Carolina y estoy de viaje por Europa, me interesa conocer una amiga que quiera acompañarme a conocer las ciudades que voy a visitar

Speaking

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Jov

About Me

I’ve been splitting my time between NYC and Los Angeles and decided I’d like to try out nomad life … in Quito briefly

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Stay with local women in Ecuador who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Iva

Ambato

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, my name is Ivannia, I’m from Ecuador but I’m currently solo traveling through south east Asia. I’m 28 years old and I would love to meet up with people who want to explore a new culture with me.

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Ann

Cuenca

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, my name is Ann and I am an American living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Speaking

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Check couch surfing in Ecuador

Connect with upcoming visitors to Ecuador who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Vanessa

About Me

Vanessa Austin went to Machu Pichu and the Sacred Valley last year. This happily retired PhD, (adjunct), wants to see more of the world before time runs out! Omnivores reader, yogini and very poor bridge player would like to explore.