Ecuador lies across the Equator on the western flank of South America. It shares borders with its much larger South American neighbors, Colombia and Peru. The country also has a long coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Some 600 miles to the west of mainland Ecuador are Ecuador’s world-famous Galapagos Islands. More information on the country and the Galapagos is in our Ecuador country guide.
Ecuador’s geography and location do not make it a particularly accessible destination. It has the vast Pacific Ocean to the west, dense jungle to the east, and a mountain range running through the center of the country. Despite these challenges, there are still plenty of options for getting to the country.
Road – It’s possible to travel to Ecuador from Colombia and Peru. There are 3 crossings with Colombia, all in the north. Far and away, the busiest and best is the crossing at Rumichaca International Bridge between Ipiales in Colombia and Tulcán in Ecuador. There are also lesser-used crossings via the San Miguel International Bridge and at San Lorenzo.
The crossings between Ecuador and Peru are all located in the country’s south. There are currently 4 major crossings, the busiest and easiest being the Aguas Verdes crossing close to the coast. As you head east, you’ll come to the Cruce Fronterizo Lalamor crossing, La Tina crossing, and the La Balsa crossing. These crossings encompass a variety of dramatic landscapes, including mountains and jungles.
Boat – Currently, there are no ferries or boats to Ecuador from any of the surrounding countries. The only way to reach Ecuador by boat is by cruise ship, freight ship, or private boat. None of these options come cheaply, and there are far cheaper and easier alternatives by road or air.
Air – Ecuador is satisfactorily served by international airlines. It has 2 international airports, which are located in Quito and Guayaquil. These airports facilitate direct international services to other South American countries, North America, and several European destinations. Note there’s no international airport in the Galapagos Islands. The only way to reach these islands is via a domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil.
It’s possible to drive in Ecuador on a tourist visa for 30 days as long as you are 18 years old and hold a valid State Licence in the U.S. Other nationalities may require an International Driving Permit in addition to the driving license from their home country. If you’re planning on bringing your own vehicle, you’ll also need to bring registration and ownership documents, plus proof of insurance.
Driving in Ecuador can, at times, be challenging. The roads vary in quality, and many mountain roads and passes can be winding and narrow. Some drivers can be aggressive, and the use of car horns is far more widespread than in North America or Europe. There are regular checkpoints and police stops in Ecuador, so ensure you always have your documents on hand. It’s also best to avoid driving at night as roads are poorly lit and, at times, can be unsafe.
Driving to Ecuador from the U.S. is possible, provided you ship your vehicle over the Darién Gap in Panama. This dense and impenetrable jungle area doesn’t have any through roads and is the only break in the Trans-American Highway. The Darién Gap covers the width of the land bridge between Panama in Central America and Colombia in South America, meaning there’s no alternative route. You can learn more about crossing the Darién Gap in our driving to South American blog post.
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