Overview
Ecuador packs an extraordinary variety into a compact country: Andean volcanoes, Amazon rainforest, colonial cities and, offshore, the wildlife wonderland of the Galápagos Islands. For UK travellers the usual entry point is the capital Quito or the coastal hub of Guayaquil. Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight for this long-haul trip simple.
Best time to fly to Ecuador
Sitting on the equator, Ecuador is warm year-round with weather shaped mostly by altitude. The Andes have a drier spell from June to September, while the coast is warmest from December to April. The Galápagos are a year-round destination with different wildlife highlights each season. Fares generally ease outside the December holidays; the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The two main gateways are Quito Mariscal Sucre (UIO), the high-altitude capital, and Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE) on the coast. Both offer onward flights to the Galápagos (via Baltra, GPS, or San Cristóbal, SCY).
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador, so journeys involve a connection. Common routings include Iberia (via Madrid), KLM (via Amsterdam), Air France (via Paris) and US carriers (via cities such as Miami or Atlanta). Total journey times from London are typically around 15–18 hours depending on the layover. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the best value.
Popular places to visit in Ecuador
- The Galápagos Islands: extraordinary wildlife and pristine volcanic scenery
- Quito: a beautifully preserved colonial old town, a UNESCO site
- The Avenue of the Volcanoes: including Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa crater lake
- Baños: a lively adventure town beneath a smoking volcano
- The Amazon around Tena: rainforest lodges and river wildlife
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Ecuador
- Book two to four months ahead for this long-haul route.
- Avoid the December peak and travel in quieter weeks where possible.
- Compare different connecting hubs — the routing can change the fare.
- Be flexible with dates; midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days
- Currency: the US dollar (USD), which Ecuador uses officially
- When to book: check the price charts on this page for the cheapest days
